Experience

HFS Chicago Scholars

• United States
• Education Administration Programs
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Apr 2010 - Present

  Greater Chicago Area o Sept. 1996: Desirée Pepper-Venzant joins as Director of Operations; today, she is Executive Director and has overall responsibility for the growth and development of the program, by implementing a strategic plan that is fiscally responsible; including day-to-day operations, staff management, and board committee structure. o Fundraiser - Building and maintaining donor relationships o Maintain the identity and integrity of the organization and gain community support o Promote HFS… Show more o Sept. 1996: Desirée Pepper-Venzant joins as Director of Operations; today, she is Executive Director and has overall responsibility for the growth and development of the program, by implementing a strategic plan that is fiscally responsible; including day-to-day operations, staff management, and board committee structure. o Fundraiser - Building and maintaining donor relationships o Maintain the identity and integrity of the organization and gain community support o Promote HFS Chicago Scholars brand including annual report, newsletters, website, etc. o Partner with Development Director to enhance Board YPB collaborations, committees and events o Working with the Board of Directors, Director of Development in all development and fund-raising endeavors HFS Chicago Scholars was founded in 1993 as a grass-roots effort. We have worked with thousands of economically disadvantaged inner-city Chicago high school students who show academic and leadership promise to help them achieve their educational goals by providing hands-on mentoring, academic enrichment and mentoring. We provide the following to our scholars: o Financial assistance to attend top Chicago private high schools o Award-winning academic directors and one-on-one mentors o Four-year written commitment specifying performance expectations o Educational enrichment and group activities outside the classroom o College selection and admissions support

• Executive Director

  • Aug 1996 - Present

  Greater Chicago Area o Aug. 1996: Desirée Pepper-Venzant joins as Director of Operations; today, she is Executive Director.



Bolingbrook Park District

• United States
• Recreational Facilities
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Dance Instructor

  • Jun 2005 - Present

  Greater Chicago Area Joined Bolingbrook Park District as the Program Coordinator, Company Artistic Director and instructor in June 2005 then later served as the Managing Recreation Supervision and Company Artistic Director of 130 participants until April 2010. Today she specializes in classical ballet, performance and entire body health for youth and adults. She has trained with notable teachers form the American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor (Modern Dance) Company, Martha Graham Dance Company, Joseph Holmes Dance… Show more Joined Bolingbrook Park District as the Program Coordinator, Company Artistic Director and instructor in June 2005 then later served as the Managing Recreation Supervision and Company Artistic Director of 130 participants until April 2010. Today she specializes in classical ballet, performance and entire body health for youth and adults. She has trained with notable teachers form the American Ballet Theatre, Paul Taylor (Modern Dance) Company, Martha Graham Dance Company, Joseph Holmes Dance Theatre, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company (DCDC) and the American Dance Festival (ADF).

• RECREATION SUPERVISOR/ COMPANY DIRECTOR/ INSTRUCTOR

  • Jun 2005 - May 2010

  Bolingbrook, IL Joined Bolingbrook Park District as the Program Coordinator, Company Artistic Director and instructor in June 2005 then later served as the Recreation Supervision and Company Director of 130 participants until April 2010. Currently serves as dance instructor for the dance department.