THE CHICAGO CENTER FOR ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TO DRIVE GROWTH AND INCREASE THE ORGANIZATION'S REACH AND IMPACT

Martina "Tina" Hone brings decades of experience in social justice, public education, workforce
development and public policy to CHICAT

CHICAGO, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Chicago Center for Arts and Technology (CHICAT) announced today that Martina "Tina" Hone is the organization's new Executive Director. Most recently, Hone served as the Chief for Economic Equity at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. She was previously a candidate for Alderman of the 5^th Ward on Chicago's South Side and served as Chief Engagement Officer for Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot.

Hone brings decades of experience in education and workforce development to the role, including being part of one of the first Teach For America cohorts, serving as policy director on the Education and Workforce Committee in the US House of Representatives, and serving as Associate Under Secretary for Economic Affairs at the US Department of Commerce.  She was also an elected school board member in Fairfax County, Virginia.  A lawyer by training, Hone's career has been focused on social justice and racial equity, especially closing the generational wealth gap that disproportionately impacts the African American community.

"CHICAT is often described by our supporters and participants as a 'hidden gem'," Hone said. "I am thrilled to be able to apply my experience to advance CHICAT and raise its visibility as a beacon for economic equity across our city so that it is a 'hidden gem' no more."

Rooted in the successful model created in Pittsburgh by social entrepreneur and MacArthur Fellow Bill Strickland, CHICAT is part of the esteemed network of the Manchester Bidwell Corporation's National Center for Arts & Technology (NCAT) that helps adults and youth from underserved communities realize their own genius through arts, technology, and hands-on vocational training. CHICAT has evolved and grown since its inception in 2017, but its unique model still serves two generations for the careers of today and tomorrow. Support, join, and learn more about our new dynamic programs at www.chicat.org.

"Tina has been my partner in developing economic equity programs both at the YWCA of Metro Chicago and most recently, at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago," said Dorri McWhorter, a founding CHICAT board Member and former CEO of YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago. "I know that under her leadership, CHICAT will make exponential strides in impact, and I look forward to continuing to partner with CHICAT under her leadership."

About CHICAT: Since its inception in 2017, CHICAT has provided an enriching environment designed to support individuals on their unique educational and vocational journeys. Through its dynamic programs, CHICAT aims to create lasting impact in the lives of individual participants and the communities where they live. For more information about CHICAT, its programs, and upcoming events, please visit www.chicat.org or contact Joshua Fulcher at [email protected].

SOURCE Chicago Center for Arts & Technology