Isaiah Spears

Assistant Director, External Affairs for the University of Chicago

Isaiah Spears, serves as the Assistant Director, External Affairs for the University of Chicago’s Office of Career Advancement. As a higher-ed professional, Isaiah is committed to serving Chicago as a champion for economic growth, education, equity, and sustainability for disadvantaged communities.

Isaiah continues to assist the small business community by providing mentorship at UChicago’s Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Prior to joining the UChicago community, he led initiatives to drive economic change for certified minority businesses as a Community Business Ally at Allies for Community Business, and Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships for the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council.

Additionally, Isaiah is a U.S. Army Veteran, having completed one tour in Kuwait in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and continues to serve as a Senior Intelligence Sergeant in the Army Reserves.

He remains devoted to volunteerism, public service, is actively involved in several Chicagoland community organizations and justice-based initiatives.