Introducing Paris Brandy, Manager of Community Engagement

He’s poised, thoughtful, and openminded! Paris Brandy is the new Community Engagement Manager for PSLS. He began working for PSLS in 2022 as a Community Advocate in the Rock Island office, working to advocate for the local community and establishing relationships with key stakeholders. In his new role, Paris is responsible for developing and implementing the strategic outreach plan for our 36-county service area and guiding the legal priorities we pursue. He also supervises all outreach staff for our 11 offices.

Paris’ public service began when he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a security forces member during Iraqi and Enduring Freedom operations in 2001. Once done serving, Paris returned home as a community organizer educating Chicago’s low-income communities on financial literacy and stability. During that time, he recognized the bigger impact he needed to make and joined the social service sector as Assistant Director of Programs at The Inner Voice, Inc. Paris oversaw permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and job readiness programs. He worked in this arena for seven years and was the Co-Chair of Chicago’s Coordinated Entry Leadership Committee. His leadership helped design Chicago’s present-day Homeless Entry System.

Paris received his paralegal certification in 2006 from Career Colleges of Chicago. He became the youngest Director ever selected to his position while working at The Inner Voice, Inc. He is a National Association of Legal Assistants member and a board member at The Project of the Quad Cities. When he isn’t working, Paris enjoys spending time with his family, reading, and watching news or action movies.