Dr. Yani Mason is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering girls and women in Chicago and beyond. With a passion for gender equality and social justice, her career has been shaped by her unwavering drive to create opportunities for marginalized people, particularly girls of color from disinvested communities. Since 2022, Yani has served as the CEO of Girls Inc. of Chicago, the local affiliate of the national nonprofit. In her role, she is responsible for ensuring the organization executes its mission to inspire all girls to be strong (healthy), smart (educated), and bold (independent). She provides visionary leadership, develops and executes strategic plans, and secures resources to ensure the organization provides its transformative programming to girls on Chicago’s South Side.

A lifelong learner, Yani earned a doctorate of education in interdisciplinary leadership from Governors State University, a masters degree in public policy from Vanderbilt University, and a bachelors of arts in history from Fisk University. Additionally, she earned a certificate in integrated marketing from the University of Chicago Graham School.

Yani and her family reside in Chicago’s Avalon Park neighborhood.