This Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating inspiring ASM alumni who are making a difference in their communities and beyond. From healthcare to the arts to nonprofit leadership, these trailblazing women are helping shape Chicago’s future while giving back to the next generation.
As we celebrate 35 years of empowering Chicago teens, stories like these remind us of the lasting impact that creative opportunities, mentorship, and paid programs can have on young people. For decades, ASM has helped hundreds of thousands of teens explore their passions, build skills, and imagine new possibilities for their futures.
91 percent of our alumni shared that their ASM program helped them develop critical life skills.
Today, many alumni are leaders, artists, advocates, and changemakers in Chicago and beyond. Through their careers, creativity, and service, they continue to pay it forward—sharing their knowledge, passion, and experiences with the next generation of young people.
Learn more about these incredible alumni, the impact ASM had on their journeys, and what they’re doing today.
Maritess Caamic Chartrand
Vice President, Hospital Operations for Advocate Illinois Masonic
Participated in programs: 1992-1993
“Gallery 37 (now ASM) introduced me to youth from all parts of the city; friends that I may never have met otherwise. I was a photographer in my program for a small youth newspaper, so I learned to cover different types of stories and respect the diversity of opinions and thoughts in different communities. I also learned to be resourceful because I still had to “get the shot” even with higher-profile journalists covering the same story.
This program also taught me that I could apply my creative skills and the creative process to anything I do in life. It was a blessing that set important foundational skills and experiences for my development.”
Megha Hans
Volunteer Engagement Coordinator at One Million Degrees
Participated in programs: 2011-2018
“I was a summer camp intern with ASM, and it played a pivotal role in shaping both who I am and my career path by inspiring me to continue supporting youth and advocating for the South Asian community. I currently work at a nonprofit that provides holistic support to community college students, helping them prepare for the workforce or successfully transfer to four-year universities. In addition, I volunteer with organizations such as the Indo American Center and Asian Americans Advancing Justice, where I help ensure that South Asian communities have access to the resources they need to thrive and feel supported.”
Emily Go
2D and Stop Motion Animator
Participated in programs: 2017-2018
“My time at After School Matters has taught me so much about painting, and I had an amazing time there when I was an apprentice. I’ll always remember all the positive and impactful memories I made there. I‘m so grateful to the instructors and my classmates who made my experience there so memorable. I continue to paint and create art to this day, and whenever I think back to my ASM days, it puts a smile on my face.”
Shai Moore
PhD Student
Participated in programs: 2006-2010
“My journey into STEM started with my ASM robotics programs in high school and led me to major in engineering in college. After working as an engineer for major food and toy companies, I’m now pursuing a PhD researching STEM education in informal learning spaces—like the ASM programs that first inspired me as a teen.”
For more than three decades, ASM has provided Chicago teens with opportunities to discover their passions, develop real-world skills, and build brighter futures. The stories of these remarkable women are just a few examples of the lasting impact these programs can have—not only on the teens who participate, but on the communities they go on to serve.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and 35 years of After School Matters, we are proud to uplift alumni who continue to inspire, lead, and create change for future generations.
Click the link below to share your ASM story with us!