Caren Yanis

Caren Yanis joined Crown Family Philanthropies (CFP) at the beginning of 2009. As the first professional, non-family leader, her role includes managing organizational growth, engaging three generations of family members in philanthropic activities, and guiding strategic initiatives. CFP’s work in Chicago includes education, health, human services, and environment initiatives. Additionally CFP has a focus on Jewish issues in the US and on poverty reduction, medical, and education in Israel. Prior to joining CFP, Caren spent close to nine years building and running Oprah Winfrey’s philanthropies including Oprah’s Angel Network (a public charity), the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation, and the Oprah Winfrey Foundation (private foundations). She spent extended periods of time in South Africa where Oprah established her Leadership Academy and where Oprah’s Angel Network built rural schools and funded a series of education, economic development, and health related projects.