Who We Are

Arianna is our Lead Director of Recess. She oversees recess strategy and partnerships.

Arianna came to her role at UI because she has always been passionate about helping people. As a graduate of an underserved CPS school, Arianna knows the importance of helping students recognize their ability to achieve their goals, and she sees sports-based youth development as a powerful tool to motivate young people.

Growing up, Arianna played two sports that molded her into the person she is today.
Basketball helped her understand the importance of being a part of a team. Track taught her discipline.

Lakita is our Director of Recess.

Lakita joined UI’s team after years of working as a parent volunteer and coach within CPS. She enjoys helping youth develop social emotional skills and seeing them grow and heal through sport and play.

Growing up, Lakita played basketball, softball, and tennis. She was also a part of the cheer squad for several years. Now you can catch her playing a game of Switch at recess.

Julie is the Chief Operating Officer and Vice President of Urban Initiatives. She dedicates her time to developing strategies to actualize our mission and vision-driven plans. She provides internal organization leadership.

Julie’s entire career has been dedicated to recreation-based youth development. She studied education policy at Brown University, and ever since, she has aimed to address inequities in opportunities for young people to develop outside of the classroom. Julie
originally got involved as a volunteer coach with UI in 2008 and quickly learned that she would add more value by developing systems to help our organization grow.

Julie loves to play backyard games with her three kids. From soccer, to baseball, basketball, and to jump rope, you will often find her outside playing!

Tony is our Director of Talent Operations. He provides support for UI team members throughout their entire employee lifecycle. He emphasizes values-aligned recruitment, performance management, and efficient hiring processes.

Tony chose UI because he has lived the UI mission. He spent time in his childhood in a low-income neighborhood and was able to develop important life skills through sports. Tony has a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources Management from Western Governors University. He is also certified as an Associate Professional in Human Resources from HRCI. He has journeyed from health care to personal training to human resources.

Tony is a lifelong athlete currently focusing on kettlebell sport and learning beach volleyball.

David is part of our Out of School Time (OST) team. He finds, trains, and supports great coaches and oversees program implementation and fidelity across our schools.

David is a dedicated professional with a strong background in education and community development. Formerly a Physical Education teacher at CPS, David’s passion for fostering growth and well-being has now led him to his role as the Program Manager (OST) at Urban Initiatives in Chicago. His tenure as a PE teacher at CPS allowed him to witness firsthand the transformative power of sports and physical activity in young lives, laying the foundation for his commitment to creating positive change.

Jim graduated from the University of Iowa with a B.A. in Political Science. He started his professional career as a substitute teacher at Cabrini-Green’s Byrd Academy, where the inspiration for Urban Initiatives began. Jim serves on the Governor’s Council on Health and Physical Fitness and is a member of Leadership Greater Chicago’s 2014 class. He is in his eleventh year as a professional soccer coach for the Wilmette Wings Soccer Club. Jim oversees the day-to-day external operations of Urban Initiatives.

Diana was born in the northside of Chicago and moved to the Pilsen neighborhood at the age of five. As the daughter of Mexican Immigrant parents, she is proud of her Mexican heritage. Diana has experience coordinating one of the largest Latino festivals in the Midwest, and is a leader in her community, passionate about youth empowerment. She is excited to continue working and investing in the Chicago communities to empower the youth and our children to become leaders. In her free time, Diana enjoys traveling, spending quality time with her family, and cooking.

Yolanda Givens is Chicago born but grew up and lived the majority of her adult life in the Los Angeles area. This University of California, Irvine (UCI) alum, has over 20 years of experience in the K-12, Higher Education and Nonprofit Sector. Yolanda has a wealth of knowledge and experience with the Community Schools Initiative model and is excited to now join the team at Urban Initiatives.

Alec is our Community Partnerships Manager. In this role, he builds community partnerships and produces events on Chicago’s South and West sides. He works closely with community-based organizations, parents, local leaders, and Park District staff.

As a former early childhood educator, volleyball coach, and dance teacher, Alec has spent many years working with, teaching, and coaching children. He is passionate about ensuring children develop social emotional and life skills that give them confidence, make them feel loved and supported, and allow them to have fun! He believes every child should have access to quality education, sport, and play opportunities.

Alec’s favorite sport is volleyball because there are many different ways to play and it’s a fun, team- based social sport.

Dana is our Lead Director of Procurement. In her role, she oversees all systems and processes across the organization to support school partner recruitment, satisfaction, retention, and organizational capacity. Her big goal is to scale sport-and-play-based SEL programming within CPS.

Dana was drawn to UI’s mission and approach to youth development. While serving as a Teach for America corps member in Atlanta, she experienced firsthand the critical need for SEL development and community-based approaches to closing the opportunity gap for young people. Her passion and commitment to this goal solidified, leading Dana to earn a masters in social work at the University of Chicago. She’s worked in a variety of roles impacting youth development and partnership engagement ever since.

Dana loves long distance running. She participates in multiple community-based running groups and also enjoys the peace and contentment of solo miles.

April is the Director of Program Administration. She works primarily with finance processes like payroll, school invoicing, and regular grant requirements.

April has a masters in education and is a licensed Teacher & School Counselor.
She fell in love with Urban Initiatives back in 2011 and has been here ever since. April enjoys being able to work with schools in every corner of the city!

Outside of work, April loves (needs?) to run, and is an aspiring marathon pacer.

Andy is our Lead Director of Learning. He coordinates professional development for all kinds of people inside and outside of Urban Initiatives. He focuses on creating learning plans for different groups and ensuring that all of our learning work is backed in experiential moments to build personal connection.

Andy has worked in non-profits for almost 20 years, and that work has all been focused on how to create a stronger relational fabric in Chicago. More than any other space, Andy thinks sports and play have the potential to build and repair that fabric.

Andy’s favorite sport and play activity is ultimate frisbee. He, loves the disc in flight and all the different ways it can look.

Monique is part of our Out of School Time (OST) team. She finds, trains, and supports great coaches and oversees program implementation and fidelity across our schools.

From Chicago to Arkansas and more, Monique (or Coach “P” to the students) is literally an all around the way girl. With a bachelor’s degree in business and 2 Masters’ degrees, she is nothing short of educated. The relationships she’s built and nearly 10+ years of working with youth, she is proud to return home to a home sport that she loves, Soccer. She joined the UI team in May of 2022 as an Assistant Soccer Coach, and has since continued her efforts with us as a Head Coach of the summer camp at Morton. She is now proud to join our team in her new role as Program Manager, OST.

Daniel is part of our Out of School Time (OST) team. He finds, trains, and supports great coaches and oversees program implementation and fidelity across our schools.

Daniel played soccer and water polo while studying Sociology at Carnegie Mellon University. After college he worked in Family and Community Engagement for Denver Public Schools, where his passion for school support and community outreach flourished. He is excited to bring his interests together to serve Chicago students and families!

Andrea is our Director of Data Infrastructure. As a member of our Evaluation team, Andrea oversees the data systems used to collect, store, and visualize information at UI.

After receiving her B.A. in Psychology from Concordia University Chicago, Andrea worked with South and West side communities to support unhoused families. After completing the Correlation One’s Data Science for All fellowship, Andrea saw UI as an ideal space to exercise her nonprofit and data skills to provide all Chicago youth with opportunities to engage in sport and play.

Andrea grew up playing a variety of sports and currently competes in Powerlifting.

Ebony graduated from North Central College in Naperville with a Bachelors in Exercise Science. She was a 6x National Qualifier in Shot Put and a 4x All-American in Shot Put. After undergrad she began a career in coaching Track & Field at Lincoln Way East H.S. and then later a coach at St. Laurence H.S. In addition to coaching, she continued to further her education at St. Thomas University in Miami, Fl., where she earned two master degrees- Master of Science in Educational Leadership & Sports Administration. Along with coaching, Ebony is a part of a nutrition club where promoting healthy treats and consistent routines is beneficial to help improve one’s physical & mental confidence. Ebony’s passion and goal in life is to become an Athletic director and continue coaching youth/young adults not only in a track & field setting but in other sports as well.

Meaghan is originally from Michigan, where she grew up with a love for sport, play, and just being outside (particularly on the shores of the Great Lakes). She attended the University of Michigan, where she studied Developmental Psychology and Gender & Health. With nearly a decade of experience in education and sports-based youth development, Meaghan is excited to join UI as the Lead Director of OST Soccer & Take the Lead. While she loves a good kickabout herself, she’s also an avid spectator and fan of the beautiful game! You can often find her cheering on our Chicago Red Stars or supporting her wife, a local soccer coach, from the sidelines.

Elyse is our Director of Curriculum.

Originally from Peoria, Arizona, Elyse attended the University of Arizona and received a BFA in Theatre Education. Prior to joining UI, Elyse worked as a teaching artist and actor and spent 10 years serving as a Department Head and Theater Teacher for Noble Charter Schools. She has seen how play can help heal and is excited to help UI use the power of play to bring social- emotional learning to children of all ages.

An actor at heart, Elyse loves to play cooperative games that have a dramatic component like
charades!

Annie grew up in a soccer-obsessed house with her five brothers in the west suburbs. After graduating from Michigan State, she worked with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic for over two years teaching Spanish literacy and building a community basketball court. Annie managed soccer and recess programs at UI before transitioning to the Development team. Now, she works with the Student, Associate, and Partners Board; manages UI events and sponsors; and oversees corporate engagement.

Tiffany is our Chief Program Officer.

Tiffany was drawn to UI because she wanted to feel good about her work and make a difference in her community. At UI, she’s allowed to be her authentic self as she continues to learn and grow in her career. She has really embraced the value of having FUN at work!

Tiffany’s favorite sport is whatever sport her kids are playing in the moment, which changes frequently! Currently, she’s enjoying flag football and bowling.

Morgan is part of our Out of School Time (OST) team. She finds, trains, and supports great coaches and oversees program implementation and fidelity across our schools.

Morgan joined UI because she wanted a role that would combine her experience with Chicago youth and her years of being a teacher and coach with her desire to help adults become confident in their own coaching style. Her background is in physical education and health education and she holds an Illinois teaching license.

Morgan played soccer from the time she was five through her college years. She enjoys watching local and international soccer with her husband and playing in pick-up games.

Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, KyJuan attended Kenwood Academy and immediately began working with youth sports programs after graduating. He believes that sports play an essential role in both physical and emotional development- sport has been a safe haven in his own life. He started with Urban Initiatives in 2016 and has continued his growth and development by taking on new roles. He is now excited for his new role as a leader for the CSI team.

Alondra is a Resource Coordinator. In her role, she oversees out-of-school-time programming at Clay Elementary, recruiting external vendors to provide a variety of after school programs. She also manages evaluation and ensures programs comply with policy, procedures, and grant requirements.

Alondra joined UI after years of community engagement as a youth sports coach.

Her favorite sport is volleyball because it offers a high intensity work out and the chance to play with amazing teammates who have fun together, regardless of whether they win or lose.

Jazmine is a Resource Coordinator. In her role, she oversees out-of-school-time programming at Harold Washington Elementary, recruiting external vendors to provide a variety of after school programs. She also manages evaluation and ensures programs comply with policy, procedures, and grant requirements.

Previously working in CPS, Jazmine has first hand experience in overseeing how the involvement of sports activity helps students with their social and emotional development and problem solving skills. She wants to continue to be a part of that and see the joy it brings the students each and every day.

Jazmine’s favorite sport to play is softball.

Aaliyah is a Resource Coordinator. In her role, she oversees out-of-school-time programming at Harold Washington Elementary, recruiting external vendors to provide a variety of after school programs. She also manages evaluation and ensures programs comply with policy, procedures, and grant requirements.

Aaliyah grew up on the west side of Chicago and earned a degree in Sociology from UIC. Her studies and personal life experiences strengthened her passion to work with youth, her community, and foster safe spaces for under resourced populations. She was drawn to UI because thrives in roles that allow her to make an impact and work within her community.

Aaliyah’s favorite sports are volleyball and tennis.

Jorge is a Resource Coordinator. In his role, he oversees out-of-school-time programming, recruiting external vendors to provide a variety of after school programs. He also manages evaluation and ensures programs comply with policy, procedures, and grant requirements.

Jorge has previous experience working in CPS and helped create a program that allowed students to get their creativity out through video. He wants to continue helping students and the community at large.

Jorge’s favorite sport to play and watch is soccer. He especially enjoys watching during the World Cup season with his friends.

Rashad is a Resource Coordinator. In his role, he oversees out-of-school-time programming at George Leland Elementary, recruiting external vendors to provide a variety of after school programs. He also manages evaluation and ensures programs comply with policy, procedures, and grant requirements.

Rashad was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, he earned a Bachelor of Science at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale majoring in Sport Administration. He is very passionate about sports & recreation and has a demonstrated history of working in indoor/outdoor facilities. Rashad looks forward to helping build young leaders through sports and activities.

Joel is one of our Recess Coaches who oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

Joel chose Urban Initiatives because he believes the recess program can help him make a positive impact on the new generation. Joel has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. He has been working as a soccer coach for two years outside of working with UI.

Joel was a professional soccer player who still enjoys watching and playing soccer in his free time.

Latia is our Recess Coach at Prieto Elementary, where she oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

Savannah is a Sub Recess Coach who oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

Crystal is our Recess Coach at Jahn Elementary, where she oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

Crystal heard about UI from the Principal at Jahn, where her daughters go to school. She loves working with the kids at Jahn and treats them like they’re her own children (the students love Crystal, too—they’ve taken to calling her “Coach Mom.”) She believes all kids should have the opportunity to be active and loves providing a space where kids can be themselves and have fun.

On the playground, you’ll find Crystal playing Sharks and Minnows with the elementary schoolers and playing Switch with the middle schoolers.

Her favorite sport is a tie between baseball and basketball.

Maggie is our Recess Coach at Monarcas Elementary where she oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

Keema is our Recess Coach at Mitchell Elementary, where she oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

Keema chose UI for a better experience and to put herself in a better position. She also chose UI because of the people that work here and how hard they support one another.

Her favorite sport is basketball.

Carolyn is a Recess Coach at Cameron Elementary, where she oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

As a mother of five, Carolyn knows how important it is to have a fun, safe structured environment for children to thrive in.

Her favorite sport is Volleyball because it makes you communicate effectively as a team.

Marshawn is a Sub Recess Coach who oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

He loves to coach, teach, and mentor. He is committed to making a powerful, positive impact on staff and students. He is also growing and learning as he goes to build his skill set for his career goals.

He likes playing Basketball. He is competitive and determined to win.

Juan is a Recess Coach at Christopher House Elementary, where he oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

Javon is a Recess Coach at Monroe Elementary, where he oversees a team of school staff and leads fun, play-based games and activities that support students’ social-emotional learning.

Javon Wright was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. He graduated from Simeon Career academy and attended University of Central Missouri while majoring in Sports Management. He is a dog dad to his first puppy who goes by the name of Isabella.