Playworks Illinois Names Phasha Spencer as New Executive Director

CHICAGO, Ill. – Playworks Illinois, part of the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s well-being and healthy development, welcomes Phasha Spencer as the new Executive Director. She brings more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, education and consulting to the organization which works to bring out the best in every kid- and adult- through moments of joy, connection, skill development, and physical activity.

As executive director, Spencer will oversee Playworks Illinois’ operations and partnerships with elementary schools, districts, and community-based organizations across the region. The nonprofit provides direct service coaching, training and consultation for adults working with kids leveraging games and youth development practices that support academic readiness and motivation.

“Phasha was chosen to lead Playworks Illinois because she embodies the very essence of our mission,” says Karen Perkins, Program Director. “Her fresh perspective, innovative vision, transformative leadership, and unwavering dedication to empowering communities through play make her the perfect choice for our Executive Director role. As Playworks Illinois strives not just to expand, but to evolve, thrive, and make a profound difference in the lives of every child we reach, Phasha's leadership is the catalyst for this transformative journey.”

Prior to joining the Playworks Illinois team, Spencer served as the Business Development Lead at EdReports, an independent nonprofit designed to improve K-12 education, where she was responsible for leading and supporting the expansion of state and district partners and special projects, and ensuring growth strategy, business development and the codification of services for the External Affairs Office. Previously, she held various director and fellowship positions helping to bring leadership and education opportunities to historically marginalized communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communications from Norfolk State University, and a Master of Science Degree in Journalism from Roosevelt University.

In all Spencer does she is deeply devoted to community service, professional learning, and curating spaces for children and leaders to thrive. Outside of work, she enjoys attending local events, traveling, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. She is also a Voice Actor with professional experience as a narrator and commercial talent. She has served on the advisory board for WIllie’s Warriors Leadership Initiative, through the Chicago Foundation for Women since 2019 and is currently the Chair of the Alumni committee.

“It really makes my heart sing and my soul dance when I see the impact of Playworks. It’s what drew me to the organization,” says Spencer. “Everyone should know who we are and know about the remarkable work we’re doing for kids and their social-emotional learning and leadership evolution through play. What I look forward to the most is increasing our visibility across Illinois and supporting the regions’ efforts in securing mutually beneficial and intentional partnerships.”

This school year, Playworks Illinois will ensure more than 26,000 youth in schools and community partners experience safe and healthy play during and beyond the school day statewide. For more information, visit: www.playworks.org/illinois.

About Playworks

Playworks is the leading national nonprofit leveraging the power of play to transform children’s physical and emotional well-being. The organization, which has operated in Illinois for 13 years, aims to bring out the best in every kid and hopes that one day, every child in America will get to play every day. For over 25 years, Playworks has improved kids’ experience at school and enhanced school culture by creating a caring and welcoming environment for every kid to thrive. The organization brings out the best in every kid-and adult- through moments of joy, connection, skill development, and physical activity. Through direct-service coaching of youth and providing training and consultation for adults working with kids, Playworks partners with elementary schools, districts, and community-based organizations to bring games and youth development practices. With an emphasis on social, physical, and emotional skill-building, students feel included while being active and developing valuable skills needed to thrive in and out of the classroom. During the 2023-2024 school year, the nonprofit is ensuring more than 600,000 youth in over 1,300 schools and community partners experience safe and healthy play during and beyond the school day nationwide. For more information, visit: www.playworks.org.

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