Wanakee Trask is a visionary educator, advocate, and changemaker dedicated to creating opportunities where they’re needed most. From her early teaching role at Harlan High School, her alma mater, to co-founding transformative programs for underserved students, Wanakee’s journey reflects her unyielding commitment to uplifting communities and inspiring the next generation.

A proud veteran of the Army National Guard, where she served for 10 years, Wanakee honed the values of resilience, discipline, and leadership that fuel her mission today. She has led diverse roles in education—as a teacher, coach, teen outreach facilitator, and nonprofit leader—always guided by a singular vision: meet young people where they are, uncover their potential, and create pathways for them to rise.

Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Wanakee witnessed the brilliance and resilience of young people who are too often overlooked. Her mantra, “Don’t Sleep on Chicago Kids,” reflects her belief in the power of intentional investment in youth.

Through her nonprofit, Elevate Greatness, Wanakee has built programs that empower students to challenge limitations, connect with mentors, and showcase their talents. Whether advancing social-emotional learning, expanding pathways beyond traditional education, or building hands-on leadership experiences, her work underscores a core truth: when we invest in young people, we transform communities.

Wanakee remains committed to addressing systemic barriers that hinder progress in underserved communities. By bridging grassroots efforts with larger systems of change, she ensures the opportunities she creates today contribute to the equitable futures we all envision.