Atta Zahedi
PR Coordinator
Chicago – December 15, 2023 — Access Living, a leading force in the disability community in Chicago and nationwide, announced this week four prominent Chicago business people and advocates as new members of its Board of Directors to lead the organization in developing its independent living services and local and national disability advocacy efforts.
The incoming members join a seasoned board chaired by Kevin Chan Bradley, Vice President of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Community at HUB International. Each member serves can serve up to two three-year terms.
“Each new board member are strong advocates for disability inclusion with remarkable expertise in their fields,” said Karen Tamley, CEO of Access Living. “We welcome them with excitement and highly value their enthusiasm in advancing our services and advocacy work.”
Join us in welcoming Drew L. Beres, Jaya Sharma, Carlos Terrazas, and Peter Yi:
Drew L. Beres, Co-Founder, Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres
Drew L. Beres is a co-founder of Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres and serves as the Managing Partner. A corporate attorney, Drew has successfully guided investment funds, financial institutions, government agencies, highly regulated companies, family offices, emerging and growth companies, and Fortune 100 companies through some of their most challenging issues and compelling opportunities. He has a Juris Doctor from the Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law where he was an editor of the Law Review. Drew was a member of the Access Living Young Professionals Council for many years and is thrilled to join the board.
Jaya Sharma, Senior Manager, Strategy & Analytics, Deloitte
Jaya Sharma is a Senior Manager for Deloitte who has worked there for 10 years in technology as a systems architect. She previously was a Development Manager for Delphi Automotive. Jaya is an innovative technologist focused on bringing value and excellence to clients. She will bring her extensive technology expertise to the Access Living board of directors. As a person with a disability herself, she is passionate about disability issues.
Carlos Terrazas, Manager, Disability Inclusion, McDonald’s
Carlos Terrazas is a Disability Inclusion manager for McDonald’s Corporation. Carlos drives McDonald’s first ever Disability Inclusion Strategy. He plays a vital role in the overall Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategic pillars: represent the diverse communities in which we operate, accelerate cultures of inclusion and belonging in our operations globally, and dismantle barriers to economic opportunity. Carlos ensures there is a disability lens through all DEI initiatives. Before joining McDonald’s, Carlos demonstrated a history of working in other areas, such as women’s rights, educational and economic equity, and policy agendas. As a person with a disability dedicated to creating equitable experiences Carlos is excited to join the board.
Peter Yi, General Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Harmonic Equity Partners, LLC
Peter Yi just this month joined Harmonic Equity Partners, LLCas Chief Investment Officer. Prior to that, Peter was director of short duration fixed income and head of taxable credit research for Northern Trust Asset Management. Peter was a member of multiple committees such as the Northern Trust Investment Policy Committee, Northern Trust Interest Rate Strategy Committee, and the Securities Lending Governance Committee. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Chicago. Peter is a CFA® charter holder and a member of the CFA Institute and Investment Analysts Society of Chicago. As a person with a disability with significant leadership experience himself he is excited to make an impact as a board member of Access Living.
Access Living also extends its gratitude to four board members who are leaving the board. “We are proud to thank these members who have poured dedication and effort into their presence here” said Tamley. “Their diligent guidance has helped ensure the board fulfilled its duties.” Join us in thanking Ken Bennett who has served from 2018-2023, Wilson Mantilla who has served from 2018-2023, Shari Runner who has served from 2014-2023, and John Schmidt who has served from 2010- 2015 and 2017-2023.
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Established in 1980, Access Living is a center of service, advocacy, and social change for people with disabilities led and run by people with disabilities. We envision a world free from barriers and discrimination – where disability is a respected and natural part of the human experience and people with disabilities are included and valued.