-
Jim Dower, Co-Founder & Executive Director, President
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.
-
Julie Chelovich, Managing Director, Vice President
Julie graduated from Brown University with a B.A. in Political Science and has a Kellogg Executive Scholar Certificate in Nonprofit Management. She played many sports growing up and has always had an interest in youth development and health education. Previously Julie worked at Black River Farm and Ranch where she served as the Program Director. After volunteering at Urban Initiatives as an Assistant Coach, she knew she had found a great organization for which to put her professional skills to work. Julie oversees day-to-day internal operations of Urban Initiatives.
-
Brendan McAlpine, Chief Program Officer
Brendan earned a M.A. in Education and Community Development at Wheaton College before joining the Urban Initiatives team as a Program Associate in 2012. Brendan oversees the Continuum of Programming and Evaluation departments, ensuring that the Work to Play, Take the Lead, and Coach for Success programs operate at high levels of quality and impact. In addition to the amazing students, families, and teammates that make this organization great, Brendan loves his job because it allows his inner nerd to make peace with his love of sports.
-
Joy Nelson, Chief People Officer
A Chicago native, Joy graduated from UIC with a Master’s in Education, focusing on Youth Development. After working as a Program Manager at Urban Initiatives for 2 years, she was promoted into the role of Play with Potential Program Director, overseeing recess at 24 local schools. In 2017, she took an opportunity to work with the National YMCA and spent a year and half traveling the Midwest and West Coast, supporting out of school time programming in underserved communities. She returned to Urban Initiatives in 2019 as the Culture and Climate Director and oversaw the day to day operations of our Play with Potential and Community School’s Initiative programs. She will begin her doctorate in Educational Leadership at DePaul in the fall of 2019. Joy is fun-loving supermom with a knack for connecting to people, children, and all things under the sun.
-
April Lillstrom, Program Partnerships Director
April received a B.A. in English from the University of Illinois and a M.Ed. from UIC, where she specialized in elementary education. April worked with AmeriCorps at educational non-profit groups including First Place School in Seattle and Jumpstart for Young Children in Chicago. Now, she catalyzes program partnerships to help Urban Initiatives leverage the best allies in the field to benefit the kids in our programs.
-
Dajuan King, Program Director
Dajuan was born and raised on Chicago’s West Side. He is an Alum of Rowe-Clark Math & Science Academy, and received his B.A in Social Work from Wartburg College in Iowa. For the past 6 years, Dajuan has dedicated his time to working with Chicago’s under served and under privileged youth. He is excited about having the opportunity to give back to his community and positively influence youth who may be experiencing the same dilemmas he experienced while growing up.
-
Lauren Gaynor, Director of Institutional Partnerships
Lauren graduated from Michigan State University with a double major in English and Professional Writing with a concentration in Communities and Cultures. Prior to Urban Initiatives, Lauren was a Development Associate for the DuSable Museum of African American History. At UI, Lauren oversees the management of institutional partnerships and outside of work, Lauren spends most of her time training for the Chicago Marathon and other upcoming races.
-
Linda Galib, Research & Evaluation Director
Originally from Rhode Island, Linda holds a B.S. in Exercise Science from Ithaca College, and an M.P.P and M.P.H. with a focus in health behavior and health education from the University of Michigan. Prior to UI, she conducted federal health program and policy evaluation, volunteered for a child and family services agency in Chicago, and interned in Quito, Ecuador, where she worked to empower youth using PhotoVoice. Her love of sport AND data stem from her childhood, as she played soccer through high school and softball into college, and grew up eagerly programming her grandfather’s computer in Basic (for example, to make the screen color change)! Linda manages program evaluation for Urban Initiatives.
-
Sara Shanley, Director of Innovative Partnerships
Sara is from Arlington, Virginia and earned a M.A. in International Studies with a focus in African Studies and sports-based youth development. Following her graduate studies, Sara joined the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club where she directed the U.S. Soccer Foundation’s sports-based childhood obesity prevention program. Prior to joining Urban Initiatives, Sara spent a year in Rwanda as the Program Manager for Kids Play International where she managed their sports-based gender equality education program. Sara spearheads program development for WTP, TTL and CFS.
-
Samantha Suh, Special Projects Manager
Sammy earned her B.A in Elementary Education at the University of Michigan and taught 2nd grade at a CPS school on the northwest side of Chicago. She wanted to continue growing her passion for education and youth in Chicago so she joined the Urban Initiatives team as a Special Projects Manager. In her free time, Sammy frequents many cafes throughout Chicago and believes coffee is an essential part of any day.
-
Wesley Quevedo, Research and Evaluation Coordinator
Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Wesley received his B.A. in Environmental Analysis from Pomona College. For the past 5 years, he has worked with several cultural institutions in Chicago as an educator, and more recently, as an evaluator. Wesley is passionate about inspiring people to recognize and reach their potential. Wesley is intrigued by the intersection of the arts and sciences, and enjoys a really good slice of cheese and pepperoni pizza. As Research and Evaluation Coordinator, Wesley supports evaluation strategy, implementation, and impact across Urban Initiative’s programs.
-
Taryne Moore, Development Manager – Corporate Partnerships
Born and raised in California, Taryne graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.A. in Sociology. Following graduation, she completed two years of national service as an AmeriCorps member and Team Leader with City Year Boston. She then worked as an Impact Manager leading teams of City Year AmeriCorps members serving in Boston Public Schools. Upon relocating to Chicago she worked with Mikva Challenge as a Special Projects Consultant. Taryne is so excited to join Urban Initiatives to help connect corporate partners with this important work as the Development Manager – Corporate Partnerships.
-
Kelli Manning, Program Manager – Continuum of Programming
Originally from Racine, Wisconsin, also known as the city that brought the United States Danish Kringle, Kelli graduated from Wheaton College with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology. When Kelli wasn’t playing volleyball, she participated in many social justice and community development events; events that shared her passion for walking with underrepresented people. After committing a year of service as an Americorps member for College Possible, a nonprofit that helps low-income, first generation college bound students get to and through college, she transitioned to Urban Initiatives, an organization that shares her love of sports and social justice. As a Program Manager, Kelli is excited to be a part of a program that breaks down barriers, develops healthy lifestyles, and builds cross cultural interactions. Kelli also likes to cook, dance and watch thriller movies.
-
MaryGrace Pankratz, Development Manager
MaryGrace was born and raised in Madison, WI. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in Political Science and International Studies with a focus in international relations and global security. After graduating, MaryGrace worked for non-profits in the Madison area with strong dedication to education and community building. As Development Manager, MaryGrace works to support fundraising and engagement efforts at Urban Initiatives.
-
Rebecca Daaleman, Program Manager – Culture & Climate
Rebecca grew up in New Jersey and graduated from University of Michigan with a B.A. in Psychology. Prior to her time at Urban Initiatives, she served as an AmeriCorps Member and a Team Leader at City Year Chicago.
-
KyJuan Hardin, Program Manager – Culture & Climate
Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, KyJuan attended Kenwood Academy from 2010- 2013 and immediately begin working with youth sports programs after graduating. He believes that sports play an essential role in both physical and emotional development and knows sports has been a personal safe haven in his own life. He started with Urban Initiatives in 2016 and has continued his growth and development taking on multiple roles for the past four years. He is now excited for his new role as a leader for the Culture and Climate team.
-
Michelle Ramos, Program Manager – Culture & Climate
Michelle is originally from the Ashburn neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago and studied Therapeutic Recreation at Southern Illinois University. She has worked with several youth programs over the past 10 years. She’s played rugby for the past five years and currently plays with the Will County Morrigans. Michelle started working with Urban Initiatives as a Facilitator and Assistant Coach.
-
Eugene Tsipris, Program Manager – Continuum
Eugene grew up in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. He attended DePaul University in Chicago where he majored in Sports and Fitness Management and claims to have soccer running through his blood.
-
Chanelle McFarland, Program Manager – Continuum
Chanelle has a B.A. in Sports Administration from Southern Illinois University. Next to her love for coaching basketball, she has always had a passion for working with children and being a positive role model. Going into her 4th school year with UI, she loves being apart of the school community and all the opportunities they provide for students.
-
Dani Berny, Program Manager – Continuum
Dani graduated from the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse in May of 2016 with a degree in Therapeutic Recreation, and she has worked in places such as nursing homes, mental health hospitals, summer camps and schools. She currently serves in the Illinois National Guard as an Aviation Operations Specialist working with Blackhawk helicoptors. Her passion for working with students is second only to her desire to pet every dog she sees on the street!
-
Arianna Bell, Program Manager – Continuum
Arianna earned a B.S in Community Leadership & Civic Engagement from the Northern Illinois University. She attended Howe Elementary one of the many CPS schools we serve throughout the Chicagoland area. She owes many of her successes to her ability to access extracurricular activities at a young age.
Chris is passionate about sports and youth development and sees Urban Initiatives as an opportunity to give back to the community he grew up in. He enjoys grilling, watching sporting events, and rooting for all Chicago teams.
Ebony has a bachelors in Exercise Science from North Central College in Naperville, IL where she accomplished being a 4x All-American in shot put and a 6x national qualifier in throws. She recently finished her first masters’ program in Educational Leadership and is working on completing her second masters’ in Sports Administration. Both her masters degrees are from St. Thomas University in Miami Gardens, FL. She’s an SBPC which requires an abundant amount of energy and she prides herself on brings lots of enthusiasm to the program. She strives for continual growth in her everyday life as well as networking with individuals that can build her knowledge on the road to success.
Daniel was born in Chicago, Illinois then he moved to Arlington, Texas when he was 8. He graduated from Timberview Mansfield High School in 2011 and moved back to Chicago in 2014. Daniel worked a variety of jobs post-high school, including stints as a pool cleaner, and work in the warehouse, restaurant, factory, cleaning, medical and office industries. Daniel loves the work he does at UI where he gets to interact every day with kids and games, but he also has aspirations of becoming a professional computer geek someday. One day that aspiration will be realized! Until then he will continue to grow as a person and coach at the best sports-based youth development organization in the city and, not arguably, the world.
Coach Brandy is a School-Based Program Coordinator at Lawndale where previously she was an Onsite Program Director.
Victor was born in Chicago and grew up in Cicero. He would have loved to have had recess growing up and someone to be a role model during recess. Having always been drawn to art, he studied illustration at the American Academy of Art and received a Bachelors of Fine Art. He paints, draws, and sculpts and plans to be creating art lifelong. He was never the star athlete, but he has always played sports and understands the power of play. His goal is to show kids that the new skills they acquire playing different games and sports will transcend the playground and help them in their path to adulthood. Victor has been married for close to five years, and his wife has been his unconditional support. He believes that having a family or at the very least a caring adult to support us in our lives can and will make all the difference in the lives of the kids we serve.
Will graduated from Knox College in 2018. He has learned and grown as a soccer-playing individual/teammate since he was about 6 years old. Will hopes to make meaningful connections with students and to impart some of the knowledge he picked up playing, watching, and coaching soccer.
Moises is a family-oriented individual with a passion for helping youth and communities grow. He attended Benito Juarez high school while growing up around the southwest parts of Chicago. Moises is currently working on attending Richard D. Community College and is excited to be working for Urban Initiatives as a Program Associate!
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!
Born and raised in the North Side Suburbs, Jackson graduated from Loyola Academy before getting a BA in Economics and International Nonprofit Management/Development from Tulane University. After working in New Orleans with multiple nonprofit organizations, He moved to Buenos Aires, Argentina. He learned spanish, studied public health/politics, and worked with Argentinian youth while there. Upon relocating back to Chicago he worked in tech and for Catholic Charities. As a hockey player and a sailor Jackson loves physical activity and being outdoors. He is very happy to be back working in youth development with Urban Initiatives in his role as Program Coordinator.
Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Miyah spent her first two years at Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga and later returned home to complete her B.A. in Sociology at Roosevelt University. There she was able to continue developing a strong passion for art, social justice, educational reform and activism. Being a first generation graduate only fueled Miyah’s passion to become more involved in her community. She understands how important it is to bridge fun, equitable and quality opportunities for marginalized youth, and is a strong believer in community pride and support. More so, Miyah believes the biggest opportunity as leaders is the need to work on giving one another, especially our youth, spaces to develop personal autonomies in a safe and non- judgmental environment. 
Hi, my name is Lakita Chandler. I am a mom of 3 intelligent, beautiful young ladies. My passion and joy for working with youth goes back to my childhood when I was always the teacher or mom. I’ve been a volunteer and cheer coach with CPS for 6 years. I am so excited to be apart of the UI team and continue to fulfill my passion of empowering our youth.
Bernie is the Recess Coordinator at Ravenswood.
Ruth was born and raised in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and attended CPS growing up. She is experienced with alternative educational engagement through arts programming and has her BA in Applied Behavioral Sciences. Ruth grew up playing every kind of sport imaginable at recess and is excited to build relationships with her school community.
Amere is the Recess Coordinator at Tarkington.
Tiffany Washington is an experienced people leader who’s passionate about growth and development. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Illinois @ Champaign, and spent the last decade of her career building and leading high performance teams at Kaplan University. Tiffany is from the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago and is proud to be contributing to the community through her work as a Resource Coordinator at Spencer Elementary. 
Javon is the Recess Coordinator at Daley Elementary.
