About Max’s Mission

Julie Nguyen is an art historian, educator, and curator with an M.A. in Art History, and has served as Director of the NIU Art Gallery in Chicago and as an Adjunct Lecturer at the Art Institute of Chicago, with additional experience at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. Her work centers on making art accessible and fostering meaningful connection through creative practice.

Julie’s connection to Max’s Mission is deeply personal. Her son’s friendship with Max grew into a close bond between their families, and witnessing the impact of suicide loss has shaped her commitment to the organization. Through Max’s Mission, Julie has found a way to channel her professional background into purposeful action, through engaging in community-based art initiatives to create space for reflection, remembrance, and collective healing. For Julie, Max’s Mission represents not only a way to honor Max’s life, but also a vital effort to support survivors, reduce stigma, and foster connection through compassion, creativity, and community.

Stephanie has lived in Naperville for the past 12 years and is originally from Toronto, Canada. After more than a decade working in client-centered roles in the beauty and wellness industry, she chose to stay home to raise her family and has remained actively involved in volunteering through schools and community activities over the years.

Stephanie’s connection to Max’s Mission began through knowing the Wijangco family and Max when their children were in elementary school together. She cares deeply about helping reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and supporting families and survivors after loss. She believes in the importance of creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and able to share their stories, and is grateful to be part of an organization centered on hope, healing, and connection.

As Board Secretary, Stephanie especially enjoys supporting the growth of Max’s Mission’s programs, events, and volunteers, and helping strengthen the work happening behind the scenes to serve the community. She is honored to be part of a mission that reminds families they are not alone and that their loved ones are remembered and matter.