CHICAGO – December 29, 2017
Genesys Works is thrilled to welcome Anslem Gardner to its growing team in Chicago. Gardner – a native of the Midwest – has a strong track record of supporting at-risk adolescents. His career in human services began shortly after graduating from Eastern Connecticut State University when he joined Youthtrack Colorado as a Program Director. While there, he and his team helped decrease recidivism of Colorado youths by 35% over three years.
“I’ve always been inspired by my mom and dad’s journey through life,” says Gardner of his parents, including his father who moved from Nigeria to America 35 years ago. “They worked hard to create opportunities for our family, which is something I want to be able to do for others.”
In 2015, Gardner entered the entrepreneurial scene and helped launch The Silver Effect, a company that made it possible for nonprofits and individuals to raise money by selling custom-made jewelry. While there, Gardner managed day-to-day operations and various relationships within the business and the community.
Working with Genesys Works is a sort of homecoming for Gardner, whose need for mission-driven work led him back to the nonprofit world. With a well-rounded mix of business, corporate and nonprofit experience, it is no surprise that Gardner was drawn to the social enterprise model of Genesys Works. As Director of Strategic Planning, his focus is to enhance and expand the impact of Genesys Works on the Chicago community. He now calls Chicago home and is excited to continue advocating for underserved youth.
“We are thrilled to welcome Anslem to the Genesys Works team,” says Liz Rafferty, Executive Director of Genesys Works Chicago. “As our program continues to grow, Anslem will play an important role in creating career pathways for students in Chicago.”
###
About Genesys Works
Genesys Works is a nonprofit social enterprise providing pathways to career success for high school students in underserved communities through skills training, meaningful work experiences, and impactful relationships. Its program consists of eight weeks of technical and professional skills training, a paid year-long corporate internship, college and career coaching, and alumni support to and through college. Its goal is to move more students out of poverty and into professional careers, creating a more productive and diverse workforce in the process. Since its founding in 2002, Genesys Works has grown to serve nearly 3,000 students annually in Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis/St. Paul, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Washington’s National Capital Region. To learn more, visit genesysworks.org.
