An oasis
where women can
support and learn from one another
Hello! My name is Leslie Jaeger (he/him). I served as the Interim Pastor of Big Shoulders Church, a partner of Anne's Haven, in 2022-2023. My best profile picture is me wearing a rainbow beanie and holding a puppy, because I love dogs and I'm LGBTQ. I am currently serving in bi-vocational ministry as a lay leader and hospitality manager. My ideology in life is that every situation can become a learning opportunity. Most of my experiences at Anne's Haven have been in small groups where the conversations were deep, thoughtful, encouraging, and creative. I am joining the Board of Directors to continue partnering with the mission of Anne's Haven as an individual. I look forward to helping Anne's Haven grow with more groups, partnerships, and funding, so that more people in the community can find and access this safe haven.
Maria Hernando.
VB Stewart (they/them) is a dynamic Project Manager and small business owner based in Chicago, where they’ve proudly resided for the past 23 years. A Certified Project Manager (CPM) and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (LSSBB), they work in the manufacturing industry within the Petersen Pulaski Business District, bringing process excellence and strategic vision to every project. Born and raised in the western suburbs and a dedicated mother of one, VB is also the founder of La BellaDonna Creative House—an herbalist brand rooted in ancestral wisdom and intentional healing. As a practicing root worker and wellness advocate, their passions lie at the intersection of POC wellbeing in urban environments and the reexamination of feminist frameworks through diverse cultural lenses. Their journey with Anne’s Haven began during a transformative sound bath in 2023—and it was love at first resonance. They are honored to contribute their skills and spirit as a Working Board Member, supporting Anne’s Haven’s mission to uplift and empower women from all walks of life.
Chloe Bentley
Working Board Members
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Chloe Bentley is a former CPS teacher and a mother of two. She has run the Moms Meetup at Anne's Haven, and was the host of our center's podcast, "Live from Anne's!". Chloe has been a strong supporter and friend of Anne's!
(773) 340-1678
Tram Le is a tax CPA and small business advisor based in Chicago. Born and raised in Vietnam, she moved to the U.S to earn a degree in accounting and finance. After spending time in cities across the country, Tram settled in Chicago to pursue her Master of Taxation. She now specializes in helping individuals and small businesses stay compliant with tax laws while optimizing deductions and credits. With a deep belief in financial literacy as a pathway to independence, Tram is passionate about making financial knowledge more accessible, especially for women and underserved communities. As a Working Board Member at Anne’s Haven, Tram supports the organization’s mission to create safe, welcoming spaces where women and girls can build confidence, grow through education, and connect in community.
Fredelyn Calla
Hi to all!!
I'm very pleased and excited to be a part of Anne's Haven!
I like to think of myself as a free spirit. A huge care for whoever I encounter in life and helpful with a listening ear! All of my experiences in life's I'm grateful because they all have taught me great lessons in life. I'm a proud Parent and Grandmother, I've worked in sales, customer service, management, visual merchandiser and showroom merchandiser. I've acquired some great skills. I've always look for more and contributing, becoming involved and giving back. I've been challenged in life and know now how important it is to have a place where you can just get away for a while and network, not to mention be a part f woman empowerment. Being a part of Anne's haven is a step into making a change.
"I am currently finishing up my master's in Belfast. Since I was young, I have been heavily involved in activism; my first protest was against the Iraq War. Since then, I have participated in the Occupy Wall Street movement and the Women's March, marched against family separation, and protested for racial justice every Friday night. I am also the co-founder of the UIUC chapter of Chicago Area Peace Action (CAPA UIUC), an organization dedicated to peacebuilding and environmental justice. Ultimately, I am looking to pursue a career in conflict resolution, and am currently writing a book titled 'Peacebuilding, an Idea Whose Time Has Come' to urge young people to get involved in the peace movement."
Advisory Board Members
Carmen Torres
Executive Director
5629 W. Irving Park Road, Chicago IL 60634
Marketing/Outreach
George Borovik
Janet Giangrasse
Tram Le
Founder
Janet Giangrasse
"I am a Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Employee, and twice Cancer SURVIVOR. My Mission is to inspire, encourage, motivate and promote self-awareness that will lead to transformation in one’s life. I want to help empower people to find their own solutions and discover one’s potential to live an abundant life."
Carmen is an Inspirational Life Coach. She is also Certified Law of Attraction Coach from Quantum Success Coaching Academy, as well as a Meditation Guide and Natural Healer.
Finance
VB Stewart
Carmen Torres
Fredelyn Calla
Madeleine Brenner
Kirsten Gettings
Jen O'Grady
Jen Elliot
Fredelyn Calla (she/her/hers) has lived in Chicago for more than 25 years and works as an art therapist. She is part of a group private practice called Head/Heart Therapy, where she focuses her work on BIPOC mental health, especially Asian American, and social justice learning and advocacy.
She also works for Gilda's Club Chicago, a cancer support center, and is an art therapy lecturer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Fred hopes to further the mission of Anne's Haven with her professional experience with women's mental health concerns and with spreading the importance of community and support.
Lili Sukenic
Denise Roman
Jacopo De Marinis
Janet Giangrasse
Strong Supporters
Cheryl Davis
Denise Roman
Mary Joyce
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Lili is a senior at Lake Forest College majoring in Communication and Theater. With a background in media analysis, community organizing, and creative content development, she brings a thoughtful and dynamic approach to her role at Anne’s Haven. As a Marketing Intern, Lili creates strategic content across various platforms to amplify Anne’s Haven's mission, engage the community, and support outreach to women and local vendors.
Her passion for storytelling, representation, and inclusive communication drives her work, both academically and professionally. Outside of Anne’s Haven, Lili leads on-campus initiatives focused on gender equity and cultural awareness and is deeply committed to creating spaces where all women feel seen, supported, and empowered.