Retirement of Patricia Abrams
The Renaissance Collaborative Inc. (TRC), a leading community development organization with a mission to promote self-sufficiency through an innovative and comprehensive network of supportive housing, employment, and educational services, announces the retirement of Patricia Abrams, the esteemed founding Executive Director. Concurrently, TRC is delighted to introduce Oji Eggleston as the new Executive Director, who brings a wealth of experience and a fresh vision to guide TRC into its next phase. Abrams is confident in Eggleston’s ability to guide TRC forward, having been his advisor since February 1st, 2023. Abrams will continue to serve as a development consultant as TRC nears the apex of two large projects.
The Executive Director transition has been led by Leisa Mosley, a member of the TRC Board of Directors. “This is an exciting time for TRC and the Bronzeville Community. We look forward to building on the legacy of our founder, Pat Abrams, under the leadership of our new Executive Director, Oji Eggleston,” Mosley said.
Patricia Abrams, an Alabama native and resident of Bronzeville, has played a crucial role in propelling TRC to the forefront of positive change through collaborative efforts and innovative problem-solving. As the board chair, Abrams skillfully united a coalition of four churches that laid the foundation for TRC’s establishment in 1992. Her leadership extended to spearheading a highly successful $10.8 million capital campaign, which rescued the Historic Former Wabash YMCA from demolition, a milestone that contributed to the recognition of the Bronzeville neighborhood as a historic district. With Abrams as a lead developer, TRC has created 101 apartments of permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless adults and 71 apartments of supportive affordable housing for low-income seniors. In the past three decades TRC has expanded its reach and achieved remarkable milestones, positively impacting the lives of countless individuals.
Prior to becoming the Executive Director of TRC, Pat served for seven years as the Executive Director of the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) in Chicago, a citywide agency known for creating innovative ways of connecting the environment to community development. She has amplified her commitment to social issues by serving on the board of the Chicago Rehab Network and Supporting Housing Providers Association and is active both locally and nationally within the Episcopal Church.
Reflecting on her retirement, Patricia Abrams said, “It has been an incredible privilege to serve as the Executive Director of The Renaissance Collaborative. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made together and the positive change we have brought to our community. I am confident that TRC is poised for continued success under Oji Eggleston’s leadership.”
Oji Eggleston, the newly appointed Executive Director, brings a dynamic combination of expertise in community development, nonprofit management, and a deep commitment to creating sustainable impact. With a personal connection to the Bronzeville neighborhood, Oji made it his home and chose it as the ideal place to raise his family. His strong dedication to serving underserved communities is reflected in his impressive 25 years of experience in community development.
Throughout his career, Oji has been dedicated to bringing vital resources to underserved communities, empowering residents to achieve self-sufficiency—an objective that perfectly aligns with TRC’s mission. This shared goal and Oji’s passion for making a difference were key factors that attracted him to the role of Executive Director at TRC. Oji is thrilled to have the opportunity to work within the community he calls home, emphasizing his excitement by stating, “he can finally walk to work.” Oji Eggleston’s extensive experience, coupled with his genuine enthusiasm, positions him as a valuable asset to TRC and the community it serves.
The Renaissance Collaborative is confident that Oji Eggleston’s strategic vision, innovative thinking, and inclusive leadership will propel the organization to new heights. As TRC bids farewell to Patricia Abrams, the organization expresses its deepest gratitude for her exceptional contributions and wishes her a fulfilling retirement.
