Executive Director, HFS Chicago Scholars
Desirée Pepper-Venzant is a native Chicagoan who joined HFS Chicago Scholars in 1996 as Director of Operations; since 2010, she has been serving as the Executive Director. An educator for over twenty years, Pepper-Venzant understands the value of an excellent education and the challenges that accompany it. Having a similar background as some of the students she currently oversees, Pepper-Venzant realizes the obstacles that families may encounter – wanting to provide the best education for their children but with limited resources – to enhance their children(s) educational path. Her passion for education and supporting youth has provided her with the drive to give back to students who bear a remarkable similarity to her own upbringing. With the assistance of a Holy Family School Scholarship program and her mentor, she was able to achieve her educational goals and break down any barriers that stood in her way. She attended Josephinum Academy (a partner school for HFS Chicago Scholars); there she became involved in student government and advocated for student curriculum needs. She was a first-generation college student and awarded scholarships to attend Barat College in Lake Forest, IL, where she obtained a B.A. in Business Marketing and a B.A. in Performing Arts Dance. While obtaining her dual degrees, she was elected and became the first African American student to serve as President of the Student Governing Board, advocating for minority student academic retention. Subsequently, she obtained an MBA from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL.
Pepper-Venzant is also a classically trained dancer, has performed professionally during her career and trained with notable instructors. Pepper-Venzant has served on several boards, is a leader in providing service to others in her community and is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Pepper-Venzant believes it is imperative for every child to be given the opportunity to succeed and have resources available to them. The HFS Chicago Scholars program provides this avenue, and she is proud to hold an important role in making quality education available for those in need and that have the desire to succeed. She is dedicated to the goals and initiatives of the program and is looking forward to its continued success.