Bright Promises Welcomes Three New Leaders to Board of Directors
At Bright Promises, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Eric Wilkerson, Maricar Ramos, and Julia Waggoner to our Board of Directors. These leaders share our commitment to building a future where kids and families have the support they need—without barriers, without harm.
Too often, the systems meant to help children can feel complicated or out of reach. Families face hurdles that shouldn’t exist. Bright Promises is working to change that by rebuilding those systems so they work better for families, making them more accessible, more responsive, and more caring. And we know this kind of change doesn’t happen alone—it takes collaboration, creativity, and bold leadership. That’s where Eric, Maricar, and Julia come in.
Eric Wilkerson
Eric Wilkerson is the founder and principal of WiCo Strategies, a Chicago-based strategic communications and public affairs firm dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations amplify their impact. With more than two decades of experience in civic engagement and nonprofit leadership, Eric has led transformative initiatives that raised over $20 million to advance social justice, educational equity, and policy advocacy.
Before launching WiCo Strategies in 2021, Eric held senior leadership roles across multiple nonprofits, where he built coalitions, shaped narratives, and championed equity-driven change. His entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of community dynamics make him a trusted advisor for organizations seeking authentic storytelling and inclusive strategies.
Eric brings to Bright Promises a unique ability to connect voices and visions, ensuring that families and children are at the center of conversations about rebuilding systems. His leadership will help us spark dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and create pathways for lasting impact.
Maricar Ramos
Maricar Ramos is a philanthropic and nonprofit leader with a career spanning roles at the Mayer & Morris Kaplan Family Foundation, YMCA of the USA, and Chicago Public Schools. She has dedicated her work to advancing racial equity, elevating community voice, and strengthening nonprofit capacity.
Maricar’s approach is rooted in collaboration and lived experience. She has led initiatives that bridge philanthropy and grassroots leadership, ensuring that solutions reflect the realities of families and communities. Her expertise in systems thinking and equity-focused strategy positions her as a powerful advocate for removing barriers and creating opportunities for children and youth.
At Bright Promises, Maricar will help us design inclusive solutions and foster trust-based partnerships, making sure that every child has access to the support they need to thrive.
Julia Waggoner
Julia Waggoner is a strategic leader at West Monroe, where she drives initiatives focused on organizational effectiveness, talent development, and inclusive leadership. With a background in consulting and a passion for equity, Julia brings a systems-thinking approach to helping mission-driven organizations build capacity and deliver lasting impact.
Julia has led projects that transform organizational culture, strengthen leadership pipelines, and create environments where collaboration sparks innovation. Her ability to connect strategy with human-centered design makes her an invaluable partner in efforts to rebuild supports for families and children.
As a Bright Promises Board member, Julia will help us mobilize partners, align strategies, and create spaces for shared learning, ensuring that our vision for accessible, responsive systems becomes reality.
What This Means for Our Community
This isn’t just about adding new names to our Board—it’s about what happens next. With Eric, Maricar, and Julia on our team, we’re ready to spark new conversations, build stronger partnerships, and take bold steps to make sure every child in Chicagoland has the chance to thrive.
And here’s where you come in: change starts with community. When we work together—sharing ideas, lifting voices, and investing in solutions—we can create a future where kids don’t just get by, they shine.
Join us in welcoming these amazing leaders. Share this news. Start a conversation. And if you’re ready to help us make this vision real, learn more about how you can get involved.
At Bright Promises, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and thrive. That’s why we’re thrilled to welcome Eric Wilkerson, Maricar Ramos, and Julia Waggoner to our Board of Directors. These leaders share our commitment to building a future where kids and families have the support they need—without barriers, without harm.
Too often, the systems meant to help children can feel complicated or out of reach. Families face hurdles that shouldn’t exist. Bright Promises is working to change that by rebuilding those systems so they work better for families, making them more accessible, more responsive, and more caring. And we know this kind of change doesn’t happen alone—it takes collaboration, creativity, and bold leadership. That’s where Eric, Maricar, and Julia come in.
Eric Wilkerson
Eric Wilkerson is the founder and principal of WiCo Strategies, a Chicago-based strategic communications and public affairs firm dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations amplify their impact. With more than two decades of experience in civic engagement and nonprofit leadership, Eric has led transformative initiatives that raised over $20 million to advance social justice, educational equity, and policy advocacy.
Before launching WiCo Strategies in 2021, Eric held senior leadership roles across multiple nonprofits, where he built coalitions, shaped narratives, and championed equity-driven change. His entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of community dynamics make him a trusted advisor for organizations seeking authentic storytelling and inclusive strategies.
Eric brings to Bright Promises a unique ability to connect voices and visions, ensuring that families and children are at the center of conversations about rebuilding systems. His leadership will help us spark dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and create pathways for lasting impact.
Maricar Ramos
Maricar Ramos is a philanthropic and nonprofit leader with a career spanning roles at the Mayer & Morris Kaplan Family Foundation, YMCA of the USA, and Chicago Public Schools. She has dedicated her work to advancing racial equity, elevating community voice, and strengthening nonprofit capacity.
Maricar’s approach is rooted in collaboration and lived experience. She has led initiatives that bridge philanthropy and grassroots leadership, ensuring that solutions reflect the realities of families and communities. Her expertise in systems thinking and equity-focused strategy positions her as a powerful advocate for removing barriers and creating opportunities for children and youth.
At Bright Promises, Maricar will help us design inclusive solutions and foster trust-based partnerships, making sure that every child has access to the support they need to thrive.
Julia Waggoner
Julia Waggoner is a strategic leader at West Monroe, where she drives initiatives focused on organizational effectiveness, talent development, and inclusive leadership. With a background in consulting and a passion for equity, Julia brings a systems-thinking approach to helping mission-driven organizations build capacity and deliver lasting impact.
Julia has led projects that transform organizational culture, strengthen leadership pipelines, and create environments where collaboration sparks innovation. Her ability to connect strategy with human-centered design makes her an invaluable partner in efforts to rebuild supports for families and children.
As a Bright Promises Board member, Julia will help us mobilize partners, align strategies, and create spaces for shared learning, ensuring that our vision for accessible, responsive systems becomes reality.
What This Means for Our Community
This isn’t just about adding new names to our Board—it’s about what happens next. With Eric, Maricar, and Julia on our team, we’re ready to spark new conversations, build stronger partnerships, and take bold steps to make sure every child in Chicagoland has the chance to thrive.
And here’s where you come in: change starts with community. When we work together—sharing ideas, lifting voices, and investing in solutions—we can create a future where kids don’t just get by, they shine.
Join us in welcoming these amazing leaders. Share this news. Start a conversation. And if you’re ready to help us make this vision real, learn more about how you can get involved.
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