Our second alumni highlight is Chrissy Young, who is the director of development and communications for the Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League and the Adjunct Public Speaking Instructor at Youngstown State University!
Could you run us through your story from school to where you are now?
My journey after high school has been centered on serving others and creating opportunities for my community. After graduating, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Journalism and later my master’s degree in Professional Communications. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working in several nonprofit and educational roles that have allowed me to advocate for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.
Today, I serve as the Director of Development and Communications for the Greater Warren-Youngstown Urban League, where I lead fundraising, marketing, grant development, and community engagement efforts that support programs focused on housing, youth development, workforce readiness, and economic empowerment. I also teach Public Speaking as an adjunct instructor at Youngstown State University.
Looking back, my career has always been driven by one purpose: to spread hope, create opportunities, and remind people that they are worthy of unconditional love and support. Every role I’ve held has strengthened my passion for helping others, and I’m grateful that I get to do work that makes a meaningful impact in the community I call home.
Looking back, what is a part of your story that people might not know from simply reading your resume?
One thing people might not know from reading my resume is that I didn’t have everything figured out after high school. Between the ages of 19 and 23, I was searching for who I was and made choices that didn’t always align with the person I wanted to become. At times, I felt lost and unsure of my direction.
What changed my life wasn’t one big moment—it was a series of decisions to do better, surround myself with positive people, pursue my education, and commit myself to serving others. I learned that your past doesn’t have to define your future and that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Today, I have the privilege of leading initiatives that strengthen my community, teaching college students, and mentoring young people. Those experiences are especially meaningful because I know what it feels like to question your path. If there’s one lesson my journey has taught me, it’s that where you start doesn’t determine where you’ll finish. Growth is always possible if you’re willing to keep moving forward.
What accomplishment are you the most proud of?
Honestly, the accomplishment I’m most proud of isn’t any title I’ve earned or degree I’ve received. It’s being able to make a real difference in people’s lives. Through the programs I’ve created and led, I’ve had the opportunity to serve people experiencing homelessness, youth who just need someone to believe in them, survivors rebuilding their lives, and families going through some of their hardest seasons.
My personal motto has always been to lead with unconditional love. I truly believe that when people feel seen, valued, and supported, it can change the direction of their lives. Knowing that I’ve been able to create programs and spaces where people feel hope again is what I’m most proud of. At the end of the day, if people remember me for anything, I hope it’s that I loved people well and left my community a little better than I found it.
Were there any teachers or staff members that had a lasting impact on you?
Without a doubt, Ms. Brenda Smith. She was the dean at North High, and she never judged me. At a time when I was still trying to figure myself out and wasn’t always making the best decisions, she never made me feel like I was a lost cause. She always treated me with respect and saw something in me that I couldn’t always see in myself.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how much that meant. Sometimes one person choosing grace over judgment can completely change how someone sees themselves. I carry that with me every day in my work. I try to love people where they are, not where I think they should be, because that’s exactly what Ms. Smith did for me. I honestly don’t know if she realizes the impact she had, but I’ll never forget it.
Were there any classes, clubs, or activities that influenced or helped prepare you for your educational/professional journey?
One of the biggest influences on my journey was actually the community service hours we were required to complete. At the time, I saw them as something I had to do to graduate. Looking back, I realize they planted the seed for the work I do today.
Those experiences introduced me to the importance of serving others and showed me how much of a difference one person can make in a community. I don’t think I knew it then, but those service hours helped shape my heart for nonprofit work and reinforced the belief that leading with compassion and unconditional love can truly change lives. It’s funny how something that once felt like an assignment ended up becoming the foundation of my career.
What is your favorite memory from Springfield City Schools?
Hands down, the games and the school dances. There was just so much school spirit back then. It felt like everybody showed up, everybody knew everybody, and there was always something to look forward to. Some of my best memories are just laughing with my friends, getting dressed up for the dances, and cheering our teams on. Looking back, it wasn’t anything fancy—it was just a fun time to be a kid, and those are the memories that have stuck with me the most.
What advice would you give to current Wildcats?
Don’t be afraid to write your own story. Just because you’ve made mistakes or don’t have everything figured out right now doesn’t mean that’s how your story ends. I know because I lived it.
Take advantage of every opportunity, be kind to people, and don’t underestimate the power of serving your community. The relationships you build and the way you treat people will take you further than you can imagine. Most importantly, always lead with love. The world has enough judgment—we need more people willing to show grace, compassion, and unconditional love. You never know whose life you might change just by believing in them.
Anything else you would like to mention?
I’m just grateful to Springfield City Schools for being part of my story. Looking back, I didn’t realize how many people were pouring into me and helping shape the person I would become. To everyone who invested their time, encouragement, and patience in me—thank you.
If sharing my journey helps even one student realize that it’s okay to take the long road, make mistakes, and still become the person you’re meant to be, then it’s worth it. Your beginning doesn’t determine your ending. Keep growing, keep believing in yourself, and never stop leading with love.