Mitch Dickey Email & Phone Number

Chicago, Illinois, United States

We work to help more people get on sustainable, thriving-wage career pathways in high-demand industries by leveraging virtual reality as an engaging and hands-on workforce development tool for effective career exploration and training. We do this by collaborating with passionate people across the workforce development system such as school districts.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

• Grassroots organizer and government relations staff with the Illinois Connection program of the University of Illinois System Office of Governmental Relations. We build relationships with local, state and federal.
• Developed advocacy, communication and event strategies for the Office of Governmental Relations to advance the U of I System’s relationships with local, state and federal lawmakers and our students, faculty, staff.
• Managed a team of three, half-time student employees to accomplish day-to-day tasks for the office, execute our communications strategy and help them develop skills so they are well equipped to work in government.
• Designed a small-group lobby day program that brings diverse groups from across the U of I System to the Illinois State Capitol to meet with state legislators and advocate for their programs. I tailor advocacy days for.
• Led in-district legislator meetings with state legislators from across Illinois. Successfully redeveloped the program into a virtual format that has hosted meetings with 50 legislators and engaged over 750 advocates.
• Managed vendor relations with Quorum, the U of I System's public affairs software used for state and federal legislative bill review, relationship management, and advocacy database. Responsible for training all staff.

• Developed and executed strategic communication plans for multiple state representatives in geographically diverse areas of Illinois.
• Staffed House Committees including Pensions & Personnel, Consumer Protection, Agriculture & Conservation, and Counties and Townships.
• Helped launch the Illinois House Democratic Caucus’ social media program, including developing the video media protocol and teaching staff to use AV equipment.
• Conceptualized and drafted press releases, direct mail, talking points and bill reviews for state legislators.Planned constituent outreach events for state representatives in their districts.

Champaign, Illinois, United States

• Assisted the Director of State Relations with bill review during the Illinois General Assembly's legislative session.
• Attended legislator events on behalf of the University of Illinois System to build relationships, represent the U of I System, and report back on important information.

• Testified at state and federal committee hearings on higher education issues including state funding, sexual assault, and Amtrak transportation.
• Led a team of 150 senators, committee members, and staff towards various long and short term goals on behalf of the students at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
• Emceed press conferences for the Illinois Coalition to Invest in Higher Education.
• Served as a member of the Student Fee Advisory Committee and Tuition Policy Advocacy Committee where I reviewed the financial plans for the university and individual, fee-supported units. Made recommendations on fee.
• Organized a statewide advocacy day in Springfield with over 300 students from colleges and universities across Illinois.

Washington, District Of Columbia

Master Of Public Administration

Political Science And Economics

Activities and Societies: Illinois Student Senate; Student Fee Advisory Committee; Tuition Policy Advisory Committee; Design Center.