YVONNE ORR-EL

Yvonne has been in the fund development, communications, and nonprofit management industry for over 20 years, and brings an extensive working knowledge of Chicago’s religious, philanthropic, and cultural art communities. She currently runs YORR Consulting Group--where 'YORR' biz is our biz! YCG has been responsible for providing outstanding nonprofit management and strategic planning services to nonprofits, churches, aspiring entrepreneurs, municipalities and politicians. Yvonne's mission-driven approach has connected nonprofits to resources, with nearly $2M saved by nonprofits operationally.

She has consulted numerous nonprofit organizations, political candidates, and church groups with strategic planning, fund development, nonprofit management, and event planning. She is regularly sought out for facilitating trainings and workshops for nonprofits and corporations in the areas of developing successful business strategies, entrepreneurship development and business leadership tactics for female executives. Yvonne is an actor, dancer, choreographer, and writer who has been in the performing arts for over 25 years. She has taught youth classes and conducted choreography for various theater companies. Yvonne is an avid poet-enthusiast having performed for Deeply Rooted Productions, the Guild Complex, The Moyenda Group, the Chicago Park District, Expo for Today's Black Woman, Chicago Public Schools and Chicago Poetry. She has performed for local, national, and international entities, having first honed her acting and theatrical skills starting out on Broadway in Porgy & Bess. Mrs. Orr-El conducts workshops utilizing poetry and journal writing to build self-esteem for youth and is a motivational speaker across the country.

She is a member of the American Association of University Women (AAUW); and the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW) and was inducted into NAPW's 2014 VIP Women of Leadership Circle. She has been honored by Governor’s State University Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha, Ford Heights Community Service Organization, and We Dream in Color as an Outstanding Community Partner. Yvonne serves on numerous Boards, including: Cosmopolitan Rotary Club; Cousins Empowered Optimist, a branch of Optimist International; Real Men Charities; ReStor Her Housing; Tender Touch, Inc.; and Trinity Irish Dance Company.