Meet the Board
Our board is governed by passionate anime fans, life-long learners, and aspiring leaders. We meet every Sunday to plan events, advocate for community partners, and manage our organization’s growth. We’re committed to producing new and exciting anime experiences for all Chicagoans as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Jamie
Founder, President
Jamie is a designer, developer, and marketer obsessed with community building. She created AnimeChicago.com to connect anime fans to local events in 2006. Little did she know – this project would shape her career and network for life! Jamie is also co-founder of the interactive arts festival Bit Bash and a VGA Gallery board member. Her top 3 anime: Cowboy Bebop, Mushishi, and Nodame Cantabile.
Jeremy
Vice-President
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JPod
Secretary
JPod is a data analyst who specializes in visualization and dashboards. He has been an AnimeChicago board member since 2017 where his focus is on developing new programs, expanding creative endeavors, and general research. He enjoys writing about anime, Magic: the Gathering, and craft beer. His top 3 anime are Neon Genesis Evangelion, Serial Experiments Lain, and Cowboy Bebop.
Gabe
Treasurer, Systems Admin
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Neil
Director of Research
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Grace
MC and Editor
Grace is an HR professional working in engagement, culture, and DEI. She met Jamie through a shared love of anime and building community, and officially joined the AnimeChicago Board in 2020. For AnimeChicago she acts as MC in our major events, and helps in the background with policy development and editing. Her top 3 anime are Sailor Moon, Yurii on Ice, and the movie Your Name.
A Million Thank Yous!
We owe so much to our current contributors and past volunteers. We couldn’t have made all of these amazing things happen without their support and continued encouragement.
Thank you, Shaun, Ruben, Jason, Nik, and many others!