CHICAGO, IL, SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 – Urban Alliance has named Chrislin Flanagan Executive Director of its Chicago Region. Urban Alliance is a national youth workforce development nonprofit that connects young people to paid internships, mentoring, and professional development opportunities in Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit and the Greater Washington, DC area. Chrislin will lead the Chicago region’s strategy, partnerships, and operations to build the next generation of local talent.
“Chrislin brings a wealth of cross-sector experience and knowledge that will continue to elevate the important work with our partners and stakeholders in the Chicago region. Her life-long dedication rooted in her native city will ensure that young people in Chicago will have equitable and fair access to early career and economic opportunities. Chrislin has been an instrumental partner and advocate to Urban Alliance, and I am excited to have her on board to lead our work in the region,” said Abiodun Durojaye, Ed.D., Urban Alliance CEO.
Chrislin’s professional career spans over 20 years with experience in various industries including Banking, Customer Service, FinTech, and Healthcare. Prior to joining Urban Alliance, Chrislin served a dual role as Executive Director and Director of Marketing and Community Relations for Roseland Community Hospital Foundation in Chicago. Roseland became an Urban Alliance employer partner in 2022 and under Chrislin’s leadership the organization provided 17 Chicago high school students with paid internships. Earlier this year, Urban Alliance recognized Roseland as the Employer Partner of the Year in the Chicago region.
Chrislin is highly skilled in the design and implementation of programs to meet the changing needs of organizations and communities at large. At Roseland, she was responsible for strategic development and community initiatives, she annually served over 2,000 residents by way of resource distribution, training initiatives, and new programs including internships for high school youth.
“I am passionate about dismantling barriers and empowering young people by giving them access to opportunities that can help them succeed in their personal and professional lives. It is humbling to serve as the new executive director for Urban Alliance’s Chicago region. I am excited to collaborate with our partners to serve Chicago’s young adults in deeper and more impactful ways that will make a significant difference in their lives for the long-term,” said Chrislin Flanagan.
Chrislin Flanagan was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago and graduated from Hyde Park Academy. She earned a master’s degree in human resource management from Roosevelt University, and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Chicago State University. She graduated Suma Cum Laude in both undergraduate and graduate studies. Chrislin is a certified life coach, a published author, and an active volunteer in her community. She lives in Chicago with her husband, children, and adorable puppy. In her down time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading or shopping for a good deal. Her love of travel has taken her to over 35 states and 10 countries.
Urban Alliance works with schools, local organizations, students, and employers to build a more equitable, diverse next-generation workforce. To date, Urban Alliance programs has placed more than 6,000 young people in paid internships, mentoring and professional development opportunities, and provided training to 22,000 additional young people across its Baltimore, Chicago, Detroit and the Greater Washington, DC regions. Visit www.urbanalliance.org and follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook.