OneGoal Chicago Announces New Executive Director
CHICAGO, Nov. 9, 2020 — Leading Chicago education nonprofit OneGoal has recently named Priya Linson as its new Executive Director. Most recently, Linson served as Interim Executive Director of OneGoal Chicago after Sarah Berghorst stepped down in August.
“I’m excited to leverage the brilliance of our staff, the passion of our partnerships, and the innovation of our larger organization to fulfill our mission – that every young person in Chicago has an equitable opportunity to achieve their greatest postsecondary aspirations,” said Linson. “The pandemic requires us to show up for our partners, our teachers, and our students in a new way to meet their specific needs. We may be in virtual spaces, and school may look different than before, but our students remain excited about the opportunities before them.”
Prior to serving as Interim Executive Director, Linson was the Chief of Staff for the Chicago region. Since joining OneGoal seven years ago, she has led the Chicago Development Team to meet and exceed ambitious goals, played a huge role in building and stewarding the Chicago Board of Directors, and led numerous initiatives that supported the organization as a whole.
“I am so excited to be welcoming Priya to the team of incredible Executive Directors that lead our six regions, and I am confident that OneGoal Chicago will be in great hands with her at the helm,” said OneGoal CEO Melissa Connelly. “OneGoal is part of the fabric of the education system in Chicago, and during this uniquely challenging time, Priya’s leadership will ensure we can continue to support thousands of students to pursue their greatest passions for their futures.”
A lifelong educator, Linson started her career as a New York City Public School teacher at The Bronx Guild High School. Since then, she has served as both a school- and non-profit leader at Communities in Schools, Education Pioneers, and Stand for Children. Linson is dedicated to learning and growing as a professional, having been a part of both the LeadBoston social justice leadership program and the Allstate Nonprofit Leadership program, and has extensive networks in the education sector and across Chicago.
Founded in 2007 as an after-school program, OneGoal has evolved into an in-school, credit-bearing class in schools across Chicago, Houston, New York City, Massachusetts, Metro Atlanta, and the Bay Area. The three-year, teacher-led program begins during students’ junior year of high school and continues throughout their first year of postsecondary education.
About OneGoal
OneGoal is a leading college access and success organization that works to close the degree divide and create a more equitable future for students. We partner with schools in low-income communities across the country to ensure postsecondary planning, preparation, and support are no longer extracurricular luxuries but integral components of the high school experience. OneGoal is a three-year program that starts as a class in students’ junior and senior years of high school and continues during the critical transitional period through their first year of college or other postsecondary path. 86% of OneGoal high school graduates enroll in a postsecondary institution and 76% of those who enroll persist one year after high school. In the 2020/21 school year, OneGoal is planning to reach some 12,500 students in the Bay Area, Chicago, Houston, Massachusetts, Metro Atlanta, and New York.