Class of 2026 Welcome Ceremony

Antione Brewer is a dedicated community leader, basketball coach, and youth mentor based in Chicago. As the founder and director of In The Gym Off The Streets Athletics, he uses basketball as a tool to inspire, develop, and empower young people both on and off the court. His programs integrate high-level skills training with mentorship, character development, and faith-based guidance to equip athletes for success far beyond sports.

Over the years, he has coached athletes at the middle school, high school, and adult levels. He takes pride in leading authentically, thinking strategically, and building genuine connections with his players. Witnessing their growth—not just as athletes, but as young men and women with purpose—fuels his work daily.

He is passionate about creating opportunities for youth in underserved communities, bridging the gap between where they are today and where they have the potential to go. Whether organizing leagues, leading practices, hosting tournaments, or planning team bonding experiences, his goal remains the same: to provide safe, positive environments where young people can thrive, build confidence, and learn life lessons that will shape their futures.

His vision is to build leaders who will make a lasting impact in their families, communities, and the world. He believes basketball is more than a game—it’s a platform to teach discipline, resilience, teamwork, and faith. Ultimately, if he can help a young person see their own value and walk confidently in their purpose, he knows he is fulfilling his calling.

Perriyana Clay is an accomplished Outreach and Partnerships Manager with a strong background in community engagement, strategic partnerships, and advocacy. Currently at Project Exploration, she develops and executes outreach strategies to promote S.T.E.M. education, working closely with schools, community organizations, and industry partners to expand program reach and impact.

In addition to her role at Project Exploration, Perriyana serves as a consultant for the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP, providing strategic guidance and support for civil rights and social justice initiatives. She collaborates with stakeholders and conducts policy analysis to drive advocacy efforts that create lasting change.

With a foundation in sports medicine from Howard University and experience as a sports coach with Up2Us (AmeriCorps), Perriyana takes a holistic approach to community service, youth development, and empowerment. Her leadership extends across various organizations, including serving as Co-Chair for the Austin Community Action Council, a member of the CPS Data Transparency Committee, and a partner with the Digital Equity Coalition. She is also a member of NCNW and serves on the Advisory Design Team for CPS's Chicago Communities Co-Creating Education Project, working to ensure equitable and community-driven education solutions.

Perriyana is a proud Girls in the Game alumna, where she first discovered the power of sports, leadership, and teamwork-values that continue to guide her work today. Deeply committed to fostering collaboration and uplifting Chicago communities-especially on the West Side-she proudly states that she is Chicago born, Westside raised, and Austin developed.

Jackie Covarrubias has worked for a sport/play based youth and community development organization in Little Village for the past 11 years. She recently transitioned into the role of Director of Learning & Development for The Alliance 98, a local non-profit that aims to provide support and guidance to young people as they grow and develop personally, academically, and professionally. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the Youth Serving Committee of the Little Village Violence Prevention Collaborative, which seeks to provide support and training to youth serving professionals throughout the community. She is committed to ensuring that Little Village youth have access to high quality programming, services, resources, and opportunities. She has worked with young people in the neighborhood through previous professional roles as well which include Enlace Resource Coordinator for Madero Middle School and Teacher Assistant at Eli Whitney Elementary. Jackie received her bachelor's from the University of Notre Dame and her Masters of Arts in Teaching from National Louis University. 

Phillissa Dawson was born and raised in the vibrant, complex, and beautiful neighborhood of Austin on the West Side of Chicago. At 23 years old, she is currently a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, majoring in Sociology. Her life’s path has been anything but ordinary—and she has never wanted it to be.

From a young age, Phillissa developed a deep curiosity about people—the way we think, how we feel, and why we behave the way we do. This curiosity led her to explore subjects like sociology, psychology, and philosophy. School became more than a place to earn grades—it became a mirror for her inner world and a map for her purpose.

Outside the classroom, Phillissa is a creative spirit and a mindful warrior. Meditation, yoga, and spirituality guide her every step. She believes in energy, intention, and alignment. She also believes in play, such as diving into The Sims franchise, which has been one of her favorite pastimes since the days of SimCity. It’s more than a game to her; it’s a space where she can create, build, and imagine new worlds—just like she does in real life.

One of the deepest joys of Phillissa’s life is being an advocate for her younger brother, who is autistic. Supporting him has opened her heart and sharpened her drive to fight for equity and representation, especially for those whose voices often go unheard. Her commitment to advocacy extends to her entire community—she wants to see Austin not just survive, but thrive. She envisions it as a beautiful, supported, and whole community.

Phillissa’s gifts lie in helping others see what they can’t always see in themselves. She helps people recognize their own light, encourages them to love themselves, and motivates them to grow—even when the truth is hard to hear. She doesn’t sugarcoat things, but she speaks with love. This calling has led her into mental health work, event planning, and restorative justice spaces. She has earned certifications in Mental Health First Aid, Restorative Justice Circle Keeping, Mandated Reporting, and Phlebotomy. Phillissa is currently sharpening her skills in tech, communication, budgeting, marketing, and investing—tools that will serve her as a future policymaker and changemaker.

In 2022, Phillissa co-founded The Austin Experience (TAE), an organization rooted in healing, culture, and forward movement. Through TAE, she has collaborated with powerful local organizations like the NAACP, ACT, BUILD, Territory, YourPassion1st, and the CHA. Together, they have built events, led conversations, and created platforms for community transformation.

But she’s just getting started.

Phillissa sees herself walking boldly into the world of policy and infrastructure—dismantling what harms communities and rebuilding systems that support them. She’s not afraid of hard work. Having come too far to quit, she is focused on the bigger picture: generational healing, political impact, and personal fulfillment as she finishes her degree.

A fun fact about Phillissa? She’s deeply spiritual and a bit of a mystic. She loves to lose herself in stillness just as much as she enjoys being in motion. She believes the world is a sacred sandbox where divine orchestration meets human intention.

One of her favorite quotes says:
“The days are long, but the years are short—live in the moment and stay immersed.”
That’s exactly what Phillissa strives to do—every single day.

If you asked her best friend to describe her, they would likely say she’s determined, deep, and a transmuter—someone who turns pain into power and vision into action.

This is only the beginning. Phillissa Dawson is walking in purpose, rooted in love, and rising for the collective.

Davonte Dudley is the Executive Director in training for Root2fruit Youth Foundation, preparing to step into the role currently held by founder and strategy lead, Aisha Oliver. A dedicated leader and advocate, Davonte's journey with Root2fruit began at just 12 years old, evolving from an engaged youth participant to a trusted youth consultant and community strategist. A proud "Park Rat", Davonte grew up immersed in the Chicago Park District and has carried that passion into his career as a park district employee. His deep roots in community advocacy led him to co-create the Austin Safety Action Plan (ASAP) in 2021, a groundbreaking, youth-led public safety initiative designed to activate safe spaces and empower young people in Chicago. Since 2019, he has been the voice of Root2fruit and ASAP, using his lived experience to elevate conversations around youth engagement and violence prevention. Davonte has worked alongside influential leaders and organizations, including Senator Dick Durbin, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children'sHospital, Peace Runners 773, Alt_, and My Brother's Keeper, offering his expertise to shape initiatives that uplift young people. He spearheaded the Pushin' Peace Campaign in 2022 and 2023, encouraging Chicago Public School students to seek or create structured, safe summer activities.

In recognition of his unwavering commitment to youth advocacy and community transformation, My Brother's Keeper and the Obama Foundation honored Davonte in February 2025 as a change agent for Black and Brown boys in Chicago. As he steps into his new leadership role, Davonte remains dedicated to empowering the next generation and ensuring that young people have the resources, guidance, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Teshauna Edwards is a passionate community builder, youth advocate, and visionary leader deeply rooted in Chicago's West Side. With a heart for transformation and equity, Teshauna serves as a Program Director at YMEN (Young Men's Educational Network), where she develops and leads innovative enrichment experiences that empower youth to grow in identity, purpose, and leadership. From mentoring teens through creative arts and entrepreneurship to designing faith-based curricula that meet young people where they are, her work centers the voices and brilliance of Black and Brown youth.

Growing up in a household shaped by resilience and generational love, Teshauna developed an early understanding of what it means to hold space for healing, hope, and justice. Her lived experiences continue to inform her commitment to cultivating safe, joyful spaces where youth and families can thrive.

She is particularly passionate about mental health, identity development, and community restoration. Teshauna dreams of becoming a licensed therapist, serving young people impacted by trauma and systemic harm. Through her work, she encourages others to pursue healing as both a personal and collective act of resistance.

Teshauna is a collaborator at heart, known for building meaningful partnerships across schools, churches, and grassroots organizations. She believes in the power of radical joy, creativity, and faith to spark transformation—and she approaches her leadership with humility, laughter, and a deep sense of calling.

As a 2026 Community Leadership Fellow, Teshauna looks forward to growing alongside fellow changemakers, challenging norms, and co-creating strategies that disrupt cycles of harm and uplift the potential in every person. She is honored to be part of this cohort and excited to bring her full self -mother, mentor, advocate, and community dreamer- in this next chapter of impact and imagination.

Angelica Green is a woman of faith, a devoted mother of three, and a long-time advocate for individuals with special needs. For over 21 years, she has worked to support and uplift those with unique challenges, guided by compassion, patience, and purpose.

She currently serves as one of the 25th District Council Members on the Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), where she focuses on building trust and transparency between communities and public institutions. In addition, Angelica holds leadership roles as Vice President of the Westside Rotary Syndicate, President of the Lafollette Park Advisory Council, and Chair of the Austin Food Co-op.

Believing that community is an extension of family, she has helped start and now leads multiple block clubs to encourage neighborhood connection and safety. She is also a proud member of the 100 Westside Women and has been honored with several local awards; recognitions she accepts with deep gratitude.

Angelica's work is rooted in faith and family, and she considers it a blessing to serve. She remains thankful to God for every opportunity to support, listen to, and grow alongside her community.

Jalesa Haggard is currently the Program Director at Coach Across America, a sports youth development organization, and also runs with the Peace Runners 773. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jalesa has worked with youth between the ages of 9-21 as a mentor, career coach, and an active member of the East Garfield Park community. Jalesa is passionate about pouring into the youth, ensuring they know they are seen, heard, and supported. Jalesa strives to remind them that they can achieve anything they set their mind to.

Langston Harris is a community-focused analyst and organizer based in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. He currently serves as the Austin Safety Liaison with Project Exploration, where he works in partnership with the Office of Firearm Violence Prevention (OFVP) to coordinate violence prevention efforts. In this role, he leads monthly safety meetings with local stakeholders—including law enforcement, schools, and community-based organizations—and helps develop data-informed Community Safety Action Plans that address local violence trends. He also tracks intervention data, supports service referrals, and ensures trauma-informed approaches are embedded across partner programs.

Langston’s background spans both corporate and private sectors. He previously worked at McKinsey & Company as a Client Delivery Analyst, where he contributed to financial services, real estate, and leadership development projects. He also gained valuable experience as a Data Analyst at IRCA Group, supporting financial reporting and strategy, and as an ICG Operations Analyst at Citigroup, where he led process improvements and weekly presentations on operational innovation.

He holds a BA in Business Administration from Morehouse College and is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Alongside his professional work, Langston is deeply committed to grassroots organizing. In 2023, he independently organized a community resource fair on Chicago’s West Side to connect residents with essential services. He also helped facilitate outreach efforts for Census 2020 to ensure historically undercounted communities were represented.

Langston believes in the power of collaboration, data, and community voice to drive lasting change. Through this fellowship, he is eager to connect with other leaders, deepen his skills, and continue building a safer, more equitable future for neighborhoods like his.

Kim Jay joined the Sinai Urban Health Institute (SUHI) in 2012 and currently serves as the Training Manager and Senior Community Health Worker (CHW), supporting both training and consulting efforts. A dedicated leader in CHW initiatives, Kim has played a pivotal role in advancing the CHW profession across Chicago, Illinois, and nationally. As a core leader within SUHI, she has become a recognized advocate for expanding and professionalizing the CHW workforce.

In her leadership role, Kim oversees key components of CROWD's training contracts, including curriculum development, facilitation, client relations, and quality assurance. Her expertise was instrumental in designing and implementing the learning collaborative model for Cook County's COVID-19 Response Corps, through which she successfully trained over 600 Corps members during the pandemic. Kim's participatory and equity-driven training style ensures high-quality, engaging, and evidence-based educational programs that align with adult learning principles and community health best practices.

Currently, Kim co-leads a learning collaborative in Chicago's western suburbs, focusing on the professional development of CHWs and their supervisors, which highlights her ongoing commitment to building sustainable workforce capacity. Through her multifaceted role, she bridges grassroots community health work with systems-level strategies, positioning herself as a key leader in advancing community health equity and CHW professional growth.

Beyond her work at SUHI, Kim is a tireless national advocate for the CHW profession. As a board member of the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW), she works to elevate the role of CHWs, champion their mental and professional well-being, and ensure their voices are heard in shaping health equity initiatives.

Kim's impact also extends to addressing disparities in gynecologic cancer care, serving on a special commission dedicated to improving outcomes for underserved patients. This work includes identifying the prevalence of gynecologic cancers and developing strategies to ensure equitable care for all.

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Kim was honored with the 2024 CHW of the Year Award by the American Public Health Association (APHA), a testament to her leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to community health.

Yesenia Juarez is a La Villita community artist that loves serving her community through art and education. She is the founder of Little Village Busy Bees: an initiative to activate public spaces through community art and education, which has fostered community spirit and youth and family development. She serves as Vice Chair on the La Villita Community Church planning committee, Sergeant-At-Arms for the Little Village Community Council (LVCC), member of  her Local School Council (LSC) and Secretary for the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). Proud wife and mom to three amazing little girls that she strives to make a positive impact for. She loves fostering relationships and building bridges throughout La Villita and neighboring communities.

Rosondunnii Marshall is a licensed marriage and family therapist, mental health consultant, educator, and founder of The Darkroom Chicago. Based on the West Side of Chicago, her work bridges mental health, education, storytelling, and cultural practice to support healing and liberation across systems and communities.

As a Mental Health Consultant with ConTextos, Rosondunnii supports trauma-informed program design, facilitates healing-centered groups with youth and adults, and offers reflective consultation for staff and leadership; in community and inside spaces like Cook County Jail. Her approach integrates narrative practice, cultural humility, and relational care to help individuals and systems heal, transform, and thrive.

She is also the founder of The Darkroom Chicago, a community darkroom and creative space where young people and adults come together to explore identity, memory, and belonging through film photography and cultural expression. Through retreats, workshops, and public programs, she offers accessible space for rest, reflection, and radical imagination- especially for Black and Brown communities on the West and South Sides.

Rosondunnii teaches at City Colleges of Chicago and The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she guides emerging clinicians in developing a critical, culturally responsive lens for therapy. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy, with a focus on transforming how we teach, learn, and show up in service of others through restorative and radical pedagogy.

Rosondunnii's work is driven by a deep belief in the power of storytelling to disrupt harm, restore connection, and imagine new paths forward. Whether through education, creative practice, or clinical work, she remains committed to building spaces where healing is collective, creativity is honored, and liberation is always in sight.

Keishjuan Owens (Kaptain Woodae) is a multidisciplinary artist, community strategist, and emerging political leader from Chicago's West Side. As the founder and creative director of LumberJackPak (LJP), Keishjuan fuses art, fashion, and cultural leadership to empower marginalized youth and reimagine urban spaces for sustainability and equity. He brings years of frontline experience as a case manager and program leader, supporting vulnerable populations with housing, education, and creative development.

A proud son of Austin and North Lawndale, Keishjuan draws on his lived experience to advocate for systems change and neighborhood revitalization. His work bridges grassroots organizing with bold storytelling, reflecting his belief that leadership must be both tactical and transformative. 

Currently preparing for a 2027 aldermanic run in North Lawndale, Keishjuan is committed to designing and implementing initiatives that create generational opportunity, economic mobility, and cultural pride for Chicago communities.

Stephen is a proud father of twin boys and a dedicated real estate professional based in Illinois. A graduate of Oak Park River Forest High School (Class of 2011), he was a four-year basketball player and earned All-Academic honors his senior year.

He began his collegiate journey at Richard J. Daley College, where he played basketball on scholarship and earned his associate degree in Business in 2016. later transferred to Central Baptist College in Arkansas, an NAIA institution, also on a basketball scholarship..

Stephen continued his education at Concordia University Chicago, where he completed a bachelor's degree in Business Management with a minor in Marketing in 2019. While at Concordia, he gained valuable experience through a marketing internship with Chick-fil-A.

In February 2020, Stephen earned his Illinois real estate license through the Chicago Association of Realtors. He began his career at his family's brokerage, Ramsey Realty Group, working closely with his aunt and managing broker. He later transitioned to Coldwell Banker to expand his professional network and deepen his expertise in the real estate industry.

Outside of work, Stephen is passionate about basketball, fitness, travel, and exploring new cuisines. He's a devoted family man, guided by faith, and has a deep appreciation for music and history.

Jasmine Monique Robinson is a compassionate and experienced Radiology Clerk at Cook County Hospital with over 3 years of experience in the healthcare field. She has a proven track record of demonstrating high-quality patient care for all patients she comes in contact with. A new mom, Jasmine is also a growing Entrepreneur and Business Owner on the Westside of Chicago, offering Catering and Photography Services. With over 5 years of experience running both businesses, she has developed a strong entrepreneurial skill set. Additionally, Jasmine is an aspiring actress who has been doing extra work for the past 2 years for some of the biggest TV shows such as The Chi, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med. Some of her key skills and expertise include teamwork and collaboration, organization, leadership, and time management.

Diamond L. Trusty is a project management professional and traveling event producer with a deep-rooted passion for community impact. She is the founder of The Evelyn Experience, a community management company focused on building sustainable community ecosystems through intentional connection and organization. In addition to running her own business, Diamond serves as a community leader for the Kells Park Community Council and as a special project coordinator for Fierce Staffing Services. With a background in communications and journalism, she specializes in transforming mission-driven visions into actionable strategies that resonate with and empower local communities.

A proud native of Chicago's West Side, Diamond began her community work at the age of 15 when she wrote a letter to the Mayor proposing solutions to the city's violence; an early act of leadership that shaped her commitment to civic engagement. Drawing on her lived experience and her deep faith, she continues to build bridges between people, purpose, and possibility. She is an active member of New Life Covenant Church in Humboldt Park, where she serves in the Get Connected Ministry. Diamond believes in the power of storytelling, structure, and service to ignite lasting change in the communities that need it most.

NyEdra (Nyke) was born and raised in the East Garfield Park community on the west side of Chicago. Her childhood was deeply impacted by a tragic event in 1989 when, at just four years old, she witnessed her cousin being struck and killed by a drunk driver. This traumatic experience stayed with her and fueled her desire to create positive change within her community.

Growing up, NyEdra faced many challenges. She attended Our Lady of Sorrows and Michael Faraday Elementary School on the west side of Chicago. Her mother worked twelve-hour shifts, and her father was often incarcerated. With two older siblings preoccupied with their own lives, she largely took care of herself. At sixteen, she became pregnant during her junior year of high school. Despite the shock and fears, NyEdra persevered. She continued her nursing courses through Robert Morris University’s career program, earned college credits, and graduated from Lucy Flower High School in June 2003. That August, she enrolled at Northern Illinois University (NIU), completing a year and a half before financial hardships forced her to withdraw.

In 2005, NyEdra had her second child and made a firm decision to work harder than ever to support her family. Despite setbacks—including legal troubles and unstable employment—she enrolled at Everest College, where she earned her Medical Assistant certification. She briefly worked at Bethany Hospital completing her internship. In 2010, she joined the "Put Illinois Back to Work" program, which led her to a position at the Haymarket Treatment Facility, where she discovered her passion for helping individuals struggling with alcohol and substance abuse.

That’s when NyEdra’s commitment to her community grew even stronger. Over the years, she organized block parties, community meetings, and peace marches to combat crime and violence. Her dedication led her to a position at Breakthrough Urban Ministries, where she became the first female outreach worker on their violence prevention team. This role was incredibly meaningful, allowing her to support and inspire others in the same community she had once contributed to harming. Her dedication was recognized when she graduated from the Peace Academy for Metropolitan Peace Initiatives in 2019 and received the Stretch Award.

Since then, NyEdra has facilitated workshops on topics such as girls in gangs, the female perspective in outreach work, social media, and cyberbullying. She has also hosted numerous events, including "Paint and Sip" sessions for mothers who have lost loved ones to gun violence. Her leadership and dedication earned her promotions to supervisor and, most recently, to Associate Director of Violence Prevention. Currently, she serves as a Field Manager at Metropolitan Peace Initiative, where she continues to help heal communities by coordinating outreach efforts and empowering residents.

NyEdra is also in her second year as an adult returning student at Northeastern Illinois University. Balancing work, school, and family has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. The education she is gaining is vital to her growth as a leader and advocate in her community. The skills and knowledge she continues to acquire are helping her serve her community better and prepare for future opportunities.

Every day, NyEdra aims to lead by example, demonstrating that transformation is possible regardless of one’s past. Her work has made her a better woman, mother, and grandmother, deepening her empathy and dedication to others. She takes pride in being a role model for young Black and Brown community members, showing them that change is possible and that they too can make a meaningful difference. The experience she has gained and the ongoing education she is pursuing will help her continue to grow and make a greater impact on individuals and communities.

NyEdra believes her journey and dedication position her to further impact her community positively. Her focus remains on supporting victims, guiding perpetrators toward accountability and change, and empowering community members. With continued growth and development, she is confident she will continue making a lasting, meaningful difference in the lives of those she serves.