Chrissie Bonner

Chrissie’s life began in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and she spent her formative years in the Tidewater region of Virginia. In 1999, she relocated to Philadelphia, PA where she pursued her passion for the arts and organizational growth, earning degrees in Art History (Temple University), Arts Administration (Drexel University), and Organizational Development and Leadership (Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine).

Her professional career began in institutional philanthropy at The Philadelphia Foundation, where she supported over 200 nonprofits in the Greater Philadelphia area for nearly a decade. Through countless conversations with nonprofit leaders and teams, Chrissie developed a deep curiosity about the intersections of organizational culture, creativity, and adaptability.

Since 2014, Chrissie has led Illustrating Progress, a creative consultancy that has grown from a solo practice to one with creatives from all over the country and the world. The team comprises talented artists and professionals who bring diverse perspectives and skills to every project.

Chrissie’s work is rooted in cultivating the mindsets needed for meaningful change. She is passionate about visual storytelling and designing environments that foster reimagining, deep listening, and creativity. By blending art and strategy, Chrissie and her team help organizations navigate complexity, align their visions, and unlock their creative potential.

She continues to live and thrive in Philadelphia, PA where she is driven by her commitment to making creativity a powerful force for thriving and adaptation. 

She has also illustrated several books, including And She Came Tumbling Down by Karla Adkins (2022), and Bless this Mess: A Picture Story of Healthcare in America by Dr. Stephen Klasko (2018). 

She also wrote and illustrated Unstuck, her picturebook about denial and self-deception (2021), and most recently published Lean In & Let Go: Tools for Reimagining (2024).