Lara directs and and co-manages the Bridges to Brighter Futures (Bridges) funding initiative, https:\\bridgestobrighterfutures.org, through the Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust (CCT). Partnering with CCT to address postsecondary equity in Chicago, Bridges aims to bridge the gap between Black, Latine, and low-income postsecondary students and good jobs that offer long-term economic security, by providing grants to organizations that address the challenges students are facing.

Led organizations in clarification of goals, outcomes and strategy for achieving their vision through relationship building and critical questioning. Directed the design and implementation of evaluation methodologies that promote data-driven decision making and stronger communication of impact.Designed and facilitated trainings, systems and implementation plans in order to achieve desired outcomes while improving institutional efficiencies.

Managed budget, evaluation, and implementation of Arts Impacting Achievement (AIA), federal research grant across two school districts and six project schoolsLed design and implementation of 60 hours of sequential curriculum for teachers and teaching artistsManaged creation of website and publication to share AIA model, processes and research outcomesFacilitated arts integration partnerships with districts, schools and organizations across multiple grants from local and national foundations, state and national governmentsManaged and trained a cadre of 20 teaching artists and 3 full-time staff membersDesigned and presented workshops and courses for professors, teachers and students

Designed inquiry-based curriculum integrating the arts and literacy across the curriculumTaught in self-contained and departmental settingsCoordinated and managed Lakeview Education and Arts Partnership (LEAP) for seven years (nationally recognized model for arts integration)Organized and managed a staff development committee to design theme-based, arts integrated curriculum for grades K-8driven by CPS and Illinois State standards