Amplifying the Voices of Emerging Evaluators of Color in Chicago

Abstract Information: The Evaluation Pathways Initiative (PI) is a program designed to strengthen the diversity of the Chicago area evaluation field by increasing the recruitment, retention, and training of culturally responsive and equity-focused evaluators of color in the Chicago region. The program offers two tracks: (1) an emerging evaluator track and an undergraduate student track. The emerging evaluator track provides training and support to emerging evaluators of color – individuals who are providing evaluation and data support to organizations, but have not received formal training as evaluators, or who have only received minimal training. Participants represent a broad spectrum of sectors including public health, education, human and social services and community organizing. The undergraduate student track helps build a pipeline of qualified evaluators of color who are trained in culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE; Hood, et al., 2015). Both tracks offer evaluation training with a focus on CREE and a mentor or coach. This session will feature program participants, funding partners, founding members, and program leadership of the Evaluation Pathways Initiative. The session will amplify the voices of PI participants by providing them a platform to share their experiences as emerging evaluators at nonprofit organizations working with diverse populations in an urban setting. Program alumni from across the Chicagoland will share how the evaluation curriculum, coaching, and resources has helped them navigate day-to-day challenges and contributed to their personal and professional growth. Panelists will demonstrate the value of funding collaboratives to bolster resources that invest in local talent of emerging evaluators and in turn center community voices to address historical trauma and systemic racism. Program leadership will discuss the program model and the curriculum components that have made the program successful. Panelists will also reflect on the directions the field of evaluation needs to take when practicing evaluation with a culturally responsive, equitable, and inclusive lens. Specifically, this session will contribute to uncovering future pathways on the authentic journey to CREE practice and community healing including building a pipeline and network of evaluators of color who are trained to practice CREE in Chicago and establishing training and support systems. Attendees will contribute to the co-construction of action-oriented strategies to develop and implement emancipatory and liberatory practices in service of communities through CREE.