On Friday, April 17, Urban Initiatives (UI) had the pleasure of hosting a group of undergraduate students from DePaul University Leadership Accelerator Program, known as the Hay Scholars, for an immersive look into leadership within the nonprofit sector.
The visit was part of the program’s broader mission to connect students with real-world organizational environments, offering a transparent view into the challenges, decisions, and opportunities that shape leadership every day. At UI, we were excited not only to share our work but also to learn from the curiosity, insight, and energy the scholars brought into the space.
A Day of Connection, Reflection, and Play
The session kicked off with a warm welcome and a high-energy icebreaker, “Question Ball”, that encouraged participants to jump right in, share perspectives, and get to know one another.
This was followed by an interactive gameplay experience, giving students a firsthand look at how Urban Initiatives uses sport as a vehicle for youth development, social-emotional learning, and community building.
We then grounded the experience with an overview of who we are and what we do, highlighting our commitment to empowering youth through play, leadership, and community-based programming across Chicago Public Schools.
Real Conversations with Nonprofit Leaders
The heart of the visit came through a series of small-group “speed networking” rotations with UI team members. Scholars had the opportunity to engage directly with leaders across our organization, asking candid questions about career journeys, leadership challenges, and the realities of working in the nonprofit sector.
UI staff shared personal stories about navigating uncertainty, building programs rooted in community voice, and staying grounded in purpose-driven work. These conversations offered an honest look at leadership, not as a linear path, but as an evolving journey shaped by learning, resilience, and relationships.
Expanding Perspectives on Impact and Career Pathways
A key goal of the Hay Scholars program is to broaden students’ understanding of what’s possible in their careers, especially for those who may not have previously considered the nonprofit sector. Throughout the visit, students explored the wide range of roles required to drive meaningful impact, from program design and partnerships to operations and strategy.
At the same time, the experience reinforced something we deeply value at Urban Initiatives: leadership is not defined by title, but by action, intention, and a commitment to community.
A Shared Experience
While the visit was designed for the students, it was equally meaningful for our team. Engaging with the Hay Scholars created space for reflection, reminding us why we do this work and how important it is to invest in the next generation of leaders.
We are grateful to the scholars and the team at DePaul University for spending the afternoon with us, and we look forward to continuing to build connections that inspire learning, leadership, and impact.
