On October 9, 2023, I will run the Bank of America Chicago Marathon as a member of the America Needs You - Illinois Charity Team. 

I am passionate about America Needs You's mission: connecting ambitious, first-generation college students from low-income families to career development, professional networks and opportunities that allow them to realize their potential.

I chose this charity for 2 reasons:

1: I knew I wanted to give back and make a positive impact, and I felt that this organization is one where I can really use my strengths and knowledge to help others!

2: The statistics astounded me:

• Only 21% of low-income, first-generation college students complete

four-year college degrees.

• Those who do graduate have a median household income 27% lower

than their peers.

• College isn’t enough. 50% of hiring managers reported that even after

finishing a four-year degree, recent college graduates are not “job

Ready”

BUT the fellows that are mentored through America Needs You are a different story:
On average,

• Over 90% of students complete

career trajectory internships

• Over 90% of Fellows graduate from

four year institutions within six

Years (up from 21%)

• Nearly 82% of Fellows secure full-

time employment or enroll in graduate programs within six

months of graduation (up from 50%).

Your support provides our city's motivated, first-generation college students with the tools they need to begin a successful career and transform not only their lives, but also their families and communities.