I’m a Colombian immigrant, mom, wife, and people-centered leader living in the suburbs of Chicago for over 20 years. I care deeply about creating spaces where trust, dignity, and purpose guide the way we work, lead, and live.

My journey into community work began with a passion for nutrition, but I quickly realized that health isn’t possible without access to the basics: food, income, housing, and stability. That truth came to life for me while serving as an AmeriCorps member at a food pantry right here in the Western Suburbs of Chicago. What started as a service year became a calling. I spent years listening to stories, sharing space with people navigating hardship, and rethinking what support really means. That experience didn’t just shape my career—it shaped my character.

I come from a long line of strong, resourceful women—breadwinners who worked hard, raised large families, managed finances, and pushed against the roles society gave them. Their strength lives in me. Their stories guide me. And now, I’m passing that wisdom on to my daughter while doing the work of building a legacy rooted in love, belonging, and impact.

Today, I work at the intersection of strategy, heart, and community. I design people-first programs, lead collaborative projects, and facilitate learning spaces where growth, reflection, and real conversations happen. My work is grounded in the belief that solutions should reflect lived experiences, not assumptions. That change is possible when we slow down, listen, and move forward together.

I’m here to support organizations and leaders who are ready to deepen their impact through learning, reflection, and truly community-centered strategies.

And just as importantly, I’m committed to building a broader community of People-Centered Facilitators, folks who lead with intention, humility, and care because that’s how we create a more just, connected, and human world.

Hi, I'm 👋Adriana Riaño