Program Coordinator Manager

JAVONNA ASKEW

Chicago, IL 773-***-**** *************@*****.***

OBJECTIVE

Results-driven Program Manager with extensive experience across nonprofit and corporate sectors. Skilled in grant compliance, program development, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional team leadership. Proven ability to drive operational efficiency, streamline processes, and lead mission-aligned initiatives that achieve measurable outcomes. Adept at translating community impact work into data-informed, business-minded strategies that support organizational growth and compliance.

EXPERIENCE

Program Manager, TASC Inc. - Chicago, IL (Dec 2024 – April 2025

- Maintains strict compliance with federal, state, and internal grant guidelines by regularly reviewing regulations, policies, and organizational procedures.

-Provides comprehensive support to grantees through ongoing technical assistance, audit preparation, and meticulous documentation review to ensure readiness and accountability.

- Conducts risk assessments to identify compliance vulnerabilities and collaborates with stakeholders to implement strategic process improvements, reducing audit findings and enhancing program efficiency.

Program Coordinator, The Firehouse Community Arts Center - Chicago, IL (Dec 2020 - Dec 2024)

- Managed and mentored Peace Ambassadors, contributing to their professional development and long-term employability through structured training, coaching, and skill-building.

-Led workforce development initiatives by designing and implementing community-based programs that supported youth employment, leadership, and career readiness.

- Built and maintained partnerships with vendors and contractors to support program sustainability and create employment pipelines.

-Developed and evaluated culturally responsive program curricula that aligned with workforce readiness goals and community engagement strategies

-Led grant research and writing efforts to secure funding for youth employment and arts-based programming; successfully applied for local and private grants aligned with program goals.

Community Collaboration & Resident Engagement Coordinator, I Am Able Center - Chicago, IL (Aug 2017 - Dec 2020)

- Identified funding opportunities and contributed to grant writing efforts to support community engagement and neighborhood safety initiatives.

- Engaged residents in planning and feedback processes to align programs with local needs and funding priorities.

- Organized and facilitated outreach events and stakeholder meetings, promoting two-way communication between residents and service providers.

-Supported workforce development by connecting residents with job training, educational opportunities, and essential resources.

Case Management Supervisor, I Am Able Center - Chicago, IL (Jan 2018 - Jan 2020)

-Supervised a trauma-informed care team serving families in North Lawndale, overseeing intake, assessment, service planning, and discharge processes to ensure quality care and compliance with program standards.

-Provided leadership, coaching, and professional development to case managers, fostering a supportive work environment and improving staff retention.

-Utilized Apricot case management software to track participant progress, maintain accurate records, and generate data-driven reports.

-Managed payroll and administrative tasks to ensure timely compensation and efficient team operations.

-Supported workforce development by mentoring entry-level staff and interns, aligning team goals with organizational objectives focused on healing, stability, and community empowerment

Program Advocate, Chicago Urban League - Chicago, IL (Jan 2015 - Jan 2017)

- Facilitated social-emotional learning (SEL) programming for youth, using restorative practices to promote emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and academic success.

-Developed and maintained Individual Service Plans (ISPs) for program participants, ensuring alignment with their personal, educational, and behavioral goals.

-Collaborated closely with Chicago Public Schools (CPS), state agencies, and community partners to coordinate services, advocate for youth needs, and increase access to supportive resources.

-Maintained detailed case files, tracked progress, and ensured compliance with all reporting requirements to meet program objectives.

-Played a key role in promoting equity and educational opportunity for at-risk youth through direct support and systems-level advocacy

EDUCATION

Education & Certifications

Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership, Lewis University - Romeoville, IL

- Concentration: Human Resource Management

- Badges: HR Management, Training & Development

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies (Board of Governors Program), Chicago State University - Chicago, IL

- Emphasis on Education and Communication

Additional Training:

- Managing and Implementing Training Initiatives - Lewis University

- Trauma-Informed Care

AWARDS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Member, National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) - National Leadership Honor Society

Core Competencies

Program & Grant Management

Compliance & Risk Mitigation

Strategic Planning & Implementation

Stakeholder Engagement

Team Leadership & Supervision

Training & Development

Process Improvement

Data Analysis & Reporting

Cross-functional Collaboration

Change Management

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