R CITY DIRECTOR TEAM

R CITY is thrilled to welcome Dr. Y'Shanda Rivera as the newest member of our directional team.

R CITY has always been built on collaborative leadership, with a small team of directors working together for the good of the organization. In this season, R CITY is thrilled to welcome Dr. Y'Shanda Rivera as the newest member of our directional team, serving as Director of Strategy, Research, and Partnerships. In this role, Dr. Rivera will lead R CITY in setting goals and tracking achievements: important work that equips us to press forward for the good of our youth and tell our story more effectively to funders. She will also facilitate partnerships with churches, organizations, businesses and government entities, fulfilling the first phrase of our mission: "to bring together the best of our city to build a path..." Dr. Rivera brings great passion to this role, believing that it is through cooperation and collaboration that our city will be lifted up.

Dr. Rivera has been a friend of R CITY since its founding and was a strong voice in its growth. As a doctoral researcher in Learning Sciences for Northwestern University's School of Education and Social Policy, Dr. Rivera studied the collaboration between R CITY, River City Community Church, and Cameron Elementary School, measuring the effects of strong partnership on the success of junior high students served by all three entities. Out of her work, R CITY developed its current focus on providing multi-disciplinary programs (both youth development and workforce preparation) that build strong protective factors in the lives of our youth, offsetting the risks caused by trauma. Following the conclusion of her research, Dr. Rivera accepted a role on the R CITY Board of Directors, serving there until her transition to the staff directional team. She comes into this role with direction from scripture in Colossians 3:23, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as if serving the Lord."

On this team, Dr. Rivera joins Executive Director Elizabeth Galik, Director of Apprenticeships Michelle Johnson, and Associate Director of Apprenticeships Charnesha Collier. All four directors have personal roots on Chicago's west side, with longtime past and/or present residency. We would be thankful for your prayers for wisdom, strength, direction, and joy as we move into the future of R CITY together.

With gratitude for your support,

Elizabeth Galik