Women in Business are excited to honor Nina Menis of KidsMatter as a 2026 Gottfried Woman of the Quarter.
Nina Menis
Q: Describe your business and what you do.
As CEO & Executive Director of KidsMatter, I have the privilege of working with an amazing team. KidsMatter is a prevention-based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the social, emotional, and academic well-being of young people and their families. We Empower kids to realize their purpose, know their value, and find their pathway. Our work focuses on helping youth thrive through partnerships and collaborations with schools, mental health professionals, healthcare organizations, public safety agencies, nonprofits, the city of Naperville, NACC Team B2B, businesses, faith communities, and community volunteers. We believe that building healthy, resilient young people requires the support and involvement of the entire community. We work with our partners to empower youth, support parents, and serve as a community connector.
Q: What do you love most about your work?
What I love most is bringing people together around a shared purpose and seeing the positive impact that collaboration can create for young people and families. I am inspired every day by the opportunity to connect caring individuals and organizations who want to make a difference. Whether it is supporting youth mental health initiatives, career exploration opportunities, leadership development, helping students discover their strengths, or creating meaningful partnerships, I am grateful to do the work, with an amazing team, that has lasting impact within the community I have called home for over 50 years.
Q: What led you down your career path?
My career path has always been rooted in service, education, and community engagement. Growing up in Naperville and spending summers on our family farm in Iowa taught me the importance of family, relationships, and giving back. My mother had a successful career in education, and my father had a successful career as a consultant in advancement. They both influenced and inspired me. Early in my career, I discovered that I was passionate about helping organizations build partnerships to support their mission. Over the years, my experiences in education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, communications, and community relations naturally led me toward collaborative work focused on supporting youth, families, and the overall well-being of the community.
Q: What advice do you have for other women in business?
Build authentic relationships and never underestimate the power of collaboration. Some of the most meaningful opportunities in my career have come from listening, learning, and supporting others along the way. It is also important to remember that leadership is not about having all the answers — it is about bringing people together, supporting your team, empowering others, and continuing to grow personally and professionally. Most importantly, believe in your voice and the value you bring to the table.
Q: Name someone in your life who inspires you and tell us why.
Both of my parents have inspired me through the love and dedication they have shown to our family, the success they achieved in their careers, and their commitment to supporting the community. They taught me the importance of hard work, relationships, and giving back.
I also want to mention Heather Gottfried. Heather had a remarkable way of supporting others, building meaningful connections, and making people feel valued. She always had the best smile and brought warmth and positivity wherever she went. She had a great impact on our community.
Finally, I want to mention my children, Elisa and Mark. They inspire me every day as I watch the wonderful adults they have become. Their kindness, character, resilience, and commitment to making a difference in the lives of others bring me tremendous pride and joy.
Q: What other passions and hobbies do you have?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, supporting community events, reading, lifelong learning, and staying connected to our family farmland in Southwest Iowa and Illinois. I also enjoy mentoring others, supporting nonprofit organizations, and being involved in initiatives that strengthen the community and create opportunities for young people to succeed.
Q: Aside from the Chamber, how do you stay connected within the Naperville community?
Community involvement has always been an important part of my life. I stay connected through my work with KidsMatter and through service on several local boards, committees, and community initiatives focused on youth development, mental health, education, public safety, recreation, and philanthropy. I also value the relationships built through Rotary, nonprofit partnerships, schools, faith communities, and local organizations. Naperville has always been a community that believes in collaboration, and I am grateful to contribute alongside so many dedicated leaders and volunteers.
Gottfried Woman of the Quarter Bio
Nina M. Menis serves as CEO & Executive Director of KidsMatter. KidsMatter is a prevention-based organization that focuses on the overall social, emotional, and academic well-being of kids. KidsMatter works collaboratively in partnership with organizations and resources throughout the area, including individual champions, mental health professionals, hospitals, schools, public safety agencies, faith-based communities, service clubs, and local businesses. Our work focuses on the healthy development of all young people, regardless of race/ethnicity/economic background and requires the action by all residents of the community.
Nina grew up in Naperville, Illinois and spent her summers in Southwest Iowa on their family farm. Nina has worked in advancement for both public and private P-20 educational institutions and area not-for-profits for over 30 years. She directed the Annual Giving program at College of DuPage and previously served as Director of School Advancement for Science & Arts Academy and as the Executive Director of the National School Foundation Association. From 2010-2013 she helped support the A+ Foundation and a collaborative community initiative with West Aurora School District 129, “Aurora Regional Pathways to Prosperity”, in partnership with Harvard Graduate School of Education and Jobs for the Future. She also served as Director of Community Relations at Naperville School District 203 (Oct. 2003–July 2010).
Nina is a graduate of Simpson College, Indianola, Iowa: B.A., 1985; Major: Elementary Education, Mentally Handicapped – Approval 81, and participated in the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising, pilot program, 2013-2014. She has also started classes at Harvard University, towards a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies, Industrial Organizational Psychology. She serves on Western DuPage Special Recreation Association Foundation Board, the Naperville Police Foundation Board, the Naperville Cemetery Board, is a Member of the Prevention Leadership Team of the DuPage County Health Department, a Member of the Behavioral Health Collaborative serving on the Youth Mental Health Subcommittee, Member of the National Early Career Navigation Leadership Council (Hosted by QS and ASA), a member and past President of The Rotary Club of Naperville and current Board Member and Youth Mental Health Chair of Rotary International District 6450. She served on the Illinois P-20 College & Career Readiness Steering Committee and the Family & Community Engagement Committee. She also served on the Hub88 Advisory Committee, the Board of the Naperville Public Library (former President), and the United Way DuPage West Cook Community Impact Steering Committee. Nina supports the management of a family business with farmland in Southwest Iowa and Illinois and provides consulting support to nonprofits and foundations.
Nina Menis, CEO & Executive Director, KidsMatter