Founder/Executive director
Sharon Sy Lewis
Sharon "Sy" Lewis is a distinguished advocate for social and environmental causes, with an impressive public speaking and communication track record. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from East-West University with a degree in English & Communications. While at university, Sharon was an influential figure, holding positions such as the Editor of Phantom Press News, member of the Black Student Union, and the honored 2006 Alumna Commencement Speaker.
Her leadership capabilities were further honed through participation in DePaul University's Value-Centered Leadership Program and a prestigious fall Fellowship with Organizing for Action/OFA. Sharon is celebrated by the Obama Foundation as a leading community influencer, her capstone project was a 2018 run for political office. She demonstrates her commitment to lifelong learning by regularly engaging in various trainings and seminars.
Sharon's dedication to community service is evident through her extensive involvement in volunteer activities. Her positions, both current and previous, include:
- Host of Sy's Green Scene a weekly cable tv show on sustainability & environmental issues
- Vice President of the Jackson Park Conservancy.
- Advisory roles within the IQ North Leadership Team/Income Qualified Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (LIEEAC) and the Illinois Energy Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG)
- Alumni of the City of Chicago Citizens Police Academy
- Served 8 years as 4th Police District Beat Facilitator
- Member of the Chicago Community Emergency Response Team
- Past President of Bessemmer Park PAC, Advisory capacities for institutions such as the , Jackson Park PAC, South Shore Cultural Center PAC, Don Nash Community Center PAC, VP of University of Illinois Extension ,and others.
Her contributions have been recognized through numerous community, academic honors, and certificates. A fervent advocate for Chicago's parks, Sharon has deep roots in the Hyde Park/South Shore area, where she continues to live and contribute to the Southeast Lakefront community.
With a wealth of experience in service, Sharon's leadership style, focused on training others, has left a lasting impact in academic and professional circles alike. She skillfully integrates corporate, community, and environmental goals, underscoring the significance of teamwork, effective communication, and meticulous planning.
Board Chairman
C. J. Lewis
Retired U.S. Army Captain Lewis
Captain Lewis boasts a distinguished military career, having commanded a 120-person Military Police unit and a 36-member detachment in Afghanistan. As a Civil Affairs Executive Officer, he adeptly coordinated the movement and training of several teams, deploying them to various locations for diverse missions. Beyond the military realm, Captain Lewis is a seasoned world traveler, passionate martial artist, and a trained first responder, now furthering his exemplary career in protective services.
Equipped with expertise in logistics coordination, project management, and contract negotiations, Mr. Lewis also has a solid foundation in Training and Development. He holds certifications in Emergency Response Team Management and has experience in Marketing and Public Relations at a national level. He graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations. On that same day, in a distinct ceremony, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the United States Army.
Outside of his professional accolades, Mr. Lewis is a dedicated husband and a proud father of a cherished daughter and son.
Board Vice-Chairman
Duane Muhammad *Vice Chairman
Mr. Muhammad, a former Senior and General Manager in Television Production, possesses extensive expertise in Technical Directing, Non-Linear Editing (Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve), and Satellite Broadcasts. With a rich background in live and remote productions, documentary filmmaking, and personnel training, he is recognized for fostering media relationships and managing production crews. His accomplishments extend to budgeting, scheduling, and the establishment of in-house video production facilities for not-for-profit organizations on regional and national levels.
Mr. Muhammad's distinguished broadcasting career includes roles as General Manager at FCN Publishing, Inc., and Technical Director at NBC 5 TV and WSNS TV Channel 44, earning accolades such as the Chicago Local Emmy Award, Peter Lisagor Award, and National Association of Black Journalists' Photojournalist of the Year Award. Additionally, he has produced and directed notable short films.
In public service, he managed a $20,000,000 budget as a Village Trustee and directed communications as Village Media Director. Residing on Chicago's South Side for over three decades, he remains committed to his education, pursuing an MFA, and sharing knowledge through adjunct teaching at local colleges.
Chief Financial Officer
Javier Zavala *Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Zavala has held esteemed leadership positions for over two decades. Graduating from Illinois State University in May of 2008, he majored in Actuarial Science and Spanish. Immediately embarking on a professional journey in the insurance industry, he swiftly ascended to an executive level, showcasing his adept managerial skills by overseeing multiple teams, totaling up to 40 personnel, in dynamic and high-paced sectors across varied industries.
Currently, Mr. Zavala is integral to a leading global reinsurance company, where he serves as a Certified Scrum Master. In this capacity, he pioneers in developing workflow efficiencies and IT advancements and excels in managing global projects and formulating comprehensive strategic management plans, contributing substantially to the organization’s innovative drive.
Beyond his professional commitments, Mr. Zavala is a devoted husband to his amazing partner Graziella and father to their lovely daughter and an infant son. A true family man at heart, he ardently strives to contribute to creating a secure and eco-conscious planet. He is particularly passionate about bolstering the infrastructure of underserved communities through entrepreneurial initiatives, thus ensuring sustainable development and communal upliftment.
Mr. Zavala's dedication to service is deeply ingrained, amalgamating his acquired knowledge with practical professional experience to effect meaningful change and progress in every endeavor he undertakes.
Board Secretary
Everlena Meadows *Secretary
Ms. Meadows, a retired chemical analyst, unwavering union negotiator, and radiant Eastern Star, has made indelible marks in championing workers' rights. Through her steadfast commitment to ensuring fair wages, healthcare, and amenities at the negotiation table, she has transformed the lives of countless individuals. Her dedication took her across state lines, tirelessly working to ascertain that union members received just and equitable treatment. Her efforts have preserved countless jobs, standing as a testament to her tenacity and commitment.
Originating from the Golden Triangle in Mississippi, Ms. Meadows made her journey during the historic Great Migration, carving a niche for herself as an emblem of service and dedication. As a mother of four and a guardian to numerous foster children, she has epitomized the spirit of caregiving. Her imprint is not just limited to her family: she has been an unwavering pillar in her community, serving as a volunteer and a beacon of support on Chicago's South Eastside.
Professionally and personally, Ms. Meadows has filled varied roles, transitioning seamlessly from secretary to board chair to community influencer. In every capacity, she has consistently exuded excellence, pouring her best into every responsibility. Her life story resonates with resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to service, making her an inspiration to many.
