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Think of Us (TOU) is continuing its upward trajectory of expansion as a growing body of impactful projects are set to come online in the coming months. To match this growth, TOU is deepening its leadership bench by announcing Sonali Patel, a former senior policy advisor in the Obama Administration’s Domestic Policy Council and at the Administration on Children, Youth and Families, as the new Vice President of Strategic Projects. Sonali brings a rich background in the governmental and non-profit sectors ranging across human services issues including child welfare, early childhood education, youth & veteran homelessness, children exposed to domestic violence, and adolescent pregnancy prevention. Her most recent role was supporting national, state and local efforts to strengthen prevention services, institute strategic planning efforts, and build champions of change through Chapin Hall at the University of Chicago, a policy research institute. Sonali has also held leadership positions with the Washington State Department of Early Learning, the American Public Human Services Association, and the D.C. Children’s Trust Fund.  

“I’m honored to bring my decades of experience in the human service field by joining an organization that truly centers lived experience, as that first-hand knowledge and insight is critical to accelerating change, holding systems accountable, and making lasting progress,” Sonali shared in reflecting on this new role. “I can’t wait to make “good trouble” with the TOU team as we expand our impact toward child welfare systems reform!”