Kayce Ataiyero

Kayce Ataiyero is the Chief External Affairs Officer at the Joyce Foundation, where she oversees the Foundation's strategic communications, the Journalism Program and the Lend A Hand community grants fund. She is also a member of the Foundation's leadership team.

Ataiyero has extensive experience in communications, journalism and politics. Prior to joining the Foundation in 2018, she served as director of external affairs for the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, where she led communications and community engagement. She has also led communications for U.S. Congresswoman Robin Kelly, the Illinois Governor’s Office and the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office.

As a journalist, Ataiyero previously worked as a staff writer for the Chicago Tribune, The (Raleigh-Durham) News and Observer, Philadelphia Inquirer and Washington Post.

She’s a native of Washington, D.C. and has a degree in journalism from the University of Maryland. She is a member of the board of Media Impact Funders and Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights. She also at one time was general manager of the Chicago Steam, a minor-league basketball team.