Our Story
At Even You, our mission is simple. We believe Even You have the potential to succeed.
We believe that we have a responsibility to help encourage and empower the next generation of leaders by working together to remove the barriers to education and ensuring that youth have access to all the programs and resources they need to succeed.
We offer a variety of programs to help the youth we serve:
-A Care Closet program that provides free clothing and essentials like toiletries and hygiene products to students in need. Which addresses a barrier that may be preventing them from attending school or participating in extracurricular activities.
-An Athletics program that helps students take part in sports while also receiving tutoring and mentorship services
-An Economic Justice Program that teaches students how to start their own businesses while providing them with opportunities for networking and mentorship. Students learn how to start their own businesses as a way to earn money for college or save for later in life.
-Students Taking Action Towards Success (STATS), is our program where students are able to apply for funds for their own projects or community service initiatives. We also offer coaching and mentoring services for students who want to get ahead in school.
In addition to our programs, Even You hosts an annual summit for our students where they can meet with successful entrepreneurs and hear from speakers who share their experiences as members of the community who have made it big despite coming from humble beginnings themselves.
Want to take part?
Whether you're a student looking for extra support and encouragement or a way to finance your education, a business owner who wants to give back, or just someone who wants to help youth in need get the resources they need, we've got you covered.
Board of Directors
Our dedicated team of experienced professionals are at the heart of what we do, utilizing their unique skills and passion to move the work of Even You forward. Without them, Even You would not be where it is today.
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Sheila Williams
Executive Director, Board President
Sheila E is the Founder of Even You. As a Teen Mom, Sheila saw first hand how much work goes into raising a child. As a Teacher, she saw how much is needed to educate a child.
She shared her story with her students and let them see her growth, her struggles, and her success. This led to many of the youth letting her know their barriers to success. So Sheila decided to do something about it.
Even You is a play off her nickname Eve and her belief that every child can succeed with the right support and some guidance.
Sheila has been in Education for over 14 years and currently serves as a Resource Coordinator for Loyola University and the Head Coach for Even U Elite Cheer. Sheila also devotes time to furthering the work of the community by serving on NOH Together, the Advisory Council for the Chicago Children's Museum, and the RPBA One Howard Steering Committee.
David Smith
Board Member
David Smith is a professional basketball trainer and Head Coach of the 16 & 17U Basketball Team for EvenU Athletics.
After playing Division 1 basketball for Drake University, Smith earned experience playing Point Guard at the professional level in Australia and New Zealand.
Smith has experience playing with and against some of the world's greatest talents including: Damian Lillard, Kawhi Leonard, and Kyrie Irving. Following a career ending injury, Smith turned to teaching and coaching. Born and raised in Evanston and Rogers Park, Smith embraces giving back to the community he came from. He wants Even You to show the youth the opportunities on and off the court.
Jasmine Barnes
Director of Community Engagement
Jasmine is passionate about education, equity, policy, and restorative justice. She is preparing people to lead extraordinary lives by looking at the bigger picture and ensuring that there is activity and action in education.
Jasmine is the Program Coordinator for Loyola Limited. Loyola Limited transforms undergraduate students into leaders by providing them with learning opportunities in entrepreneurship and small business management
As the Director of Community Engagement she is responsible for finding funding for a variety of Even You's student activities. As well as coordinating opportunities for youth to see the Loyola Campus and see many of Loyola Limited's business in action. She wants Even You to be a bridge to college and career opportunities for the youth.
Tiffany Spraggins
Board Secretary
Tiffany is passionate about sharing information, contributing to her community and supporting her children’s future endeavors. She has two students that participate in Even You programs.
Tiffany is currently working as a Quality Engineering Analyst where she practices Release Management and support User Acceptance Testing.
As an individual who has utilized services provided by a nonprofit, from the use of a public computer lab, to getting transportation support for a new job. She understands first hand how Nonprofits help build up communities. She wants Even You to be a point of contact for people who live in the community regarding programs and resources. She wanted to be a part of an organization that forges relationships and creates opportunities.
Our Team
Get to Know the Faces behind Even You
Since our founding, Even You has developed and grown exponentially. We’re very proud of the expertise of our staff and their abilities to contribute their own unique experience and skills to our success.
Michael Gibson
Instructor: Cricyt & Graphic Design
Thomas "Bud" Sanders
14U Basketball Coach
Saquissha Jackson
Cheer Coach: Novice Squad
Terence Young
18U Assistant Coach
Jarvis Booker
18U Assistant Coach