Our Founders
Brandy Grabinski | Founder
Brandy Grabinski is President of Grabinski Group. A second-generation, family-owned and operated business whose goal is to provide high-quality, yet affordable, furnishings for the hospitality industry. As an organizational strategist, Brandy oversees day-to-day business operations, development of best practices, company strategy, sales programs, and employee development. You’ll often see Brandy cheering on her children at various football and baseball games throughout the city.
Fun facts about Brandy
Favorite subject in high school? Math
Favorite snack? Not exactly a healthy snack by any means, but I have a weak spot for Laffy Taffy
Zach Grabinski | Founder
Zach Grabinski is CEO of Schema Group and Principal at Grabinski Group. Founded by his father, Ken Grabinski, in 1984, as Grabinski & Associate. Zach learned the intricacies of the Hospitality industry through hands-on experience and by developing lasting relationships. Zach takes pride in ensuring that every client is managed with care, and their expectations exceeded. You can often find Zach on-site, meeting clients and team members, and overseeing a project’s progress. Even though his Grabinski Group responsibilities require continual accessibility to clients and partners, Zach always finds time to enjoy exploring new travel destinations and activities with his family.
Fun facts about Zach
Favorite subject in high school? History
Favorite snack? Doritos
Board of Directors
Amy Wright | Executive Director
Before joining Wingspan Scholars, Amy spent over a decade in the private sector as a professional services consultant specializing in organizational design, leadership development and cultural change. She’s partnered with Fortune 500 executives to drive change and growth within their organizations and assisted senior managerial teams in developing unique experiential workshops for the purpose of becoming more productive and innovative. Amy brings with her the experience she had as the Wood Family Foundation’s executive director, cultivating new programs and building a robust organization. She, along with Zach and Brandy, share a passion for making a positive impact for Chicago kids.
Fun facts about Amy
Favorite subject in high school? Biology
Favorite snack? Wasabi peas
Carlos Rios | Director
Carlos has been in the private security sector for close to a decade. He works closely with Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Cubs and other organizations to ensure security and safety measures are provided and followed. Carlos deeply believes in the importance of high-quality education being made available to all students. Carlos has a passion for helping young people find balance between healthy minds and strong bodies, mainly through academics and sports.
Fun facts about Carlos
Favorite subject in high school? Language Arts, both English and Spanish. I enjoy reading a good book and like poetry as a result.
Favorite snack? There is something very comforting about eating a nutty buddy. If you enjoy them also you are immediately my friend.
Deanna Ryan | Board Member
Deanna Ryan is an attorney in Chicago. In her 20 years of practice thus far, she has represented thousands upon thousands of Chicagoans in their quest to be part of the “American dream”. She has also represented many Chicago professional athletes and management team members, from the Sox to the Cubs and the Bulls to the Bears.
Deanna is an executive board member of the Children’s Service Board at Lurie Children’s Hospital and High Jump Chicago, two Chicago not-for profit corporations whose sole beneficiaries are Chicago area children.
When Deanna’s oldest daughter was starting the high school testing and admission process, Deanna was dismayed to see the disparity and unequal position children can be put in, based upon their socioeconomic status. A firm believer in equal education and opportunity for all, Deanna aims to help all children be put in the position to have an excellent education and pursue whatever their dreams may be.
