Dr. Izabel Olson
FOUNDER AND C.E.O. (Volunteer)
Dr. Izabel Olson is a woman of faith, vision, and purpose. Born in Brazil and shaped by both resilience and redemption, she has dedicated her life to empowering others and building spaces where hope can thrive. As the founder of Salt and Light Coalition, a nonprofit committed to helping women survivors of trafficking heal and step into leadership, she has turned pain into purpose and sparked a movement of restoration in Chicago and beyond.
Izabel believes deeply that transformation is possible — not just for individuals, but for entire communities. Under her leadership, Salt and Light has grown from a 1,000-square-foot operation to a 6,000-square-foot sanctuary of healing, powered by graduates who are now leading the work themselves. Her mission is clear: to elevate voices that have been silenced, and to build them up through love, justice, and action.
A mother, wife, visionary, and advocate, Izabel lives at the intersection of faith, fitness, fashion, and philanthropy — all anchored by a calling to serve. Whether she’s hosting gatherings of powerful women, championing the next generation, or showing up in bold obedience, Izabel carries light wherever she goes — and invites others to do the same.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
Karen Hickman
A true and faithful volunteer since our inception, Karen believes in the mission of SALC. A registered nurse for over 30 years, Karen has served in countless supportive roles in local schools, Boy Scouts of America, her sorority, her church, and various charitable organizations. The amazing successes, accomplishments and stories of our participants motivate Karen to continue to serve the organizations in many ways.
Joan Bottarini
Ms. Joan Bottarini has been the Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President of Hyatt Hotels Corporation since November 2018. Previously, she was the Senior Vice President for Finance—Americas from 2016 to 2018. She held various titles such as Vice President, Hotel Finance for Asia Pacific (Hong Kong) from 2014 to 2016, as Vice President for Strategic Financial Planning and Analysis from 2007 to 2014. Joan has volunteered with the Salt and Light Coalition since 2018, serving on the Advisory Board
Jasmine Watkins, LCPC
Jasmine Watkins is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and Human Resource leader with more than a decade of experience furthering the missions of organizations committed to increasing access to high-quality behavioral health care. Jasmine earned her Master of Arts Degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University and has worked with clients on a wide range of clinical issues in a variety of clinical settings. She also has experience in program development, leadership training and clinical supervision, including for practicum students at her alma mater. She oversaw a program fostering innovative partnerships to alternatively fund services for vulnerable populations and has served as Clinical Director for a psychotherapy practice.Jasmine led talent management, organizational development and DEI initiatives at a healthcare start-up where she was responsible for attracting top talent and shaping internal structures to support employee well-being through professional development, benefits, and mentorship. Most recently, Jasmine served as Director of Clinical Programming for a digital mental health company where she led talent management and content development, creating resources and initiatives to support mental wellness and sustainable productivity.
STAFF
Corinne Kopsky
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Corinne Kopsky joined our Coalition in January of 2018. She has since earned an AA in Business/Economics and a BA in Business Administration & Management from Roosevelt University, where she was honored with a Presidential Scholarship. Corinne volunteered with Salt and Light for two years, serving on the Advisory Board and as Director of Survivor Stewardship. Her fierce allyship with women who are working to rebuild their lives is evident in her words and her actions, and Corinne serves as a mentor to many other graduates of the program. Corinne came to the Salt and Light Coalition from SPINS, where she worked as an office coordinator for 2-1/2 years. Working alongside many of the greatest minds in data analytics, she has developed a passion for numbers and statistics.
Taylor Holm, CADC
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Taylor came to Salt and Light Coalition in June of 2018. She had undergone a series of traumatic events which eventually led to drug abuse and falling victim to sex trafficking. Taylor was manipulated into thinking that being exploited was the only way to show love and the only option for financial security. Coming into Salt and Light Coalition, she felt broken and lost. Through the commitment and unconditional love of the volunteers at the Salt and Light Coalition, she was able to regain her confidence, set goals, and secure a plan for her future. Upon graduation, she became an instructor at Living Divina Studio in Yorkville, IL. As the winner of Salt and Light Coalition's education grant, Taylor pursued a CADC certification and is now pursuing a degree in Social Work. Fueled by her passion to help others regain their confidence, she leads Salt and Light Coalition as a program director.
Angela Morales
RECRUITMENT SPECIALIST
Angela Morales started with the Salt and Light Coalition as an intern in 2022, and now serves as Recruitment Specialist and Chair of the Junior Board. Angela's involvement with FBI Explorers in 2018 ignited her fervor for aiding survivors of Human Trafficking, catalyzing her pivotal role with SALC. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, Law & Justice, and Psychology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Angela brings a multifaceted perspective to her work. Angela is passionate about pursuing a Masters Degree in Social Work, all while remaining committed to SALC. Leading the charge in Thriver Recruitment, Angela plays a pivotal role in outreach initiatives, leveraging her expertise to forge connections and provide support to program participants. The true fulfillment of Angela's role stems from witnessing the profound transformations and growth of individuals within the SALC community.
ADVISORY BOARD
ALEXIA BAUER | IZABEL OLSON | CORINNE KOPSKY | DONNA BARNHOLT | KAREN HICKMAN | JASMINE WATKINS | JULIE ROCHFORD | ANNE SLAUGHTER | CLAUDIA PEIXOTO | MELINDA MCMICHAEL | | RENATA ANZELMO | VICTORIA CHUKAROV | JOAN BOTTARINI | CHRISTINA VERA-BRIDGES | TENI BROWN | EMILY MCCANN | LAURA HOWELL | TAYLOR HOLM | ADRIENNE GENTRY | JILL SILVERSTEIN | BRANDON ROWALD | JON MUCH | LAUREN HONER | REGINA SHELTON | KELLY LOWELL