Curt’s Cafe Announces New Board Members

Curt’s Café is excited to announce the addition of 3 new members to their Board of Directors:

Rich Basofin

Rich Basofin is a consultant and advisor to not-for-profit organizations (NFPs). He has worked with several organizations that provide a variety of services in the arts, mental health, native American communities, public libraries, and more. Rich has served on numerous boards over time and currently sits on four NFP boards. He was the CFO of a community mental health center. Rich’s involvement with Curt’s began by joining the team that was working on opening a café in Highland Park. He is now a member of the board and is very proud to serve alongside a talented group of students, staff, volunteers, and board members. Rich has children and grandchildren in Chicago, on the West Coast, and in Israel. Along with family and friends, Rich enjoys spending time with Uncle Matty, his (overly energetic) Vizsla dog.

Alena Laube

Alena is an educator with 33 years of experience in various roles, including classroom teacher at Waukegan High School, department chair at Highland Park High School, and assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction at Barrington School District 220. After retiring from the public school system, Alena served as a senior associate with ECRA Group.In addition to being elected to the District 113 School Board, Alena has also served as board liaison to the District 113 Foundation and as a member of the Family Services of Lake County Board. Currently, Alena volunteers and serves on the Development Team of Curt’s Cafe, conducts the environmental book club (Go Green Highland Park), and serves on the committee organizing CommUNITY Dinners.

Alena and her husband, Ken, have raised three children and spend as much time as possible with their four grandchildren. While serving on the Board of Directors at Curt’s Café, Alena can continue to pursue her lifelong mission of improving the lives of young people through greater access to high-quality, impactful education.

Jeremiah Sargent

Jeremiah is a dedicated community leader with over 12 years of experience in various roles in the judicial government sector, including counselor, health and wellness coordinator, probation officer, and presently the Principal Resource Liaison for the Juvenile Court in Vernon Hills, Illinois. In this role, he manages the coordination of treatment and support services for all youth associated with the judicial system. He has served on numerous community stakeholder committees and task forces as the subject matter expert in community relations, youth treatment resources, and restorative practices. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and is actively working toward completing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Administration at DePaul University. He is a proud husband and father of two daughters and a son. His personal life as a father is deeply intertwined with his professional mission of serving the community and impacting the lives of young people. As a member of the Board of Directors at Curt’s Café, he plans to continue transforming the lives of youth and inspiring them to be great at whatever they aspire to achieve.