Rena Lee

Rena Lee is a passionate and visionary nonprofit leader with over 14 years of senior-level experience in fundraising, strategic planning, marketing, communications, and program development across a diverse range of mission-driven organizations in the Chicagoland area. Rena’s journey into the nonprofit world began as a college intern, where she discovered a deep passion for storytelling, cultural preservation, and connecting communities through shared experiences.

She currently serves as the Executive Director of Heart of the City in Lake County, Illinois, where she uses the power of sport—specifically soccer—to inspire and support under-resourced youth, helping them break down barriers and build brighter futures through positive youth development, holistic programming, and community engagement.

Known for her ability to develop high-impact programming, build sustainable funding models, and strengthen community partnerships, Rena led Heart of the City to be named a Project Play Champion of the Year by the Aspen Institute for innovative programming and impact (2024) as well as Nonprofit of the Year by the GLMV Chamber of Commerce (2023). She is the recipient of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drum Major Award by the Waukegan Township (2026), State Senator Adriane Johnson’s 30 Wonders of the 30th District Award for Athletic Leadership (2024), and the Female Leadership Award by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce (2024).