Introducing MEF's New Auxiliary Board Co-Chairs
Our New MEF Auxiliary Board Co-Chairs Have Been Giving Back to Midtown/Metro Students Since 2018
Midtown Educational Foundation, the city of Chicago’s acclaimed non-profit organization, guiding low-income urban youth along pathways of success, is proud to announce that Michelle Morefield and Rudy Orozco have been officially named as Co-Chairs of our new Auxiliary Board. Not only are they amazing young professionals and rising stars, but they also have a history of dedication to MEF students, each celebrating their 4th year as Midtown/Metro tutors.
Given this great news and the exciting times ahead for the Auxiliary Board, we wanted to take the time to help you get to know these wonderful people. Michelle and Rudy will be leading the many Auxiliary Board initiatives you will be hearing about throughout the year.
Michelle Morefield
Commercial Banking Officer - CIBC
Metro Walgreens One-on-One Tutor Since 2018
College: Indiana University
Fun fact: She skydived over the Swiss Alps!
Michelle was given the pitch to tutor by current Metro Advancement Council member, Margaret Borrasso, and she is grateful she listened and answered the call. It was the perfect way for her to get to meet new people and give back to a Chicago-based organization after she moved to Chicago from college. Michelle loves that Metro tutors give the students individual attention, focusing on both academic goals and personal virtues, and the fact that tutors are paired with the same student for an entire year (sometimes even multiple years).
Michelle Morefield with two of her students, Andrea and Isabel, during tutoring time at Metro Achievement Center
“I have continued to tutor for the past 4 years because I truly can’t imagine a more fulfilling way to spend my Monday evenings! I have seen the positive impact that Metro has on the students and the parents due to the continued support of the MEF staff and tutors. It’s gratifying to be a part of such an awesome community, and I always leave tutoring with a smile. I also tutor with women I work with, which is an added bonus!”
-Michelle Morefield
Michelle hopes to grow the Auxiliary Board network during her time as co-chair. She believes that Midtown and Metro are doing incredible work helping the youth in Chicago. She also knows that there are plenty of young professionals in the city who are looking for an opportunity to use their skills and talents to help with fundraising efforts and special projects to support the growth of MEF.
Rudy Orozco (right) with his family showing their Southside pride.
Rudy Orozco
Assistant Director of HR for Perspectives Charter Schools
Midtown Alum & Walgreens One-on-One Tutor since 2018
College: DePauw University
Fun fact: He has three younger sisters, one who currently teaches character education at Metro, and another is a student in the program. In a couple of years, the youngest one will be going to Metro as well.
As a former Midtown student, Rudy has first-hand experience with the impact of MEF’s programs. He finds joy in coming back to Midtown and serving alongside fellow alumni as well as tutors that he has known since his time as a student. Joining the Auxiliary Board and becoming a Co-Chair is just another way Rudy has further deepened his connection with Midtown.
Rudy with his student Diego during one of their Saturday morning tutoring sessions.
“Being an alum of the program, I started to tutor as a way to get back involved with an organization that has given so much to me. Midtown has been a part of my life for many years, so to have the opportunity to tutor and co-chair the Auxiliary Board is truly an honor.”
-Rudy Orozco
Rudy’s hope during his term as Auxiliary Board Co-Chair is to lead a record amount of social fundraising, increase volunteer engagement, and bring heightened awareness to the programs.
Rudy and Michelle’s first plan as Co-Chairs is to take advantage of the Chicago summer by planning events for Auxiliary Board members, tutors, and potential supporters to connect people in a fun and engaging way. In fact, the first of these events, the Inaugural Kentucky Derby Party, is this Saturday, May 7.
Please join us in congratulating and supporting Rudy and Michelle, as they help write a new chapter in the success of Midtown Educational Foundation and help to build the important bonds between MEF’s dedicated volunteers and supporters as we emerge from the pandemic.
About Midtown Educational Foundation:
Midtown Educational Foundation (www.midtown-metro.org), through its Metro Achievement Center for girls and Midtown Center for boys, has helped close the achievement gap for underserved students in Chicago since its founding in 1965. Its programming, focusing on academic excellence, virtue development, individual attention, and parental engagement, has led to 100% high school graduation and college enrollment for its students for 22 consecutive years.