City of St. Louis – Soulard Neighborhood
My name is Andrew Paniello. I am incredibly excited to be participating in NLF. I recently completed NLA in Fall 2025, and I am very involved in my community. I currently live in Soulard, a historic neighborhood just south of downtown, in St. Louis City. I am an active member of my neighborhood organization (SRG), currently serving as Secretary and participating in several committees. I am also planning a jazz festival for my neighborhood, called Soulard. Beyond my community involvement, my background includes marketing (my day job), copywriting, politics, finance, and volunteering, especially with Habitat for Humanity. My passions include writing, painting, piano, National Parks, the great outdoors, and urban planning. I care deeply about the place that I live in and want to make it even better; areas that I hope to focus on include community events, solving food deserts, increasing urban green space, historic preservation, neighborhood inclusion, and improving public transportation. Top.
Unincorporated St. Louis County
Apprill Lee is a Community Health Worker (CHW), certified Doula, community researcher, and nonprofit leader with over 10 years of experience serving underserved families in the St. Louis region. She is the founder and Program Director of the Sheena Marie Bell Foundation, leading programs focused on maternal and infant health, mental wellness, financial literacy, and health equity.
With a background in biology and public health, Apprill blends lived experience with evidence-based, trauma-informed care. She is a Washington University Community Research Fellow and an Active Learning Institute Presenter with the Missouri After-school Network, committed to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and culturally responsive support. Top.
St. Louis County – City of Bellefontaine Neighbors
Ashley Langston, St. Louis native and proud alumna of SLPS, serves as a devoted Community Manager to the Senior (55+) Community. Her beginnings in Real Estate and Asset Management began during the pandemic and developed into the vehicle for her service work. She loves visiting historic neighborhoods and imagining a way to repurpose the good that is still inherent in those communities.
Her commitment to offering dignified living options with neighborhood interconnectivity has led her to institute and improve resident service programs at every tax-credit property she has managed. She is compiling a network of local service providers primed for referrals so that her motto of “No Senior Left Behind” becomes the reality for the Greater St. Louis area.
Currently, Ashley is passionate about filling the gap caused by the loss of Third Spaces, which are crucial for civic life, combating isolation, and cementing community identity. She believes our best reality can be fostered at the juncture of conscientious real estate development and inclusive community stakeholding. You can find her networking among social service professionals, entrepreneurs, and movers & shakers of the world. She is determined to build a network of service/resource providers based out of a brick-and-mortar community space. Top.
City of St. Louis – West End Neighborhood
Breona Thompson is an IT professional and project management specialist who recently served as the Board Chair of Story Stitchers, a nationally recognized St. Louis nonprofit dedicated to storytelling, civic pride, and youth engagement. She is currently on a sabbatical from the traditional workforce to focus on her growing family, applying her project management skills to the beautifully unpredictable world of early motherhood, optimizing routines, tracking patterns, and keeping home operations running smoothly.
Breona earned her MBA from Washington University in St. Louis in 2018, strengthening her expertise in strategy, organizational leadership, and community-centered innovation. Her leadership has been recognized across the region, including being named to the St. Louis Business Journal’s 30 Under 30 class of 2019. Her work is grounded in values of equity, community, and trust principles that shape her commitment to building a stronger, safer, more equitable St. Louis.
A proud resident and lover of St. Louis City, Breona is also an indoor spin instructor, an affordable-luxury traveler, a runner, and an adventurous home cook who loves trying new Pinterest recipes. Most people would describe her as either happy or hungry. She's usually chasing big ideas, small joys, and her next snack. Top.
St. Louis County – City of Bellefontaine Neighbors
Carla L Hudson is an Office Manager at Gateway Arch Park Foundation, with eleven years of dedicated service. As a founding member of the organization, she looks forward to working each day. Her primary responsibilities include managing the daily operations of the office and working various events, such as Blues at the Arch and Winterfest. She is a Notary and possess an Associate Applied Science Degree in Paralegal Studies from Stevens – The Institute of Business & Arts. In addition, she has also obtained training and received the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate through Cornell University.
Her free time is filled with volunteering in her community. She is a Lifetime Girl Scout with more than fifteen years’ experience as a Girl Scout Leader and Trainer. As a committed volunteer to community service she has worked with the schools for MO PTA and PTA Leaders in the Hazelwood School District. Recently, she has completed training to form a Block Unit in her community. One of her goals is to make every day count and do all she can to help her community. Top.
City of St. Louis – Dutchtown Neighborhood
Claude Bond IV is a nonprofit development professional and community leader based in St. Louis, Missouri. He currently serves as Development Associate at Jazz St. Louis, where he supports fundraising initiatives, donor stewardship, corporate partnerships, and the relaunch of the organization’s Young Friends program during its 30th Anniversary season.
Claude brings more than a decade of experience across youth development and the arts. He previously served as Director of Development at Flance Early Learning Center. He held leadership roles with Boy Scouts of America, building strong fundraising systems and community relationships throughout his career.
His work centers on relationship-based fundraising, grant strategy, and connecting people to causes that strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to opportunity. Claude believes deeply in community-centered leadership and the power of collaboration to drive lasting change.
Outside of work, Claude is actively involved with Dutchtown Main Streets, supporting neighborhood revitalization efforts. He enjoys live music, exploring local restaurants, running and biking through the city, and building connections across St. Louis. If a jazz show or a community event is happening, there’s a good chance Claude is already there. Top.
City of St. Louis – Gravois Park Neighborhood
Danielle Phillips (she/her). Dani Phillips brings more than a decade of experience in student development and relationship-centered leadership. Her transition into community health builds on her strengths in managing initiatives and driving collaborative impact. During the week, she advances the health and well‑being of residents through partnership building, coordinated efforts, and strategic programming.
A restorative leader, Dani earned a Certificate in Restorative Justice Facilitation and Leadership from the University of San Diego. She is deeply committed to fostering inclusive, connected communities and leverages restorative practices to address challenges while building resilient relationships.
Beyond her professional role, Dani is a wife, mother, and proud city explorer, soaking up everyday adventures across St. Louis with her family and finding joy in the connections that make communities thrive. Top.
City of St. Louis – Hyde Park Neighborhood
Denean Vaughn is a community leader, entrepreneur, and advocate dedicated to helping people and neighborhoods move forward with confidence, purpose, and hope.
A native St. Louisian who calls Hyde Park home, she is the Founder and President of the Hyde Park Community Collaborative (2023). Through her leadership, Denean elevates resident voices, connects families to resources, builds partnerships, and advances community-centered neighborhood development.
Her civic leadership includes completing the Neighborhood Leadership Academy in 2023, earning a Chancellor’s Certificate in Neighborhood Leadership, serving on the Strategic Land Use Planning Committee (2023-2024), and graduating from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Citizens Academy in 2025. In August 2026, Denean became a Certified Community Health Worker (CHW-C), strengthening her ability to connect individuals and families with essential health and support services.
With more than 30 years of experience as a licensed insurance professional, Denean has helped families protect their health, finances, and futures. She is also a real estate investor, licensed esthetician, and entrepreneur who creates spaces that promote restoration and well-being.
Appointed to the City of St. Louis Board of Adjustment in 2025, Denean brings a thoughtful, community-centered voice to civic decision-making.
Her mission is simple: connect people to possibility, strengthen communities, and inspire others to become who they are capable of being. Top.
St. Louis County – City of Overland/Wellston
Deven Stepney is a community-centered leader committed to advancing equity, strengthening neighborhood well-being, and expanding access to opportunities across St. Louis. With extensive experience supporting strategic engagement, professional development, and inclusive culture initiatives, Deven brings a deep understanding of partnership-building, community outreach, and systems-level change.
His work spans multiple sectors, including real estate, community advocacy, notary services, and event planning & experience creation, each grounded in a shared purpose: helping individuals, families, and organizations navigate pivotal moments with care, clarity, and trust. Deven has worked closely with youth and marginalized communities, supporting programs that prioritize wellness, leadership development, and sustainable community impact.
Driven by a belief that thriving neighborhoods are built through collaboration, accountability, and care, Deven is excited to join the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows program to deepen community relationships, strengthen local leadership, and contribute meaningfully to the growth and resilience of neighborhoods throughout the region. Top.
St. Louis County – City of Berkeley
Dr. Ebonee F. Shaw is a seasoned nonprofit executive, community leader, and public servant with more than 20 years of experience advancing grassroots and national organizations through strategic fundraising, community engagement, and organizational sustainability. Throughout her career, she has successfully raised more than $21 million in support of mission-driven initiatives focused on equity, education, and community well-being.
In April 2026, Dr. Shaw was elected Mayor of the City of Berkeley, Missouri, fulfilling a lifelong commitment to serving the community she has called home for more than 45 years. As Mayor, she is focused on responsible economic development, neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and creating opportunities for residents to thrive.
Dr. Shaw holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Xavier University of Louisiana, an MBA in Marketing from the University of New Orleans, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Walden University. She currently leads the Ferguson-Florissant Foundation for Education and serves as the district’s Community, Family, and Alumni Engagement Coordinator, where she is committed to uplifting students, families, and the broader community.
Dr. Shaw is the proud mother of Timothy M. Taylor III, a commercial helicopter pilot, flight instructor, and junior at Delaware State University. Top.
City of St. Louis – Holly Hills Neighborhood
Erica M. Strong is a St. Louis native with a lifelong commitment to community service, rooted in her upbringing in the historic Fairground neighborhood. She brings decades of professional expertise across youth development, healthcare, education, and property management. Throughout her career, Ms. Strong has dedicated herself to community enrichment, leveraging her leadership and skills to drive meaningful growth, development, and positive systemic change.
She has served diverse populations, including youth, seniors, veterans, and individuals with special needs, through key roles at Grace Hill, Dominium, Good Journey Development Foundation, Wyman Center, and presently works at SLDC with the Land Reutilization Authority, St. Louis’s landbank.
As Executive Director of EMS Consulting, she advocates for humane, culturally sensitive housing options empowering individuals through education and resource connections to promote long-term stability and growth. Her work is guided by the Ubuntu principle: “I am because you are.”
She is presently a board member of Sudan Illustrators, a cultural arts education-centered organization that manages Progressive Emporium; Peace Villa Senior Living, provides affordable housing for elders; Wright Home, housing for teen mothers; and Washington University Center for Collaborative Care, whose mission is advancing evidence-based, patient-centered care.
Erica values family time, outdoor adventures, and exploring new experiences. Top.
City of St. Louis – Delmar
Felice McClendon is the first Executive Director of Delmar Main Street, where she leads revitalization, economic mobility, and community-centered development along one of St. Louis’ most historic commercial corridors. A results-oriented nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of experience, McClendon brings a multidisciplinary background spanning communications, organizational development, fundraising, and public-private partnership building to advance place-based revitalization grounded in equity and impact.
A graduate of the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Journalism, with additional training in nonprofit management and leadership, she previously served as Communications Director for the City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office, managing strategic messaging and stakeholder engagement benefiting low-to-moderate income communities. Her career also includes founding FM Consulting to bridge institutional systems and neighborhood-level problem solving.
At Delmar Main Street, McClendon applies nationally recognized Main Street America framework to strengthen small businesses and foster inclusive growth across eight neighborhoods.
A special needs mom on a mission, McClendon serves on the Productive Living Board, a SB40 funding lifeline supporting a four-county alliance for families with intellectual and developmental disabilities. A proud University of Missouri–St. Louis Neighborhood Leadership Academy Fellow and a former Washington University School of Medicine Community Research Fellow and Community Advisory Board co-chair. Top.
City of St. Louis – Lafayette Square Neighborhood
Jessireé Jenkins is the Principal of JEJ Consulting, where she partners with mission-driven organizations to strengthen leadership, steady systems, and help people move good ideas into action. She has spent the last five years in nonprofit leadership, most recently as Midwest Regional Director at FoodCorps, managing a $650K+ budget across multiple states. She previously served as Interim Executive Director at the Arts & Education Council, guiding the organization through a leadership transition while overseeing $2.5M in annual operations. Across roles, she is often brought in during moments of change—someone who can see what is not working, name it clearly, and help teams move forward while centering people.
Her work is rooted in organizational development and shaped by creative, human-centered approaches. She believes strong organizations are built through trust, clear communication, and shared responsibility. She brings presence and respect for lived experience.
Jessireé holds a B.S. in Public Policy Administration from the University of Missouri–St. Louis and a UX Design certificate from LaunchCode. She has served on various boards, including Sow Joy People’s Fund, a trust-based philanthropy organization. Outside of work, you can find her reading, on a side quest, at a festival, or offering comical observations. Top.
City of St. Louis – Dutchtown Neighborhood
Joshua Harvey serves as a College & Career Teacher at Kairos Academies, where he helps high school students build the skills, confidence, and sense of purpose needed to navigate life beyond the classroom. Through college and career preparation, mentorship, and relationship-building, he helps students recognize their strengths, expand their understanding of what is possible, and make informed decisions about their futures. He is pursuing a Master of Public Administration at Webster University, building on a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Harris-Stowe State University.
His professional ethos centers on building the capacity of people and communities by expanding access to resources, opportunities, and meaningful support. He believes lasting community impact begins with investing in people and equipping them with the knowledge, confidence, and relationships needed to shape their own futures. As an educator, mentor, and community leader, Joshua is committed to creating environments where young people are empowered to thrive.
Outside of work, Joshua is deeply engaged in the fine arts and has a strong passion for music. He also expresses his creativity and community spirit as a DJ, blending culture, story, and rhythm to connect people and celebrate diversity. Top.
St. Louis County – City of Overland
Dr. Joslyn Richardson is an education leader, strategist, and professional learning expert with more than 15 years of experience across K-12 schools, higher education, nonprofits, and national education organizations. She currently serves as Director of the Professional Learning Partner Guide at Rivet Education, where she leads the vision, strategy, and quality of a national system designed to strengthen curriculum-based professional learning.
Throughout her career, Joslyn has held roles as a district and international classroom teacher, math instructional specialist and coach, project director, curriculum developer, and university instructor. She has collaborated with organizations such as Washington University in St. Louis, Illustrative Mathematics, TODOS Mathematics for ALL, and multiple St. Louis area districts. Her work consistently integrates equity, high-quality instructional materials, and coherent systems. Joslyn holds an Ed.D. in Educational Practice with a focus on social justice from the University of Missouri—St. Louis, where her research centered on Black student success in mathematics.
An ordained minister and seasoned traveler, Joslyn values sharing her faith and finds joy in dancing, traveling, exploring new cuisines, and creative handicrafts. Top.
City of St. Louis – The Greater Ville Neighborhood
Lakisha Candies is an entrepreneur and service professional based in St. Louis, Missouri, with a strong commitment to community-centered service. She is the owner of StrongArms Affordable Moving and Personal Services, a company dedicated to providing dependable, efficient, and affordable moving and personal support services for individuals, families, and seniors. Through hands-on leadership and a people-first approach, Lakisha has built a trusted local business rooted in reliability and care.
In addition to her business work, Lakisha serves as a Social-Emotional Wellness Coach, supporting individuals and families within the community by promoting emotional intelligence, stress management, healthy communication, and personal resilience. Her coaching focuses on practical tools that help people navigate life transitions, improve emotional well-being, and strengthen relationships.
Lakisha is driven by integrity, service, and sustainable growth. She is passionate about building businesses that meet real community needs while empowering others with resources that support stability, confidence, and long-term success. Top.
City of St. Louis – Shaw/West End Neighborhood
Marissa Brooks is a community health leader, storyteller, and researcher committed to strengthening communities by centering family, culture, lived experience, and collective healing.
She is the CEO and Founder of Community Oak Storytelling and Research, a community-centered organization that uses storytelling as both a research and healing tool. Through her work, Marissa partners with residents, community organizations, farmers, and local leaders to elevate lived experience and develop equitable, community-driven solutions. Her work is grounded in the belief that stories are essential data and healing happens in relationships.
Marissa is also the creator of Pause & Pour with Marissa, a community-centered experience bringing together tea, food, storytelling, and meaningful conversation. Her work explores the intersections of faith, health, Black agriculture, farm-to-table traditions, storytelling, and collective care.
With a background in community organizing, maternal and child health, family systems, and community development, Marissa brings strengths in research, program development, collaborative leadership, and relationship-building.
Marissa holds a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education from Campbellsville University. She is also a certified Community Health Worker specializing in perinatal mental health. Top.
St. Louis County — City of Kinloch
Maya Washington is a community leader and public servant dedicated to strengthening the future of Kinloch, Missouri. She is a supervisor within Provider Network Operations at Essence Healthcare, leading work that ensures the accuracy and reliability of provider information, critical to maintaining accessible networks, accurate claims, and timely payments to healthcare partners. She is also a certified coach and graduate of the organization’s leadership program.
In 2025, Maya was elected Alderwoman for the City of Kinloch, reflecting her commitment to transparent governance and community-centered progress. She also serves as Secretary of the We Kin’Folk Kinloch Coalition, a grassroots, resident-led organization focused on revitalization, civic engagement, and quality of life. She is passionate about preserving Kinloch’s rich legacy while empowering residents to help shape its future.
Maya earned her BA, summa cum laude, from Stevens Institute of Business & Arts. She is a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and a 2025 graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Academy.
She enjoys the arts, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. Maya leads with intention and heart and occasionally wonders who scheduled all these meetings, usually right before her best ideas arrive five minutes after they end. Top.
City of St. Louis — Central West End Neighborhood
Ousmane Gaye serves as Development Coordinator for Great Rivers Greenway, where he focuses on cultivating a community of support for connecting St. Louis with a thriving network of greenways. In this role, Ousmane leads donor engagement initiatives that inspire people to invest in nature, health, and community, creating spaces where everyone feels welcome. Recently, he was a part of a team that secured a $278,000 grant from St. Louis City’s Community Development Administration (CDA). The grant, awarded to Brickline North Community Development Corporation (BNCDC), aims to help implement neighborhood plans for the JeffVanderLou, Covenant Blu Grand Center, and St. Louis Place communities.
Committed to co-creating solutions for neighborhood vibrancy through cultural programming and civic engagement, Ousmane takes a 'listen and learn first' approach to connecting with artists, residents, and activists on what flourishing St. Louis looks like to them. He is driven by the mission to lead St. Louis revitalization as a dynamic, cross-cultural hub. As an artist and musician, Ousmane curates exhibits and performs with the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra in Unison Choir, grounding his civic work in cultural expression. So if you ever need a playlist for a walk on the greenway, Ousmane is your guy. Top.
St. Louis County — City of Ferguson
Rachel St. Pierre is the City Administrator for the City of Bel-Nor, Missouri, and a lifelong systems tinkerer with a deep appreciation for both spreadsheets and stage lights. With over a decade of experience across municipal government, commercial construction, and nonprofit work, she specializes in making complicated things make sense and helping people feel less overwhelmed.
In her public sector role, Rachel oversees day-to-day city operations while untangling governance, finance, and policy structures in small but high-accountability environments. She’s known for turning “we’ve always done it this way” into clearer, more human systems, whether that means rebuilding internal processes, modernizing workflows, or translating government rules into language people can actually understand.
Outside of City Hall, Rachel is deeply involved in community theater and arts-based spaces, where collaboration, creativity, and trust are just as essential as they are in local government. That dual life shapes how she leads: practical but imaginative, detail-oriented but people-first.
Rachel brings a neurodivergent lens, a sense of humor, and a strong belief that good leadership is less about control and more about care, clarity, and sustainability. Top.
City of St. Louis — Baden Neighborhood
With over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, Rolanda has been a dedicated advocate for seniors and persons with disabilities since 2004. As a mentor and business owner, Rolanda has played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting home care businesses across the Midwest. Additionally, Rolanda manages a successful family restaurant business, blending a commitment to quality service with entrepreneurial acumen. Passionate about enhancing the lives of others and fostering growth within Saint Louis. Rolanda continues to make a significant impact through service, hands-on mentorship, and strategic business management. Top.
City of St. Louis – Fox Park Neighborhood
Sara Levin is Executive Director and Founder of wreSTL, a nonprofit youth organization established in 2016. She leads programs that use sport as a vehicle for mentorship and growth for young people and families in St. Louis. Her work focuses on helping youth develop confidence, resilience, and emotional self-control while ensuring they feel seen, supported, and empowered—on and off the mat. A passionate wrestling coach, she is most at home mat-side, guiding athletes through competition and helping them grow not just as competitors, but as people.
In addition to her professional role, Sara is President of the Fox Park Neighborhood Association, where she has been engaged in neighborhood leadership for more than 15 years. She focuses on resident advocacy and community engagement, ensuring neighbors have both a meaningful voice and a shared role in building a safer, more connected community.
Sara has completed the Neighborhood Leadership Academy and St. Louis Citizens Police Academy. She is also a professional photographer. Outside of work, Sara enjoys hiking with Scout the Boxer, supporting local restaurants, watching movies, and is a keen Doctor Who fan. Top.
City of St. Louis — Old North Neighborhood
Tanya Rodman possesses more than a decade of experience in law enforcement. She served the community where she resides for 8.5 years with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department before taking a role at the Washington University Police Department. With SLMPD, she found a passion for helping others and making a positive impact in the community.
While at SLMPD, she served in various roles, including Police Officer, Detective, Task Force Officer with Homeland Security, Sergeant, Captain’s Aide, and Hostage Negotiator before being appointed to Lieutenant in 2024. One of her most rewarding assignments was working in the Intelligence Division investigating human trafficking cases.
Tanya has developed and implemented crime prevention strategies, analyzed crime data to identify crime trends, collaborated with various community stakeholders, and conducted thorough investigations at the local, state, and federal level.
Tanya holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Webster University and is a graduate of Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command.
In her spare time, Tanya can be found walking her dogs in her neighborhood, cleaning up in the area, or coaching women’s flag football. All things that bring great joy to her life. Top.
City of St. Louis — Penrose Neighborhood
I am an Army veteran who proudly served while stationed in Monterey, California. Following my military service, I dedicated my professional life to public service, retiring as a civil servant after a long and meaningful career. I lived in Northern Virginia for more than 20 years, where I developed an appreciation for history and civic engagement.
I am a devoted mother to one son, and I place family at the center of my life and believe strong communities are built through care, respect, and shared responsibility. I have a deep love for nature and find peace and inspiration in parks, green spaces, and outdoors.
My interest in history, service, and community continues to shape my values and commitment to making neighborhoods more welcoming and connected. Grounded in service and guided by compassion, I bring a lifetime of experience, dedication, and interest in people and place into everything I do. Top.