Adam M. Alonso, MSW

Since his arrival at BUILD in March 2015, Adam has catalyzed dramatic growth of BUILD's programs, community leadership role, and impact. By rapidly developing and launching new initiatives—including the Block 51 Arts Academy, BUILDing Girls 2 Women program, expanded behavioral and mental health services, and comprehensive trauma-informed community services for victims of violence, Alonso has led a transformation that has more than tripled BUILD's budget and staff, positioned the agency for long-term sustainability, launched a capital campaign to quadruple the physical space of the organization and serve more youth and families, and substantially increased visibility as BUILD crosses the half-century mark serving youth and families in some of Chicago’s most challenged communities. Adam brings over 25 years of non-profit and youth development experience, serving as Director of the State of Illinois' Welcoming Center for Immigrants and Refugees, Director of Community Engagement for the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, Director of Youth Services at Casa Central and Illinois Action for Children, and founding executive director of Corazón Community Services, a youth-oriented non-profit agency in Cicero. He holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago, a Master’s of Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Notre Dame.