the MAX
potential foundation
Meet the Board of Directors
Amanda Martinsen
Founder & President
IN THE NEWS
Amanda Martinsen is a former elementary and middle school math teacher. She taught for 3 years in a Chicago Charter School, 5 years in Glenview District 34 and 2 years at Sunset Ridge Middle School. Additionally, Amanda created The Nora Project, a year long literacy project that teaches empathy to students by fostering friendships between students and their peers with disabilities. Amanda won several awards for her work on the Nora Project, and it went on to become a national nonprofit organization. Amanda left the classroom when her twin boys, Max and Lincoln, were born four months early. Max passed away in the hospital, while Lincoln thankfully made it home safe and sound after a very hard and long fight. Inspired by Lincoln's strength, Amanda launched MAXimize Tutor (named for her late son, Max), with a mission to make the world a better place, one child at a time by empowering students to be their best. MAXimize Tutor has grown into an organization across the Northshore supporting 150 students with individualized plans to allow each student to reach their full potential. Amanda has seen the impact her program and staff has had on students success, and she launched The MAX Potential Foundation in an effort to remove finical barriers for student and student athletes to allow them to reach their full potential in school, sports, and life. Amanda resides in Northbrook with her two sons, MJ (age 11) and Lincoln (age 6).
Awards in Education:
-
2016 IEA Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award
-
Award of Excellence in the 2016 Distinguished Service Awards program sponsored by INSPR
-
NSSED Outstanding work in Special Education, 2018.
Margaret Georgopulos
Treasurer
Margie Georgopulos is a retired commercial real estate developer with more than 50 years of experience in all aspects of shopping center development. Throughout her career, she specialized in site selection, zoning and entitlements, project development, construction oversight, leasing, and property management. Her extensive industry expertise contributed to the successful development and operation of numerous retail properties.
Now retired and residing in Northbrook, Illinois, Margie remains actively involved in her community. She serves on the Board of her Homeowners Association and is committed to supporting local initiatives and giving back through community service. Margie enjoys spending time with her four grandchildren and dedicating her time and experience to causes that strengthen the community. She chose to join the baord of The MAX Potential Foundation becasue she believes strongly in their mission!
Laura Moreno
Secretary
Laura Francis is a seasoned commercial real estate executive with more than 20 years of experience leading construction, operations, and portfolio management across national real estate portfolios. As Vice President of Commercial Real Estate, she oversees complex projects and strategic initiatives that drive growth and create lasting value. A graduate of DePaul University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Laura believes in the power of communication, leadership, and building strong relationships to make a meaningful impact.
A proud mother of two boys and a resident of Glenview, Illinois, Laura is deeply committed to supporting organizations that empower children and families to reach their fullest potential. She is passionate about giving back to her community and is honored to serve on Amanda’s board, helping advance a mission centered on inclusion, opportunity, and creating brighter futures for all children. Laura’s professional success and personal experiences continue to inspire her dedication to serving others and making a difference beyond the workplace.
​