Adam is the Chief Executive Officer at BUILD, an organization helping children and youth impacted by violence and other life traumas in the Austin neighborhood. Since his arrival at BUILD in March 2015, Adam has catalyzed dramatic growth of BUILD's programs, community leadership role, and impact. By rapidly developing and launching new initiatives—including the Block 51 Arts Academy, BUILDing Girls 2 Women program, and expanded behavioral health services, Alonso has led a transformation that has tripled BUILD's budget and staff, positioned the agency for long-term sustainability, and substantially increased visibility in preparation for BUILD's 2019 50th Anniversary celebration. He is proving that when you believe in something that anything is possible.
Adam brings over 20 years of non-profit and youth development experience, serving as Director of the State of Illinois' Welcoming Center for Immigrants and Refugees, Director of Community Engagement for the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, Director of Youth Services at Casa Central and Illinois Action for Children, and founding executive director of Corazón Community Services, a youth-oriented non-profit agency in Cicero. He holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Chicago, a Master’s of Social Work from Loyola University-Chicago, and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Notre Dame.