LINK Unlimited Scholars supports Black students in Chicago and works to close a critical opportunity gap in our education system. Through a proven fellowship and mentorship model, we provide our Scholars with with the resources they need for success as they advance to, through, and beyond college.To learn more, please visit us at linkunlimited.org

High School District 214 is a nationally recognized, forward-looking high school district located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. It is Illinois' largest high school district, comprising six exemplary high schools and three specialized schools. The District's educators and support staff believe it is our responsibility to encourage and prepare every student to find their passion, reach their potential, and discover their future. We are instrumental in building bright futures for 12,000 students, preparing them to be college, career, and life ready. The District 214 Education Foundation provides funding, secures resources, and promotes partnerships that support student success, innovation and lifelong learning beyond the means of conventional public funding. Last year, contributions to the Foundation brought first-generation students and their parents to college campuses; funded tens of thousands of dollars in early college credit through the support of Advanced Placement tests for students who cannot afford the fee; bolstered the business dreams of standout entrepreneurial students; awarded thousands of dollars in scholarships; and fostered learning for generations through dozens of dedicated funds and targeted campaigns. Visit us at 214foundation.org to learn more or find out how you can help.

CCS is a leading global fundraising consulting and management firm which provides fundraising, development services, and strategic consulting to nonprofit organizations worldwide. With offices throughout North America and in London and Dublin, CCS designs successful and sustainable development initiatives for organizations across every non-profit sector.Campaigns Directed / Managed include the new Robert Crown Community Center, Park, and Library in Evanston, Illinois; Lions Clubs International’s Campaign 100; The Dubuque Museum of Art; Christ the King Parish and School in Chicago's Beverly community; Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Parish in Winnetka, Illinois; and the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles, Missouri. Studies / Assessments Conducted include The City Club of Cleveland and the American Health Information Management Association.

As Director of Development, Midwest, responsibilities included cultivating relationships with AFT's ever-growing network of supporters in the country's breadbasket, and for soliciting and securing generous major gifts to support AFT's vital programming. American Farmland Trust works to protect America's valuable and threatened farmland from non-strategic development, safeguard the health of our soil and water supply, and keep family farmers on their land. Find out more at www.farmland.org.

CCS is a leading global fundraising consulting and management firm which provides fundraising, development services, and strategic consulting to nonprofit organizations worldwide. With offices throughout North America and in London and Dublin, CCS designs successful and sustainable development initiatives for organizations across every non-profit sector.Campaigns Directed / Managed include the new Robert Crown Community Center, Park, and Library in Evanston, Illinois; Lions Clubs International’s Campaign 100; The Dubuque Museum of Art; Christ the King Parish and School in Chicago's Beverly community; Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Parish in Winnetka, Illinois; and the Academy of the Sacred Heart in St. Charles, Missouri. Studies / Assessments Conducted include The City Club of Cleveland and the American Health Information Management Association.

Directed all operations and administrative functions of Illinois’ largest public interest organization and political coalition, acting as chief financial and compliance officer, director of human resources, and manager of information technology. - Created and oversaw operating budgets of $830,000 to $3.3 million. Prepared and presented financial statements, coordinated annual audits and prepared IRS Form 990 returns. Negotiated contracts. Ensured governmental compliance, including political action committee filings, lobbying reports, and campaign disclosure. - Planned and managef logistics for fundraising events of 30 to 600 guests. Coordinated direct appeals and nurtured relationships with donors. Composed content for website, social media, email outreach, grants, and program reports. - Established and enforced policies and procedures. Managed all aspects of human resources, including salaries, benefits, retirement plans, and personal time. Maintained organizational records, including board and policy council meeting minutes.- Maintained database of over 4,500 supporters and 13,000 email subscribers. Managed and troubleshot information technology systems. Oversaw facility concerns, including lease and sublease, repairs, and security issues. Trained staff on website and database software.Key achievements: - Steered financial activity of $1.4 million Illinois Unites for Marriage campaign for marriage equality in Illinois, achieving historic victory in passage of landmark civil rights legislation.- Engineered major database transition, led team that increased email list by 126% and social media supporters by 870%. - Guided operations for Health Care for America Now campaign, statewide leader for Affordable Care Act implementation, launch of Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace.

- Managed operations for community associations of 20 to 385 residences. Researched, created, and executed annual operating budgets of $85,000 - $1.1 million and individual capital expenditures of up to $325,000. - Solicited and reviewed competitive proposals for over 90 projects and services. Prepared quote comparisons and submitted vendor recommendations to boards of directors. Negotiated over 35 long-term contracts. Processed accounts payable, tracked expenses, presented financial statements. - Prepared disclosure statements and paid assessment letters for over 60 home sales. Tracked assessment income and pursued legal collection procedures against delinquent accounts. Enforced regulations and declaration provisions; levied fees and fines. - Composed official association correspondence, newsletters, requests for proposals, and three 40-page editions of rules and regulations. Archived association records. Supervised doorpersons and custodians. Served on 24-hour emergency call.

Maintained property schedules and coordinated moves. Supervised doorpersons and custodians, reviewed security reports. Maintained fire safety systems, security cameras, computers, HVAC, plumbing, elevators, and generator. Served on 24-hour emergency call.

Helped lead a one-week immersive service learning program for high school students. Supervised 17 students on community projects, facilitated educational activities and issue discussions. Enforced program policies, supported students’ academic and social well-being.

Worked in various capacities on over 35 theatre productions in Chicago, including The Journeymen’s Othello; The Trip to Bountiful, Flung, and Quake at American Theater Company; Peter Pan for Emerald City Theatre Company, and Mad Forest at Piven Theatre Workshop.

- Managed box office and coordinated public relations for nonprofit theatre with $420,000 annual budget. Developed donor database, increasing mailing list by 75% and subscriber base by 66%. Instituted email marketing system. - Coordinated design of promotional materials, composed press releases, coordinated photography sessions, and maintained publicity archives for nine productions. - Delivered pre-show curtain speeches. Coordinated Veterans Outreach Program and three major fundraising events. Facilitated committee meetings and coordinated volunteer network. Supervised two employees, three interns, and volunteer ushers.