The Civic Leadership Academy (CLA) at the University of Chicago is an interdisciplinary certificate program for high-potential government and nonprofit professionals combining academic course work with action skills and a capstone project. CLA aims to enhance the capacity of these leaders to perform effectively in their positions and within their organizations, thereby strengthening the communities they serve and the city of Chicago as a whole.

As Director of Strategic Initiatives I am charged with the development and launch of Concordia Place’s newest project, an early learning social enterprise. Through this work I am able to leverage my experience in nonprofit real estate development, and hone my skills in communications and marketing strategy development. In my role I am also leading the organization’s advocacy efforts and working to increase Concordia’s brand visibility through key partnerships in early learning, after school, and teen leadership.

As Senior Project Manager within IFF's Real Estate Services department, I provided consulting and management services to nonprofits contemplating real estate and facility projects. Through financial feasibility analyses, demographic research, and understanding an organizations' short and long-term needs and goals, I lead real estate development projects from inception to groundbreaking in the early education, healthcare, and arts and culture spaces.

Managed the entitlement and due diligence process for all new construction development projects. Focused on creating custom demographic analytics to identify target markets throughout the US. Lead internal and external teams to secure and develop over 50 projects within a 3-year period.