DGL's founding team met at the University of Chicago during their graduate studies at
Booth School of Business and Harris School of Public Policy. In early 2017 they formed
Direct Giving Lab as a concept that became a finalist in Booth’s Social New Venture Challenge.

Lori Knapp

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER

Lori has a background in behavioral economics and previously spent several years at ideas42 designing and testing behavioral science interventions. She earned her MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2017. Lori currently works as a Product Manager at Amazon, where she focuses on building generative AI models. She brings a strong interest in applying evidence-based approaches to improve outcomes for families and communities.

Julie Williams

BOARD TREASURER

Julie has a background in helping organizations reach their full potential by leveraging data and analytics to inform strategy. She has spent several years in consulting at KPMG and McKinsey & Company across a variety of industries and locations.

Daniel Gold

BOARD SECRETARY, CO-FOUNDER

Daniel has a background working with resource-constrained and mission-driven organizations in both Illinois and across the country. He was a Teach For America (TFA) Chicago 2013 Corps Member. Daniel graduated with an MPP from the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy, in 2017. He is currently an Investment Banking Associate in the Health Systems M&A group at Cain Brothers.

Susan Bell

BOARD CHAIR

Susan has 30 years of leadership experience in community and nonprofit organizations including 16 years as Executive Director of College Bound Opportunities (2009-2025). She recently co-founded a private college consulting business, One For One College Consulting, which is deeply committed to helping juniors and seniors in high school achieve their goals for a meaningful college education and is dedicated to working with students and their families regardless of financial means.

Raul Montoya

BOARD DIRECTOR

Coming soon