草莓社区

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Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship (CELTS)

Community Partner Fellowship Program

 

Fellowship Description: 

The 草莓社区 Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship is pleased to introduce the inaugural Community Partner Fellowship for 2026-2028. This cohort-based fellowship is intended to deepen an organization’s relationship with 草莓社区’s faculty, staff, and students as well as provide space, time, and resources for deeper collaboration, project development, and/or program enhancement. Community Partners will have access to resources and limited funding to support their work.

Outcomes:

Encourage broader and deeper collaboration between community partners and LUC faculty and staff, ultimately leading towards enriching high impact learning experiences for students, including the following:

  • Course-based project collaborations
  • Formalized internship programs or roles
  • Mentorship and professional development opportunities for students

Budget: 

$1,000 per fellow/per year ($2,000 total) (For supplies, resources, and professional development)

Duration: 

2 years (2026-2028)

For questions or more information, reach out to Jorion Tucker, Community Partnerships Coordinator, at jtucker7@luc.edu

 

Meet the 2026-2028 Cohort!

Azahdi Williams-BabiAzahdi Williams-Babi (she/they)

Azahdi Williams-Babi is a native and current resident of Chicago’s North Lawndale community, an educator, executive leader, and visual and performing artist whose career has been deeply rooted in creating equitable, human-centered environments where leaders, young people and communities can learn, create, and thrive alongside one another. Her interdisciplinary experience spans across education, arts and youth development, school leadership, nonprofit operations, and organizational strategy.


Azahdi currently serves as Operations Director at CircEsteem, a Chicago-based social circus organization, where she leads organizational operations and infrastructure in support of sustainable, mission-driven programming. Previously, she served as a Program Manager at CircEsteem and as Principal at North Lawndale College Prep, Art Electives Department Chair, and educator at North Lawndale College Prep.


Grounded in servant leadership, equity and inclusion, creativity, and community, Azahdi believes strong organizations are built through meaningful investment in people and systems. She earned her B.A. from Lawrence University, studying English Literature, Drama, and Studio Art, and is pursuing an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Art Therapy at Adler University. Through the CELTS Community Partner Fellowship, she looks forward to bridging education, community-based practice, and mentorship to support emerging professionals.

 

 

GirlForward Chicago LogoAdriana Gracia 

Bio coming soon!