Kathleen Kane-Willis

Kathleen Kane-Willis has a diverse work experience in the field of research, policy, and advocacy. Kathleen currently serves as the Director of Research and Policy at the Chicago Urban League, where they are responsible for creating strategic plans, analyzing stakeholders, monitoring legislative initiatives, and producing written materials. In their previous role as the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the same organization, they co-authored a report on the impact of the opioid crisis on African Americans, which received significant media coverage and was presented at policy conferences.

Prior to their work at the Chicago Urban League, Kathleen worked at Roosevelt University, where they co-founded the Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy and led research projects focused on public health and the criminal justice system's response to substance use. Kathleen also served as the Interim Director of the consortium, overseeing staff hiring, grant management, and website maintenance. Additionally, they held roles as Assistant Director and Research Assistant at the Institute for Metropolitan Affairs, conducting research, writing reports, and evaluating education projects.

Kathleen also has experience as an Adjunct Faculty at Adler University Online Campus, where they developed and taught an online class on drug policy, emphasizing innovative approaches to policy and practice solutions.

Kathleen Kane-Willis obtained their Bachelor's Degree in History from Roosevelt University, where they were enrolled in the History Honors Program. Kathleen completed their undergraduate education from 1998 to 2001. Later, they pursued a Master's Degree in Sociology from Roosevelt University, graduating in 2006. Kathleen also attended Sarah Lawrence College from 1987 to 1989, majoring in Creative Writing, although the information does not specify whether they obtained a degree from there.