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.

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.

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.