Sharif Walker’s Bio

A certified youth development practitioner, Sharif’s 20+ year career in Chicago’s philanthropic sector includes stints at the Chicago Park District and managing multi-million dollar budgets, strategic partnerships, and teams at the nationally recognized, out-of-school time organization, After School Matters®, providing programming to nearly 9,000 teenagers annually.

Deeply committed to civic engagement, Sharif is the former board chair of Austin Coming Together and founded his own nonprofit organization, Pyramid Players Productions. Since 2015, Sharif has volunteered as a Youth Advisor for Illinois State Representative LaShawn K. Ford (D-8th District), facilitating events and advising the office on issues impacting youth. 

A well-respected community leader, Sharif has received multiple awards for his work including; the Ember Award from the Black United Fund of Illinois , Planting Seeds of Change Award from Taproots, Inc., Committee Service Award from the Westside Ministers Coalition, and the Far South Community Action Council (Chicago Public Schools) Humanitarian Award.

Through his newest venture, Ground Game Consulting, Sharif provides strategic guidance to organizations and individuals seeking to change socioeconomic circumstances for youth and families in their local communities. Some of his clients include the Chicago Bulls, Austin Community Action Council, and the Austin Town Hall Park Advisory Council.

Sharif earned a bachelor’s degree from Lincoln University (Missouri) and a master’s in organizational leadership from Lewis University. A proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and a committed father and husband; Sharif resides in Chicago’s Austin community with his wife, Natasha and daughter, Morgan.