Marie Rushing

Rebekah Marie Rushing, who goes by her middle name Marie, is the Founder and President of Foster Nest, Inc. She has an amazing story to share given that she was adopted as an infant and has a passion to help others navigate life’s challenges personally and professionally. Adoption did not define who she was. Currently, she is an Senior Client Solutions Manager at LinkedIn. She worked in major corporations such as Google, BET Networks, Capgemini and more. Foster Nest will also serve as a legacy for her late mother who battled lung cancer and was also adopted.

Marie aims to impact lives, community and broaden her knowledge cross-functionally, while helping others along the way to discover their full potential. i.e. their "Who I Am". She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising with a minor in Communications from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a marketing ad tech aficionado with a positive spirit to inspire others, advocate for diversity and share knowledge to drive strategic growth.

Foster Nest was created because, she has seen gaps in the foster care system and corporate atmosphere. She believes she can help close the gap. She hopes her motivational story, passion and legacy for her late mother will help others to redefine the "Who I Am" in a world that sometimes makes you feel alone. Her passion for diversity initiatives fuels her soul to make an impact in the world for positive change. She plans to make a life changing impact with Foster Nest.

Alonzo Rushing

Alonzo Rushing is the Vice President of Foster Nest, working alongside his wife Marie Rushing to help an underserved portion of the city. He is a small business owner with American Family Insurance. Alonzo is also a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign with a Major in Communications.

Alonzo is passionate about giving back to the community and educating not only his clients but potential clients on how to best mitigate their risks and protect their financial future. He is very excited about working with his wife and the Foster Nest organization to truly make a difference in the generation.

Genevieve Dixon

Genevieve F. Dixon serves as the Secretary on the Foster Nest board. She has known the founder since childhood and has a unique perspective to add value to the organization. She represents a true example of what “extended family” means that our programs will offer. She has a passion to help others and demonstrates that in her career and volunteer work. 

She attended Illinois State University where she earned her Bachelors of Science Degree in Biological Sciences. She received her masters in Biomedical Science, earned her medical degree and graduated from the Chicago Medical School also called Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Currently, she is a physician at Froedtert Hospital affiliated with Medical College of Wisconsin specializing in Anesthesiology. She strives to demonstrate to the youth of the Foster Nest community that with focus and dedication you can do anything.