Alternatives
Deidra Coleman serves as the Director of Research and Advocacy at Alternatives since June 2021, overseeing advocacy programs and evaluation projects while leading a team that implements advocacy strategies and conducts qualitative data analysis. Prior experience includes Program Director at Right At School, where recruitment and supervision of educators were key responsibilities, and Senior Program Coordinator at Loyola University Chicago, managing operations for the business school. Deidra's background in research is further exemplified through roles as a Graduate Research Fellow at the Center for the Human Rights of Children and Associate Researcher at the University of Chicago. Educational qualifications include a Master of Arts in Cultural and Educational Policy Studies from Loyola University Chicago and a Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Policy from Northwestern University.
Alternatives
Alternatives mission is to inspire young people to create a just future through practices that heal individuals, restore communities, and transform systems. We provide Restorative Justice and Behavioral Health services to young people in Chicago. Our programs and services are offered from our locations in Uptown and Washington Park and through partnerships with 50 schools and a dozen partnering youth service agencies. We envision young people, free. Free from oppression, free in their identities, and free to pursue their wildest ambitions.