After a change in his personal life, Curtis Young landed a temporary work assignment seven years with U.S. Cellular.
He is now the company's diversity and talent programs apecialist.
Young said the best part of his job is "the challenge of the work and the amazing professionals that I am able to learn from and support throughout the work day. No two days are exactly the same."
Young started with U.S. Cellular in Knoxville, Tenn., supporting three recruiters responsible for hiring in the retails stores in that region. He then was transferred to Milwaukee, where he was a customer care center recruiter for more than two years, followed by a second transfer to the corporate office in Chicago three years ago.
"In my current position, as a part of the larger Human Resources Function, my responsibilities are to manage our Immigration Sponsorship program, as well as our successful Employee Referral bonus program," he said. "In addition, I've been given the responsibility to launch and administer our college intern program.
"I continue to be inspired by the leadership throughout all levels of this organization. The extraordinary corporate culture has been an integral part of each of the roles I've been fortunate to hold. This is truly an organization that 'walks the talk.' I've been presented with innumerable opportunities for growth professionally, and as a result, personally. While the work is challenging, it has been and continues to be fun to go to work, to see the results of my efforts and to have those efforts acknowledged."
Young grew up on a cattle ranch in Southern Utah, and said he likely still could ride, rope and drive a tractor.
"I have been enjoying the adventure of making Chicago home, so much to see, so much to experience," he said. "I am grateful to my 'Chicago family.'"
THE STATS
Age: 54
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Relationship status: "Single … accepting applications/resumes/references"
Nickname: Grand DILF
Favorite TV shows: Big Bang Theory and Law & Order: SVU
Hobbies: "Am learning to two-step; road trips; and roller coasters"
Sporting: Plays softball and golf in the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association (CMSA)
Favorite professional athlete: "I am in awe of Jason Collins' courage to come out and excited he is actively playing in the NBA. [He is] a great example, not only to professional athletes, but everyday people. From [my] personal experience, [I know] the decision to come-out can be difficult and fearful."