About
Be Alright strives to be inclusive, loving, and open-minded. As we grow, we hope our community can see us as a helping hand and as a source of support and light in what is often a very obscure world.
In 2009, Be Alright was founded by Dr. Sonia Oyola with the purpose of creating a database of resources for survivors and also help convert Chicago-area domestic violence shelters into havens of healing. To accomplish this, she gathered members of the community, family members, and friends to create a network of volunteers and a board that represents that care values and upholds the mission of this organization.
Today, Be Alright is growing by the day! We continue our traditional events every year, and add new events and activities when we can. In 2012, a Board of Directors was established, bringing more energy to the group and Be Alright was granted a non-profit 501-c3 status in 2014. We are working more closely than ever before with our sister organizations, and are incredibly lucky to be partnering with local businesses, restaurants, and artists.
President & Founder
Sonia P. Oyola, MD, ABOIM
Sonia Oyola, MD, ABIOM has been a Family Medicine Physician since 2000. She graduated from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1997, completed residency at Cook County, and earned an Integrative Medicine fellowship in 2013. Currently, Dr. Oyola serves as Director of Medical Student Education, co-Director of the Ambulatory Clerkship, and Assistant Dean for Health Equity and Inclusion at the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine. Her interests include Integrative Primary Care, Domestic Violence, Stress Disorders, Mind-Body Medicine, and Culinary Medicine. In 2009, she founded Be Alright, and in 2025, founded a House Concert Series to support local artists. She is trained in Vinyasa Yoga, Homeopathy, and Mindfulness Meditation. Dr. Oyola’s mission is to relieve suffering through mindfulness, kindness, joy, and compassion—as a physician, teacher, and professional singer.
Board Member
Andrea Alaimo
Andrea Alaimo is a talent leader with extensive experience building high-performing teams and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about connecting people with opportunities, developing future leaders, and creating environments where individuals can thrive both personally and professionally. As a Board Member, Andrea is committed to supporting the organization’s mission of transforming domestic violence shelters into places of healing and hope for survivors and their families. She is equally passionate about giving back through mentorship, volunteerism, and nonprofit leadership, bringing a genuine desire to create meaningful, lasting impact through partnerships, campaigns, and events to benefit the communities Be Alright serves.
Board Member
Beth Masterson
Beth Masterson has been a dedicated board member for four years, bringing strong organizational skills and a hands-on commitment to making a real difference in the many shelters Be Alright lovingly serves. Beth is passionate about the meaningful work of supporting the mothers and children who call the shelters home, and is driven by a deep desire to help enhance and uplift their lives. She brings enthusiasm, follow-through, and a genuine heart to everything she does for the organization.
Board Member
Jess Anzaldúa
Jess Anzaldúa (she/hers/ella) is a Chicago-based Latinx nonprofit professional with over 15 years of experience in philanthropy, including grantmaking, fundraising, and community engagement. She has held roles at United Way of Metro Chicago, Feeding America, and Hispanics in Philanthropy, and holds master’s degrees in nonprofit administration and organizational leadership. She serves as Co-Chair of the Latinx Caucus for PEAK Grantmaking and a board member of Be Alright Chicago. Her creative practice includes percussion in Chicago’s Latin music scene and poetry writing.