ALUMNI PROFILES
Kiana Porter
Kiana became involved with UCAN when she participated in the Phenomenal Woman young women’s support group held at North Lawndale College Prep. Kiana won the John E. Rooney Award in 2015 and then went to earn her Bachelor’s in African American Studies, concentrating in Social Work at Lake Forest College. Kiana is now working for Teen Parent Connection where she does Family Support Work with Teen parents and young children.
“UCAN has helped mold me into the leader that I am today through uplifting encounters, continuous mentorship support, and scholarship. UCAN gave me an opportunity to have an impactful future and to remain connected to such phenomenal people who care about making a difference in the next generations’ lives.”
PRECIOUS SULLIVAN
Precious Sullivan is 22 years old and currently resides in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Knox College with a degree in Business and Management. During her time in college, she was the Vice President of Sisters of Excellence, a TRIO member., ABLE member, Resident Assistant, and Disability Service student worker. She is most proud of being accepted into the Startup term, which is an immersive experience that motivates students’ entrepreneurial interests. During the Startup term, she created a nonprofit organization that provided weekly tutoring from Knox College students to the Galesburg community. Her organization also aimed to build the overall developmental competence of students within the Galesburg community. She plans to pursue a career in Human Resources and one day opens a homeless shelter in Chicago, IL. She is grateful for all of the help and support she received from UCAN. Without being a recipient of the Youth Leadership Award and participating in UCAN temporary living placement her journey to success would not have been possible.
DEONTAE LEWIS
My Name is Deontae Lewis I’m from the west side of Chicago I attended Collins academy high school where I graduated valedictorian I live day by day fearing I want to lose my life before I get to tell my success story and live up to my dream I accomplished a goal I dreamed about since I was 13 years old that goal was on December 11th, 2021 I graduated out of college not only did I graduate but I did it in three year’s I had to battle with not having anything to get me through college but I had my mom she has been My backbone through it all I did it for her and to follow my dream My only plan is to give back helping the youth get into school, directing them down the right path, and being a voice they can relate to.
“My experience with UCAN has been amazing it’s been a blessing knowing people work there that will guide you down the right path and be there to support you.”
TERRANCE LINDSEY
My name is Terrance Lindsey I am from the west side of Chicago. I have been a part of UCAN since 2012 starting with the project visible Men and later transitioning to the UCAN Alumni Service. I am a recipient of the Rooney Award. I graduated from the College of Nursing at Michigan State University. Post-graduation, I am working in the CVICU at Cleveland Clinic.
ARLISS BANKS
I started in PVM when I was in 8th grade and was active throughout high school. The greatest benefit that I got from PVM outside of the brotherhood and accountability was the exposure to new paths, ideas, and possibilities. I would have never learned about the possibilities of finance and business or the benefits of networking, and mentorship. It truly helped open my eyes to the more opportunities that were out there. I went to Indiana University - Kelley School of Business where I majored in Finance and Business Analytics and minored in Economics. After graduation, I worked for two years in consulting at Alvarez & Marsal as a Turnaround & Restructuring Analyst. I'm currently a Data Analyst at a Fintech startup - EBM Software/Blue Ops Partners.
"PVM was a unique experience that gave me a community in which people wanted to see me succeed and opened my eyes to the endless opportunities that were possible. Something that was vitally important to my success that I don’t think I would have experienced anywhere else."
TIFFANY LEWIS
I am finishing my first year as Special Educator Director at Ralph Ellison High School. I earned my Master’s in Special Education at UIC with Learning Behavior Specialist ll endorsements in Transition and Multiple Disabilities. I returned to UIC to pursue a Ph.D. in Special Education as a SURGE scholarship recipient.
ARIYAN MOORE
My name is Ariyan Moore, I am 21 years old, and I have been working with UCAN for around 6 years to date. I am from Chicago Illinois, and I currently attend Grand Valley State University. My hobbies include listening to music, reading, and playing basketball. My experience with UCAN has been critical in my personal development. The relationships that I have built have nourished me mentally, professionally, and academically.
ELISABET ORTIZ
Elisabet was introduced to UCAN when she was just 10 years old. She and her siblings were referred to UCAN for counseling services when they entered the foster care system. Years later as a high school senior, Elisabet won a Youth Leadership Award scholarship which helped as she started her college career at Colorado University at Boulder.
After mentioning Boulder in her acceptance speech, a longtime UCAN supporter named Bob Loveman reached out. Bob lived in Boulder part-time throughout the year and offered to help Elisabet transition to the new city. “Bob was probably the best thing that happen in my life.” Bob became a mentor to Elisabet while making a point to meet up once a month, showing her around the city and being available to talk. Bob found a scholarship opportunity specifically for youth who had been in foster care which Elisabet was able to receive. “He feels like a father figure to me.” Elisabet and Bob are still connected and get lunch together whenever he is in town. Elisabet now works for Old Mission Capital as an Employee Experience Specialist.
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