Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Affiliations
References
Timeline
Generic

Qiana Gillespie

Chicago

Summary

Senior leader with 25+ years of experience in program development and community engagement. Expertise in expanding impactful programs, securing funding, and driving operational excellence. Skilled in fostering collaborations that enhance service delivery and improve outcomes.

Overview

23
23
years of professional experience

Work History

Community Engagement Manager

Equal Hope Chicago
Chicago
09.2024 - Current
  • Lead and supervise a team of 9 community health workers, providing strategic guidance, training, and professional development.
  • Develop and implement community engagement initiatives aligned with organizational goals, ensuring measurable impact through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
  • Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, healthcare providers, and stakeholders to advance health equity initiatives.
  • Oversee program compliance with policies, regulations, and accreditation standards.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to enhance service outreach and funding opportunities.

Director of Youth Development

UCAN Chicago
Chicago
11.2022 - 05.2024
  • Spearheaded growth of Youth Development Department from 4 to 32 staff and expanded programs from 5 to 9.
  • Led strategic planning, recruitment, and training initiatives to ensure program sustainability.
  • Managed budget increase from $100,000 to $2 million through successful grant acquisitions.
  • Established collaborations with over 10 schools, 20 community partners, and 40 stakeholders to enhance youth engagement.

Assistant Director of Programs & Enrichment

Perspectives Charter Schools
Chicago
11.2017 - 11.2022
  • Directed enrichment programming across two school campuses, managing 12 external partner relationships.
  • Increased student enrollment and attendance by 80% through innovative youth-led initiatives.
  • Designed and launched pharmacy technician certification program, providing 190 hours of technical training.
  • Facilitated dual enrollment partnerships with Chicago City Colleges to expand course offerings.

Site Director

Boys & Girls Club Chicago
Chicago
04.2014 - 11.2017
  • Drove program sustainability by developing over eight new community partnerships.
  • Increased youth enrollment by seventy-five percent through targeted outreach strategies.
  • Managed a budget of $150K, ensuring fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency.

Program Director

Center of Higher Development Inc.
Chicago
06.2002 - 04.2014
  • Supervised Supplemental Educational Services (SES) programs across four CPS locations, guiding curriculum development and instruction.
  • Established GED program in collaboration with City Colleges of Chicago, enabling over 120 students to earn credentials.
  • Secured $200K in grant funding to enhance workforce development initiatives.

Education

Master of Arts - Educational Administration

Concordia University
River Forest, IL
12-2021

Bachelor of Arts - Marketing Management

Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago
Chicago, IL
05-2008

Skills

  • Program development
  • Community engagement
  • Partnership building
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Team leadership
  • Stakeholder collaboration
  • Strategic planning
  • Performance metrics
  • Direct operations
  • Relationship building
  • Nonprofit experience

Accomplishments

  • 2019 Illinois Directors of Student Activities Outstanding Activity Director Award
  • 2018 A Disciplined Life Award (Perspectives Charter School Network)

Affiliations

  • Bread of Life Food Pantry Volunteer
  • Resource consultant for grassroots organizations

References

References available upon request.

Timeline

Community Engagement Manager

Equal Hope Chicago
09.2024 - Current

Director of Youth Development

UCAN Chicago
11.2022 - 05.2024

Assistant Director of Programs & Enrichment

Perspectives Charter Schools
11.2017 - 11.2022

Site Director

Boys & Girls Club Chicago
04.2014 - 11.2017

Program Director

Center of Higher Development Inc.
06.2002 - 04.2014

Master of Arts - Educational Administration

Concordia University

Bachelor of Arts - Marketing Management

Illinois Institute of Art - Chicago

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Qiana Gillespie