Jeffery Beckham Jr.

Jeffery Beckham Jr.

Jeffery Beckham Jr. is the CEO at Chicago Scholars. In his role, he is responsible for leading the development of the organization that serves more than 5,000 first-generation and low-income students to reach their dreams to pursue a college education. Jeffery is a community leader, artist and tech-entrepreneur known for advancing the fight for equity for youth and marginalized communities throughout the United States. 

Jeffery lives by the quote: “To whom much is given, much is required.” He strives to support traditionally underserved youth, working as a mentor with the 100 Black Men of Chicago, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and other Chicago programs. Amid his numerous impactful leadership positions, Jeffery began painting last year and uses his art for social and economic justice to make an impact in Chicago. As a self-taught multi-disciplinary artist, his work has been on display around the world.
Leading from Experience: Why Diversity Is Critical for Nonprofits

When I stepped into the leadership role at Chicago Scholars more than a year ago, I began searching for other nonprofit leaders of color so we could share and learn from our common experiences in navigating the nonprofit landscape. I knew I’d have to look far and wide for these peers, as it’s common knowledge in our world that diversity is lagging at the highest levels.