MEET OUR BOARD
At Unify Through Art, we're proud to be guided by a group of passionate and caring individuals who believe in healing, justice, and the power of creativity to bring people together.
Our board works hand in hand to support the heart and mission of our community-focused organization.
Sally Ranson
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Unify Through Art
Sally is a retired educator and passionate artist dedicated to uplifting communities through creative expression. She holds a B.A. in Special Education from the University of Puerto Rico, a Master’s in School Administration from DePaul University, Chicago, and has completed doctoral-level studies in Early Childhood Education at Walden University. As Co-Founder and Executive Director of Unify Through Art, she brings decades of experience in education and a deep commitment to social impact. Her artistic practice centers on abstract painting, with additional works featuring animals, forests, and people. Through her leadership, Unify Through Art empowers Unify Artists and fosters healing, connection, and cultural pride through the arts. In addition to her role at Unify Through Art, Sally is an independent coach who helps women navigate the early stages of launching nonprofits, with a focus on board formation and legal documentation. Coaching services are offered independently and are not affiliated with Unify Through Art. Inquiries, at sallyransonconsults@gmail.com
Wendy Silva
Co-Founder & Chair of the Board, Unify Through Art
Wendy Silva is the Co-Founder and Chair of the Board at Unify Through Art, where she channels her passion for community-building and creative expression. She believes in the transformative power of art to heal, connect, and empower individuals—especially those whose voices are often unheard. Helping to establish Unify Through Art has been a profoundly meaningful journey for Wendy, affirming her commitment to using creativity as a bridge for unity and self-discovery. In her professional life, Wendy is a Senior Analyst at Advocate Aurora Health. With over 12 years at the organization, she leads major implementation and enhancement projects for the Contact Center Applications team. Her strengths in system optimization and project leadership bring strategic insight and operational excellence to both her corporate and nonprofit roles. Outside of her professional and nonprofit work, Wendy is a proud mother of three daughters—a college sophomore, an eighth grader, and a seventh grader—who inspires her daily commitment to community, creativity, and service.
Jane Paz
Treasurer of the Board, Unify Through Art
Jane is a seasoned educator with over 20 years of experience. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish with a minor in Art from Metropolitan State University, followed by a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado Denver, and a second Master’s in Educational Leadership from the University of Denver. Her career has spanned multiple roles—classroom teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator—with a consistent focus on supporting students from socially and economically impacted communities. Jane finds purpose and fulfillment in serving underserved populations and creating inclusive learning environments. Art has always been a central part of her life, whether creating, appreciating, or sharing it. Through Unify Through Art, she brings together her passions for education and the arts to offer transformative, healing experiences. She believes that art is not just an act of creation, but a powerful tool for connection, inspiration, and healing.
Rocio Rodriguez
Board Member, Unify Through Art
Rocio Rodriguez is the Chief Operations Officer at Ideal Credit, where she is dedicated to empowering consumers through financial education. In her role, she focuses on streamlining processes to ensure customers can easily access the tools and resources they need. With a background in the arts, Rocio brings a creative perspective to operations—thinking outside the box to develop innovative, effective solutions to everyday challenges. Rocio holds a B.A. in Arts with a focus in Photography and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Denver (2012), and an M.A. in Arts in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education from the University of Denver (2014). She also has experience as a teacher, which deepened her commitment to education, community empowerment, and cultural inclusivity. Beyond her professional work, Rocio is passionate about building strong community connections and collaborating on initiatives that bring people together. What drives her every day is helping individuals take control of their financial futures. On a personal note, Rocio loves engaging in creative projects, exploring fresh ideas, and staying rooted in the community. Art continues to play a central role in her life, which is why she is honored to serve as a board member with Unify Through Art.
Anthony Jones
Ant Jones is the Executive Director of The Street Priests, a nonprofit organization he founded in 2021 to serve and uplift underserved communities through outreach, advocacy, and direct service. A lifelong resident of Chicago’s West Side, Ant is a passionate community organizer dedicated to addressing critical issues such as reentry, community safety, harm reduction, substance abuse, and human trafficking. His work is rooted in relationship-building—with leaders, residents, and organizations alike—to drive lasting change from within. His recent accomplishments include leading outreach efforts for the 2023 Chicago Marathon and the 1865 Fest (Juneteenth), as well as organizing the 2023 Mayoral Candidates Forum at Bethel Lutheran Church in collaboration with Westside Rising. Beyond his nonprofit leadership, Ant serves on the council at Bethel Lutheran Church, is the CEO of By Dezignz Painting & Renovations, and acts as a community organizer for the 41K Block Club in K-Town. Ant joined the board of Unify Through Art to help bridge the gap between creative expression and community healing. He believes that art can be a powerful tool for restoring dignity, fostering connection, and amplifying the voices of those impacted by incarceration and systemic oppression. His involvement reflects a shared vision to cultivate spaces where transformation can begin through both artistic and grassroots engagement.
GET IN TOUCH
Have a question or want to learn more? Reach out to us:
Phone: 303-898-4693 • Email: sallyunifythroughart@gmail.com