Chris Cole is the Manager of Learning and Engagement at the To&Through Project, where he partners with educators, school leaders, and community organizations to strengthen equitable pathways to postsecondary success for Chicago students. He brings more than a decade of experience across higher education, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and partnership development, with a career focused on expanding opportunity, strengthening communities, and building more equitable systems.
Throughout his career, Chris has worked across higher education, community colleges, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurship, and the marketing industry with organizations including One Million Degrees, the American Marketing Association, and DishRoulette Kitchen. He has led efforts focused on student success, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and designing equity-centered programs and systems that connect individuals and communities with the resources they need to thrive. Chris is also a 2025 Chicago United for Equity (CUE) Fellow, where his work focuses on advancing mental health equity within Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
A first-generation college graduate, Chris earned bachelor's degrees in Political Science and African American Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and a master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Florida International University.
Chris is a proud Pilsen resident who believes deeply in the power of relationships, storytelling, and community. Outside of work, he enjoys breaking bread over a good meal and a well-curated playlist with friends and family, dancing, and spending time as a proud husband and dad to his daughter and two cats, Remus and Aiko.