Mark L. Sanders, II, Chief Program Officer, leads, manages, and administers the operation of all NLEN programs, ensuring they meet the employment needs of NLEN program participants and the North Lawndale community. Mark is responsible for identifying program innovations and growth opportunities in alignment with NLEN’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. Mark is also responsible for establishing and maintaining partnerships with peer organizations and mutually beneficial relationships with employers that result in the capture of viable employment opportunities for NLEN program participants.
Mark has worked as an educator, mentor, and youth advocate for much of his career previous to NLEN with the Illinois Math and Science Academy, the Illinois Department of Corrections Juvenile Justice Division, and Lawrence Hall Youth Services. Mark holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Morehouse College and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management at Spertus Institute of Jewish Learning and Leadership. He is also a Chicago Urban League IMPACT Fellow (2016).
Mark L. Sanders, II is a member of the Chicagoland Workforce Leadership Academy, Class of 2019, one of several Workforce Leadership Academies in localities across North America.
The Workforce Leadership Academies are part of the Economic Opportunity Fellows Network, a network of leadership and fellowship programs run by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program. Within this Network, EOP connects national and local leaders from across sectors — nonprofit, government, business, philanthropy, academia, and more — to advance policies and practices with the potential to help low- and moderate-income Americans thrive in today’s economy. Learn more at as.pn/eofn.