Penny Brown Rappin
Penny Brown Rappin is an attorney, philanthropist, and civic leader whose career spans litigation, public service, and nonprofit leadership. A graduate of Roosevelt University (B.A., 1969) and Chicago-Kent College of Law at Illinois Tech (J.D., 1979), Penny practiced litigation for many years while raising a family and devoting herself to volunteerism.
Her early legal career was complemented by public service as Director of Tourism Initiatives for the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs, and later as President of the Kendall College Charitable Trust. She has since brought her expertise and commitment to numerous boards, including the Grant Park Music Festival, National Public Housing Museum, National Louis University, Facets Film Forum, City Kids Camp, and Unify America. She also serves on advisory and women’s leadership boards at Chicago-Kent College of Law and Metropolitan Capital Bank.
For more than 15 years, Penny volunteered as a counselor for One Step at a Time Camp, a summer program for teens with cancer and leukemia. Today, she continues that spirit through City Kids Camp, which serves hundreds of children from Chicago’s most under-resourced neighborhoods.
Passionate about equity and opportunity, particularly for children and young adults, Penny seeks to focus her skills and experiences on creating lasting impact. She remains guided by curiosity, a love of learning, and a deep commitment to using her time and talents to help others flourish.