Ellen M. Acevedo Phone: (708) 203-7307 Oak Park, Il 60304

ellenacevedo@yahoo.com

http://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenacevedo

A community liaison professional with numerous years of experience guiding organizations to

build meaningful partnerships across diverse communities to advance development of staff,

clients and partners. Passionate about cultivating relationships and service driven initiatives.

Professional Experience

2014- Present AARP Chicago, IL

RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Project Specialist July 2014-present

Facilitate and oversee the startup of a new Chicago RSVP Program under $200,000

annual federal grant from Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS).

Lead recruitment, development, and management of senior volunteers, which includes

screening and placement of volunteers to enrich programming at Chicago non-profits.

Represent AARP RSVP to local government and businesses and the community.

2005- 2014 UCAN (Uhlich Children’s Advantage Network) Chicago, IL

External Affairs Manager November 2012- July 2014

Executed and collaborated with Executive Vice President to develop and strengthen

UCAN’s Diversity and Inclusion practices throughout the organization to increase the

development of staff at all levels. This led to an increase in affinity groups (from six to

nine) and an increase in recruitment of a culturally engaged workforce.

Annual event planning which included contract negotiations, budget management,

database oversight and on-site management. Keen utilization of resources saved the

agency over 40% on event costs. Events included: Annual Youth Leadership Awards

Reception, Annual Dick Biondi Holiday Toy Drive and Annual Golf Outing.

Guidance and ability to influence management decisions to empower and advance UCAN

staff and clients led to key agency initiatives.

o Steered Youth and Staff Ambassador Programs. This comprised former clients

and current staff that spoke and networked on behalf of UCAN to impart

knowledge of the Capital Campaign to potential funders and partners.

o Spearheaded Latino Initiative cross program team to integrate Latino staff

development and client needs into an agency priority. This improved compliance

and linked needs in social services to serve and develop Latinos.

Mentor Coordinator June 2008-November 2012

Collaborated partnerships with major corporate sponsors including: US Cellular,

BMO Harris Bank, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation and Chicago Bulls to secure funding

(over $800,000 annually) and qualified volunteers for UCAN’s program needs.

Partnered with Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) on a

$400,000, 3-year federal economic male mentoring grant. Mentorship increased by 86%.

Managed, developed and mentored six UCAN alumni interns annually preparing them for

a successful workforce and educational journey. The intern’s gainful employment rate

was 90%, with 83% of all graduates of the program pursuing higher education.

Peer Mentor & Volunteer Coordinator November 2005-June 2008

Recruited, trained and managed volunteers to perform at optimal levels, which saved the

agency over $100,000 in funds spent on services annually.

Connected with major corporations, schools and community groups to provide a range of

meaningful mentoring, vocational and career exploration opportunities for over 150

UCAN clients annually. Resulted in an increase volunteerism at UCAN by 88%.

2000-2005 Morton East & West High Schools Cicero, IL Bilingual Teacher (English Language Learner Department)

Taught Algebra, World History, Geography and Reading to English Language Learners

while overseeing English and math placement tests to transfer students.

Organized and implemented a structured system to evaluate and record incoming foreign

transcripts including translation of documents to determine proper class placement.

Selected annually to manage Bilingual Club Award Ceremony for 200+ students.

1999-2000 DePaul University Chicago, IL Community-based Service Learning Coordinator

Supervised students in the service learning experience at community organizations

leading to the student’s community with DePaul University. This benefited students and

the university in fostering its mission of teaching, research and public service.

Education

Bachelor of Liberal Arts- Concentration – Education

DePaul University; Chicago IL

Endorsement in English Second Language/Bilingual Education

National Lewis University; Chicago, IL

Achievements and Volunteerism

Elected AVA-MC ,VP of Professional Development: February 2015-present

Awarded UCAN Employee of the Year and Distinguished Service Award: June 2014

Active Percy Julian Middle School CAST Board Member: September 2014-present

Awarded Latinas on the Plaza Embracing Latina Leadership Award: April 2014

Chosen to Vice Chair Annual Latinas on the Plaza Conference: December 2013- present

Selected as Event Lead for Ascension Church Capital Campaign: June 2013-January 2014

Elected Executive Vice Chair & Chair of Mujeres de HACE Advisory Board: 2011-2013

DePaul Values Centered Leadership Online Certification: June 2012

Active Co-Chair of WOM&N Affinity Group at UCAN: 2009-2014

Tutor English Language Learners at CPS & School On Wheels: 1999-2014

Employee of the Month and Outstanding Service Award at UCAN: 2007

Certified in Volunteer Management- Illinois Resource Net: January 2007

Adult leader for parish youth ministry service trips to Tijuana, MX: 2001 & 2004

DePaul University; Service Learning Externship- El Salvador, CA: 1999

Ellen Acevedo Page 2 (708) 203-7307