Curriculum Vitae

• Developed, coordinated, and realized all aspects of Artists-In-Residence program. This included working with artists and potential partners to develop individualized residencies, coordinating artists’ schedules, creating budgets, executing service agreements and preparing contracts, as well as acting as a liaison between artists, schools, community organizations and civic leaders.
• Marketed and promoted Urban Gateways and the Artists-In-Residence program in partnership with other members of the UG staff by maintaining an active role in the local arts, arts education and youth development communities.
• Assisted in the assessment of the success of individual residencies and the Artists-In-Residence program by executing program and residency evaluations.

• Developed curricula in collaboration with Program Directors
• Facilitated writing workshops with youth at Nancy B. Jefferson High School, located in Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center
• Edited poetry for annual students’ anthology
• Audio-recorded songs and poetry from female students

• Developed curricula for writing and performance to create work that educates and provides insight around HIV/AIDS
• Facilitated developed curricula and provided feedback on participants’ writing and performance
• Supported and encouraged participants during performances and presentations 

• Developed curricula in collaboration with Teaching Artists
• Implemented curricula for the Words@PLAY weekly sessions
• Managed the classroom environment and atmosphere to ensure that the space was properly equipped, organized and lively
• Hired and supervised Teaching Artists, volunteers and any other relevant staff
• Communicated with the Director of the Children’s Festival and the Cultural Programs Coordinator of the Chicago Park District in programming and logistics
• Collaborated with Teaching Artists, Park supervisors and the students to make the program more exciting and educational
• Brought out a playful way to guide the students to learn about literary, theatre and visual arts themes while having fun
• Collected poems written by the students for each section and selected the ones that will be presented or published in the annual anthology
• Oversaw and managed day-to-day operations of the program

• Developed custom curricula for workshops and classes
• Facilitated small-group poetry/writing/performance classes and discussions
• Video and audio recorded and edited performances and workshops
• Was responsible for all internal communications and public relations
• Was responsible for approving all marketing, advertising and promotional materials
• Spokesperson for the organization

• Booked various artists for Wordplay, Young Chicago Authors’ youth open mic
• Created and developed the Wordplay name and brand, including creation of format for weekly event, creation of all promotional and advertising materials and training of youth staff to eventually manage Wordplay themselves with minimal adult supervision
• Set up for Wordplay
• Hosted Wordplay
• Developed and promoted Wordplay identity throughout Chicago

• Conducted client needs-assessment and assisted clients in developing case management plans that included personal goals
• Provided and coordinated case management, as well as offered information and referrals to services that youth may need
• Provided mentorship and guidance for youth leaders who planed Horizons Youth Program events, such as Hallowqueen, the LGBT Prom and a national World AIDS Day event
• Provided training and educational programs on LGBTQ youth-related issues to Chicago Public schools, social service providers and other appropriate audiences
• Coordinated the development and implementation of HIV/AIDS/STD education, harm reduction and life skills program for youth
• Developed curricula and provided leadership for Leadership Excellence through Artistic Development (L.E.A.D.), the Horizons Youth Saturday Program and the Horizons Youth Program’s Young Women’s Program
• Developed and facilitated groups on a variety of subjects, such as safer sex, coming out issues and creative expression groups
• Served as an agency representative to appropriate community groups, agencies and organizations
• Created and presented workshops at various Chicago-area high schools, elementary schools, community programs and professional and social service agencies
• Provided outreach and institutional advocacy in order to schedule the above-referenced workshops
• Created, reviewed and re-wrote sexual assault prevention curricula on an on-going basis
• Trained and mentored volunteer advocates
• Accurately entered data into the Illinois Infonet statistic system, in order to track monthly progress

• Created and presented workshops at various Chicago-area high schools, elementary schools, community programs and professional and social service agencies
• Provided outreach and institutional advocacy in order to schedule the above-referenced workshops
• Created, reviewed and re-wrote sexual assault prevention curricula on an on-going basis
• Trained and mentored volunteer advocates
• Accurately entered data into the Illinois Infonet statistic system, in order to track monthly progress

• Developed 10-week performance poetry career training curriculum
• Taught various forms, methods, and styles of performance and written poetry
• Critiqued apprentices’ work in class
• Ensured apprentices met all goals of the program, including proper attendance, attitude, and maintenance of workload
• Prepared apprentices for final performances and projects