Board of Directors
John Langford, Insurance Executive (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, Blueprint 502
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, 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
Coordinator, Intake & Impact
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.
Immaya Hughes
Coordinator, Americana
Immaya earned her Masters in Public Administration and Policy from American University. 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, AmeriCorps
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.
Sydney Givens
Education Advocate
Sydney is passionate about working with and advocating for youth, believing strongly in their potential to create positive change. Sydney is committed to empowering young people by providing support, guidance, and opportunities for growth.
Ysa Leon
Education Advocate
Ysa is a 2024 graduate of Transylvania University with degrees in Communications and Social Change. They have experience in grassroots organizing and direct social services, with the ultimate goal of making Kentucky a better place for the most vulnerable populations.
Denice Wallace
Coordinator, Youth Services
Denice brings her extensive skills as an upbeat and authentic communicator with young people to this new role. She has worked with young people as a community center director, classroom teacher, and at Job Corps. Dencie is working toward a masters degree in mental health.