CHICAGO, IL — Genesys Works, a national social enterprise committed to providing pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities, announced today that Kim Day is the new Executive Director for Chicago.

Kim Day, as a founder and an innovator of a network of schools serving 2,000 students across Chicago, saw the impact of the Genesys Works’ partnership firsthand. Nearly 100 of her schools’ seniors had their college and career success influenced by Genesys Works — and she is excited to lead the effort for many more Chicago students to have this life-changing opportunity while helping improve our companies by providing a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

“Kim is a proven leader who brings to Genesys Works a deep and relevant set of experiences which will help us drive our growth and increase the impact Genesys Works has within Chicago communities,” said Tom Nolan, Chair of the Genesys Works Chicago Board of Directors. “We are excited to have her on board.”

Kim previously served as the co-founder and Chief Education Officer of Perspectives Charter Schools, which was among the first charter schools in Illinois and currently operates four public schools in Chicago, serving students in grades 6-12. Perspectives received national recognition for its innovative “A Disciplined Life® Education Model” from several national and local foundations, including New Schools Venture Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, and a Dissemination Grant from the U.S. Department of Education, among other corporations and individuals.

Kim earned her master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and was a recipient of the Harvard Business School Club of Chicago Fellowship.

“It’s an honor to work alongside the talented board and staff of Genesys Works,” Kim stated. “As a team, we are committed to expanding our reach and improving the chances of success in college and careers for our amazing Chicago students.”

Since 2010, Genesys Works has continued to grow the number of students served across Chicago, with over 830 high school students completing technical and professional skills training and earning a year-long corporate paid internship. The goal is to help Chicago youth see that a professional career is within reach, setting students on the path to pursue professional careers, and connecting Chicago companies with a diverse talent pipeline. Genesys Works Chicago will invest more than $1 million toward providing eight weeks of technical and professional training to more than 200 students in 2020.

On February 20, Kim will join the Genesys Works Chicago Board of Directors at their Cocktails and Conversation event. This event is the first in a series aimed at bringing the Chicago community together to share in the opportunity to change the lives of high school and college students across our city. Learn more about the event on our website: (https://genesysworks.org/chicago/genesys-works-chicago-hosts-first-cocktails-and-conversation-of-2020/).