INTRODUCING THE 2027 COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP FELLOWS:

Marissa Alvarez is a proud Little Village native with over two decades of community leadership experience. She has been working at Enlace Chicago for the past nine years. Currently, serving her community as the Violence Prevention Collaborative Coordinator, supporting local organizations to work collaboratively to best serve residents of Little Village. Before that, Marissa served as the High School Resource Coordinator, overseeing 20+ youth- and parent-focused programs at Little Village Lawndale   High School.
 

She recently obtained her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adler University. She interned at El Círculo, providing free therapy services in Spanish and English to women of the Brighton Park community.
 

In her free time, she enjoys caring for her community cats, organizing safe community spaces, and exploring other cultures through food and travel.

Nikea Banks is a researcher,  docuseries producer and social impact practitioner whose work sits at the intersection of research, data, and storytelling that showcases lived realities of marginalized and socioeconomically disadvantaged communities. As a global social scientist, she bring an analytical and multicultural lens to questions of racial justice, economic inequality, public health, gendered violence and community power. Her research and writing have examined issues including Black maternal mortality, the racial wealth gap, the implementation   of cross-cultural social programs, cooperative economics and the ways police violence against Black women is often rendered invisible in public discourse.  

As Research & Impact Manager for The Lighthouse | Black Girl Projects, she support the organization's agenda by helping translate complex social issues into accessible, community-centered knowledge. Her work positions people as the expert of their communities, and therefore the center to their community's most pressing challenges.     

Mara Coleman is a three-time marathon runner and pace captain who bridges movement and mental health as a licensed professional counselor and community leader. Born in Chicago and raised in the Austin community on Chicago's West Side, she is passionate about advancing mental health, wellness, and health equity through public service, clinical experience, and community leadership.
 

Through Peacerunners773, Mara serves as a pace captain, mentoring and guiding beginning runners as they train to complete the Bank of America 13.1 Half Marathon. She also collaborates with fellow clinicians to co-facilitate Mental Health in Motion, a series of mental health workshops that promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and foster meaningful dialogue. Mara believes that healing extends beyond the therapy room. By combining the discipline of distance   running with intentional conversations about mental health, she creates space for people to process, connect, and grow stronger together.
 

Mara earned a bachelor's degree in Social Justice from Roosevelt University, and a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bradley University. Drawing on more than 13 years of public service with Cook County, and her work as a trauma-informed therapist, Mara is committed to addressing the social and health inequities that disproportionately impact Black and Brown communities, especially on Chicago's West Side. In her role with Cook County, Mara applies analytical thinking, data-informed decision making, and policy interpretation to navigate complex systems and strengthen public trust in government, bringing that same commitment into her work as a therapist, helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges and create meaningful change.
 

Mara is committed to building a healthier West Side, where our people feel empowered to thrive through movement, connection, and education.

Kalyani is an events professional and community advocate whose career spans event  production, project management, partnerships, and community outreach. Every   role she steps into carries deep meaning, aimed at creating experiences that   expose us to a life once kept out of reach. Throughout her career, she has used her voice to advocate and push for change. These experiences have   solidified her purpose to be the woman who breaks through barriers, shifts   culture from the inside, and ensures that progress reflects outward into our communities.
 

Raised in North Lawndale, her drive is personal. She grew up where generational and systemic barriers dictated what we had access to, what we were exposed to, and who we were shown we could become. She refused to accept   that. That refusal and faith in God carried her into rooms and experiences never saw growing up, opening doors beyond anything she could have imagined. Her journey has brought her to a career path that is a true full-circle moment. She now aims to build what she once needed, reflecting the wisdom and lessons of those that helped shape her to become a leader for her community. She's building toward something bigger through cultural programming, community-centered events, and partnerships that bring access, exposure, and   opportunity to our communities. She's passionate about reaching our people   where they are and dismantling the narrative the system built around us.     

Xavier Gamble is the Founder and President of Lograr Architectural Metal & Glass Corp., a certified MBE, DBE, and Section 3 contractor specializing in architectural metal and glass systems throughout the Chicagoland area. He began his career on the fabrication floor in August 2017, where he developed a strong foundation in the trade before graduating from the Glaziers Local 27 Apprenticeship Program in 2021. Today, he leads the very type of complex   commercial projects he once helped build with his own hands.
 

Founded in 2022, Lograr was built on the belief that excellence, integrity, and opportunity can transform both businesses and communities. Under his leadership, the company has earned the trust of leading general contractors, developers, and public agencies while delivering high-quality   architectural metal and glass solutions across the region. His vision extends beyond construction by creating pathways into the skilled trades, expanding workforce development, and helping build stronger communities through economic opportunity.
 

Xavier is a 2024 graduate of the Turner School of Construction Management and the CTA Small Business Educational Series, a 2025 graduate of Clark Construction's Strategic Partnership Program, and a 2026 graduate of Gilban's Rising Contractors Program. He has also participated in Related Midwest's Mentorship Program since 2024. Beyond his professional development, Xavier   serves as Vice President of the Kells Park Community Council and is an active member of the Black Contractors Owners & Executives (BCOE) and HIRE360.
 

Driven by a commitment to service and impact, Xavier's mission is to build more than exceptional buildings. He is dedicated to developing people, creating opportunities, and leaving a lasting legacy through leadership, entrepreneurship, and community investment.    

Darrell Glover Sr is married to Maya Glover. He has 5 children. 20 years ago Darrell Glover became a professional foster parent for a young man that had been in 30 different foster homes. During the time Darrell Glover became a foster parent, he was told by the foster care agency there was no hope for this man. Darrell saw differently. This young man had been molested, dealt with a lot of rejection, etc. Darrell Glover began to pour into this young man's heart and today this young man is doing well. He is an awesome father. In 2022, Darrell Glover founded Prayer Changes Things church at 4339 W Cermak in N Lawndale. After calling the church into a 21 day shut-in prayer and fasting, Darrell was led to open up Fuel Movement, which has made a great impact in the community. Fuel Movement offers a safe space 5 days a week,   clothes give-away, computer training, after-school programs and a food pantry. The vision has helped hundreds of people. The community has a lot of  respect for Darrell Glover as he continues the great work and the huge vision the Lord is giving him. It's an honor to serve.    

Yakela Hall is a young professional that is passionate about community and financial literacy. Rooted in christ and excited to share knowledge and empower those around her for overall   quality of life. She loves family, music, and nature. Her goal in life is to empower people in the area where finances may be a struggle.    

Yolanda Harris is a community leader, housing advocate, entrepreneur, and servant   leader dedicated to creating access to opportunities across Chicago's West Side. After a successful career in the corporate sector, she made a purposeful transition into nonprofit and community-based work, a shift that ignited her passion for advocacy, collaboration and systems change.
 

 Her community leadership began in North Lawndale, where she worked alongside faithful individuals committed to championing reentry initiatives and advocating for solutions to reduce recidivism through access to resources, opportunity, and education.
 

As a real estate investor and affordable housing advocate, Yolanda is committed to expanding access to quality, affordable housing while investing responsibly in Austin and North Lawndale. She is also a dedicated leader within her church, where she oversees educational initiatives, community outreach, and program management. A passionate volunteer, she is deeply   committed to community empowerment, and advocacy for equitable access to resources.
 

As a member of the Community Leadership Fellows Class of 2027, Yolanda looks forward to strengthening her leadership, collaborating with fellow changemakers, and advancing sustainable, community-driven solutions that empower Chicago's West Side for generations to come.
 

Tiffany Hoffman is a mental health professional, advocate, and the creator of Mental Health in Motion, an innovative program designed to promote emotional wellness, resilience, and self-awareness through education, practical skills, and community connection. Holding dual master's degrees in Clinical Mental Health and Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling, Tiffany is passionate about making mental health resources accessible and empowering individuals to prioritize their wellbeing.
 

Through Mental Health in Motion, Tiffany equips participants with evidence based strategies to manage stress, build healthy coping skills, strengthen emotional resilience, and foster meaningful personal growth. Her work emphasizes the importance of addressing mental health proactively while creating safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel seen, heard, and empowered.
 

As an experienced running coach and co-founder of Peace Runners 773, Tiffany believes movement is a powerful catalyst for healing, personal growth, and connection. Through Mental Health in Motion, she combines evidence based mental health practices with intentional movement, blending therapeutic principles, motivational coaching, and community engagement to help individuals develop confidence, emotional resilience, healthy coping strategies, and sustainable habits that support lifelong well being.
 

Through her leadership and advocacy, Tiffany continues to inspire individuals and communities to embrace mental wellness as an essential part of living healthy, fulfilling lives.    

Trenton Lige is a community leader, event strategist, creative professional, and Austin native dedicated to building healthier, more connected neighborhoods   through collaboration, innovation, and opportunity.
 

As the Events & Partnership Manager for Bethel New Life's Mildred Wiley Wellness Campus on Chicago's West Side, Trenton develops partnerships and   community experiences that connect residents with health resources, workforce opportunities, education, arts, and economic development. His work brings together nonprofits, businesses, healthcare organizations, government agencies, and local leaders to create initiatives that strengthen community well-being and improve quality of life.
 

   With a background in graphic design, marketing, and business consulting, Trenton combines creativity with strategic planning to transform ideas into meaningful community impact. He believes that every event should be more than a gathering, it should become a catalyst for relationships, access, and long-term change.
 

   Beyond his professional role, Trenton is the founder of Underdog Group, a creative and community-driven organization focused on producing experiences that celebrate culture, entrepreneurship, and neighborhood pride while creating new pathways for collaboration across Chicago. Some of these experiences were curated at events like open mics, artist showcases,   spray-paint demo, and writing workshops.
 

As a lifelong student, Trenton is currently focused on public policy and real estate development, as he is passionate about reimagining how physical spaces can become engines for wellness, economic mobility, and community empowerment. His long-term vision is to develop transformative projects that bridge community development, business, and social impact, ensuring that neighborhoods have both the resources and the infrastructure needed to thrive   for generations.  

Johnetta Oliver is a multidisciplinary artist from the Westside of Chicago. In 2020, Johnetta founded J. Oliver Photography, a Chicago-based photography studio specializing in maternity and motherhood portraiture. Through her work, she has created lasting memories for hundreds of expecting mothers and their families. She believes photography is one of the world's   greatest art forms, preserving life's most meaningful moments while celebrating the beauty and strength of every family she photographs.
 

Dedicated to giving back, Johnetta has served in leadership and volunteer   capacities with several nonprofit organizations, including Peace Runners 773,   The Hustle Mommies, and The B-Unit. She currently serves on the Young Professionals Board for Breakthrough Urban Ministry, where she contributes her skills to support community development and youth initiatives.
 

Outside of her professional and volunteer work, Johnetta enjoys spending time with her family and her beloved fur baby, Carter. She is passionate about fashion, interior design, and fitness, and is always seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Saleshea Peterson is a dynamic community leader, advocate, and changemaker dedicated to creating pathways of opportunity and hope. As the Founder and CEO of Hug A Child, Make A Change NFP, a 501(c)(3) organization, she has spent over six years advancing community violence intervention, victim services, youth mentorship, workforce development, mental health support, and healing initiatives that uplift individuals and strengthen families.
 

In her role as Sector Program Manager and Community Engagement Specialist at Goodwill Workforce North Lawndale WCC, Saleshea leads with compassion and results-connecting job seekers to meaningful employment, resources, and   long-term stability. She is known for building strong partnerships across communities, employers, and organizations to expand opportunities and drive   equitable outcomes.
 

A proud advocate for under-resourced communities across Chicago, Saleshea collaborates with public officials, faith-based organizations, and local partners to address systemic challenges and create lasting impact. Her work is rooted in equity, empowerment, and the belief in the potential of every individual.
 

Saleshea is a lifelong learner, mentor, and servant leader who believes leadership is about service, integrity, and leaving people and communities better than you found them.
 

She is committed to building safer communities and creating legacies of purpose.

Aaliyah is a dedicated community leader, restorative justice practitioner, and founder of Vessels Being Restored Inc. With over a decade of experience in youth development and community organizing across the Chicagoland area, she has empowered more than 100 young people through mentorship, leadership development, and restorative practices. Her work is rooted in creating pathways for youth to thrive, strengthening communities, and advancing healing through prevention and opportunity. 

Tonja Harris is a North Lawndale girl through and through. Raised by a brilliant teen mom who instilled in her the Talented Tenth ideology, she grew up understanding that excellence carries responsibility - and that you bring   your community with you when you rise.
 

The oldest child in her family, Tonja carries that firstborn energy into everything she does. She is a devoted wife of 18 years and a proud mom, grounded in the love and legacy of the West Side of Chicago. Her family's roots run deep in North Lawndale - where they all walked the halls of   Paderewski Elementary School together.
 

Her educational journey began with a pivotal investment: in 8th grade, the Lawndale College Opportunity Program (LCOP) selected her for mentorship and   committed a college scholarship upon graduation - a gift she has never   forgotten. She attended Prosser Career Academy, earned her BA from Columbia College Chicago, and her Master of Arts in Community Development from North Park University. Mother's Day weekend 2027, she will confer her PhD in   Applied Social Justice from Dominican University.
 

A proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated - Tau Xi Zeta Chapter - for over two decades, she leads with the community-conscious, action-oriented spirit her sisterhood demands.
 

For over 15 years, Tonja has planted herself where the work is real - on the blocks, in the buildings, in the living rooms, and in the lives of West   Side Chicago families. Her career weaves together housing, youth development, family services, and community advocacy into something that looks less like a resume and more like a love letter to the communities that shaped her. She   shows up where systems fall short, and people need someone who actually knows the neighborhood - because she absolutely does.
 

Today, she serves as Director of Housing at New Moms, holding space and holding ground for young women and their babies navigating housing instability. She oversees 58 supportive housing units across two sites, walking alongside them on their journey towards stability, dignity, and possibility.
 

Her guiding question remains simple and radical: What does it look like for Black women to lead and be well?

Brendolyn Shields is a Chicago-based community leader dedicated to creating authentic   spaces where neighbors connect, support one another, and thrive primarily focusing on the West Side of Chicago. With a diverse background in grassroots organizing, youth development, and community engagement, she brings strategic leadership, hands-on experience, and an unwavering passion for people to every project she takes on.
 

Across Chicago, Shields has partnered with Chicago organizations including the Chicago Sky Foundation, My Block My Hood, BreakThrough, and Peace Runners 773. In these roles, she has led sports-based clinics designed to teach team work and resilience, coached youth across multiple sports programs, and mentored young people navigating family, and community challenges. Each experience reinforced her core belief; when the next generation feels seen   and supported, entire communities grow stronger.
 

Brendolyn's mission is to cultivate spaces where community members can show up as their authentic selves, connect across differences, and support   each other's growth. To do that, she blends proactive, people-first approach with strategic decision-making and an openness to emerging technologies that can scale impact. Whether coordinating volunteers, designing programs, or facilitating partnerships, Shields focuses on solutions that are sustainable, equitable, and rooted in community   voice.
 

Brendolyn envisions and builds spaces where media, music, technology and sports intersect- places where people can learn, explore, and experiment with how those worlds come together. Whether it's youth coding a beat, a neighbor producing a podcast about their block or a community using tech to organize a sports league, she believes that blending these avenues unlocks creativity, ownership, and new pathways to opportunity.    

 Ciera Smith is an educator, researcher, runner, and a hobby enthusiast who believes learning is one of the most powerful tools for personal and organizational transformation. She serves as Program Manager of Faculty Development at DePaul University, where she designs and leads professional learning initiatives that support educators and advance teaching excellence. As a current Ph.D. researcher in Educational Leadership, Ciera’s work explores adult learning, leadership, and equitable pathways for professional growth. She is also an endurance athlete, writer, and advocate, using storytelling to inspire conversations about resilience, purpose, and lifelong learning. Ciera can often be found, running through the West Side, searching for a new side quest, or making a new recipe. 

Born and raised on the West Side of Chicago, Ebony Steward is the founder of Facing the Mirror, a nonprofit organization focused on empowering young girls through mentorship, leadership development, and personal growth. She is also the founder of the Ebony C. Steward brand, where she inspires others through speaking and community engagement. Having overcome challenges including bullying, rejection, grief, and low self-worth, Ebony is passionate about helping others recognize their value and reach their full potential. Guided by her faith, she believes that lasting transformation begins with knowing who you are, serving others with integrity, and leading with purpose. Known for her contagious laughter and vibrant personality, Ebony is committed to equipping the next generation—especially young women—to become confident leaders who create positive change in their communities.  

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