James Rudyk, Jr.

CONSULTANT

James Rudyk, Jr., is a passionate, equity focused leader who served as the Executive Director of the Northwest Center (NWC) from May 2012-December 2023. Prior to working at NWC, Rudyk served as the Director of Community Organizing for ESOP, a statewide community organizing and housing counseling agency in Ohio. James graduated with honors from John Carroll University with a BA in Race and Identity Studies. He also holds his Masters in Public Policy and Administration from Northwestern University.

In addition to his service at NWC, Rudyk has been an Adjunct Faculty of DePaul’s School of Public Service since 2017 teaching courses on the intersections of race, housing, and politics. He has served on numerous non-profit organization boards and advisory councils including the UnidosUS Board of Directors, the City of Chicago’s Racial Equity Rapid Response Team and Equity Advisory Council, and Lurie Children’s Hospital Magoon Institute’s Community Advisory Council and YogaCares. He is an inaugural member of the University of Chicago Civic Leadership Academy and currently a Chicago United for Equity (CUE) Fellow for 2024-2025. 

Starting in 2024, Rudyk embarked on a new journey as a non-profit consultant, working with Chicago Vibrant Neighborhoods Collective, LISC Chicago’s One Chicago for All Alliance, and the Chicago Community Learning Partnership.