2. Leadership
Over eighteen months and with the
help of nearly 500 residents and
stakeholders, QCDC developed a
Quality of Life Plan that serves as the
blueprint for the organization today
3. Leadership
Housing
Education
Employment
Commercial/Retail
Youth
Safety
Health/Social Services
Communication/
Infrastructure
Transportation
Arts
Developed and managed
partnerships with community
organizations and stakeholders
to implement nearly seventy
projects and programs in nine
strategy areas
4. Bernita Johnson-Gabriel
Making a Difference In Chicago Since 2003
Built a nationally recognized organization focused on improving the quality of life in the
communities of the North Kenwood, Oakland, Douglas, and Grand Boulevard
Built and maintained a coalition of approximately 40 organizations/
institutions/businesses throughout of the city of Chicago focused on
implementing 70 quality of life projects and programs
Created and managed two Special Service Areas in both the 3rd & 4th Wards
Created Developer Assistance and Advisory Program, offering a comprehensive suite of
services to developers i.e. site identification and land assembly, community
engagement, access to capital and MWBE firms, economic impact tracking and
reporting
Improved the look and feel of two commercial corridors by creating a
place-making initiative that included banners, murals, and planters designed
by youth from Little Black Pearl and four area schools
Brought resources to property owners for façade improvement
Recruited an Ohio-based developer to develop Shops and Lofts at 47th, a $50M
mixed-use/mixed-income project anchored by a Walmart Neighborhood Market
Worked with the Chicago Housing Authority on three public housing transformation sites
Worked with IFF, The Community Builders (TCB), the City of Chicago and local
elected officials to develop Ellis Park Arts and Recreation Center
Identified and reported on key performance indicators for community engagement,
program impact and overall effectiveness
Developed inclusive growth strategies and initiatives for two start-up departments
(Office of the Mayor and World Business Chicago)
Created/implemented projects and programs that support City initiatives and provided
resources to historically underserved neighborhoods
Proven Leadership
o Committed
o Creative
o Collaborative
Capable of building consensus and
support
Identifies key collaborators and forms
partnerships with ease
Passionate about civic engagement,
community development, and
providing opportunities for small
businesses and not for profit
organizations
