Shashu M. Harris
Chicago,IL
Summary
Experienced and results-driven Project Manager with over a decade of expertise in community engagement, victim services, and workforce development. Adept at leveraging data to inform strategic decisions, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and designing impactful programs. Passionate about creating trauma-informed, community-led solutions that promote equity, safety, and well-being.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager, Victim Services
Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC)
02.2024 - Current
- Company Overview: Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Manage coordination and support initiatives for victims of gun violence and their families, ensuring seamless collaboration among city departments, community organizations, and law enforcement
- Facilitate the planning and execution of Safe Space Activations, using city victimization data to identify high-risk areas and create trauma-informed environments of safety and healing
- Co-facilitate the Victim Advocate Training Pilot, a 40-hour program equipping advocates with skills in crisis intervention, cultural competency, and case management
- Advocate for the rights of victims of gun violence, navigating complex resource networks and connecting survivors to immediate and long-term support systems
- Develop and execute outreach strategies to promote trust and engagement between underserved communities and service providers
- Coordinate stakeholder convenings, ensuring alignment between community needs and city-provided resources, while supporting policy initiatives addressing systemic violence
- Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH)
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
North Lawndale Community Engagement Manager
North Lawndale Employment Network
03.2023 - 12.2023
- Company Overview: In Partnership with the Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC)
- Designed and facilitated the North Lawndale Day of Restoration, a community trauma support event addressing a recent mass shooting, providing dialogue on mental health, second-hand PTSD, and crisis response
- Utilized city victimization data to inform strategic planning and decisions, such as implementing Safe Space Activations in collaboration with the CSCC and CPD
- Contributed to North Lawndale’s Quality of Life Plan, collaborating with stakeholders to address housing, safety, workforce development, and public health priorities
- Supported local aldermen, state representatives, and district councils to align resources and advocate for policies addressing systemic challenges
- Connected grassroots organizations to city resources, including harm reduction initiatives, infrastructure improvements, and training programs tailored to community needs
- Led harm reduction awareness campaigns in partnership with the CSCC, equipping residents with tools to promote health and safety while addressing systemic barriers
- Cultivated partnerships with cultural and community organizations, fostering trust and long-term collaboration
- In Partnership with the Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC)
Project Manager, North Lawndale Collaboration
Chicago CRED
04.2022 - 03.2023
- Directed multi-stakeholder collaboration among organizations like READI and CP4P to enhance violence intervention efforts
- Facilitated weekly steering committee meetings, capturing action items and monitoring progress to ensure timely implementation
- Created biweekly reports for leadership and philanthropic partners, highlighting progress, challenges, and solutions
- Partnered with evaluation teams to measure impact and document lessons learned
Lead Workforce Counselor
Chicago CRED
04.2020 - 04.2022
- Designed and facilitated workforce development programs, connecting over 90 participants with career opportunities and certification programs
- Partnered with businesses and community organizations to create sustainable pathways for employment
- Delivered soft-skills and job-readiness training, achieving a 40% certification rate among program participants
Career Coach & Recruitment Lead
Skills For Chicagoland's Future
01.2018 - 03.2020
- Provided job readiness training and career exploration to 300+ Chicago Public School (CPS) students and opportunity/justice-involved youth through school partnerships and after-school programs
- Built and maintained relationships with Community Business Organizations (CBOs), schools, and youth partners, coordinating site visits, leadership roundtables, hiring events, and job placements tailored to youth needs
- Delivered individualized coaching and group workshops (1:1 and up to 30+ participants), incorporating aptitude and personality assessments to guide career pathways
- Counseled youth on education and career planning, addressing barriers faced by justice-involved individuals and providing tailored support to meet their unique circumstances
- Collaborated with teams to expand placement opportunities, focusing on equitable access for underserved youth populations
- Supported onboarding for youth hires by managing training schedules, documentation, and addressing concerns to ensure smooth transitions into employment
Talent Acquisition Lead
Skills For Chicagoland's Future
03.2016 - 01.2018
- Implemented full-cycle staffing and recruitment processes, including job postings, applicant tracking, and behavioral interviews, to connect unemployed and underemployed Cook County residents with gainful employment
- Revitalized a key account by increasing candidate quality and submittals, enabling 70+ job seekers to secure employment with an average wage of $16.57/hour, making it the organization’s top-performing account
- Partnered with local Community-Based Organizations to recruit Pharmacy Technicians for a Fortune 500 company, resulting in seven job offers and expanding youth-focused initiatives
- Facilitated job readiness workshops and youth roundtable discussions in collaboration with senior leadership and business partners, leading to on-site job offers and increased awareness of youth employment efforts
- Represented the organization at community and educational job fairs, engaging Cook County residents and promoting opportunities with business partners
Career Specialist
Inspiration Corporation
01.2015 - 12.2015
- Served as part of CHA's Family Works program, supporting participants in achieving employment and self-sufficiency goals
- Assessed participants' job readiness through pre- and post-assessments and developed personalized employment plans to support career goals
- Designed and delivered job readiness training, including resume writing, mock interviews, and Microsoft Office Suite workshops
- Maintained a database of job opportunities, connecting 50+ participants with permanent roles in fields such as Office Administration and Industrial Services
- Provided career counseling, helping participants set and achieve short- and long-term employment goals while addressing barriers to maintaining a stable lifestyle
- Analyzed labor market trends to guide participants in identifying employment and educational opportunities
- Monitored participants' progress, offering continuous support in job search, interview preparation, and resume development to ensure successful career transitions
Recruiting and Selections Analyst
Cook County Health and Hospital Systems
04.2012 - 10.2014
- Managed full-cycle recruitment for a high-volume, 464-bed hospital, handling 50-70 requisitions from job posting to onboarding using Taleo
- Recruited a wide range of positions, including Environmental Services, Security, Nursing, Physicians, and administrative roles, for hospitals and clinics across the network
- Collaborated with HR and labor directors to address departmental staffing challenges while ensuring compliance with federal and state labor laws
- Administered pre-screening exams and maintained efficient communication with candidates throughout the hiring process
- Validated applications and generated referral lists for the Shakman Federal Monitor’s review and approval
- Provided staffing solutions for critical positions across facilities, from entry-level Practical Care Assistants to Physicians
Education
Master of Public Administration - Public Service Leadership
Loyola University of Chicago
Chicago, IL12-2023
Skills
- Project Management & Strategic Planning
- Victim Advocacy & Trauma-Informed Support
- Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration
- Training Program Development & Facilitation
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Policy Development & Implementation
- Multitasking & Deadline Management
- Proficiency with Salesforce, Taleo, and Microsoft Office Suite
Timeline
Project Manager, Victim Services
Community Safety Coordination Center (CSCC)
02.2024 - Current
North Lawndale Community Engagement Manager
North Lawndale Employment Network
03.2023 - 12.2023
Project Manager, North Lawndale Collaboration
Chicago CRED
04.2022 - 03.2023
Lead Workforce Counselor
Chicago CRED
04.2020 - 04.2022
Career Coach & Recruitment Lead
Skills For Chicagoland's Future
01.2018 - 03.2020
Talent Acquisition Lead
Skills For Chicagoland's Future
03.2016 - 01.2018
Career Specialist
Inspiration Corporation
01.2015 - 12.2015
Recruiting and Selections Analyst
Cook County Health and Hospital Systems
04.2012 - 10.2014
Master of Public Administration - Public Service Leadership
Loyola University of Chicago
Similar Profiles
Alexander BelleAlexander Belle
Human Resources Intern at Community safety & Communications CenterHuman Resources Intern at Community safety & Communications Center
Reza JadvarReza Jadvar
Regional Physician at Kaiser Permanente-Case Coordination CenterRegional Physician at Kaiser Permanente-Case Coordination Center
Ruben MurienteRuben Muriente
Program Manager at Office of Community Health & Community Safety & Gun Violence PreventionProgram Manager at Office of Community Health & Community Safety & Gun Violence Prevention