Rukiya Curvey Johnson

About Rukiya Curvey Johnson

A mission-driven executive, I spearhead transformational education, workforce development and health equity programs to positively impact young people and the community at large. I build, innovate, and strategize to improve economic mobility, ensure career readiness, and bridge gaps across health equity and social divides. With repeated success inside organizations that include RUSH University Medical Center and Chicago Public Schools, I am quick to uncover critical gaps, build innovative solutions, and execute on a large scale. My success has been defined by my ability to optimize and execute. I see opportunity where others do not and consistently strive to transform and improve. I am a true strategist and visionary who sees through the weeds to break down barriers, form critical partnerships, and plant seeds for growth and scalable development. I have an unwavering commitment to make a difference in the lives of young people, the communities I serve and the city I live in.PROVEN AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Nonprofit Leadership, Fundraising, & Advocacy Improved Economic Mobility & Social Impact Systems Alignment & Cross-Functional Teams Interfacing with Multifaceted Stakeholders Unearthing Gaps, Opportunities, & Challenges Taking Programs from Vision to Execution Fueling Strategic Thinking & Innovative Change CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Drove development of sustainable and scalable COVID-19 contact tracing and community health worker hub. Achieved rate of 90% of students earning industry-recognized, stackable credentials and 100% college persistence. Recognized nationally as promising youth intermediary organization by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Increased RUSH Education & Career Hub budget from $800K to $3M through improved fundraising and grants. Secured $8M in School Improvement Grants for Chicago Public Schools.

Experience

1. VP, Community Health Equity Executive Director, Rush Education & Career Hub

   Rush University System for Health

   Sep 2017 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   I entered the RUSH System to build and deploy transformational strategies to increase educational attainment and economic mobility through youth workforce development, including a cradle-to-career pipeline to increase access and success of underrepresented groups in STEM and healthcare fields. With a built reputation for success within the operation, I was later tapped to take on the responsibility of leading community health initiatives across the system. I was ultimately selected to become Vice President for community health equity. Aligned program with labor market demand and career pathways in STEM-focused programs. Earned 1 of 7 national grants awarded by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation focused on providing high-quality career pathways to Black and LatinX youth. Transformed fundraising strategy including grant applications to drive budget from $800K to $3M. Implemented robust evaluation framework for monitoring and measuring impact to bring transparency into program and capture philanthropic attention. Grew total K12 program from 1K to 4K participants with 90% of participating high school students earning industry-recognized, stackable credentials and 100% college persistence rate for participating college students. Directed development and implementation of cross-departmental strategies to improve health equity and address disparities caused by social, economic, and structural determinants of health. Spearheaded development of COVID-19 contact tracing and community health worker hub. Connected the community with needed resources while ensuring program was sustainable and scalable. Recognized as valued voice and thought leader to international and national audiences across youth workforce, career readiness, and health equity topics.

Education

• University of Virginia

  BA, Psychology & Spanish

  1992 — 1996

• University of Michigan - Stephen M. Ross School of Business

  MBA

  2001 — 2003

Skills

• Brand Development
• Philanthropy
• Instructional Design
• Training and Development
• Budget Management
• Educational Leadership
• Teaching
• Project Portfolio Management
• Thought Leadership
• Education
• Leadership
• Grant Writing
• Strategic Planning for Growth
• Transformation
• Community Outreach
• Strategy Implementation
• Staff Development
• Continuous Improvement
• Turnaround
• Curriculum Design
• Nonprofits
• Non-Profits
• Program Development
• Management
• Curriculum Development
• Leadership Development
• Change Management
• Public Speaking
• Strategic Planning
• Cross-Functional Initiatives
• Marketing Strategy
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Program Management