Pros
Program staff is a team of talented, thoughtful, and innovative individuals with so much untapped potential. Program coordinators, managers, alumni team, and support staff create a supportive environment despite the toxic culture that exists. The program model is strong and has potential to be really great...maybe under better leadership or at a different organization. Lastly, students make the work worth it. The relationships with them are a constant reminder of why this work is important. So much respect for their work ethic and ability to succeed.
Cons
Lack of Knowledge at the leadership level is detrimental to the well being of the Chicago site. The Executive Director is very underqualified for the role. It is very disappointing that a position like that is in the hands of someone with no nonprofit management experience or even adequate experience working with minority youth. At times, comments were made about not ever having looked at nonprofit financials or not having any clue how to strategic planning works. As someone who takes those things seriously, it was hard to process those comments. There is a big disconnect with staff and no cultural competency of what students need. Inequitable hiring/promotion undermines the idea that hard work, performance, and tenure leads to moving up. The environment is meant to lift people up to advocate for themselves and use their voices. But, an environment where people cannot speak up is being created. Staff turnover has been very high. People are leaving because of how toxic power dynamics are. Do better! Staff and students deserve more. Professional development is said to be a priority yet the staff is made to feel unqualified when they want to tackle new projects or have new ideas. How can your people grow in their careers, when the opportunities for them to lead projects are non-existent? Strategy seems to be misunderstood as well. Staff is exhausted, yet their concerns are not given proper weight. How can this site grow when the people power and institutional knowledge is quickly leaving? It is a reactive, not proactive culture.