Our Staff

Dana Marks-Washington, Founder & CEO

LinkedIn Profile

Dedicated to breaking barriers and building brighter futures

Dana Marks-Washington is the Founder and CEO of the Larger Than Life Foundation, where she leads with a vision of using culinary arts and workforce development to create opportunities for underserved and at-risk youth and adults.

With more than 15 years of experience as a corporate learning and development leader, Dana has designed and led innovative programs that strengthen organizations, build people, and drive measurable impact. She has held senior leadership roles at Hilton, Charles Schwab, Glanbia PLC, and U.S. Bank, where she directed enterprise learning strategies, built global compliance initiatives, and guided cross-functional teams to deliver scalable solutions. Her expertise spans project management, organizational change, compliance learning, and talent development.

Beyond her corporate career, Dana is deeply committed to community service. Through the Foundation, she combines her professional expertise with her passion for equity, mental health, and education — creating pathways for individuals to gain skills, confidence, and hope for the future.

She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning from Boise State University and a B.S. in Project Management from DeVry University.

Paulette [Butler] Mitchell, Co-Founder & Co-Chair

Guided by service, grounded in love, and driven to uplift communities.

In 2018, Paulette co-founded the Larger Than Life Foundation, bringing with her over 40 years of experience in community service across the public and nonprofit sectors. Her career has been dedicated to advocating for underserved individuals and their communities, with a strong focus on creating and implementing impactful, community-based programs.

Paulette’s work includes leadership and program development with organizations such as the U.S. Army Department of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation, Near Northwest Arts Council (ACME), Chicago Children’s Museum, Rush Hospital, Chicago Public Schools, Chicago Park District, Chicago Commons, and After School Matters. She has also championed mental health awareness by raising funds for NAMI and AFSP and has served as both participant and speaker for Catholic Charities’ LOSS program in Chicago.

She earned her B.S. from Northern Illinois University and an M.S. in Interdisciplinary Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University.

Brittany Wright

Communications & Development Director

Brittany has helped brands, companies, and nonprofits celebrate their mission, milestones, and services for over 10 years through communications and digital strategy. In addition to a Bachelor's Degree in Advertising, a Master's Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications, She also has a holistic life coach certification. She advocates for Black Christian women to lean into their faith and business as the co-founder and Chief Operations Officer for 31:17. She also owns Wrightfully Charmed and Fro & Frill Market.