About us

Urban Advocates was founded with the goal of providing exposure to career options not typically represented in the underserved populations of urban communities. We provide field trips, resources, and skills to help individuals with their educational journey. We are committed to providing our students with the best possible tools and resources to reach their full potential. Our mission is anchored in three guiding principles;

  • Empowering Diverse Backgrounds: We're committed to empowering individuals from all walks of life, providing them with the tools and resources essential for personal and professional growth.

  • Inspiring Through Shared Stories: We believe in the power of shared experiences. By sharing our stories and journeys, we aim to inspire one another, fostering a community of mutual support and achievement.

  • Unlocking Full Potential: Our ultimate goal is to help individuals unlock their full potential. We're dedicated to facilitating personal and professional development, ensuring that everyone can aspire to and achieve their dreams.

Meet The Urban Advocates Team

Keith Gordon

Director

About Keith

Keith E. Gordon is a certified Strengths Champion Certified Coach. Keith is a native & product of the Chicago’s southside communities & the Chicago Public School system.

Keith is a Graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management. 

A Master’s Degree from Moody Graduate School in Urban Ministry. 

A Graduate of Wheaton College Graduate School with a Master’s Degree in Evangelism and Leadership.   

Keith is married to his lovely wife (& Best friend) Latricia. Together in Chicago, they are raising three children and two big dogs Goliath and Dobey. Keith enjoys reading, playing chess, a great cup of tea, having fun with friends and spending time with his family biking, walking, watching movies, playing board games and taking family trips (including the dogs).

 

Trish Gordon

Executive Director

About Trish

As a seasoned leader, Trish has navigated Fortune 500 boardrooms, successfully spearheading multimillion-dollar projects globally. Her strategic acumen and project management finesse have consistently delivered on-time, on-budget results, earning accolades and fostering operational excellence. Notably, her role as Vice President at a International Real Estate Services Firm marked a pivotal moment, where she honed skills in team coaching and process improvements. This experience in commercial real estate opened her eyes to the hidden opportunities in Commercial Real Estate, Finance, Trades and a desire to share careers with youth.

Trish has a Masters in Business Administration, Real Estate & Finance from Roosevelt University and BFA, Interior Architecture, Pratt Institute of Art, Architecture & Design she is Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Registered Interior Architect (RID).

Trish lives with her family in Chicago and enjoys reading, writing, long walks and dancing with her family!

 

Theresa Harris

Operations Manager

About Theresa

Theresa is dedicated to helping students, She is a wealth of knolwedge  for financial aid insights and scholarships to help pay for college. 

Theresa earned her Master’s degree in Higher Education, and is most proud of her three college educated children.  Theresa began her career as a College Financial Aid Advisor in 2000 and has not looked back from helping students meet their educational goals!