Our Team

Lori James

Executive Director

Lori James, a Chicago native who grew up in the Englewood Community, is the Executive Director of Love To Serve. Lori has been the driving force behind the organization’s mission to empower youth through sports and education.

Lori's past experience include roles at IBM Corporation, where she honed her skills in fiscal management and strategic planning, and Chicago Public Schools, where she orchestrated city-wide programs and events. Lori has also served on the Women’s Boards of Northwestern University and the Ravinia Festival.

Lori holds a Master’s degree in Management and Public Policy Analysis from Carnegie Mellon University and an undergraduate degree in Quantitative Methods in Business from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Lori’s love for tennis began when she was just 10 years old.  She and her dad would hit off the brick wall near her home or the 2- car garage door at the back of the house where she grew up. Because Lori was blessed with a world class education and a great career, when the opportunity presented itself to become fully invested at the community level and in Love To Serve, she was all in!

Amir James

Managing Director

Amir James is the Managing Director of Tennis and Wellness at Love To Serve. Amir leads the strategic planning and development of tennis programs with a focus on fostering a love for the game and encouraging lifelong physical activity.

Amir's extensive experience in both education and tennis includes his tenure as an elementary school teacher, Assistant Boys Tennis Coach at Francis W. Parker School, and Tennis Instructor at XS Tennis. Amir is certified by the United States Professional Tennis Registry (USPTR).

Amir graduated from Virginia State University with a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education. While at school, he was a member of the university's Men’s Tennis Team, earning All CIAA Conference Honors.

Amir’s passion for sports began with his childhood love of hockey, but friendly competition with his sister led him to pick up a tennis racket and he never looked back. Amir has dedicated his life to promoting youth development and wellness, dedicated to creating inclusive and engaging programs that inspire young people to lead healthy, active lives.

Tayo Bailey-Duvall

Special Advisor to the Executive Director

Tayo Bailey-Duvall is an LTS Alumna and presently the Head Coach of the Middle Tennessee State Women’s Tennis Team.  She holds a Master’s Degree in Athletic Administration from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, from Butler University.

Entering her seventh season as head coach of the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Blue Raider Women’s Tennis program in 2025.

  • Became the 11th head coach in program history after a successful six-year tenure at Butler University.

Coaching Achievements:

  • Lead the MTSU team to earn the ITA regional community service award twice. Also, the team has earned the ITA all-academic team all 6 years under Tayo’s leadership.

  • Accumulated 63 wins in six seasons at MTSU, including two winning seasons.

  • Led MTSU to an 11-win season in her sixth year, marking back-to-back double-digit wins for the first time since 2018-2019.

  • Secured MTSU’s first Power-5 victory since 2016 with a 4-3 win over Louisville on the road.

  • Led the team to an undefeated home season in 2023 for the first time since 2014-15.

  • Achieved 12 wins in 2023, the most in a single season during her tenure.

Previous Coaching Experience:

  • Head Coach at Butler University for six years.

  • Guided Butler teams to Big East Tournament match wins in four of her five seasons.

  • Led Butler’s tennis program to NCAA Public Recognition Awards every year for top 10% multiyear Academic Progress Rates.

Playing Career:

  • Three-time First Team All-Conference honoree at Butler University.

  • Compiled a 74-46 singles record.

  • Helped lead Butler to three Horizon League Tournament finals.

  • Played professionally at the Goldfine-Smatt International Tennis Academy in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

Additional Coaching Experience:

  • Assistant coach at Butler for two seasons, leading the team to consecutive Horizon League championship match appearances.

  • Returned to Butler as head coach in 2012.

Personal:

  • Tayo Resides in Murfreesboro with her husband, Brett, and their two daughters, Taya and Taytum.

Imani J. James

Tennis Coach | Youth Development Leader | Wellness & Self-Care Advocate

Imani J. James is dedicated to empowering underserved youth through sports and health education. She is presently a Doctoral Candidate in Public Health at Walden University.  Imani was the Captain of her tennis team at Virginia State University and led her team to their first conference championship, and first ever appearance at the NCAA/CIAA National Tournament.

After receiving a Master’s Degree in Sports Administration and Management from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY, Imani realized her true passion for service was the integration of mental wellness strategies with youth tennis initiatives, ensuring student-athletes receive critical emotional, psychological support, and self-care. With over 15 years of experience in public health, education, and tennis program management, she has developed wellness programs, expanded access to mental health resources, and led fitness initiatives in low-income communities. Imani remains committed to using tennis and mental wellness as powerful tools for youth development and community empowerment.

Asnakech Worku-Collins

Tennis Coach and International Director of Tennis and Education

Born and raised in Addus Abba, Ethiopia, Asnakech Worku-Collins presently resides in Chicago, Illinois, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology Systems from Chicago State University and a Master's degree in Cybersecurity from DePaul University. She has built a diverse career in technology and education, currently serving as the Information Technology Director at Wendell Green Elementary School within the Chicago Public Schools system since 2005. Prior to this role, she worked as an EDI Coordinator and Bookkeeper at Eazy Power Co. for seven years. For the past 15 years, Asnakech has been deeply involved with Love To Serve.  As the International Director of Tennis and Education, she now leads the Beyond Borders Initiative and has played a pivotal role in fostering youth development through sports and academic programming, ensuring that young athletes receive both athletic training and educational support.

Her passion for youth development extends beyond the classroom. She is a dedicated Men’s and Women’s tennis coach at Morgan Park Academy, where she mentors young athletes. Additionally, she serves as a Youth Sunday School Teacher and Program Coordinator at Debre Tsion Medhanialm Ethiopian Orthodox Church in Chicago. Her commitment to service is further demonstrated through her volunteer work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and the Chicago Scholars Foundation.

In her personal time, Asnakech engages in playing tennis, taking long walks, and enjoys reading literature. Additionally, her work and community involvement reflect her dedication to education, youth empowerment, and fostering opportunities for young people both on and off the court.

Raven Orange

Tennis Coach

Raven is a graduating senior at Central State University in Ohio and is continuing her education at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. With a passion for service, Raven has been a Love To Serve coach for seven years.  Through her coaching role, she has become an amazing mentor. 

Raven has honed her leadership skills and developed a deep commitment to empowering others. Raven is especially excited to engage with more youth, share her knowledge, and inspire others through the game of tennis. Her dedication to both education and community service reflects her drive to make a meaningful impact.

Devin Bufford

Tennis Coach

Devin is a sophomore at Harris-Stowe State University, in St. Louis pursuing a degree in psychology with a passion for youth development and community service. For the past six years, he has been a Love To Serve coach, where he has mentored and guided young individuals through the game of tennis and provided educational support. As a dedicated coach, he is committed to making a lasting impact by empowering the next generation through mentorship, education, and service. His goal is to continue to inspire and motivate young people, fostering their growth both on and off the court.

Meisha Daniels

Tennis Coach

Meisha is presently a senior at Chicago State University, majoring in Chemical Engineering.  She has been a player and coach with LTS for a decade!  Her success on and off the court has come from the many lessons that she has learned as a player and a coach.  She states that, “one of my favorite quotes is ‘there is no failure; you either win or you learn.’”

Impact Advisory Group Champions

Violet (Vi) Clark, of Counsel for Lanier /Muchin, has been a Love To Serve (LTS) board member and trusted friend, confidant, and advisor for over 30 years.  Vi came to LTS as a parent! All three of her daughters participated in our program.  She is also a graduate of Brown, Cornell and U-Chicago.

Tom Patterson has been more than a board member for Love To Serve. He has been a trusted friend, confidant, a torchbearer and champion of all things LTS! For decades he has played a vital role with Love To Serve and in Chicago tennis.  Having umpired 23 US Open Tennis Tournaments, Tom is an exemplar of the person who contributes greatly to the game across the broadest possible range.  Tom was recently inducted into the USTA/Midwest Hall of Fame for his countless achievements and contributions to the game.  We are humbled and honored to have him as an advisor and friend of LTS! 

Deirdre Koldyke, Deirdre Koldyke is the Founder and President of EarthHeart Foundation, dedicated to creating safe spaces and providing vital resources in Englewood and Woodlawn. Her organization supports mothers and youth affected by violence, transforming challenges into opportunities for empowerment. A trusted ally for over 30 years, Dede brings a unique, innovative perspective to Love To Serve. Her deep community ties and creative solutions are invaluable assets in advancing our mission at Love To Serve.

Jo Lynn Haley  is a former partner at Sidley & Austin, where she practiced law, before retiring to raise her three children. Jo Lynn has been active throughout the Chicago community, teaching Sunday school on the northside of Chicago, tutoring at The Montessori School of Englewood, and helping to build the Earthheart Foundation, which served women in both the Woodlawn and Englewood neighborhoods. Jo Lynn brings a wealth of grounded wisdom and community insight to Love To Serve. As an active member of her church community, she provides invaluable guidance rooted in compassion and experience. Her deep commitment to serving others aligns perfectly with Love To Serve’s mission to empower under-resourced youth through tennis and education. Jo Lynn’s influence ensures our programs remain rooted in integrity, empathy, and support for those we serve.  She is the proud grandmother of two Czech grandsons.

Jordan Federbush  is a Vice President at The Pritzker Organization, where he works as an investment professional. He is a trusted confidant of Love To Serve and a passionate advocate for tennis, also serving on the Board of The Ace Project. Jordan has been an avid tennis player and fan since he was 4 years old and played on his high school varsity and college club teams. He attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance and minor in Political Science. Jordan's commitment to providing essential resources and hands-on volunteer support is matched by his strategic insights and love for the game, helping us drive community engagement and transformative change. His leadership and resourcefulness are invaluable to advancing our mission as we work together to empower youth through tennis and education. Jordan lives in Chicago with his wife Ellen.

The Balon Family--Rob, Alice, and their three sons—bring a legacy of tennis, service, and volunteerism spanning over a decade with Love To Serve. Their deep commitment to community and tennis is evident through generations, enriching Love To Serve with both passion and expertise. Lucas, a Georgetown graduate now at Point72 Asset Management in New York City, and James, an Economics major and men’s tennis captain at Vassar College, exemplify the family’s blend of academic excellence and athletic leadership. Finn, currently a senior at New Trier High School with plans to attend the University of Notre Dame, rounds out this inspiring lineage. We are profoundly grateful for the Balon Family’s enduring dedication to the mission and vision of Love To Serve.