Nathaniel Viets-VanLear

Chicago, IL

Director of Engagement and Outreach, My Block, My Hood, My City

Engaging with social sector partners to foster sustainable relationships that bridge the gap between those who want to give and those who need support.

Nathaniel Viets-VanLear works at My Block, My Hood, My City, where he spearheaded the Explorers Program, which has provided over 1,000 youth from disinvested neighborhoods with arts and cultural experiences to challenge the narrative that their futures are confined by their neighborhood boundaries. Nathaniel's role involves coordinating these programs, building community relationships, and mentoring youth. Nathaniel plans to leverage the Scholars program to advance his initiative, “Percussion with Purpose,” an enrichment program integrating international percussion, restorative justice, and trauma-informed care. Short-term, he aims to establish drumming communities in Rogers Park and North Lawndale and form partnerships with local organizations to build a coalition for music access. Long-term, Nathaniel aspires to advocate for policy changes that enhance music access for underserved students citywide.