Phasha Spencer Selected to IMPACT Leadership Development Program

CHICAGO – Since its launch in 2014, the IMPACT Leadership Development Program has assembled ten extraordinary cohorts, each consisting of some of the brightest, most talented Black professionals in Chicago. Phasha Spencer, Executive Director of Playworks Illinois, has been named to their 2025 cohort.

Spencer, who joined Playworks earlier this year, is a transformational leader, strategist, connector and change agent. Spencer has over 15 years of experience in a variety of roles in the non-profit, consulting, and higher education landscape.

IMPACT Fellows share the Chicago Urban League’s vision of racial and economic equity for Black Chicago and are unified in their commitment to affecting positive change as their generation’s most influential leaders.

“Phasha has an innovative vision, transformative leadership, and unwavering dedication to empowering communities through play,” said Elizabeth Cushing, Playworks CEO. “As Playworks Illinois strives not just to expand, but to evolve, thrive, and make a profound difference in the lives of every child we reach, Phasha's leadership is the catalyst for this transformative journey.”

“I’m excited to grow alongside other Black leaders and lay the foundation for long-term social transformation within our community,” said Spencer. “Just like we demonstrate for the kids at Playworks schools, I know that in order to build the community we want to see, and ensure it thrives, leadership and collaboration are key. I’m excited to form connections, collaborate and learn within this community so that our collective impact can make a lasting difference.”

Spencer is making a difference through her leadership in other ways as well, for example she has served on the advisory board for Willie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative through the Chicago Foundation for Women since 2019.

About Playworks

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s physical and emotional well-being. The organization aims to bring out the best in every kid and hopes that one day, every child in America will get to play every day. For almost 30 years, Playworks has improved kids’ experience at school and enhanced school culture by creating a caring and welcoming environment for every kid to thrive. The organization brings out the best in every kid-and adult- through moments of joy, connection, skill development, and physical activity. Through direct-service coaching of youth and providing training and consultation for adults working with kids, Playworks partners with elementary schools, districts, and community-based organizations to bring games and youth development practices. With an emphasis on social, physical, and emotional skill-building, students feel included while being active and developing valuable skills needed to thrive in and out of the classroom. During the 2023-2024 school year, the nonprofit is ensuring more than 600,000 youth in over 1,300 schools and community partners experience safe and healthy play during and beyond the school day nationwide. For more information, visit: www.playworks.org.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE (CUL)

Established in 1916, the Chicago Urban League works to achieve equity for Black families and communities through social and economic empowerment. We help people find jobs and establish careers, become homeowners, enhance their educational experiences, strengthen their leadership skills, and grow their businesses. As one of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban League, we promote strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, innovation, collaborative community, and corporate and civic relationships. For more information, visit www.ChiUL.org.