Instructors for 2016 Youth-Led Tech

1. Smart Chicago
Collaborative
YOUTH LEDTECH PROGRAM

2. Welcome to The Austin Community
Family Center

3. Austin Staff Members
Meet 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)

4. Austin Staff Members
Meet 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)

5. Austin Staff Members
Meet Adrianna Alvarez
Andrianna 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)

6. Welcome to New
Kingdom Church

7. Austin Staff Members
Meet Miesha Williamson
Miesha 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)

8. AUSTIN Staff Members
Meet Sheina King
Sheina 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)

9. 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)

10. Welcome to san kofa
cultural arts center

11. Austin staff members
Meet Quatavia Cooperwood
Quatavia 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)

12. Austin Staff Members
Meet 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)

13. Austin Staff Members
Meet Jamal Portluck
Jamal (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)

14. 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
Carrington Edwards
(Assistant Instructor/
Floater)

15. Austin Staff members
Meet Velvet Gunn
Velvet 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)

16. Welcome to Better Boys Family
Services

17. 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)

18. North Lawndale Staff members
Meet Jakarra Jenkins
Jakarra 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)

19. Welcome to ABC POLK
BrOthers Center

20. 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)

21. 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)

22. 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)

23. North Lawndale Staff Members
Meet 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

24. Welcome to the Firehouse
Community Arts Center

25. 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)

26. North Lawndale Staff members
Meet John Wagenmaker
John 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)

27. 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)

28. 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)

29. Welcome to JTDC

30. JTDC Staff Members
Meet 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)

31. JTDC Staff Members
Meet Candace Kerby
Candace 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)

32. JTDC STaff
Meet 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)

33. jtdc staff Members
Meet 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)

34. JTDC Staff Members
Meet LaKeisha Hamilton
Lakeisha 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)

35. jtdc staff Members
Jeremy Cooper (Assistant
Instructor)
Meet Jeremy Cooper
Jeremy 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

36. 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

37. Welcome to dr.Elzie Young
Community center

38. Roseland staff Members
Meet Courtney Edwards
Courtney 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)

39. roseland staff Members
Meet 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)

40. roseland staff Members
Meet Angel V. Rodriguez
Angel 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

41. Roseland Staff Members
Meet 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)

42. roseland staff Members
Meet Daniel Gibson
Daniel 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)

43. Welcome to the Youth Peace
Center

44. Roseland Staff Members
Meet 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)

45. roseland Staff members
Meet Aaron Brown
Aaron 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

46. Roseland staff Members
Meet Ariel Pennix
Ariel 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)

47. Welcome to New Life Baptist
Church

48. roseland Staff Members
Meet Wilbur Scott
Wilbur 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)

49. roseland staff members
Meet Michael Gore
Michael 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

50. Roseland Staff members
Meet Akya Gossitt
Akya 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)

51. Youth Led Tech Staff Members
Meet Dr. Phyllis West
Dr. 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)

52. Meet the Youth-Led Tech Administrative
team

53. Thank You All…