Through Equity, Transforming Communities

Innovative Exploration

365WeThrive's Career Explore program gives youth an opportunity to experience a work week in action. This goes a long way with their development. We explore career shadowing, resume building, interview tips, introductions to using technology and website branding, and internships to promote workforce development.

Community Growth

Project Community focuses on creating pathways for social and economic growth in communities through youth-led projects, ensuring every youth has the opportunity to thrive and succeed in their endeavors. From neighborhood clean-ups to planting seeds for beautification, we nurture civic engagement.

Healthy Habits

BeWell promotes healthy habits among youth, fostering well-being and resilience through engaging programs that support their personal journey. 365WeThrive introduces coping strategies, confidence exercises, and navigating social determinants of health with our support.

Career Development

Entrepreneurship

Our Entrepreneur Incubator provides youth a STEM platform to explore their creativity and curate their own business or invention. Using technology and innovation, we shape future leaders and promote restoring businesses in their neighborhoods, creating economic growth, and community vitality. We are inspiring youth and elevating communities.

Mission

To empower youth, ages 9-24, by providing resources and activities to enhance the social well-being of communities by addressing social determinants that contribute to disparities in health, education and socio-economic outcomes.

Vision

To cultivate thriving communities where youth and young adults, empowered by our programs, achieve success through progressive pathways to community vitality, violence prevention, championed leadership, and socio-economic development… ultimately elevating communities.

Our Board

CASSANDRA OLIVIER

LAURIE BRYANT

GARY HARPER JR.

DR. CELESTE MCGILL

NICKQUOLETTE BARRETT

JASMINE TATE

MARISSA WARNER

MELANIE WHITE

Ms. Taylor is a third year University of Chicago scholar majoring in economics. She has experience in finance, grant oversight, fundraising and serves as the Chair of a philanthropic student organization on campus. She excels in our four pillars and STEM competencies and brings a fresh perspective to our mission. Ms. Taylor loves playing piano and supports youth in learning this form of art.

Ms. Warner is a Chicago Charter School teacher and has expertise as a seasoned grantwriter. She has worked with various nonprofits to secure funding from foundations and philanthropists alike. Ms. Warner brings valuable expertise to Team365. She enjoys traveling and is a restaurant connoisseur.

Student Ambassador Director

Advisor Emeritus

Director

Secretary

Founder/President

Co-Founder/Director

Treasurer

Vice President

Mr. Harper has 25 years of corporate finance expertise from global organizations like Xerox, Mastercard, and PepsiCo. He attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where he received his BS in Business Administration - Finance and received his MBA from Northwestern University. Mr. Harper believes mentorships shaped his success. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three sons.

Ms. White is a 30 year veteran in law enforcement. She served on the Chicago Police Department early in her career and transitioned to work with the State. She now leads as a Director in State Law Enforcement. Ms. White is passionate about violence prevention and youth services. She loves traveling and gathering with friends of 40 years plus.

Mrs. Barrett has 31 years with a Fortune 50 company and 11 years as an entrepreneur. She attended the University of Illinois where she was a double major in Spanish and Business. She received her MS in Executive Leadership from the University of Texas. Besides being a renowned author and career strategist, Mrs. Barrett holds six prestigious certifications. She enjoys listening to podcasts and scrapbooking.

Dr. McGill is a well-respected College Professor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor with over 30 years working with diverse populations. She also serves as Coordinating Director of Social Work at City Colleges. Dr. McGill received her bachelor, masters and Doctorates degrees from the University of Illinois. She enjoys traveling to warm climates.

Ms. Tate, BSBA, MS has 15 years in Behavioral Health and serves as Regional Director of Autism Centers of Georgia. She attended Howard University where she received a BS in Psychology and her Masters from the Chicago School of Psychology. Ms. Tate is passionate about supporting diverse learners and behavioral health. Her hobbies include traveling the world, exercising, fine cuisine and playing with her dog Stoli.

Ms. Olivier has 25 years in higher-ed roles as Director of Admissions/Marketing, Associate Director, Graduate Academic Partnerships at USC, Community Outreach and 10 years as an entrepreneur. She attended the University of Illinois and received her MSM from Calumet College. Ms. Olivier holds 4 certifications and memberships in multiple community organizations. She is recognized as a 2025 Nasdaq Milestone Circle Fellow. She loves baking, entertaining family, and community service.

JOY VALENTINE

Ms. Valentine is a 25 year year veteran to higher education. She recently retired as the Director Urban Health Early Outreach Program and Director Pre-College Programs at University of Illinois Chicago. Ms. Valentine is a doctoral candidate whose research focuses on Black adolescents, identity, and how to recognize and respond to racism. She taught at City Colleges of Chicago and as a teacher in the Chicago Public Schools earlier in her career. She enjoys family time and staying in shape.

What Inspires Us

Values

Our Values Spell I EC-SEID = I EXCEED !!

Each board member of 365WeThrive resided on the south side of Chicago as youth, living through adversities and disparities. Their ability to overcome challenges can be credited to individual changemakers who cared, and wanted to see them win. This is what inspires each member of Team365 to be committed to providing the same support to youth today.

Our WHY

Director

JAYDA TAYLOR

Ms. Bryant has 25 years as a teacher in Chicago Public Schools. She received her BA in Teaching from Roosevelt University. She is President/Founder of a nonprofit that helps educate African American youth about their history through travel to Africa. She enjoys helping students shine and finds peace walking along Chicago’s Lakeshore Drive with her dog.

Advisor Emeritus

365WeThrive transformed my life. The program was so helpful when I lost my dad. I know I have a family forever.

Jordan L.

★★★★★