For Immediate Release
Contact
Tyler Hough
(815) 579-0867 tylerh@chicagocenter.org
CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago Center announces the appointment of Christian A. Burgos Williams, MS, as the deputy director of The Philadelphia Center and director of Experiential Learning and Career Initiatives. Williams brings a dynamic perspective to The Philadelphia Center's leadership team, aligning seamlessly with the Center's mission of providing unique and enriching experiences for students.
"Christian’s diverse background in higher education and experiential learning makes him the ideal candidate to lead The Philadelphia Center and I am thrilled to welcome Christian to our team. His commitment to fostering the growth and career development of young adults aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the positive impact he will undoubtedly have on our students and programs." -Tyler L. Hough, MS, Executive Director
Christian is a seasoned leader with a master's degree in higher education from Florida State University and a bachelor's degree in mass communication from Florida International University. His extensive background includes directing experiential learning programs at the University of Delaware, where he managed the Delaware in D.C. initiative. Christian’s commitment to higher education is further evidenced by his role at IREX, where he directed multiple components of two multi-million-dollar grant-funded leadership programs for international civil society leaders, emphasizing experiential learning and community engagement.
In addition to his role as TPC Deputy Director, Christian will lead the internship placement process and develop a plan to enhance student preparedness for their time at the centers and beyond. Additionally, Christian will be responsible for relaunching the program advisory council, an advisory group of campus stakeholders.
“I am honored to continue my professional journey by leading The Philadelphia Center into this new chapter of its 56-year history," said Williams. "I am ready to help students engage with the cultures, tastes, sights, sounds, and stories that can be found throughout the City of Philadelphia." -Christian A. Burgos Williams, MS, Deputy Director, The Philadelphia Center
MEET CHRISTIAN A. BURGOS WILLIAMS
Christian A. Burgos Williams is a charismatic leader and dynamic educator with extensive experience in spearheading the creation and refinement of innovative and inclusive programming in experiential learning, aimed at unlocking human potential by guiding the identity, leadership and career development of young adults. Most recently, as a Program Officer with IREX, he managed the implementation of alumni engagement, mentorship and participant recruitment components across two U.S. Government-funded international exchange programs.Â
Christian holds a master’s degree in higher education from Florida State University, a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with an area of concentration in sociology from Florida International University, and an executive education certificate in hospitality and tourism management from Florida Atlantic University.
Christian is an avid domestic and international traveler, as well as a talented singer, dancer and nightlife performer who articulates his creative point of view through the art of burlesque. A recognized advocate for the rights of LGBTQ people and communities of color, Christian was named to The Advocate Magazine’s Champions of Pride List in 2020 and received the inaugural Pride award from the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) in 2021. A music lover through and through, he lives with his partner just a short walk away from his favorite local concert venue, The Met, in North Philadelphia’s Francisville neighborhood.
About the Chicago Center
For more than 50 years, the Chicago Center for Urban Life and Culture has been leveraging the power of place and people to create transformative experiential learning experiences and internships for college students. We are building a community of critical thinkers devoted to using our talents to build a more just world. By cultivating strategies for critical thinking and cultural learning through a community-based approach, the Chicago Center prepares our alumni to be lifelong learners and change agents in communities across the globe.
About the Philadelphia Center
The Philadelphia Center is an experiential learning program that connects students to internships in Philadelphia. We find custom internships for any major, any professional interest for the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Students gain practical experience in their internship, participate in weekly city seminars, and learn what it means to be an engaged participant in their new city. Our students, motivated by Philadelphia’s vibrancy, engage deeply in their work, dive into multicultural experiences, and apply academic lessons directly to real-life situations.