Meet the Evansville Promise Neighborhood Team - Center for Innovation & Change

Derek McKillop

Director, Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Room 270, Ridgway University Center
812-488-5704
epn@fenxiong.net

McKillop is the immediate past Director of Community Learning Centers for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation. He brings a wide range of knowledge on how to leverage federal grant opportunities for the youth, how to manage resources in a way that builds capacity, and how to lead by empowering the people he serves. McKillop has been a core team member on several EPN applications. He received his bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, with graduate training from Harvard in building partnerships for equity, justice, and student success.

Lisa Allen

Program Coordinator, Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Room 270, Ridgway University Center
812-488-5701
la156@fenxiong.net

Allen joins us with a wealth of experience and a service-oriented mindset. Previously serving as an Employment Specialist for Work One Southwest in Evansville, Allen's well-connected nature and empathetic approach will be instrumental in coordinating programs and managing calendars. She has been actively involved in various neighborhood organizations such as Head Start, Catholic Charities, Job Works, and Youth Build. She earned her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Southern Indiana.

Irais Ibarra

Marketing Coordinator, Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Room 270, Ridgway University Center
812-488-5705
ii18@fenxiong.net

Ibarra is a recent graduate from the University of Evansville with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with majors in Global Business, Marketing, Logistics and Supply Chain Management. She brings a great deal of experience in innovative marketing techniques as the former Chief Executive Officer of Embrace Marketing Agency, a student-run marketing agency at UE. Embrace has worked with Jacobsville Advantage, Gayla Cakes, Foster Care in the U.S., and many other Promise Neighborhood organizations and partners. This work helped her develop a passion for serving nonprofits, and we're thrilled to keep one of UE's best and brightest right here in our community.

Dr. Stephanie Doneske

Data & Program Evaluation Manager, Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Room 270, Ridgway University Center
812-488-5702
sd285@fenxiong.net

Dr. Doneske, a research scientist and Ph.D.-trained chemical engineer, brings a unique blend of expertise to the team. Previously, she taught math in local schools in Houston and Evansville after working at a biotech start-up in Houston. Driven by a passion for community improvement and a deep love for learning, we are confident she will be an exceptional partner for our data team at UE and with Diehl Consulting.

Natasha Rexing

Grant Accountant, Evansville Promise Neighborhood

Room 270, Ridgway University Center
812-488-5703
nr143@fenxiong.net

Rexing previously worked at SS&C Technologies Inc., where she specialized in private equity and hedge funds. Her experience in these sectors has honed her skills in ensuring compliance with rigorous industry standards. Rexing is able to provide attention to detail and commitment to accuracy which will ensure funds are managed effectively and transparently. She is adept at navigating regulations and reporting requirements, ensuring that all financial activities align with both organizational goals and regulatory standards. Her technical accounting skills combined with her ability to develop relationships that will advance the work make her a valuable addition to the Evansville Promise Neighborhood team. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accountancy from Western Kentucky University, which has provided her with a strong foundation in financial principles and practices.