Abiodun Durojaye

As Executive Director of Urban Alliance Chicago, Abiodun Durojaye will continue her career of empowering people, particularly low-income, first-generation, and marginalized young people, to break down barriers and take a seat at the table. She comes to Urban Alliance from National Louis University, where she was the Executive Director of the Career Bridge Department. In this role, Abiodun assisted in the launch of a Career Readiness Endorsement program that focuses on building students’ confidence and soft skills prior to graduation. Prior to joining National Louis University, Abiodun worked in a variety of higher education roles, which shaped her understanding of youth development and empowerment.

Abiodun, a first-generation Nigerian immigrant, understands the systemic barriers within the educational system that impact student success and economic mobility, and she has dedicated her life to assisting young people in overcoming those barriers and achieving their career and professional goals. Abiodun also runs an organization called ASIDALove which was designed to help inspire young immigrant girls to look beyond obstacles and challenges they may face and re-envision a future filled with opportunity and achievement. Abiodun earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a Master’s degree in African Studies, both from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, and she recently earned her Doctoral degree in Interdisciplinary Leadership from Governors State University.