Youth Leaders from Chicago’s Little Village Community Explore Careers at Erikson

Dozens of Latine young adults from Chicago’s Little Village community gained information and insights about graduate education when they were welcomed to Erikson Institute on May 27. The young people were all participants in the “Suited for a Cause” career development program run by Erikson partner organization The Alliance 98 (TA98).

Francisco J. Lozornio, DSW, an assistant professor at Erikson, opened the program. Lozornio leads mental health training for parents, service providers and teachers in the Little Village community, where he has developed strong relationships with grassroots organizations like TA98. He introduced David Rojas, Jr, MBA, founder of TA98. Rojas started the organization in 2018 as a social enterprise that provides young adults ages 16 through 24 with meaningful career opportunities.

“We have now helped more than 600 young adults step into post-secondary education and careers that really inspire you,” Rojas told the group, which was gathered in Erikson’s Edward Neisser Library, “…whatever you want to do, right, the goal is to connect you and to bring resources to you to be able to venture off into that journey.”

Erikson President Mariana Souto-Manning, PhD also addressed the gathering. “Your roots in Little Village carry a wisdom the world needs. The resilience, love and brilliance of your community are powerful forces for transformation. At Erikson, we see your potential to lead with purpose, to advocate with compassion, and to reimagine systems so every child and family feels seen, heard, and valued,” she said. “We see you. We believe in you. And we can’t wait to welcome you. You belong here.”

A case in point is Luis Perez, Director of Education at TA98, who also works for Erikson as a member of Lozornio’s community mental health training team. Perez will begin Erikson’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program in the fall.

“In my line of work, mentorship is crucial for passing on knowledge and skills to the next generation,” Lozorino said. “As a faculty member of the MSW program at Erikson, my mission is to bring community leaders to the institute and to support, train and mentor them in the community. I’m honored to build and collaborate with a community organization like TA98, which is committed to helping young people complete a higher education degree.”

Following brief self-introductions by each young person, three Erikson staff members shared their career journeys. Clinical supervisor Erika Flores, MS, MSW, LCSW, Dean of Faculty Maxine McKinney deRoyston, PhD , and Instruction and Outreach Librarian Blanca Hernandez, MLIS, all shared experiences and insights with the young people. “Even if the students don’t come to Erikson, we can get them excited about higher education,” Hernandez said.

Following the presentation, attendees toured the Erikson building and library and had opportunities to learn more about Erikson’s academic programs.

The visit was coordinated with Erikson’s Strategic Growth & Partnerships (SGP) division, led by Vice President Ayanna F. Brown, PhD. SGP is intentional and consistent in organizing programs and developing relationships with communities and organizations committed to transformational and sustainable growth.

“Erikson Institute is a premier leader in early childhood and community services and is a home for organizations to think through how their work, mission and vision align,” Brown said. “For so many, Erikson serves as a place to engage in idea generation—it is befitting that our doors be open, and that we partner with those committed to the future.”