Erick Deshaun D. Email & Phone Number

Young Invincibles’ mission is to amplify the voices of young adults in the political process and expand economic opportunity for our generation.

Illinois, United States

Provided leadership and strategy for this newly established role for the organization. Lead cross-departmental work groups for Membership and Advocacy campaigns. Organized a two-year campaign resulting in $50M in relief dollars in the Illinois' state budget for the arts and culture sector. Organized an advocacy day in Springfield, with over 150 participants, 50+ legislator touches, legislative breakfast, and rally in the Capitol Building. Serve as point for the organization's advisory board, the Arts Leadership Council. Increased ALC membership by over 100%, established long-term goals, sub-committees, and onboarding processes. Led the organization's Membership recruitment, engagement, and retention. Increased membership by over 100%. Developed, and serve as liaison to, a state-wide coalition consisting of Illinois' arts and cultural sector membership organizations.

Joliet, Il

With the co-founder, activated over 50 alumni from Joliet Township High Schools #204 to fundraise and advocate for students. Activities included a community step-show Kick Off event, an annual gala, creation of 5 scholarship programs, 2 after-school programs, and a COVID-19 public will campaign, “#BlackFolksInMasks.” Served as primary liaison with the multiple stakeholders including funders, school administrators, and board members. Successfully sunset the organization in 2022 with a surplus and multiple scholarships continuing in the district’s foundation.

Greater Chicago Area

Oversee daily operations of organization including financial procedures and reporting, general operations, human resources, marketing, and public relations. Support the Executive Director in working with the Board of Directors and committees. Occasionally serve as a representative and advocate for the organization. Support Producing Director and leadership team to manage an orchestra of 60+ musicians with performances in regional venues, cultural institutions, municipal bodies, higher education, and international collaborations.

Multiple Locations

Worked as an independent contractor while completing my Masters’ degree and founding a community organization in my hometown. Served as both lead and as a team member across multiple industries including arts and creative, education, social, and corporate clients. Experienced in 1:1 and group coaching, facilitation, project management, and community outreach. Notable clients include: Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago, University of Illinois - College of Medicine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Ingenuity Inc., Steppenwolf Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre, IdeasToGo, Kraft Foods, Greenelight Consulting, and NowVation Inc.

Chicago, Il

Founding Director of a department that oversaw Fine Arts, Out-of-School Time and Field Trip programs. Created a small-grants program that awarded $100,000 in grants to support arts education, out-of-school time and field trip programs. Developed and implemented a database system to track and report program attendance. Managed school-based vendors for both during school and out-of-school. Created and implemented an Out-of-School Time toolkit for incoming administrators. Produced an annual Festival of the Arts & Sciences.

Manage district-wide, free tutoring offered through No Child Left Behind, a federal appropriation totaling $50 million with 97% of the budget going directly to student services. Manage a team of 3 coordinators and 350+ site coordinators. Oversaw the fiscal, marketing, policy and compliance processes for the program. Exceeded fiduciary responsibilities, including projected cash flow analysis, quarterly reviews, financial reporting and audits. Reached the highest recorded attendance for the program since its implementation in Chicago Public Schools.

Certificate, "Leadership, Organizing, And Action"

Led by Faculty Chair Marshall Ganz, Leadership, Organizing and Action: Leading Change is a 15-week online executive program designed.

Master'S Of Arts (M.A.), Performing Arts Administration

Bachelor'S Of Arts (B.A.), Theatre Arts

Study Abroad, Spanish, Arts, & Culture

Education record