Summary
Accomplishments
Skills
Work History
Education
Work Preference
Certification
Quote
Affiliations
Languages
Community Memberships
Websites
Community Service
Board Memberships
Overview
Generic

Dar'tavous Dorsey

Summary

With 18+ years of experience, successfully designing, implementing, and leading youth safety, mental health, and restorative justice programs. Approach is strategic, diplomatic, and authentic, fostering partnerships, building trust, and increasing collaboration across public, private, and nonprofit leaders for maximum impact. Dedicated to implementing and scaling empirically supported programs while leveraging data for meaningful change. Deep passion lies in improving the lives of young men and women from disadvantaged backgrounds. Exemplary problem solver with a natural bias for action and decision-making in ambiguous situations. Sets oneself apart by serving as a direct practitioner and driving policy and systems-level change.

Accomplishments

Led Implementation Team, for Chicago Student Success Initiative (CSSI), $16 million portfolio, a partnership between the University of Chicago's Education Lab and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) , aimed to improve student outcomes, particularly for alternative or Options School students and their counterparts in neighborhood high schools, by identifying, testing, and scaling student support.


Project Director, a $24 million portfolio, Back to Our Future (B2OF), a state-funded, district-led, community-involved, evidence-informed effort to re-engage disconnected students at an elevated risk for gun violence involvement.


Launched Student Advisory Council (SAC) is made up of Chicago Public School Option Students from across the city who are passionate about education , and implementing violence reduction solution to improve policy.

Skills

  • Organizational effectiveness
  • Relationship management
  • Analytical data evaluation
  • Policy assessment
  • Business growth strategy
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Proficient in guiding teams
  • Strategic planning and implementation
  • Operational management
  • Development of procedural guidelines
  • Proficient in strategic planning
  • Cross-functional project leadership

Work History

Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement

University of Chicago, Crime Lab and Education Lab
04.2019 - Current
  • Directs a portfolio of projects and initiatives aimed at identifying and scaling programs and interventions to increase graduation rates for youth who are disengaged from school and decrease youth violence.


  • Lead Crime Lab and Education Lab strategy for working collectively with community based organizations, government agencies, and civic leaders.


  • Designs opportunities and structures to ensure Crime Lab and Education Lab is consistently and transparently gaining the insight and perspective of youth, civic leaders, and community members and ensuring these perspectives are incorporated into initiatives, programs, and policies.


  • Advise and coach Crime Lab and Education Lab staff on developing, cultivating, and maintaining strategic relationships with CEL partners.


  • Optimizes Crime Lab and Education Lab research and evidence-based findings for societal benefit.


  • Creates budgets and staffing plans for Crime Lab and Education Lab projects and initiatives.


  • Consult with Executive Leadership Team on fundraising strategies for projects which address youth engagement and aim to decrease youth violence.

Sr Advisor to Chief of CPS Option Network Embedded

UChicago Crime Lab & Education Lab
11.2024 - Current
  • Advise and trained highly talented staff, which prepared team members for providing exemplary service to clients.


  • Enhanced client relationships by providing strategic advice and guidance on industry trends and best practices.


  • Building Out the Navigator Program – Developing a framework that ensures students have the support systems they need to navigate academic and career pathways effectively. This involves working with key stakeholders, assessing best practices, and identifying areas where additional resources are required.


  • Established strong partnerships with key stakeholders through consistent communication and collaboration efforts, promoting mutual success.


  • Led change management initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness and support long-term growth objectives.


  • Maintained an extensive professional network and leveraged connections to secure new business leads, contributing to sustained growth over time.


  • Strategic Partnerships & Network Engagement – Meeting with various networks and potential partners to explore strategic alignments, partnerships, and funding opportunities that can further support Chicago Public Schools Option Network mission and long-term sustainability.


  • Evaluate Third-Party Vendors – Reevaluating the landscape for potential third-party vendors that can offer cost-efficient solutions for supporting the Option Work, ensuring that our investment is maximized and aligned with project goals.

CEO & Lead Consultant

Dorsey Strategies & Advisory Firm, LLC
09.2023 - Current
  • Achieved company growth by implementing strategic plans and streamlining operations.


  • Managed partnerships and strategic business relationships by negotiating contract terms and handling conflicts.


  • Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial business growth.


  • Enhanced brand reputation with effective marketing campaigns and public relations efforts.


  • Fostered strong relationships with industry partners to expand business opportunities.


  • Streamlined business processes, resulting in increased operational efficiency across all departments.


  • Developed a high-performance executive team for improved productivity and efficiency.


  • Cultivated forward-thinking, inclusive, and performance-oriented business culture to lead industry in innovation and push progress.


  • Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.

Associate Director of Strategic Engagement

University of Chicago
01.2021 - 06.2023
  • Company Overview: Crime and Education Labs -Directs and manages a cross functional team of project managers, researchers, data analysts, and implementation managers; monitoring progress toward key project deliverables and goals.


  • Advise city officials on improving outcomes in Options Schools which serve 50,000+ CPS students a year who are at high risk for dropping out of school and juvenile justice involvement.


  • Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with research partners and all participating partner organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and community groups.


  • Coordinates provision of services with partner agencies and serves as the point person for their communication with the research team.


  • Facilitates and manages the Crime and Education Lab Student Advisory Council (SAC), ensuring the work of Crime and Education Lab is informed by youth voice.


  • Develops communication strategies that are compelling, culturally responsive, candid and values driven.


  • Equips organizational culture and identity to maximize Crime Lab and Education Lab values, work climate, and performance.

Senior Implementation Manager

University of Chicago
12.2019 - 12.2020
  • Created systems and structures, to standardize program implementation and monitor program success.


  • Managed problem solving to address implementation challenges; ensuring interventions were delivered with fidelity and making the highest impact possible.


  • Pivoted interventions during COVID-19; ensuring urgent, front line support were provided to students who face significant barriers to high school graduation.


  • Oversaw the delivery of key resources for students during the pandemic including PPE, laptops and other technology needed for remote learning, and emergency funds to cover basic needs for students.


  • Supervised a team of 4 post-secondary champions; providing weekly supervision and feedback.


  • Interpreted program implementation data to identify areas of success and opportunities for improving program implementation.

Implementation Manager

University of Chicago
04.2019 - 11.2019
  • Develop and manage partnerships with Option School operators and school leaders and district school Chiefs and principals.


  • Launch and facilitate the first ever Education Lab Student Advisory Council.


  • Advise Education Lab research team on relevant and impactful interventions for students who face significant barriers to high school graduation.


  • Collaborate with Chicago Public Schools Central Office staff, Options Schools, District Schools, and Community Based Organizations to pilot nine innovative student programs across ten schools impacting over 30,000 students.


  • Led a diverse team of professionals in successfully completing complex implementations on time and within budget constraints.

BAM College Tour Coordinator

Youth-Guidance (Guiding Kids To Bright Futures)
01.2018 - 05.2020
  • Responsible for 200 young men (grades 7-12) and 30 BAM staff/volunteers for touring southern states, colleges/universities, and cultural landmarks; coordinating BAM Brotherhood Bonding activities.


  • Coordinate Counselor's budget with Finance Team and Program Managers.


  • Built successful networking and education bridges for numerous students by allowing students to speak directly with admissions counselors, professors, financial aid advisors, school Presidents, and other professionals.

Becoming A Man-West Regional Counselor Supervisor

Youth-Guidance Organization (BAM)
11.2015 - 06.2019
  • Supervise 10 counselors and youth mentor(s) across 9 Chicago Public High Schools, manage the BAM partnership within these schools.


  • Developed and maintained relationships with parents and community agencies, supporting targeted and holistic counseling services through interdisciplinary partnerships.


  • Oversees staffing, planning, development, coordination, implantation and evaluation of all program activities.


  • Coordinated with external agencies for referrals, case management, and collaboration on behalf of clients, optimizing service delivery.


  • Completed staff performance evaluations, recommending improvements and recognizing success through reward systems and feedback.

Certified LIFE COACH

DSF -LLC
09.2017 - Current
  • Coach people to make successful change in their lives via 1:1 or group sessions; set specific goals with clients and co-create strategies and skills to achieve set goals.


  • Serve as Student Advocate responsible for acting as a liaison between the school and community at large.


  • Designed and delivered engaging presentations on life coaching benefits to organizations, schools or community groups, raising awareness of available services.


  • Offered group workshops on topics such as goal setting or stress management to inspire participants towards positive change.


  • Developed personalized coaching packages designed to address specific needs of individual clients or groups within various industries or stages of life transitions.

Resident Advisor

Youth Outreach Service
06.2012 - 01.2017
  • Maintained safe and therapeutic milieu including crisis intervention and Q15 observation rounds.


  • Developed strong relationships with residents, fostering a supportive and inclusive living community.


  • Created informative bulletin boards that provided relevant resources related to academics, mental health, and campus life opportunities for students'' personal growth. Supported 22 male adolescent wards of the state with preparation for adulthood by providing counseling, employment assistance, and educational/life skills training.

Life Skill Instructor

Little City Foundation
11.2012 - 11.2014
  • Supported people with developmental disabilities and autism in building multi-faceted skillset to promote independence and self-confidence.


  • Helped clients to identify challenges and set goals.


  • Taught individuals with learning or physical difficulties to use technology such as computers, tablets and mobile phones.


  • Intervened in crisis situations to provide counseling and support.


  • Helped to integrate clients in local community by teaching important social and work-related skills.

Mental Health Specialist

Hartgrove Hospital Behavioral Health
01.2013 - 01.2014
  • Ensured safety of patients through close observation during high-risk situations such as suicidal ideation or self-harm behaviors.


  • Provided compassionate support during times of crisis or acute distress while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards.


  • Monitored patients and assessed suicide risks.


  • Trained new staff members on facility policies, procedures, best practices in mental health care delivery, ensuring consistent service standards across the team.


  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to provide comprehensive mental health services and support for patients.

Site Coordinator

Concern Christian Mentor
10.2009 - 06.2012
  • Promoted a culture of continuous improvement within the team, encouraging input from all members for process optimization purposes.


  • Developed strong relationships with subcontractors, ensuring timely completion of tasks and adherence to guidelines.


  • Scheduled staff and volunteers to cover all necessary duties during planned events.


  • Oversaw successful project completions while consistently meeting or exceeding both internal and client expectations in terms of quality, scope, budget, and timeline parameters.

Youth Advocate

Cook Elementary School-CPS
01.2005 - 01.2010
  • Enhanced youth engagement by implementing innovative programs and activities tailored to their interests.


  • Conducted assessments to determine types of services individuals required.


  • Spearheaded fundraising campaigns aimed at garnering financial resources for program expansion efforts.


  • Advocated on behalf of clients during meetings with school personnel and other stakeholders, ensuring proper representation of their needs.


  • Collaborated with community organizations to provide comprehensive support services for at-risk youth.


  • Promoted parental involvement via meetings and workshops designed to strengthen family bonds while supporting youth development endeavors concurrently.

Activity Leader Supervisor

Kids Plus Unit 4 Champaign School District
01.2004 - 01.2009
  • Managed daily operations of 14 schools in District 4, implemented Before and After School Programs, community service projects, and daily recreational activities.


  • Contributed to budget planning processes by providing insight into necessary resources for successful program execution.


  • Managed safety concerns and adhered to all compliance requirements.


  • Built relationships with community partners to enhance program offerings through collaborations and resource-sharing initiatives.


  • Trained new staff members on company policies, procedures, and expectations to maintain consistent quality across all programs.

Education

Certificate - U.S. Government

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
05-2025

Certificate - Public Policy: Social, Economic And Foreign Policy

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
11-2024

Master of Science - Therapeutic Recreation Certification (Individual Curriculum Program)

Chicago State University
Chicago, IL
12-2012

B. S. - Liberal Arts: Recreation Admin.and Criminal Justice Minor: Psychology (Mental Illness, Drug and Abuse)

Chicago State University
01.2011

B. S. - Secondary Education - Concentration in Recreation Education

University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign
01.2008

Work Preference

Work Type

Full TimeContract WorkPart Time

Work Location

On-SiteRemoteHybrid

Important To Me

Career advancementWork-life balancePersonal development programsHealthcare benefitsWork from home optionPaid time offPaid sick leave401k matchCompany CultureFlexible work hours

Certification

  • Community/Public Health: TEMBO Leadership Academy Mentoring


  • American Red Cross First Aid


  • American Red Cross (ARC) CPR


  • Crisis Prevention Intervention


  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases


  • Hepatitis C: Counseling & Testing


  • Psychological First Aid Training


  • DCFS: Human Trafficking certified


  • Social media tech safety certified


  • Intact Family Service certified


  • Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol (CERAP certified)

Quote

There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, dream, or desire a reality.
Tony Robbins

Affiliations

  • International Association PCC, Certified LIFE COACH Minority Association Future Attorney HALO -7 Board of Director Chicago Public School and Chicago Police Department (Organizer) Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc. Project Alpha; Leadership Development Institution Chair

Languages

English
Full Professional

Community Memberships

  • Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS)


  • Illinois Association of Park Districts -Member


  • Illinois Recreation and Parks Association-Member


  • Member of AFSCME Council 31


  • Law and Public Safety Academy


  • Local School Council


  • Big Brother Program

Community Service

  • Charter Member, Tau Rho Lambda, ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY Inc.


  • 100 Black Men Member, Chicago, Incorporation


  • 2025 IDEAL-Gun Violence Prevention Awareness Award Recipient


  • Director for Volunteer Operations, Pat Anderson District 65 Elected School Board


  • 40 under 40 GameChanger Award Recipient -WVON


  • Chicago Defender Men of Excellence Award Recipient


  • Professional Achievement Award Recipient -Mu Mu Lambda


  • Member of Creating Opportunity Recognizing Excellence


  • Member of African American Male Resource Center


  • Member of N.H.G.T. Church ~Director of Youth Leaders


  • Member of Concern Christian Men


  • Member of Bridge-Transition


  • Member of Black Chorus

Board Memberships

  • Appointed by Governor Pritzker, Illinois Department Children Family Service Council -Board Member


  • Board Secretary, Stride for Peace - Chicago


  • Associate Board Member, Youth Guidance Organization


  • Civilian Office of Police Accountability, Advisor Board Member

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate

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Dar'tavous Dorsey