DuPage Foundation names four new members to Next Generation Initiative committee
DuPage Foundation in Downers Grove recently appointed four new members to its Next Generation Initiative Steering Committee: Vira Dubkova of Westmont, Mike Hazelhurst of Batavia, Mikel Mays of Naperville, and Gary Nelson of Wheaton.
“We are very excited to welcome these outstanding individuals to our Next Generation Initiative steering committee,” said Kait Miller Balsewicz, DuPage Foundation director of donor services. “The Next Generation Initiative engages and empowers our county’s next generation of philanthropic leaders with opportunities to connect, learn, and give back. Over the years, NGI has granted nearly $170,000 to local not-for-profit organizations.”
Vira Dubkova and her husband, Ibrahim Alimirah, of Westmont, founded Unity Solar Group in 2020, which provides equal access to solar for underserved communities and not-for-profits in Illinois. Dubkova also founded 2Live Foundation, which focuses on enhancing the vitality and integrity of women and children in underdeveloped countries. She is a passionate advocate for community engagement and philanthropy, collaborating with not-for-profits, community leaders, and municipalities to enhance quality of life.
Mike Hazelhurst has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Tiffin University. He is an assistant vice president of business banking at Naperville Bank & Trust. He received an All-American Honorable Mention while playing baseball at Elgin Community College. Hazelhurst and his wife, Devan, live in Batavia with their dog, Tucker. In his spare time, Mike is a volleyball coach at Club Fusion and also enjoys playing in volleyball tournaments.
Mikel Mays of Naperville has a bachelor’s degree in music and entrepreneurship from North Central College. He is an assistant project & business development manager at Bulley & Andrews. He is also the founder of the Mays Music Centre of Excellence, where he serves as CEO. He founded Mays Enterprise in May 2024, opening Royalty Barbershop and Salon in August 2024. In 2023, he received the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce Four Under 40 award.
Gary Nelson is the director of membership and annual giving at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle. A graduate of Glenbard West High School and DePaul University, his career has focused on individual and event-based fundraising for the not-for-profit sector. Nelson and his wife, Abby Saul, have spent the last two decades living and working outside of DuPage County, but are delighted to be Wheaton residents and raising their family here.
About DuPage Foundation
DuPage Foundation, a 501(c)3 community foundation, is DuPage County’s champion for philanthropy. It manages more than $145 million in assets and has awarded more than $100 million in grants since its founding in 1986. Individuals and organizations seeking to provide impactful support to address critical issues in DuPage County and beyond can create powerful customizable gift solutions and partnerships through DuPage Foundation. Learn more at dupagefoundation.org.
About DuPage Foundation’s Next Generation Initiative
DuPage Foundation’s Next Generation Initiative is a group of community-minded individuals working to effect a positive impact within DuPage by engaging and empowering our county's next generation of philanthropic leaders and volunteers and providing them with opportunities to connect, learn, and give back. Learn more at dupagefoundation.org/ngi.