A native of Gary, Indiana, Chelsea Dennis is a fierce advocate of racial, economic and environmental justice for Black communities. As the Associate Director of Volunteer Engagement at Year Up, Chelsea is excited to lead systems change work at the intersection of education, workforce development, volunteerism, and corporate social responsibility to support young adults in launching meaningful careers. Prior to joining Year Up, Chelsea was a Programs Associate at the Elks National Foundation where she managed a national portfolio of philanthropic investments in program areas spanning arts and culture, youth development, environmental conservation, civic engagement, education, and workforce development. As a result of her tenure, more than 10,000 volunteers implemented $15 million in sustainable service projects within their communities.
Chelsea began her career in the education and nonprofit sector as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Washington DC. As the Positive School Climate Coordinator, she partnered with school leadership to engage students in the climate improvement process. After her first term, Chelsea relocated to Chicago and served her second term at Albany Park Community Center where she managed volunteers within the agency’s Adult Literacy and Citizenship programs. Chelsea holds a B.A. in Biology from Xavier University of Louisiana and a Master of Nonprofit Administration from North Park University School of Business and Nonprofit Management.
