Esprit Wellness Foundation
Esprit Wellness Foundation
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The transition from military to civilian life is the most underestimated challenge a veteran will face. We must build communities where they don’t just survive—but thrive.


General Jim Mattis, Former U.S. Secretary of Defense

Our Mission

We build spaces where veterans belong—through movement, connection, and purpose.

Meet the Team Behind the Mission

Esprit Wellness Foundation is driven by a mission-first team of veterans, student leaders, and community advocates who believe in the power of purpose, movement, and belonging. From local events to national strategy, every member brings lived experience and deep commitment to building a future where veterans and their families have spaces designed for them. While all roles are currently volunteer-based, we’re laying the foundation for long-term impact, employment, and lasting change—starting with Chicago’s first veteran recreation center.

Executive Leadership

Damian Garcia

Damian Garcia

Founder, CEO, & President


Army Veteran. Entrepreneur. UIC student. Leads Esprit Wellness Foundation’s national vision for veteran wellness, university leadership, and national recreation center development.

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Rogelio Villa

Damian Garcia

Vice President


U.S. Marine Corps veteran and community advocate. Supports operational leadership and mission alignment across Esprit’s programs and initiatives.

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Mike Urgo

Director of Storytelling
  

Veteran advocate and professional videographer, Mike leads Esprit’s event coverage and media storytelling. From behind-the-scenes edits to highlight reels, he captures the impact of every major event and shares the mission through powerful visual narratives.

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Vacant – Could Be You

Event Director


Plans fundraisers, socials, wellness events, and major community activations. Ideal for organized, driven individuals who want to create impact.

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Finance/Donations Manager

 

Oversees Esprit’s internal budgets, donation tracking, and financial transparency. Great fit for accounting, finance, or nonprofit admin backgrounds.

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

University Chapter Coordinator


Helps launch new Esprit University Chapters across the country. Ideal for student leaders, ROTC cadets, or program builders.

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Outreach & Partnerships Lead


Builds partnerships, sponsor relationships, and local nonprofit alliances. Great for outgoing, mission-minded individuals.

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Leadership

Kevin Anderson

Nicolle Velasquez

Health & Fitness Program Lead


ISSA-Certified personal trainer and exercise science major with gym-based client experience. Kevin supports Esprit’s Murph prep, physical programming, and fitness-based outreach for veterans and students.

Nicolle Velasquez

Nicolle Velasquez

Marketing & Promotions Lead

 

UIC student and Army officer. Oversees Esprit’s social media, promotional materials, and student engagement campaigns.

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Vacant – Could Be You

Content & Media Lead


Films, edits, and posts Esprit events and storytelling content. Ideal for digital creatives, journalism students, or content marketers.

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Vacant – Could Be You

Community/Volunteer Coordinator


Manages Esprit’s volunteer network, supports onboarding, and tracks participation. A great fit for HR, education, or nonprofit logistics.

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Board of Directors

Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

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Chairperson of the Board


Lead the board, oversee strategy, and help guide Esprit into the future

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vice Chair / Director of Strategic Leadership


Support the Chair, advise long-term vision and growth

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Director of Outreach & Partnerships


Develop sponsorships, donors, and community partnerships

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Director of University & Student Engagement


Help grow chapters like UIC and lead national student outreach

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Director of Legal & Compliance


Guide us through nonprofit regulations, policy, and protections

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Treasurer / Director of Finance


Manage the budget, grants, and nonprofit financial health

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Director of Programs & Services


Oversee veteran-focused events, mentorship, and support programs

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Secretary / Director of Governance


Maintain board records, coordinate meetings, and uphold bylaws

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Anna Treesara

Madison Burris

Madison Burris

Board Member | Founder of Career Coach, & Consultant at Tutoring Tree LLC

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Madison Burris

Madison Burris

Madison Burris

Board Member | Founder of No Boys Allowed | U.S. Army Service Member

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Fatima Guerra

Madison Burris

Fatima Guerra

Board Member | Paralegal at Pina Law Firm

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Ambassador Opportunities

Michael Gagliano

Gabriel De La Cruz

Student Ambassador – DePaul University


U.S. Navy veteran and DePaul student. Michael represents Esprit Wellness Foundation at DePaul by supporting outreach, connecting with students, and helping introduce our mission and programs on campus.

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Gabriel De La Cruz

Gabriel De La Cruz

Student Ambassador – University of Illinois Chicago

 

Army National Guard member and UIC student. Gabriel supports the launch of Esprit’s first university chapter, helping engage students, promote upcoming events, and represent Esprit’s values across campus.

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Student Ambassador


Represent your university, chapter, or ROTC program

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Vacant – Could Be You

Honorary Ambassador of Veteran Wellness


Be a public voice and champion for EWF’s mission

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Community Ambassador


Promote Esprit locally through events, outreach, and service

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Fitness Ambassador


Bring EWF to life at fitness events and veteran workouts

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Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Vacant – Could Be You

Digital Ambassador


Help grow our reach through social media and digital campaigns

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Who We Are

Esprit Wellness Foundation empowers veterans through connection, community, and growth. We create recreation-centered spaces that foster belonging, mentorship, and access to essential resources, supporting a successful transition into civilian life.


Esprit means spirit and resilience, core values for those who serve. Inspired by esprit de corps, we’re building a nationwide support network where veterans, dependents, and young leaders uplift one another through wellness, purpose, and service.


We prepare service members for life’s next chapter, before, during, and after military service—by offering guidance, community, and opportunity in every space we build.

Copyright © 2025 Esprit Wellness Foundation. All rights reserved.

Esprit Wellness Foundation is a registered nonprofit organization. Our application for 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is currently under review. Donations made at this time are not tax-deductible.

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