Desirèe Nelson-Tyus

Desirèe Nelson-Tyus is an accomplished education and community engagement leader with over 25 years of experience advancing equity, access, and whole-child outcomes through strategic partnerships and innovative program design. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and completed graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University.

Desirèe’s career spans nonprofit leadership, higher education, and K–12 systems, where she has consistently driven high-impact, community-centered initiatives. She previously served as a Director at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, overseeing federal and state grants alongside philanthropic investments to support scalable, outcomes-driven programs. In 2018, she was honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Humanitarian Award for her service and impact across Southern Illinois.

She also served as Associate Director with the Gateway Region YMCA, where she led program expansion through their Community Development Branch, which strengthened community partnerships and supported governance through coordination with the local Board of Directors. Her board experience includes service with the Illinois State PTA Executive Board, along with leadership and collaboration across regional initiatives such as the Greater East St. Louis Early Learning Partnership and Make Health Happen, and participation in cross-sector coalitions advancing cradle-to-career and community-wide outcomes.

Currently, Desirèe serves as a Community School Specialist within East St. Louis School District 189, where she leads the implementation of grant-funded initiatives focused on academic enrichment, family and community engagement, health supports, and expanded learning opportunities.

She is the founder of the Kid-Friendly Network (2014–2019), a coalition of more than 325 businesses and organizations that strengthened access to resources and services for youth and families across the region.

Desirèe is known for her ability to build creative, innovative, and out-of-the-box initiatives that drive measurable, lasting impact. A U.S. Air Force military brat, she is also a proud mother of three to James, Danae, and Josiah, a devoted fur mom, and an active member of a book club, which she considers the best this side of the Mississippi River!