Our Next Speakers

Kate Mardigian - Founder & Executive Director

Kate Mardigian, founder, and Executive Director of Jacob’s Chance began her journey to serve the disability community 16 years ago. Her passion and vision has created a variety of opportunities for Richmond and surrounding areas.  Kate loves her communityKate is the proud mom of Jay and Ryan Tilley and an extra proud Gi-Gi (grandmother) to Jaycee and soon to be Betty!  Kate spends most of her time embracing the community she serves mixed with a little live music and great friendship.  

 Subsequent to this, worked as a Special Agent with the Treasurery IG for Tax Administration from July 2001 to January 2017, in Richmond, investigating IRS employees; threats against the IRS; and false claim and IRS impersonation cases. Brendan Soden is happily married to his wife, Gerri, and has two sons and a daughter, all in government service, who have filled his retired life with three beautiful grandchildren.             

Maura Sinnenberg - Development Director

Maura Sinnenberg, the Development Director at Jacob’s Chance, is a nonprofit multitasker and theatre artist who worked nationally and internationally before returning home to Richmond. Before joining the staff at Jacob’s Chance, Maura was the Program Director of SPARC’s Live Art program and a Jacob’s Chance volunteer. She believes inclusion and accessibility makes our community a better place for all, and that drives her work. She lives in Bon Air with her husband and daughter.