Dr. Clenton C. Jones was the CEO of En-Lyfe Nutraceutical Research Group. His primary responsibilities were to carry out the strategic plans and policies as established by the Board of Directors, set the direction and oversee the operation of En-Lyfe Nutraceutical Research Group, Provide leadership, and coordinate all activities of En-Lyfe in accordance with its goals and objectivities.
He was the CEO/Owner of MortgageMony that provided mortgages and assisted First-time home buyers. His goal was creating opportunities for homeownership in underserved communities. As former Director of the Homeownership Department of the Chicago Housing Authority, Dr. Jones was responsible for the implementation of the Homeownership Program.
As former Executive Director of the National Association of Residents Management Corporations, Dr. Jones primary responsibilities were in the areas concerning the Administration and complete operations of a National Member’s Organization.
In the capacity of Deputy Director of the Washington DC Housing Authority, Dr. Jones was entrusted with the day-to-day operations of the entire Housing Authority program for the Washington DC area. In doing so, Dr. Jones was required to work closely with other government agencies to ensure the Housing policies and previously set goals for the City were met and accomplished in a timely manner.
Providing a background in Government on every level, Dr. Jones is fortunate to possess extensive experience in working with Not-for Profit organizations in the areas of developing programs designed specifically to target and re-capture at risk youth. These programs included: adventuring and encouraging entrepreneurial ethics and attitudes, effective mentoring and tutoring/life skills programs.
Dr. Clenton Jones is not solely committed to only his family, but the extended families of many communities and rebuilding of our carious Communities with our young community members having a major role.
Consulting with numerous Not-for Profit organization across the country, and serving on the various board both on a Local and National level. Dr. Jones has been the gracious recipient of many awards in the field/areas involving Community Organization, Community Services, and Housing issues.
Outside of being a loving, supportive husband and father, Dr. Clenton C. Jones is currently involved in several service organizations such as Kiwanis, Forum for Black Public Administrators, a member of the Black MBA’s, the National Rehab Lenders Association, David Hebrew Grand Lodge, the I.H. Clayborn Consistory #636, the Jerusalem Temple #4, LIMOJA and the Creation and Conservation of Wealth. He also services on the Board of Directors of several community organizations and corporations.
Dr. Jones plans to use the above mentioned skills and experiences to help guide Shining Star Youth and Community Services in our Head Start endeavors.
Stephanie D. Coleman “Daughter of Englewood” Stephanie D. Coleman, a lifelong 16th Ward resident, is the daughter of retired Alderman Shirley A. Coleman and Pastor David Coleman. Her parents taught her the values of education, the importance of working hard, and the obligation to help others. These core values have navigated Stephanie to a successful point in life where she inspires others and is an agent of change in the community. Stephanie received her early formal education from Emmanuel Christian School and Chicago Military Academy – Bronzeville. In addition, she holds a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Robert Morris University and Masters of Science Degree in Nonprofit Management from Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies. Stephanie’s stellar academic record includes many honors and awards, most notably being highlighted on the “Dean’s List”. Stephanie has a heart for service and is actively involved in issues concerning youth and young adults; education, addressing the achievement gap, public safety, and economic growth. Stephanie also actively participates in several community service and outreach projects including:
- The Open Book Literacy Program
- Increase The Peace Englewood
- The Albertina Walker “Queen of Gospel”, Scholarship Foundation
- Women’s Empowerment Group
- Founder & CEO, Daughters of Englewood
While participating, Stephanie has always been committed to making a difference and changing lives, and sees the vital role of mentors and idols in the community. Stephanie wants to inspire the future leaders of tomorrow by showing them that with hard work and dedication; you can achieve anything in life. Stephanie got her start in politics from her mother, former Alderman Coleman, as she learned the importance in making constituent concerns of the utmost importance. While working on her Master’s degree, Stephanie had the opportunity to mentor young college students on financial assistance and independence, course registration, and transitioning to adulthood. At age 27, Stephanie ran for 16th Ward Alderman and became the youngest African American to make it to a municipal run-off election in the history of the City of Chicago. Although she missed the mark by only 76 votes, Stephanie continued her pursuit and with faith, hard work and determination, she successfully campaigned again and on Wednesday, April 13, 2016, she became the youngest African American female sworn in as the Democratic Committeeman of the 16th Ward! She continues to work tirelessly for the people of the 16th Ward and will continue to pursue her goal of being a change in the community and the entire City of Chicago.
Kathleen Cummings, M.A. (originally from Trinidad & Tobago) Early Education & Family Engagement Advisor
Kathleen Cummings has worked in diverse positions in Education, Psychiatry, Social Services and Health care where she obtained exceptional leadership, organizational and supervisory experienced, which developed into a passion for helping people better their lives.
Kathleen has provided diagnostically sound and increasingly independent assessments, extensive counseling and case management to young and older individuals. She has successfully participated in the process involved in NAECY accreditation for several early childhood development programs. Kathleen Cummings has developed implemented and enhanced direct-service programs.
Today Kathleen provides grant assistance to several nonprofit educational facilities. She has been a key element to the development of support networks and quality programs offering Expertise and technical assistance to parents, volunteers, education and health care staff. Kathleen has successfully implemented educational designs and teaching methods. Using knowledge and skills in marketing, she has trained staff to ensure quality services, optimize profitability, and create continuity and enhanced treatment in individual educational programs.Kathleen has researched case situations and presented information to board of directors and other members of the care or education team on client’s family and social background, pertinent to achieving set goals. Kathleen has completed Diplomas in Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Day care and Business Management. Kathleen Completed an Associates of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education, Bachelors of Arts and Science degree in Psychology, MA degree in Health Psychology and fulfilled her thesis requirements entitled “Hope and Adolescent Values, Gender, Race and Socioeconomic status affecting Moral Reasoning.” Currently, Kathleen is pursuing a Doctoral Degree in Curriculum and Social Inquiry at National Louis University. From each educational achievement, work and volunteer.
Dolly Eileen Cooper is a Registered Nurse, Paramedic, Mother, Grandmother, and most importantly a Christian. She is a longtime resident of Chatham Community in Chicago, IL. She works full and part time jobs in her professions. Ms. Cooper provides medical consultation, training, and monitoring to several child care facilities throughout Chicago.
Ms. Dolly has a passion for pediatric nursing and loves working with children and families educating them on the importance of immunization. Ms. Cooper serves on several boards: Shining Star Youth and Community Services, Ezzard Charles School and the African American Fire Fighters & Paramedic League of Chicago as the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Director.
Ms. Cooper plans to use the above mentioned skills and experiences to help guide Shining Star Youth and Community Services in our Head Start endeavors.
Sandra Carrera-Braithwaite is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She received her bachelors in Latin American History and has completed her Masters in Education with an endorsement in Special Education and Bilingual Education. Mrs. Carrera, an immigrant from Ecuador has been an advocate for Latino and African American Families for over 20 years. Mrs. Carrera has partnered with various social service agencies, community outreach initiates and the Chicago Public Schools department of Special Affairs to launch intervention programs to foster the social-economic advancement of Latino families. Mrs. Carrera says that her passion for advocating for Latino families was birth from her own family’s struggles as immigrants. Currently Mrs. Carrera Partners with a community outreach organization that provides immigration services, GED classes, ESL services, job placement and financial support services for Latino American families and youth who may be experiencing hardships.