CONTACT INFO
Visit:
2620 W Washington Blvd,
Chicago, IL 60612
Mail:
PO Box 12568, Chicago, IL 60612
emergingleaders@pursuescholars.org
Our Team
Executive Director
Clive Craigen
Clive has dedicated his life to mentoring emerging urban leaders and is excited about this opportunity to serve as Executive Director of Pursue Scholars. Although he now considers Chicago home, Clive was born in South Africa, grew up in Indiana, and graduated high school in Germany.
He has a B. A. in History and Bible from Grace College and an M. A. in Inner City Studies-Education from Northeastern Illinois University. Ten years of working with urban youth at Inner City Impact was followed by six-plus years of church planting with GBNAM (Grace Brethren North American Mission). This led to thirteen years of teaching urban ministry at Moody Bible Institute, during which he also directed the Urban Cohorts. Most recently, Clive worked for two years at Breakthrough Urban Ministries in volunteer/church engagement.
Clive and his wife Randi have been married for over 30 years and live in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago. They have been blessed with four children: Claire, Emma, Zeb, and Trinity.
Founder & Adviser
Kevin Gwin
Kevin grew up in Ohio and got his BA in Bible from Cedarville University. He went on to pursue other degrees, a MA in Christian Formation from Wheaton College and a MA in Counseling Psychology from North Park University.
Kevin moved to Chicago in 1997 to serve in the Humboldt Park community with Inner City Impact. In 2002, he became the founding elder of a church meeting in East Garfield Park that he pastored until 2020.
Kevin founded Pursue Scholars in 2007 with a passion for holistically investing in the next generation of urban leaders. He served as the Executive Director until passing on leadership in the fall of 2022. He now serves in a part time advisory role with Pursue Scholars. Kevin also serves at Cornerstone Counseling Center of Chicago as a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Kevin and his wife Lisa live in the East Garfield Park neighborhood of Chicago. They have four children: Shayna & her husband Jimmie, Joshua, & Matthew.
Associate Chief of Staff
Kianna Goss
Kianna was born and raised on the West Side of Chicago where she graduated from George Westinghouse College Prep in 2018. She went on to get her B.S. in Communications with a concentration in Journalism and double minors in Sociology and Advertising+Public Relations from Bradley University.
During her college experience, she took a few nonprofit classes and wrote advocacy pieces for a local nonprofit. Also, back in Chicago, she joined AmeriCorps where she did seasonal internships in the nonprofit sector. She is passionate about advocacy writing and making a change in her community by using her voice in the media. She grew a love for nonprofit work and is inspired to start her own one day.
As she continues to figure out her life’s journey, she is eager to learn more about her purpose and how she can make a positive impact.
Coordinator of scholar experience
A'Niya Thomas
A’Niya is a Chicago native growing up in the Bronzeville area on the South Side of Chicago. She started her walk with Christ at the early age of 5 and has been on that journey ever since. Having graduated from Gary Comer College Prep, A’Niya continued her educational journey at the illustrious Clark Atlanta University.
While at CAU, she obtained a B.A. in Psychology with a specialization in Speech Communications. After receiving her degree, she came back home to now be the Coordinator of Scholar Experience here at Pursue Scholars.
For the past 15 years she has volunteered with her church home to sponsor young children with incarcerated family members during the holiday season. In addition to that, throughout high school and college, A’Niya has managed to spend her time volunteering with the students of Chicago and helping them fill out scholarships while applying to FAFSA. She is very dedicated to the advancement of educated youth and hopes to continue that expedition.
Communications Specialist
Brandon Neal
Brandon, a Chicago native and Pursue Scholars Alum, graduated from Chicago Hope Academy in 2018. He then went to attend Taylor University where despite a couple of major changes, he graduated with his BA in Marketing.
During his time at Taylor, Brandon showcased his versatility by co-founding a clothing line startup and actively participating in various school performances and student unions. He also participated in a summer internship with Pursue that further enriched his professional experience.
After graduation, Brandon returned to his hometown of Chicago, now serving as Pursue's Communications Specialist. Leveraging his marketing background, he takes pride in effectively communicating the organization's mission and initiatives.
Our Board
Great work can only happen with great support.
Young Professionals Board
A group of young professionals who believe in the work and mission of Pursue Scholars to support young leaders who are creating positive narratives throughout the City of Chicago.
Current Members
CONTACT INFO
2620 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60612
PO Box 12568, Chicago, IL 60612
emergingleaders@pursuescholars.org
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