Board of Directors
John Langford, USI Insurance (Board Chair)
Heather Dearing, Office of Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman (Board Vice-Chair)
Melissa Banks, State Capacity Building Center (Board Secretary)
Dan Heekin, KPMG LLP (Board Treasurer)
Anastasia Chapman, Goodwill Power of Work
Roan Head, Opportunity Youth Congressional Liaison
Judi Vanderhaar, PhD., Kentucky Department of Education
Kahlia Evans, Public Sector Utilities
Michael Russman, LH Investments
Stacy Deck, PhD., Spalding University
Zion Smith, Blueprint 502 and Louisville Metro Youth Cabinet
Sara Butryn, JCPS
Our Team
Nigel Blackburn
Coordinator, Neighborhood House
Nigel is deeply committed to improving his community. He has worked with the University of Louisville Youth Violence Prevention Research Center, served on the Mayor’s Youth Implementation Team, and coordinated services for middle school students.
Darby Phillips
Project Director
Darby earned a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Asbury University in 2022. Their experience in youth development and restorative justice conference facilitation fuels their passion for helping young people build self-advocacy skills and agency in their education.
Elizabeth Senn-Alvey
Executive Director
Elizabeth has worked to create programs and partnerships that build equitable opportunities for all of Louisville’s youth and young adults for more than 20 years. She earned an MPA from the University of Louisville, with an emphasis on nonprofit management.
Nick Marshall
Impact Coordinator
Nick attributes his successes to the support of his foster parents, mentors, and teachers. He earned a degree in communications from UofL and has contributed his skills to a variety of non-profit and political roles. Nick is committed to helping kids in or leaving state care at the local, state, and federal levels.
Hannah Mitchell
Education Advocate
Hannah recently graduated from Bellarmine University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Studies with minors in Sociology, French, and African and African American Diaspora Studies. Her community activism inspires her to work with non-profit programs that support underserved youth. She plans to pursue a JD.
DJ Jackson
Youth Engagement Specialist
DJ graduated high school in 2022 and studied Theater and French at Morehead State University. DJ has a history with “The Neighborhood House” and other organisations so it is very wholesome to be here and be able to give back.
Immaya Hughes
Coordinator, Americana
Immaya is a graduate student at American University pursuing her Masters in Public Administration and Policy. She aspires to use her background in sociological research to amplify the voices of the unheard and seek social justice on a systemic level.
Emily Swartz
Coordinator, Adolescent Literacy AmeriCorps Program
Emily earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from Campbellsville University, where she was also a First Generation Scholar Mentor. She is passionate about working with youth of all backgrounds. She plans to pursue an MEd in Clinical Mental Health Counseling to advocate for youth’s mental health prioritization.