Our Team

Nigel Blackburn

Education Advocate

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. 

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

Education Advocate

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.

Teja Hill

Education Advocate

Committed to civil service and child welfare, Teja works to ensure the voices and needs of children are represented and amplified. She is passionate about applying over a decade’s worth of experience in research and juvenile justice. 

Immaya Hughes

Program Coordinator

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.

Julia Mikulec

Education Coordinator 

Julia is a proud educator with experience teaching in JCPS high schools, Head Start preschools, and immigrant and refugee education programs. She strives to create environments where children of all ages and abilities are valued, supported, and celebrated.

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

Youth Services Coordinator

Denice has experience as a teacher, youth program director, and community servant. Denice is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work degree at Spalding University. Her authentic, upbeat approach and commitment to service help her connect with people from all walks of life.

Gail Hooper

Intake Specialist

Gail is a graduate of Indiana Universiy Southeast, hoping to pursue their Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. They have volunteered as a reading tutor for Americorps and are passionate about helping learners find confidence in the classroom.

Sophia Harris

Impact Specialist

Sophia is a social justice activist pursuing a PhD in Transformative Social Change, committed to uplifting marginalized communities through community organizing, trauma-informed practice, and collaborative empowerment.

Jess Dauster

Project Director

Jess holds a MA in Social Justice and Human Rights from Arizona State University, and has built her career on research, policy, and advocacy work for vulnerable populations with a specific focus on women and children’s rights.

Stephanie Cox

Education Access Fellow

Stephanie holds a bachelors degree in Global Politics and Economics from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville. She is passionate about tackling community and individual challenges from the ground up.






Emerson Mays

Youth Services Specialist

Emerson holds a Bachelor of Social Work degree from University of Louisville and is currently pursuing her Master of Social Work. She is a dedicated social worker with a passion for empowering individuals and families, advocating for vulnerable populations, and fostering positive change within her community.

Kendrick Johnson

Education Access Fellow

Kendrick is currently persuing his Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Analytics from Bellarmine University. His ambitions are to use his critical and analytical business expertise to further promote change in helping others while being an asset.

Emily Sledge

Grants & Communications Specialist

Emily is a double alumna of the University of Louisville, having obtained her Master’s in English with focuses in creative writing, disability studies, and multimodal pedagogy. She works to elevate the world of education and human development as she contributes her words and ideas to young learners and the people who support them.

Ruth Peter Gota

Education Advocate

Dedicated to advocating for student success within complex systems, Ruth holds a Master of Arts in Teaching and is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, equipping her to address educational inequities and drive systemic change.

Phoenix Berry

Education Access Fellow

Phoenix is an individual with a background in Policy and Art. They fight to make changes in their community using decolonial frameworks. As a fellow, they tutor the youth and show up to help them feel more confident in education and as members of society.