Each year Urban Initiatives expands its sports based youth development programming into new schools and communities across Chicago. The number of kids we serve grows every year and that growth leads to exciting opportunities and additions to the Urban Initiatives team. From Operations to Programming, our new team members will help Urban Initiatives continue to serve thousands of kids across Chicago.
Meet Cynthia! Cynthia hails from St. Charles, Illinois and joins the UI team as Operation’s Manager and is the glue that will keep the UI office running at full capacity.
What drew you to Urban Initiatives?
As soon as I read about Urban Initiatives, I was hooked. Then I started to meet the staff and learn the details of programming and events, and I was determined to get involved. I’ve played soccer my whole life and it has had a tremendously positive impact on me, and I wanted to support an organization that exposes children to these same positive experiences. I think UI has a wonderful, admirable goal that promotes whole-child development, and I knew that I’d found an organization that I would be immensely passionate about.
What are you most excited for in your new role?
There is so much potential for growth in this role and organization! I’m excited to develop on a personal level through this position, but also to evolve the role itself and to have a positive, sustainable impact on the organization. It’s also exciting to be surrounded by people who all share the same high-energy passion for UI’s mission.
What’s your favorite sports or play memory?
My junior year at Grinnell College we beat our huge rivals Carroll University 2-1, and I was able to score the winning goal on a breakaway. We broke their 2-year conference game winning streak! I’ll never forget the 10 seconds of shock that I felt after I scored, followed by a sensation of pure bliss and celebration that I was able to share with my teammates.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I have yet to outgrow my childhood fascination for video gaming.
What’s your favorite snack food?
Anything with peanut butter!