Executive Director Community Engagement

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Dynamic Executive Director with over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, specializing in fundraising strategy and stakeholder relationship management. Proven track record in generating substantial funding, community engagement, and program development. Composed and engaging leader committed to equity and community empowerment, adept at fostering inclusive environments and driving organizational growth.

KEY ACHIEVEMENTS

Strategic Fundraising Initiative: At Talented 10th College Prep. & Career Mentoring Program, generated $250,000 for educational mentoring program by leveraging stakeholder relationships and applying a composed strategic approach.

Community Engagement and Empowerment: As community Liaison for the City of Chicago, produced the 2019 Chicago Block Club Convention, fostering community empowerment through rational compassionate leadership.

Volunteer Recruitment Success: Recruited over 1,000 volunteers for educational mentoring program at Talented 10th College Prep. & Career Mentoring Program, demonstrating ongoing and dependable leadership.

EXPERIENCE

2011 – Present Executive Director

Talented 10th College Prep. & Mentoring Program, Chicago, IL 2011- Present

•Established a strong strategic development plan for yearly fundraising efforts, strengthening relationships with donors and stakeholders.

• This included strengthening relationships with philanthropists, individual donors, parents, corporations, and elected officials.

•Created an alumni group to identify steady doner prospects, leading to sustainable funding.

•Successfully lobbied the State of Illinois for supportive services and school reform, showcasing rational and engaging leadership.

•Managed the strategic planning, policy development and implementation, ensuring compliance with state and federal mandates.

Community Liaison 21st Ward

City of Chicago – Chicago, IL 2017-2022

•Act as the liaison for the Ward office and the community organizations, creating a resource network for community events.

•Mentored and trained entrepreneur start-up businesses fostering community empowerment and economic growth.

•Worked directly with Alderpersons to address high-priority community issue, demonstrating composed and objective problem-solving

•Conducted research on the effectiveness of Chicago Block Clubs, leading to informed community engagement strategies.

Account Executive

Waterlogic USA, Chicago, IL 2015 - 2017

•Marketed water cooler systems door to door, consistently achieving sales goals.

•Conducted product training for customers and new employees, showcasing outgoing and dependable training skills.

Employment Specialist

Near West Side CDC, Chicago, IL 2007 – 2013

•Managed over $250,000 in contracts for Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development; maintained fiscal records and budget management.

•Trained over 800 participants in Job Readiness skills, demonstrating compassionate and rational training techniques.

•Developed job fairs and ongoing activities, enhancing community employment opportunities.

SKILLS

Community Empowerment Fundraising Strategy Leadership Development Policy Development

Program Development and Implementation Program Evaluation Research and Analysis

Stakeholder Relationship Management Budget Management Fundraising Fund Development

Grant Applications Community Development Operating Budget Budget Development

EDUCATION

Education

National Louis University,

Ph.D. Community Psychology Program

University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Social Service Administration MSW

Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL

Political Science, International Relations BA, Bachelor

RESEARCH EXPERIENCES

Research Experience:

Shared Reflections on Transformative Practice: From Challenges to Client Empowerment in Workforce Development Vol. 16 No. 2 (2010) Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping (reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org)

Understanding the Role of Block Clubs Empowerment in Strengthening their Sense of Community in Chicago (Dissertation 2022)

Reparations from African Countries (Current Research)

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