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Infrastructure to Access
Soft-skills Conveniently,
Globally.
Ideal Candidate NFP, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, partners with governments, workforce intermediaries, and philanthropic institutions to help communities strengthen their workforce systems through technical assistance, strategic support, and scalable tools. The Ideal Candidate is a unified brand with two arms: a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a social enterprise corporation (The Ideal Candidate Incorporated). Together, we create a more equitable future of work. Our work enables stakeholders to align efforts, improve outcomes, and serve more job seekers—especially those facing systemic barriers to employment.
The Ideal Candidate Scholarship
The Ideal Candidate Scholarship supports Black and Latino students on their path toward graduation, professional success, and financial stability by providing $2,500 per student to cover essential graduation expenses, internship costs, professional clothing, and other barriers that limit opportunity. In formal partnership with Lewis University, the scholarship is administered with integrity and transparency, and to date we’ve invested $12,500 directly into underserved students across Chicagoland—empowering them with the resources and encouragement needed to finish their education and step confidently into their future as The Ideal Candidate.
Finance Major
Lewis University
Giving them the resources.
Business & Nursing Majors
Lewis University
Giving them the support.
Aviation & Criminal Law Majors
Lewis University
Giving them the guidance.
Programs: Serving the Ecosystem
Ideal Candidate offers the structure, tools, and technical guidance to change ecosystems. Our multi-award winning curriculums and programs serve these industries within workforce:
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Reach For The Stars Program: MBA Level 2-Day Workforce Training
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The Ideal Employee Program: Undergrad 2-Day Workforce Training
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The Ideal Trades Program: 2-Day Trades Workforce Training
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The Ideal Veteran: 2-Day Veteran Workforce Training
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The Ideal Me Program: 1-Day Grades 6th-12th Workforce Training
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The Ideal Service Provider: 1-Day Hospitality Workforce Training
The Ideal Candidate Awards
⭐ 2024 Stellar Champion Award
Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council
Awarded for outstanding leadership, innovation, and impact in minority-led workforce and talent development. This recognition highlights The Ideal Candidate’s commitment to expanding economic opportunity, elevating soft skills training, and strengthening pathways for underrepresented communities in Chicago.
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💻 2023 Microsoft TechMaker Award
Microsoft & World Business Chicago
Honored for advancing workforce development through technology and innovation. The TechMaker Award recognizes The Ideal Candidate’s pioneering work in creating digital learning tools—like Workforce Quest—that elevate career readiness, empower youth, and prepare the next generation for the AI-driven economy.
🌎 2023 Influential Business of the Year
Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Celebrated as a leading force in entrepreneurship, education, and community impact. This award recognizes The Ideal Candidate’s influence across diverse communities, our commitment to culturally relevant professional development, and our proven ability to transform students into confident leaders.
Our Team
Kevin P. Davenport
Founder / CEO
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Maria Rivera
Contract Instructor
Siri Omene
Contract Instructor
Jennifer Ollie
Contract Instructor
Executive Board
Kenneth Washington
Executive Board Chair
Monika Razdan
Executive Board Vice Chair
Ruth B. Davenport
Executive Board Secretary
Robert Hazzard
Executive Board Member
Alex Calderon
Executive Board Member
Keli Wells
Executive Board Member
Melvin Henley
Executive Board Member
Advisory Board
Seneca Zuniga
Advisory Board Member
Scott Summers
Advisory Board Member
Haley Garcia
Advisory Board Member
Sherard Jones
Advisory Board Member
Jason Bullock
Advisory Board Member
Dyamond Hill
Advisory Board Member
Aleta Williams
Advisory Board Member
Why It Matters
Across the country, thousands of nonprofits and public agencies are working to support residents—but systems are often fragmented and underutilized. Ideal Candidate offers the structure, tools, and technical guidance to change that. We believe that:
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Referral systems should be coordinated, not siloed
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Nonprofits deserve the tools to scale their impact
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Employers need easier access to mission-aligned talent
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Cities and funders need data to guide investment and measure what works
