WASHINGTON, D.C. – Urban Alliance, a national youth development nonprofit, today announced a new senior staff appointment: Julia Kent as Chief Development Officer.
Kent comes to Urban Alliance from a background in development for international nonprofits, most recently at CARE, where as Strategic Partnerships Director she led resource mobilization efforts for humanitarian response, prevention of gender-based violence, and economic empowerment for women and youth in the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. Originally from Northern Virginia – one of the five regions Urban Alliance serves – Kent is a graduate of Emory University and holds a master’s degree from the University of Denver. With over 15 years of leadership experience in resource-building, Kent will lead Urban Alliance’s growing development operation.
“We are excited to welcome Julia to Urban Alliance’s national team,” said Eshauna Smith, CEO of Urban Alliance. “Julia’s comprehensive development background will be invaluable as the organization continues to expand and provide more underserved students with the exposure, opportunity, networks, and training needed to succeed in adulthood.”
“After spending the past four years based abroad in Jordan and much of my career focused globally, I am thrilled to return to the Washington, D.C. area and work on issues that are close to my heart and home,” said Kent. “Urban Alliance’s work to help young people build self-sufficient futures is inspiring, and I am delighted to be able to contribute to this important mission.”
With more than 20 years of experience providing workforce opportunities to thousands of economically-disadvantaged students in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Northern Virginia, and Detroit, Urban Alliance has improved post-high school outcomes for underserved youth. A recent six-year study found that completing UA’s High School Internship Program had a measurable impact on young men attending college, mid-GPA students enrolling in four-year colleges, and students’ retention of professional soft skills.
100 percent of UA students graduate from high school; over 90 percent are accepted to college, and 80 percent enroll in college. A further 80 percent of enrolled alumni persist to a second year in college, and 80 percent of all alumni are connected to a college, career, or career training pathway one year post-program.
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