Smart ChicagoCollaborative

YOUTH LED TECH PROGRAM

Welcome to The Austin Community Family Center

Austin Staff MembersMeet Jonathan Wallace Jonathan Wallace was born in Dallas, TX, raised in Memphis, TN and has been a Chicago resident for the last 8 years.  He is a graduate of the University of Chicago and spent the better part of his time serving the Austin community.  Having served in numerous youth focused programs, as well as serving as a Youth Pastor, Jonathan's aim has always been to make a difference in the lives of others.  

"You can't be for people what you can't be for yourself...." Jonathan Wallace

Jonathan Wallace (Instructor)

Austin Staff MembersMeet Dr. Ebony Wilkins Dr. Ebony Wilkins is the author of children’s fiction, a former pk-12 educator, and education content developer. She completed her Ph.D. in education, with a focus on literacy, language, and culture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Her research centers on the exploration of race in children’s literature and writing responses. She enjoys traveling, playing tennis, practicing yoga, and spending time with family and friends.

"I'm convinced of this: Good done anywhere is good done everywhere" - Maya Angelou

Dr. Ebony Wilkins (Assistant Instructor)

Austin Staff MembersMeet Adrianna AlvarezAndrianna Alvarez serves as a Program Resource Assistant with the Chicago Public Schools Head Start Department. This is her second year working as an Instructor's Assistant under the Youth Led Tech Program. Her background is dedicated to building strong community and family connections through education. Most of all, she has a love for children and youth and a deep understanding and respect for early childhood and adolescent educators, community partners and family relationships.

"Accept everything about yourself -- I mean everything, you are you and that is the beginning and the end -- no apologies, no regrets.“-Clark Moustakas

Adrianna Alvarez (Assistant Instructor)

Welcome to New Kingdom Church

Austin Staff Members Meet Miesha WilliamsonMiesha Williamson was trained as a mechanical engineer at the University of Michigan.  She is currently the founder of an Ed-tech firm, STEM GIRL SOCIAL NETWORK, which hold classes and workshops to teach girls and women engineering and technology skills.  Her passion is to use technology based solutions to increase gender and socio-economic diversity in science and technology. She is currently building an online educational platform for girls and women to learn math and technology and hopefully fall in love like I have."Take the first step in faith. You don't have to see the

whole staircase, just take the first step."--Dr. Martin Luther King

Miesha Williamson

(Instructor)

AUSTIN Staff Members Meet Sheina KingSheina King has worked with youth of varying ages for 5+ years. Currently, King is serving as a facilitator of the Teen Outreach Program within CPS high schools. King will be an assistant instructor in the Youth-Led Tech program in the Austin community.

“Nobody can teach me who I am. You can describe parts of me, but who I am- and what I need- is something I have to find out myself.” -Chinua Achebe

Sheina King ( Assistant Instructor)

Austin Staff Members Meet Javier Arellano Javier Arellano is a Chicago native and recent graduate of DePaul University’s Intercultural Communications program. He enjoys learning from other people’s experiences and gaining new perspectives as a way of thriving. He believes in the value of community work and educating ourselves collectively to strive for a better future.

“There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance the next time” -Malcolm X

Javier Arellano (Assistant Instructor)

Welcome to san kofa cultural arts center

Austin staff membersMeet Quatavia CooperwoodQuatavia Cooperwood is a very vibrant individual. Teaching has always been apart of who she is. She feels teaching is her calling and she is elated to be a public servant to the Austin community.

“Have enough courage to love one more time and another if need be.”--Maya Angelou

Quatavia Cooperwood

(Instructor)

Austin Staff MembersMeet Tim Jacobs Tim is an avid designer and web developer. Reigning from a heavily technology based background, he’s not afraid of challenging endeavors, and experimental methods. Currently he designs for his consulting agency Fluidity PC, and can be found at any given time drawing ideas in his sketchbook.

“Opportunities multiply as they are seized. ” Sun Tzu

Tim Jacobs (Assistant Instructor)

Austin Staff MembersMeet Jamal PortluckJamal (also known as ‘Jay’) Portluck, is an outgoing and positive person.  He is dedicated to being of service to youth and giving and receiving positive vibes and energy.

"Don't have kids until you’re married and don't get married until you're ready"-MEEZEE

Jamal Portluck (Assistant Instructor)

Austin staff Members Meet Carrington Edwards Carrington was raised on the south side of Chicago. You could say that his arrival wasn’t a lonely one because with him came some company, his twin sister Courtney Edwards. He is a graduate of Central State University. Much of the beginning of his life has been centered around basketball, and as he got older, other sports such as track and soccer became an interest. He gained a love for sports and youth outreach through his father, one of the many shared infatuations that would help them create a very distinctive community building relationship. As he matured through adolescence during high school he developed an even deeper love for music, acting, and speech and debate.

"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it."--Muhammad Ali

Carrington Edwards

(Assistant Instructor/ Floater)

Austin Staff membersMeet Velvet GunnVelvet Gunn is a Graduate of Lane College and holds a Bachelor's of Arts In Music. She is lover of teaching and the performing arts. Working with various non-profit organizations, Velvet believes that the power of inspiration ,opportunity and love can change a community.

"Set peace of mind as your highest goal, and organize your life around it" --- Brian Tracy

Velvet Gunn (Assistant

Instructor/floater)

Welcome to Better Boys Family Services

North Lawndale Staff members Meet Julius Bell

Julius Bell is a born and raised Chicagoan, “tech head” and app enthusiast  He loves giving back to the community and paying it forward.

"When you lose, never forget the lesson"- The Dali Lama

Julius Bell ( Assistant Instructor)

North Lawndale Staff members

Meet Jakarra JenkinsJakarra Jenkins has practiced coding JavaScript for two years. She is currently studying Health Science at Indiana State University.

"Ars longa, vita brevis" Hippocrates English translation life is short, art is limitless or long.”

Jakarra Jenkins (Assistant Intructor)

Welcome to ABC POLK BrOthers Center

North Lawndale Staff Members Meet Tanya Nash

Tanya Nash is a tech professional and lifelong learner with a degree in Management Information Systems.  She also has extensive experience developing web sites and web and mobile applications.

"Life doesn't happen the same for everyone, the same goes for living." – Tanya Nash

Tanya Nash(Instructor)

North Lawndale Staff Members Meet Kenardo Press

Kenardro Press is a recent high school graduate and Smart Chicago Collaborative, Youth Led Tech (YLT) alumni.  As a result of his experience last year, Kenardro desires to be of service by being an assistant instructor this year for YLT.  He has an interest in computers and teaching.

"Your eye are gate ways to your world and so they should be open more” -Kenardo Press

Kenardo Press (Assistant Instructor)

North Lawndale Staff Members Meet Jasmine Turner

Jasmine received her Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice and is a certified coach. Since then, she has dedicated her time to helping others build successful relationships and communication skills.

"If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me"-Jesus

Jasmine Turner (Assistant

Instructor/Floater)

North Lawndale Staff MembersMeet Virnette Adams Virnette Adams was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. She is currently in school attending Columbia College Chicago, majoring in International Arts Management. Virnette is a student to life, always eager to learn, always ready to share her own personal experiences in hopes that it can come to the aid of those who need it.

"I am always doing that which I can not do, in order that I may learn how to do it." - Pablo Picasso

Virnette Adams (Assisstant Instructor

Welcome to the Firehouse Community Arts Center

north Lawndale staff Members Meet Maria Calderon

Maria Calderon is a recent graduate from Jane Addams School of Social Work. She is dedicated and grateful to be a part of the positive movement towards change that Chicago deserves. She enjoys the adventures in life such as hiking, road trips, roller coasters and skydiving.

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball

Maria Calderon (Instructor)

North Lawndale Staff membersMeet John WagenmakerJohn Wagenmaker is Chicago native, born and raised in North Lawndale. He is a recent graduate of Whitney M. Young High School and currently a student at Michigan State University, studying computer science and hopes to earn a second degree in history. He considers himself to be a self-proclaimed ‘tech junkie’, and he spends much of his time solving related issues.""When you talk, you are only repeating what you

already know. But if you listen, you may learn something new" - the Dalai Lama

John Wagenmaker (Assistant Instructor)

North Lawndale Staff Members Meet April Thomas

April Thomas is currently a lunchroom manager at Chicago Public Schools.  She has been living in the North Lawndale community for 29 years.  She is loves poetry, dancing, and anything of the arts. 

“Failure is only the opportunity to begin again, only this time more wisely.” - Henry Ford

April Thomas (Assistant Instructor)

Meet Bryan Williamson Bryan Williamson defines himself with his relationship with Jesus. As far as career interests, he seeks to serve in the medical field to help people be their best selves. In his leisure time he enjoys being able to interact with others and listening to music.

North Lawndale Staff Members

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t waste energy trying to cover up failure. Learn from your failures and go on to the next challenge. It’s ok to fail. If you’re not failing, you’re not growing.” - H. Stanley Judd

Meet Bryan Williamson (Assistant Instructor/Floater)

Welcome to JTDC

JTDC Staff MembersMeet Lucia Gonzalez Lucia is a highschool teacher on Chicago's West Side. She was born on Chicago's Southeast Side and she currently lives in her community, She is passionate about educational access and equality. 

 "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." Milton Berle

Lucia Gonzalez (Instructor)

JTDC Staff MembersMeet Candace KerbyCandace is an early childhood educator for Chicago Public Schools. She enjoys cooking, singing and spending time with family and friends. She is a huge fan of rhythm and blues and frequently attends music concerts of my favorite artists. 

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you are the guy who'll decide where to go.” -Dr. Suess

Candace Kerby (Assistant Instructor)

JTDC STaffMeet Eric Walker Eric Walker has been a teaching artist in Chicago for over ten years. He has worked with youth at Storycatchers as well as Precious Blood ministries to name a few. One of the highlights while working with youth was sharing the screening of film they created at the Black Harvest Film Festival.  

"The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively." - Bob Marley

Eric Walker(Assistant Instructor)

jtdc staff MembersMeet Eugene “Gene” Booth Eugene “Gene” Booth is a high school teacher.  He likes poetry, comics, old movies, soul music, Curtis Mayfield, Etta James, Marvin Gaye and Aretha Franklin. He plays Pokémon with his son and reads to his daughter.

"Pessimism of the spirit; optimism of the will." Antonio Gramsci

Eugene “Gene” Booth (Instructor)

JTDC Staff MembersMeet LaKeisha HamiltonLakeisha is a dedicated Youth Development Practitioner who believes in standing against the odds. According to her, “On my watch, your circumstances will not dictate your destiny.”

“We will make lemonade out of the lemons which life throws our way.”-Unknown

LaKeisha Hamilton(Assistant Instructor)

jtdc staff Members

Jeremy Cooper (Assistant Instructor)

Meet Jeremy CooperJeremy is a sophomore in college at Southern Illinois University majoring in agricultural business. He resides in the south side of Chicago. He is a positive role model and mentor in his community.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” –Malcom X

JTDC Staff Members Meet Kamal Williams Kamal serves as one the two Lead Instructor for the Youth-Led Tech Summer program at the JTDC.  He has a natural interest in emerging technologies and the latest gizmos and gadgets, and is always looking for ways to enhance his entrepreneurial endeavors.  Though Kamal is a filmmaker by trade, he developed an interest in youth mentorship after teaching Broadcast Technology at Hirsch Metropolitan High School during the 2014-1015 school year.  His curriculum engaged students in learning how to write, record, edit, and complete their own video packages. One tenet he continuously repeated to his students at Hirsch when creating there own content came from tennis legend Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” Basically, don’t wait for the circumstances or money to be right, just start!  That same tenet gets repeated to his students in the Youth Led Tech program.

Kamal Williams(Assistant Instructor)

"Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier." - Mother Teresa

Welcome to dr.Elzie Young Community center

Roseland staff Members Meet Courtney EdwardsCourtney has a passion for film and media and she encompasses those passions through technology. She believes that technology is no longer the future it is the now and we must be pro-active about increasing our knowledge within the field. As an instructor, Courtney plans to bring her expertise in film writing, film production, digital content development and Google Analytics. "God created everyone to be more than average, so if

you give each task your all God will definitely see you through" -Courtney Edwards 

Courtney Edwards(Instructor)

roseland staff MembersMeet Ronald Gary Ronald Gary worked as a Professional Sales Representative, District Sales Manager, Special Education Teacher and foster parent. Undergraduate degrees in Marketing and Economics and graduate degrees in Public Administration and Special Education.

“I believe that everyone is born with a talent.”-Maya Angelou 

Ronald Gary(Assistant Instructor)

roseland staff MembersMeet Angel V. RodriguezAngel V. Rodriguez is a photographer, and works well with his peers and people in general. He currently resides in the Southeast side community and is giving back to his community by taking pictures for their special events. He is also passionate about his work in photography and strongly believes that photography helps every one see. 

Angel V. Rodriguez (Assistant Instructor)

"Good, better, best. Never let it rest. 'Til your good is better and your better is best."— St. Jerome

Roseland Staff MembersMeet Emani Si’mone Thomas Emani Si'mone Thomas is an artist and mentor, who loves working with youth and giving back to the community. Since a young child, she has always been passionate about making others smile and expanding her own knowledge as well as those around her.

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?" -Marianne Williamson

Emani Si’mone Thomas (Assistant

Instructor)

roseland staff Members Meet Daniel GibsonDaniel Gibson is currently a teacher at Excel academy of South Shore High School where he teaches math. He also has experience in community development and youth mentoring. He is member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Daniel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and is also a 2016 graduate of Roosevelt University where he received a masters in biology.

"Don't stop, get it get it!"--Uncle Luke

Daniel Gibson (Assistant

Instructor/Floater)

Welcome to the Youth Peace Center

Roseland Staff MembersMeet Janelle Cole Janelle was born and raised on the south side of Chicago, which led to her passion for community service. As she graduated from Southern Illinois University, she went to study abroad in Kenya, Africa.  Her experience in Kenya guided her to work with non-profit organizations in under-resourced neighborhoods to create and innovate resources that the youth lack. 

"To Whom Much Is Given , Much Is Required" -Luke 12:48 

Janelle Cole (Instructor)

roseland Staff membersMeet Aaron BrownAaron grew up in the Englewood, south shore, and Roseland neighborhoods. Growing up he was told by his mother to never be a product of your environment. At the age of 18 he was the first to graduate from high school in his family and at 19 he and a few others started a black owned greeting card company.

Aaron Brown (Assistant Instructor)

“A mans pride will bring him low, but the humble will retain honor....Although this quote is in the Bible that's not where I heard it, my grandmother told me to always to remember that when I get angry” -Helen Brown

Roseland staff MembersMeet Ariel PennixAriel Pennix a sophomore in college majoring in mass communication with a concentration of public relations studying at Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana. She resides in the south side of Chicago and intends to, one day, start her own magazine company.

"Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly." - Langston Hughes 

Ariel Pennix (Assistant Instructor)

Welcome to New Life Baptist Church

roseland Staff Members Meet Wilbur ScottWilbur Scott is a passionate youth advocate whose spent over 10 years with youth development, mentoring, and program implementation. Mr. Scott has work with youth ages 4-18 years of age and believes the world will change when we invest more into our youth.

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."--Mahatma Gandhi

Wilbur Scott (Instructor)

roseland staff membersMeet Michael GoreMichael Gore is a graduate of Columbia College (2014), receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration on Contemporary Urban Pop Music.  He is an accomplished musician and has accompanied such artists as Joan Osborne and Jon Faddis. Michael has had the opportunity to teach various age groups and backgrounds throughout Chicago.

Michael Gore (Assistant Instructor)

" A mind is a terrible thing to waste"--Arthur Fletcher

Roseland Staff membersMeet Akya GossittAkya Gossitt was one of the original Smart Chicago Collaborative, Youth led tech instructors at the Englewood location of Summer 2015. She recently studied Social Work abroad in Accra, Ghana at the University of Ghana and worked at the Methodist Basic School where she taught life skills and conflict resolution. Ms. Gossitt is working towards Bachelors degree in Social Work at Governors State University and is the mother of two boys ages 10 and 5."Whatever my situation is, I want to show that I'm

not perfect, and perfect isn't real. The youth need to know that, especially"-Keke Palmer

Akya Gossitt (Assistant Instructor)

Youth Led Tech Staff Members

Meet Dr. Phyllis WestDr. Phyllis West was born and raised in North Lawndale. In 2008 she completed her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. Currently, she is a Senior Lecturer at Governors State University in the Department of Social Work.

"I am because we are. We are because I am." John Mbiti

Dr. Phyllis West (Instructor/Curriculum Advisor)

Meet the Youth-Led Tech Administrative team

Thank You All…