Emilio started at Steepletown 14 years ago as a GVSU undergraduate intern, was hired as a youth case manager, and is now the Workforce Development Director. His personal mission is to empower youth and young adults to pursue their academic and professional goals. Emilio puts his passion into practice through advocacy, community engagement, and education.

Santiago (he/him) brings over a decade of experience where he served underrepresented students in higher education building communities, and helping individuals navigate complex systems. He currently serves at Steepletown Neighborhood Services as the Operations Director assisting the team in reaching their goals and developing processes and procedures. Santiago brings a unique mix of process expertise with an innate curiosity to learn from the community. He has lived in Grand Rapids for over 12 years and is originally from Saginaw, MI.

Korey Anderson has over 15 years experience in Workforce Development and is a certified GCDF (Global Career Development Facilitator) as well as a certified Business Solutions Professional (BSP) with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit field. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Career Development, Job Coaching, and Conflict Resolution.

Toni has worked in Early Childhood Education for over 14 years, along with experience in other social work and nonprofit spaces. From 2017–2019, she served as a Lead Teacher at Steepletown Preschool before moving to the East Coast. In 2023, she returned to Steepletown as an ECE Apprentice Career Coach, supporting teachers academically, professionally, and emotionally as they worked toward their CDA. In 2024, Toni was promoted to the ECE Apprenticeship Program Manager, where she now supports the ECE coaches, strengthens partnerships with community organizations, and advocates for continued investment in early childhood education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Child and Family Development from Western Michigan University and serves on the GRCC Education Advisory Committee.

Leslie uses she/ella pronouns and holds a bachelors from Western Michigan University. She is a native of Grand Rapids, MI and proudly represents the Burton Heights neighborhood. She volunteers and works alongside various organizations and entities with hopes of uplifting the community. She is an advocate for historically excluded and marginalized communities. Her focus in advocacy encompasses community organizing and engagement, trauma informed care and people centered work. In her free time she enjoys spending time with friends, all things involving art and enjoying nature with her dog Maximus.

A seasoned community worker with 11 years of experience, Alex has resided and worked in Grand Rapids for 28 years. Originally from the Dominican Republic, he moved to the United States during his teenage years. He and his spouse were Peace Corps volunteers who worked on community program development in Tanzania, Africa. Alex has a wealth of practical expertise in Human Resources and Workforce Development. Because he was raised in a difficult environment, Alex has a special perspective on conquering challenges, and he genuinely values giving back. His goal is to positively impact as many people as possible.

Diana recently graduated from Michigan State University 💚 with a Bachelor's in Social Science. Originally from Wyoming, Michigan, Diana has volunteered across West Michigan and has been involved in her local community 👥 through leading youth retreats for the Diocese, providing knowledge and resources 📚to parents and students 🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒 about FAFSA in local public schools, 🏫 along with informing residents about their rights to vote through canvassing for the community. Currently, Diana would like to continue giving back to her community with the resources and knowledge she has gained from her undergrad and support underserved communities to better their success in academia and the workplace.

With a Bachelor’s degree and dual majors in computers and mathematics, Tom has developed specialized skills in problem solving and precision. With his gifts of patience and serving, Tom desires to help to the best of his abilities. Tom has lived in the West Michigan area all his life. He has visited Ecuador, South America and Los Angeles, California for short term missions.

David has worked over 20 years in mental health. First at Pine Rest as mental health worker. Next, as a behavior technician working with children on the autism spectrum. He also wrote for Grand Rapids Magazine. He looks for compassion and intelligence in others.He holds 2 bachelor's degrees, one in English and another in Education.He enjoys good books and strong coffee, though not necessarily together. He enjoys pickle ball and playing with his elusive cat.