Alumni Spotlight
Erik Zdansky, MS ’20 SOC
I’m thrilled to reconnect with the ISU Department of Sociology & Anthropology! I graduated with my Sociology Master’s in the Summer of 2020. My time here was pivotal in further developing my sense of self and deepening my understanding of the world. It also helped me determine how I wanted to implement positive change in my community.
Currently, I work at Lifelong Access (Normal, IL) as the Grants and Quality Assurance Manager. Our organization strives to break down barriers and envisions a community where children, teens, and adults receive holistic support through a lifelong of meaningful services. We specialize in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Recently, I had the privilege of leading a capital grant proposal to the State of Illinois as the primary grant writer and manager. Our efforts were awarded a $21.7 million capital grant! Our location also served as the site for the Governor’s Press Conference about this $200 million capital healthcare investment across Illinois.
Our award will enable us to renovate the former Pantagraph newspaper building in downtown Bloomington. The new space will serve as a collaborative hub for multiple agencies, providing services in behavioral health, psychiatry, a youth behavioral urgent care center, pediatric primary care, dental wellness, alternative youth education, community day services, food security initiatives, and supported employment programming.
My journey has taught me the value of being audacious in pursuing meaningful change. I’m eager to see how the sociology community continues to grow, inspire, and drive impact. I’d love to connect! Feel free to reach out via email or LinkedIn.
Sincerely,
Erik Zdansky, MS ’20 SOC