PATHWAYS: to Change, to Connections, to Community

Olayami Dabls, the founder and curator of MBAD African Bead Museum and Dabls African Bead Gallery, created the project with the intention to use art for its original purpose in Africa. Instead of using art for entertainment or to make money, he uses art to stimulate emotional and cultural healing.

Dabls set off to see if our planet’s materials really helped the validity of the African ideal when he first created his installation and museum located at Grand River and W. Grand Blvd. in Detroit, Michigan. His purpose as an artist and educator was confirmed when he found that people naturally are drawn to MBAD to see the beacon and explore themselves through the art because they are already attuned to this ancient way of healing. Dabls also has a mural located in Eastern Market representing African women during enslavement and colonization through the use of triangle shapes, depictions of birds, symbols, and cultural materials. An additional mural is located at the intersection of Grand River and Warren with similar cultural materials depicting snakes, which have many symbolic interpretations and are known as the predator without limbs.

During the 1970’s, he began working at the Afro-American Museum which was founded in 1965, and the second African art museum in the country established at the time. Later the name was changed to The African American Museum in 1978 and sometime in the 1990s it was changed to The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The people he worked with there had the preconception that African masks, textiles, and culture appeared frightening. Dabls had to wonder why a person would be afraid of their own culture, but feel enlightened going down the street to the Detroit Institute of Arts which focuses on European art. This catapulted him into learning as much as he possibly could about African material culture, because he felt it was his responsibility to share this knowledge in order to educate those around him. During this time, the museum world was run and determined by European Museums. In 1994, upon realizing this was indoctrination and colonization of art happening right in front of his eyes, he decided to build a museum that talked about material culture (art) from an African perspective.

The Rest and Liberation Initiative is an act of love. It is rooted in Black joy and possibility. It is a liberation walk that will become a model for the sector. It is an equity tool designed to care for and to resource organizations—especially BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and person of color) -led organizations—that have been left behind. It is a community- building exercise that holds space for a coalition of the willing to transform work-life balance, compensation and benefits, and workplace culture in nonprofits. It is a mirror, forcing us to see the ways in which we are complicit in perpetuating cycles of exhaustion and fatigue in our sector.

It is a gift. A simple way to say, “thank you, and we see you,” to the incredible leaders serving our communities with big hearts and limited resources.

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Jessica has more than 13 years of experience in state and federal legislative policy and advocacy. For the past nine years, she has directed state and federal policy initiatives at CEDAM. Jessica’s work focuses on coalition building and advocating for policies that create more vibrant, equitable neighborhoods around the state. This includes affordable housing, tax policy, asset building, and consumer financial protections.

Jessica is also the acting executive director for the Rural Partners of Michigan (RPM) which focuses on economic development in rural areas around the state. She also serves on the Executive Committee for Partners for Rural America.

She previously worked as a staff member in the House of Representatives and for a nonprofit focused on developing affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness. Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University.

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Victor Akinnagbe is the Director of Rebirth Development an impact development group focused on the elimination of blight in disenfranchised communities. Rebirth Development focuses on the elimination of blight, by restoring abandoned homes to full habitable use, and giving equity back to home owners within the city. Homes are fully reconstructed, with new plumbing, electrical, HVAC and exterior systems.

Rebirth Development has been in existence for 5 years and has worked with DHCD and Baltimore City non profits to focus restoration of vibrant communities within Baltimore. Rebirth has directly lead or participated in the restoration of over 100 homes in the city, and is looking work with DHCD and community organizations. Victor Akinnagbe went to Coppin State University in 2000, before graduating from University of Maryland.

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Courtney Battle is the Executive Director for the Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers (HAND). HAND’s growing network of members includes a wide variety of real estate and community development professionals in the Capital Region (Baltimore, Washington and Richmond) who share the mission of creating more equitable outcomes through the vehicle of affordable housing. Courtney believes that relationships are one of life’s cornerstones, and cultivating a strong network of changemakers who are transforming communities is vital to addressing the inequities that create barriers to opportunity.

Courtney joined the organization in October 2016 as Membership Manager, and was promoted to Membership Director in July 2019. In these capacities, she was responsible for: the recruitment, management and engagement of members; launching and administering the association management system for 1,000+ members and 400+ prospective members; implementing the organization’s marketing & communications initiatives (including the website, social media, e-blasts sent to 10,000+ inboxes, annual marketing materials, blog posts and the annual fundraiser digital program book distributed to 1,000+ attendees); the planning and execution of 40+ training and capacity building events each year; overseeing activities of the committee supporting the emerging leader member segment; and supporting the Executive Director in special projects.

In July 2021, Courtney was promoted to Director of Strategic Partnerships & Membership. In this role she led a wide range of projects designed to scale HAND’s reach across the region and increase the organization’s ability to build its members’ capacity. These included, but are not limited to: relationship building and strengthening; fundraising activities; assessing member needs that can be translated to programming and/or advocacy initiatives; serving as an ambassador for the organization in external events and media interviews; overseeing membership functions; and leading the marketing and communications strategy.

Courtney brings a wealth of experience in journalism and communications to her work. Prior to joining HAND, she served as an Account Manager for a local public affairs firm, and spent several years at CNN’s Washington, DC bureau as a News Assistant and Media Coordinator.

Service is also deeply embedded in her DNA, and Courtney has engaged with several community organizations which include Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Reading Partners, and Community ONE. She has the pleasure of serving as a Board member for Women of Color in Community Development, and was President of the Board from 2020-2021. She also successfully completed the Illuminate Your Leadership Nonprofit Coaching Program and Prosperity Now’s Building High Impact Nonprofits of Color initiative. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Howard University, where she majored in Journalism and minored in Afro-American Studies. She is originally from Southfield, Michigan, and has found a second home in Washington, DC.

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Kheri Billy has 15-plus years of experience managing the fiscal and human resources of various non- profit organizations in New Orleans. Kheri holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration.
Her employment history includes large and small non-profit organizations, including Second Harvest Food Bank, DePaul Community Health Center, and De La Salle High School. Kheri serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Reconcile New Orleans, a workforce development non-profit organization serving young people ages 16-24. She served as Chief Financial officer for four years before taking on the role of CEO.
Few senior executive leaders in the New Orleans non-profit sector can look at the individuals they serve and say, “I’ve been there, and you can absolutely do this.” Kheri Billy can. Every day, she comes to work to offer her talents to the people in her community – both staff and program participants. Kheri sees herself in the young people they serve and often shares that she is home-grown talent. As a New Orleans native, she’s traveled the path and faced many of the barriers our program participants have experienced. She understands the challenges one must overcome for successful employment in our city.
Kheri believes passionately that a well-run, innovative non-profit can be a role model for program participants and the greater community. She makes decisions strategically, always considering how decisions will impact her ability to make a meaningful difference. She considers longer-term thinking instead of short-term “return on investment.” Sustainability of progress is always the goal.
As an executive leader, Kheri emphasizes professional development through one-on-one coaching and developing a positive and supportive working environment for staff. Looking at the young people in Reconcile’s program just starting their professional development, she can say, “I know what it’s like to be where you are. And you, too, can become a leader in your community.”

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Connie Bohatch is Senior Managing Director of Community Services for the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She oversees the Community Development, Code Compliance, and Parks and Recreation departments, and the 61st District Court Indigent Defense System. She has more than 30 years of experience in housing and community development, public-private partnerships, and policy development.

Connie also has served as Grand Rapids’ Community Development Director since 2000. She has administered more than $234 million of community investment and secured $52 million in competitive grants primarily benefiting low- to moderate-income individuals and families by creating and preserving affordable housing, improving neighborhoods, enhancing economic opportunities, and reducing childhood lead poisoning. In doing so, she has worked extensively with community-based organizations, nonprofit service providers, housing developers, and residents.

She is passionate about community and is an advocate for access to quality healthcare and housing. Connie serves on the board of directors for the University of Michigan Health West (UMHW) Hospital, is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis Affordable Housing Advisory Board, and participates in community systems efforts related to homelessness, mental health and youth development services. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University majoring in Public Administration and Public Relations, and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Maine with a concentration in Planning and Community Development.

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Mark is the executive director at Dream of Detroit, an initiative to combine community organizing with housing and land development to revitalize a neighborhood and build a thriving, healthy community on the Westside of Detroit. DREAM organizes local residents as well as folks from throughout the metro-area Muslim community in the fight to achieve racial and economic justice in Detroit’s neighborhoods. Prior to DREAM, Mark honed his skills in digital strategy and community organizing at MoveOn, the Obama 2012 campaign, and the Inner-City Muslim Action Network. He also has significant organizational development experience and currently serves on the boards of the Detroit Justice Center, ReThink Media, and Emgage Foundation.

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Scott Davis is the Chief of Staff at Baltimore City’s Department of Housing and Community Development since August 2022. Previously he was the Director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods for Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. As Chief of Staff, Mr. Davis oversees community outreach and engagement, creation of agency policy and strategy, fiscal operations and human resources at DHCD.
DHCD is Baltimore City’s full stack development agency providing services such as, but not limited to, property acquisition & disposition, project finance, property code enforcement, building permitting & inspections, housing rehab programs, homebuyer incentives, grants management. DHCD consists of approximately 400 staff members and has an annual operating budget of approximately $89 million and a capital budget of $79 million. Beginning in December 2023, DHCD has started implementing the city’s $3 billion 15-year Vacants Reduction Strategy to address all vacant properties in Baltimore.

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Maggie DeSantis is a native Detroiter who has worked in the community development field for over forty years. She is a graduate of Wayne State University and Central Michigan University and the Pratt Institute-affiliated National Internship in Community Economic Development. After tenures at New Detroit, Inc. and Neighborhood Service Organization, she founded and was named the first Executive Director of the Warren/Conner Development Coalition (WCDC) in 1984 where she served as President/CEO until April, 2016. Renamed Eastside Community Network (ECN) in 2014, the organization evolved into one of Detroit’s largest and most respected community development organizations; having won the Crains Detroit Business first “Best Managed Non-Profit” in 1990; and the “Best Community Development Corporation” by Detroit LISC in the 1990s. In 1996 the organized was recognized with a “National Exemplary Award” by HHS, for its innovative “Youth on the Edge…of Greatness” program.

After leaving ECN, Maggie worked with multiple stakeholders to launch “Building the Engine of Community Development in Detroit” (BECDD), an initiative to build out a community development ecosystem for Detroit. Through 2021 when the resulting BECDD work was folded into CDAD, BECDD became a respected citywide process that brought 200+ multi-sector stakeholder organizations together, to design leadership pathways, funding streams, data/measurement systems, a housing rehab delivery system and other important supports for the community development sector. The projects created through BECDD are now being implemented through CDAD and other stakeholder organizations.

Maggie serves on the Board of the Chandler Park Conservancy, shepherding the initial fundraising efforts that have resulted in over $10 million in new investment in Chandler Park since 2014. She recently completed service as a founding Board Member of Detroit’s Eastern Market Development Corporation. Maggie is currently a Commissioner for the Detroit Building Authority; and a Commissioner for the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

In 2020 Maggie launched “Community Development Strategies LLC,” a consulting firm specializing in helping a variety of community-focused organizations to create and carry out authentic, equitable community development strategies for a variety of client organizations, including CDAD. She continues to work in this capacity today.

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We collect, analyze, interpret, and share high-quality data to drive informed decision-making processes and increase data-driven outcomes.

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Phyllis J. Edwards transitioned from the executive director of Bridging Communities, a non-profit in Southwest Detroit Michigan, to Project Development Consultant in 2022. Bridging’s primary focus is eldercare case management, development and rehabbing quality affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization. As executive director for 12 years, she was responsible for oversite of corporate resources, management of two senior independent living facilities, 24 townhomes, and several land contracts, in addition to other asset management and compliances. Under her leadership Bridging expanded it services to become a certified housing counseling agency, a City of Detroit Housing Resource Center, acquired certified housing counselors, resyndicated their elder living center Pablo Davis, grew the funding to exceed over 2 million dollars, and rehabbed the building to include solar panels on the roof of both the organization building and Pablo Davis. She is an advocate and supports administration and programmatic changes to current laws and practices that prohibits quality affordable housing for all. She endeavors to change the current housing practices by influencing legal, regulatory and legislative policies, and by fostering strong relationships with policy makers through the lifting of community voices. She serves as a partner with Aging Matters Conference, a day of learning for caregivers and seniors. She is board chair for the Southeast Michigan Senior Regional Collaborative, member of the advisory board for the Detroit Area Agency on Aging 1A, past board Chair for Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD) and current board member, board member for 360 Detroit, board member Just Ask Foundation and partner with their Fun Day Event, advisory member MSHDA Housing Plan, and Advisory board member for First Merchants Bank. Nationally, she is the financial chair for the national board of Self-Development of People, board member National Community Reinvestment Coalition and National Association of Nonprofit Organizations and Executives. She is a servant to all especially in her church where she serves a chair of the kitchen committee, as usher, chair of the Pastor’s aides committee, monthly women bible study teacher and recently appointed to the role of Administrative Assistant. She loves people and ensures that all she meets know they are valued and worthy of being loved.

Thaddaeus Elliott is housing advocacy coordinator at NLIHC. He works with the Coalition’s field team to expand membership and engage advocates in efforts to advance federal policy priorities. Before joining NLIHC, Thaddaeus completed a policy fellowship with the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ (UCC) in its Office of Public Policy and Advocacy in Washington, D.C. As a fellow, he educated and mobilized UCC churches and their members from all over the country to advocate on Capitol Hill for the denomination’s policy priorities relating to environmental justice, criminal justice reform, racial justice, and civil rights.

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The City of Detroit Reparations Task Force is a 13-member body consisting of four executive members appointed by Council President Sheffield and nine general members. The task force will develop recommendations for housing and economic development programs that address historical discrimination against the Black community in Detroit.

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Edythe Ford is a lifelong community servant and advocate. She began her advocacy at age 5, supporting the civil rights and union movements. While she continues to fight for racial injustices, she has grown into the role of community organizer and advocate.



In the 48214 zip code in Detroit, Edythe works to bring resources to the community where blight is rampant and poverty rates are high. "I started with small wins such as sending volunteers to help elderly neighbors, connecting with neighbors to train our next generation leaders, and emphasizing self-policing in the neighborhood." Edythe is the Director of Community Engagement and Organizing at Mack Avenue Community Church Development Corporation, where she brings local officials, business communities, and residents together to deliver the change we need. Edythe is a grassroots organizer, and people are first. She is also the President of the Pingree Park Association, Vice President of the Villages Community Development Corporation, and an at-large member of the Detroit Reparations Task Force.



Edythe leads a massive outreach to deliver resources and information to homeowners and renters in 48214. In 2023, Edythe and her team at MACC Development will assist 800+ Detroit residents in staying in their homes with the City of Detroit Homeowners Property Tax Exemption application and MIHAF.



"Our work helped save residents from foreclosure and eviction, delivering housing justice to residents. This is just one example of how I teach others how they can speak up for themselves and advocate to have their voices heard by local officials and organizations."



Service is being present when others call you to lead and be their voice for change. Some get called to serve in our armed services or as elected officials, while Edythe gets called to service by our residents. "Sometimes I will get 20 of these calls at once, but I believe delivering change block by block and neighbor by neighbor is how we can restore our communities and build a better Detroit."

My motto, adopted from Dr. Ron David, is Relationships are primary; all else is derivative. As a servant leader, I strive to get things done out of love for people rather than using people to get things done. My passion is to help others serve in excellence and succeed in bringing God's vision to fruition in their lives.

Mrs. Tamra Hardy is a leader passionate about helping others discover their strengths and how to cultivate those natural talents to make a positive impact. She enjoys serving as a trusted thought partner and catalyst for self-discovery; and helping people harness their gifts to work more effectively, efficiently, and enjoyably. As Director of Neighborhood Services at the City of Detroit in the Housing and Revitalization Department, she leads the operations of the Neighborhood Services Division, which encompasses strategic grant making of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Community Development Block Grant (HUD CDBG) and City of Detroit General fund grants to City of Detroit nonprofit organizations.

Tamra has 30+ years of combined experience in strategic grant making, strategy development and facilitation, and community development. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Eastern Michigan University. She is a Great Lakes Leadership Academy (GLLA) Leadership Advance Fellow, Kellogg Emerging Leader in Public Health Fellow and is Green Belt Six Sigma certified. Tamra continued her studies toward a Master's degree in Public Health Leadership and Education from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Tamra utilizes her talents and skills to give back in service to other organizations. She provides strategic coaching to nonprofit organizations to help build their organizational capacity and reach in community.

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After almost 10 years working at various Detroit nonprofits, Trina’s passion for mission work is what brought her to TechTown Detroit after a few years in the profit sector. Trina is a dynamic HR professional with over 15 years’ experience and expertise in all areas of human resources. She has proven success in change management; developing various programs, policies and initiatives that drives corporate culture and employee engagement. In her role as TechTown’s Director of Human Resources, Trina oversees all human resources activities through servant leadership. She champions inclusive and equitable staff policies and procedures that supports the organization’s strategic goals. Trina thrives at creating an unmatched work experience and being an advocate for all employees. She loves building relationships with employees and the leaders that she supports.



Trina earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance from Wayne State University, a Master of Science degree in human resources management from Central Michigan University, and a Professional in Human Resources certification from HRCI. In her free time, she can be found hanging out or travelling with her husband and two young daughters.

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Hector Hernandez is currently Executive Director of Southwest Economic Solutions DBA MiSide Wealth. Under Hector’s direction, Southwest Economic Solutions became a 501c3 subsidiary of Southwest Solutions in 2013. Hector oversees all day-to-day operations of multiple satellite offices who hold programs that include Homeownership, Workforce Development, Adult Learning and Financial Literacy Services. Hector also launched ProsperUs Detroit, a Detroit based entrepreneurship program that was so successful, it became an independent free-standing 501c3 organization in October of 2020. Hector has over 20 years of experience in the local and state housing industry having previously worked at both MSHDA and the Detroit Housing Commission.
Hector was born and raised in Southwest Detroit. He currently is a board member of the Fair Housing Center of Metropolitan Detroit, ProsperUs Detroit, The Dignity Restoration Project and a National Community Advisory Council Member for Huntington Bank.

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Courtney Holts is an HR professional with over seven years of HR and operations experience in multiple industries. She has engaged with most aspects of human resources, including talent acquisition, onboarding, employee development and employee relations. She is dedicated to promoting continuous business growth and cultivating client loyalty.   
Courtney holds a bachelor’s in political science from Michigan State University and a master’s in human resources management from Central Michigan University.

In her free time, Courtney loves spending time with family and trying new restaurants in the city.

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Lisa Johanon is the founder and executive director of Central Detroit Christian CDC, a faith-based non-profit organization located in central Detroit. She has served in that capacity for 29 years and has been a Detroiter for 38 years. At CDC she supervises a staff of 30 who are empowered to develop and coordinate programs, businesses and bright ideas in three areas: education, employment and economic development, and she oversees a $6.4 million dollar budget. To meet the selected goals in the specific areas mentioned above, CDC has implemented 5 education based youth and family programs reaching nearly 500 kids on weekly basis; does extensive job training and placement for over 400 teens and young adults annually; has developed 17 different businesses of which 7 are still under CDC’s umbrella, and which employ 36 community members; provides extensive housing counseling services for over 800 families yearly while helping first time homebuyers get educated about finances and financing. Lisa has developed $43 million in housing/affordable housing with $3 million under construction presently and $32 million in the pipeline—all set to close and commence construction in 2024. Lisa has been highlighted in Crain’s Business Magazine as a top female real estate developer in the region.

Lisa serves on 2 boards including: Black Male Educators Alliance Board of Directors and Live Coal (chair). She coaches 2 dozen entrepreneurs.

As a graduate of Wheaton College with a B.A. in Christian Education and Bible, and as a graduate of John Marshall Law School, Lisa has a diverse knowledge base and skill set that has led to her unique community development style and philosophy.

Lisa (and her husband Dan) have 2 adult children, a young adult goddaughter, and many non-biological children throughout the central Detroit community they call home.

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Formerly the Director of Education and Programming Amy is now the Executive Director of Matrix Theatre. Matrix Theater is a small non-for-profit, social justice theatre in Southwest Detroit that produces traditional and experimental professional theatre as well as hosts (educational) courses and experiences for ages 6 on (or all ages). Our Mission is "to build community, improve lives, and foster social justice, Matrix Theatre Company teaches, creates, and shares theatre as an instrument of transformation".



Additionally, Amy has been teaching Communication, Performance, and Education courses at Eastern Michigan University since she graduated with her Master’s Degree in Performance Studies in 2007. Prior to that, she was a high school speech and English for eight years in Illinois. Amy is a create play and drama teaching artist and presenter, most prominently with Michigan Arts Access or MiAA (formerly the VSA: the State Organization on Arts and Disabilities).



Creating performance experiences is Amy’s wheel house. Most notably, she produced two devised shows for Eastern Michigan University: A Head Full of Snakes, centering around myth and impact of Medusa and [Something Between], exploring the word, idea, and feelings regarding walls. Using original and existing texts, she has also developed, built, and directed several award willing Reader’s Theaters for competition at ARTa (American Reader’s Theater Association). In 2016 and 2017 with her coconspirator, Marisa Dluge, she built the immersive, space-based performance experience It(s) About Time. Amy also writes and performs as a founding company member and Associate Producer for the UnTheatre Company in Detroit that produces the show "Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind”.

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In 2013, Mrs. Kidd Zaffer transitioned as a volunteer for Seven Hills and served as Interim Executive Director. In assuming this role, organizational debts of nearly $1,000,000 was discovered. During this challenging time, she led the organization by maintaining critical services and staff; rebuilding an active and engaged board; eliminate debts and liens; and rebuilding the organization’s reputation. Returning as staff in 2015, Alexis currently serves as the Executive Director of Seven Hills Neighborhood Houses. She executed a successful merger with Community Land Cooperative (CLC), the oldest land trust in the State of Ohio. Through CLC portfolio, she has assisted families to move into homeownership, build equity, and expand the rental portfolio of CLC.

In partnership with the Port, Mrs. Kidd Zaffer has empowered women and minority developers with development projects that had not been obtained prior to her advocacy. Her dedication to seeing equity and social justice in every aspect of development drives her to challenge the status quo. She has served as a board or advisory group member for several organizations. She was a member of ULI’s inaugural REAL course. This year, Alexis received the 2024 Special Courage Award from the Attorney General of Ohio for her courageous and compassionate leadership in challenging spaces, through challenging times.

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Elise Lancaster assumed the role of Director of Federal Grants, Procurement, and Strategic Initiatives for U.S. Senator Gary C. Peters after serving eight years as his State Director. Other government roles include serving as State Purchasing Director for the State of Michigan, Procurement Liaison for the State of Michigan Defense Center, Constituent Services Director for Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, and Chief of Staff in the State Senate. Private sector experience includes serving as Senior Director of Government Affairs and Public Sector Procurement, and Government Relations Specialist, for statewide government affairs consulting firms. Through these roles she has gained extensive knowledge of federal and state processes and the resources available to constituents, particularly in the area of government grant and contracting opportunities.

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Following years of civic engagement and community development work, Malek
pursued a Project Analyst internship with DCED while attending university. He
continued his time with the City throughout school, during which he explored each
DCED division further, as well as the functions of all other City Administrative
offices (including the Health Department and the Buildings & Inspections
Department).

He currently serves in a leadership position in the Neighborhoods division,
managing high-impact development projects in several of Cincinnati's
neighborhoods, including projects that advance food security in critical
neighborhoods through local grocery market development. Prior to his current role,
Malek primarily focused on program management; in particular, improving grant
and funding programs strategically targeted to developing the business districts of
neighborhoods outside of the urban core.

Malek holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor focus in
Real Estate from the University of Cincinnati. He lives in the West End
neighborhood of Cincinnati.

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Helen C.S. Meier is an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research. She examines the structural, social and environmental determinants of health and health inequities across the life course. Her overall goal is to understand how social vulnerabilities become biological vulnerabilities resulting in health disparities.

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Joo Hee Pomplun joined the Alliance staff in May 2017. Joo Hee was formerly the director of policy and advocacy at Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA) where they worked with Asian communities along the Central Corridor and the Bottineau Transitway to open greater opportunities for wealth building via entrepreneurship, individual financial capabilities development, social lending, and governmental policies and practices.

Joo Hee founded and organized the Health Equity Working Committee, a coalition of community-based organizations serving and led by Asian, African, African American, Latinx, American Indian, LGBTQ, and ally communities seeking accountability of government to advance health equity. They also served as the executive director of the Minnesota Asian/American Health Coalition. Joo Hee has a bachelor’s degree in women’s studies, a master’s degree in public health, and is a certified massage therapist. Their strengths and interests are in the intersection of community development, racial equity, and spiritual health.

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Heather Raspberry is the Executive Director Emeritus of HAND, a cross-sector collective of changemakers whose strategic collaboration brings equitable communities to fruition in the Capital Region of Baltimore, Washington and Richmond. Through education, engagement and regional advocacy, HAND strengthens the capacity of its members who share a commitment to creating communities anchored by affordable housing. A values-driven and entrepreneurial leader, Heather believes that through thoughtful engagement and strategic collaboration, institutions and mission-driven stakeholders can disrupt systems of inequity to address the root causes that amplify housing disparities and restrict access to opportunity for communities of color.

Since her appointment in 2012, Heather has led HAND’s strategic, financial and administrative operations with innovative thinking and strong coalition building across sectors and jurisdictions. As a change association committed to centering racial equity, HAND identifies patterns of inequity, solves for the problems that persist, and activates its members to lead with collective action. Under her leadership, the organization has been deliberate in advancing the scale and depth of its programming and advocacy designed to empower HAND’s member base to operationalize racial equity within their respective institutions, while catalyzing impact for the communities they are missioned to serve.

Prior to her role with HAND, Heather held various leadership positions within the public, private and social sectors. While at Enterprise Community Partners, she executed national public relations campaigns to advance their business and philanthropic priorities. Additionally, Heather has designed resource development strategies and communication initiatives for housing & economic development coalitions, held public service positions with local and federal government, and managed political campaigns for elected officials. She has also operated a robust consultancy business that developed comprehensive branding strategies for companies to increase their competitive edge and impact.

Over the course of her career, Heather has been recognized for a number of accomplishments in the field. She was named the Court Appointed Special Advocate of the Year in recognition of her passion to represent the best interest of youth in foster care to the District of Columbia Family Court; honored as a Rising Leader in Community Development by the Coalition for Nonprofit Housing & Economic Development; received Affordable Housing Finance’s Young Leader award; CREW DC’s Raise Up Your Voice award; and named Commercial Observer’s 25 Most Powerful Real Estate Players in Washington, DC. Heather serves on the boards of New Partners Community Solar, Truist CRA Advisory Committee, City First Capital Advisory Board, Corporation for Supportive Housing Advisory Board and her homeowners’ association. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Leadership Greater Washington, and a Founding Board member of Women of Color in Community Development. Heather holds a dual bachelor’s degree in public relations and business management from Hampton University, earned the National Development Council’s Housing Development Finance Professional Certification, and completed NTL Institute’s Executive Leadership Program and Prosperity Now’s Building High Impact Nonprofits of Color initiative.

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Devin Thompson is the Director of Health Equity and Impact for NCRC. His expertise lies at the intersection of comprehensive community development and its impact on the health and well-being of the community. Having served as a senior staff member at national, regional, and local community development organizations, Devin has gained valuable insights into building networks of collective impact. At NCRC, Devin develops and implements place-based programming that supports NCRC's capacity to leverage capital to impact public health in communities across the country. Building from the power of NCRC's over 700 members, he is focused on expanding those members' capabilities to advance their work and leverage investment from the health sector towards community identified priorities.



Before joining NCRC, Devin was Senior Director of Neighborhood Impact at Martha's Table, overseeing the buildout of Martha's Table's first comprehensive community development framework, redefining the organization's approach to community engagement and social impact. Devin also spearheaded a community-led strategic plan that was co-designed with over 1,000 community members to reposition Martha's Table as a community champion and capacity builder. Before that role, Devin worked at LISC, where he led the development of social determinants of health programs and facilitated the creation and launch of innovative initiatives focused on financial opportunity and entrepreneurial development. Earlier in his career, he served in executive-level roles, piloting integrated service delivery programs and leading collective impact initiatives at Jubilee Housing, Prosperity Now, and Capital Area Asset Builders. Devin's expertise has been recognized by national organizations that have invited him to train and present to state and national audiences on topics related to comprehensive community development, social determinants of health, and collective impact.

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Eric Williams is a managing attorney in the Detroit Justice Center’s Economic Equity Practice. A native Detroiter, Eric is a transactional attorney with an emphasis on the legal needs of Detroit’s entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits. Eric previously served as the director of Wayne State University Law School’s Business and Community Law Clinic as well as the Director of the Wayne Law Program for Entrepreneurship and Business Law. His prior experience includes private practice in the New York offices of Nixon Peabody, LLP and Winston & Strawn, LLP.

Eric attended Cass Technical High School, received his J.D. from Columbia Law School, his M.Phil. in international relations from Cambridge University, Magdalene College, and his B.A. from the University of Michigan. Prior to attending law school, Eric worked extensively in the nonprofit sector, serving in the development offices of Focus: Hope in Detroit and the Health and Welfare Council of Long Island in New York.

Eric, a past BMe fellow, is a frequent speaker for local entrepreneurship training programs and community groups. He currently serves on the board of directors for Ponyride, the Neighborhood Advisory Committee for the Little Caesar’s Arena, and the Lawyers Committee for the Michigan ACLU.

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Janae L. Wilson is the Sr. Operations Manager at ProsperUs Detroit, where she ensures smooth daily operations by focusing on communications, events, systems, and partnerships. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace aligned with ProsperUs' mission. Prior to ProsperUs, Janae worked at TechTown Detroit, the Rock Family of Companies and as Program Manager at Plug and Play Tech Center Detroit. Outside of work, she embraces learning, continuous improvement, and enjoys Detroit's vibrant culture, whether shopping locally, biking, or exploring the city.

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Lex Zavala Is the Chief Operating Office for the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation. As someone from a strong line of influential, community leaders, Lex grew up in SW Detroit and has been involved in community services since the age of 17, and has worked at DHDC for the past 15 years in various capacities. He has an associate degree in Graphic Design and Video Production from Specs Howard and has extensive training in Youth Development, Housing Counseling, Entrepreneurship, Community Organizing, and Leadership Development. As a young person, he witnessed and experienced the many negative effects of gangs, violence, and drugs on his community. He became a self-taught media artist and began using hip-hop as a tool to empower his community, and now uses it to engage youth and create tomorrow’s community leaders while providing training and technical assistance to other non-profits around the world.

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