Meet Our Youth Leaders

Andrew Kelley

My experience at Something Good in Englewood helped shape my confidence and belief in myself as a black student in countless ways. The teachers here have always been very dedicated to making sure that they didn’t allow us to see ourselves in the same light that people typically stereotype inner-city kids to be. Seeing black educators and having black leadership in roles that we aren’t typically allowed to know from a young age that I was greater than the stereotype and instilled the confidence in me that I could be and do whatever it is I set my mind to achieving.

The support I received at Something Good in Englewood influenced and prepared me for college and leadership opportunities by not just telling but showing me and allowing me to see it myself. The vernacular with which the teachers and the leadership within the building spoke always exemplified excellence and nothing less. In the future, that strong foundation that they instilled in me allowed me to enter into spaces where I might be an overwhelming minority, comfortable in my abilities to act in leadership and not question if I belonged or deserved the opportunities I have received along the way.

It means the world to me to represent my community in adverse situations. I love to represent my family, my faith, my city, and my people. It’s a full circle moment for me all the time because it allows me the opportunity to show that someone else who may be looking at me the same way I looked at my community within Something Good in Englewood, that they can also do these things that may seem unattainable to them. It’s why I always come back and work summer camps for kids, and why I try to always act as a resource for anybody trying to advance their life in a positive way. It’s a blessing to be able to represent where I’m from, especially in adverse moments.

My community always forced me into leadership for as long as I could remember, and when I was young, I didn’t necessarily like the responsibility of it, but looking back, I’m grateful. That part of my development has allowed me to be ok with being in my own skin and be ok with letting my positive light shine through where people might think it can’t. It’s what keeps me grounded and what keeps me focused on making sure I take the right steps to achieve and chase my own personal goals and dreams daily.

I want to graduate from a prestigious HBCU and pursue a career in management in the entertainment industry. The things in my life that allow me to know that this is possible are the fact that I know a plethora of people who are HBCU graduates, one of whom is my own older brother. Entertainment has always been something I’ve loved and over the years, I’ve been able to develop personal relationships with people who already have the career I want one day and them just being available and a guide for me lets me know that I’m on the right path and lets me know that it’s not an unattainable goal or dream for me to have.

Damien Bluitt

LALC helped shape my sense of identity, beliefs, and confidence in myself by allowing me to be me. When I attended Little Angels, you were exposed to an environment that allowed you to express yourself, have those leadership roles, and gain the knowledge to know that the sky is never the limit.

Little Angels influences my passion to continue gaining more knowledge of the world. LALC has also prepared me for college and leadership opportunities by putting me in those positions at a young age, and also teaching me how to use my voice to speak up for not only myself, but others as well.

To me, to pursue excellence while also representing my community in situations that may prevent (or try to prevent) my uprising, means being and representing Black excellence. There is no such thing as an adverse situation when you have a growth mindset and an open ear and soul.

My community helped me develop these skills by putting me through different challenges; everyday situations teach you discipline and wisdom, while also not knowing something influences curiosity. In my community, you show leadership in every action that you take.

My current goals for myself are to graduate from high school and go to college to bring more success and money to my family. For these goals, I have to thank my mother, peers, and my lovely boss, Mrs. Adams, all of whom have exposed me to things I never could have thought of having or doing.

Jonathan Jackson

My experience at Something Good in Englewood helped me believe in myself and feel proud of who I am; it showed me that I have the potential to succeed as a young Black student. The support I received at Something Good in Englewood pushed me to work harder in school and prepare for college.

To pursue excellence and represent my community in adverse situations means always trying my best, even when things get difficult, because my community pushed me to be curious and confident in everything.

The support and motivation that I receive from the people around me helped me believe that I can achieve my goals.

Makayjah Harris

Being a part of Something Good in Englewood made me a confident and more self-aware person by placing me in the position to be around people who looked like me. It also gave me the confidence to step into leadership positions.

The support I received from Something Good in Englewood helped prepare me for college and leadership opportunities by exposing me to travel, where I heard different stories and saw different things, helping me realize that the world was bigger than what I’d always seen.

To me, pursuing and representing my community in adverse situations means helping my peers to choose the right path and make good decisions. My experience at SGIE gave me the space and confidence to influence those around me, fighting for things they don’t see. I’ve influenced people to pursue and continue their education and realize that there are bigger and better things in the world.

My community helped me open up, talk more, and speak up for myself because I saw them doing so.

Anthony Small

My experience at Little Angels played a huge role in shaping my identity and potential as a young Black man. Little Angels helped me with consistent support through the years, which allowed me to showcase my social skills and also helped me stay focused, teaching me that patience is key.

Although I have not attended college, Little Angels and Something Good in Englewood have influenced me to improve my communication skills. Little Angels also helped me build strong learning habits that I can carry with me on a day-to-day basis.

To pursue excellence and represent my community in adverse situations is to always push to be the best person or in the best situation possible.

My community helped me develop discipline and leadership skills because the pros and cons in the community itself helped develop the discipline and leadership skills I have today.

I started researching different trades and applied for trade school. Seeing others in my community made me believe this was achievable.

Carnisha Lynn

I attended Little Angels from age two until I graduated around five or six. My teachers were loving, nurturing, and constantly reminded me that I could achieve anything I put my mind to. As a young Black student, that encouragement built my confidence and helped me develop a strong belief in my potential from an early age.

Little Angels gave me a strong academic foundation and a love for learning. My teachers pushed me to work hard and take pride in my achievements. Now, as a high school sophomore with a 3.5 GPA, I can see how those early lessons shaped my discipline and motivation for college and future leadership opportunities.

To pursue excellence means always giving my best effort, even in difficult situations. Representing my community means showing confidence, integrity, and proving that young Black students are capable of achieving great things regardless of stereotypes.

My teachers encouraged my outgoing personality and excitement to learn. They supported my academic growth and taught me the importance of helping others. Those lessons helped me build discipline and leadership skills that I still use today.

My goals are to attend an HBCU, major in psychology, earn my doctoral degree, and become a human resources specialist. The confidence and support I received at Little Angels helped me believe these goals are possible with hard work and consistency.

Roma Nelson

Little Angels has always taught me to be myself and understand where I come from. As I learn more about the world, I learn more about myself as well.

Little Angels is an early learning center that focuses on making sure that their students have a great foundation before they head off into the real world. After I left the daycare, I went to Ray Elementary and did great, which then led me to taking the selective enrollment test, and attending Morgan Park for my 7th and 8th grade years.

To pursue excellence and represent my community in adverse situations means everything to me; I want to show that I can bring change to my community.

I realize that my Little Angels community helped me develop discipline and leadership skills that I have used in my everyday life. One of my first jobs was a coaching position for kids. I have taken the lessons and skills I learned from a young age and incorporated them into such positions, showing me how much I really did take away from my time at Little Angels.

My experience at Little Angels influenced my dream of opening my own nonprofit and giving back to my community.

Cory Mondy

My experience at Little Angels helped me understand the way of life, which showed me how to listen and respect others, no matter their race!

The support I received from Something Good in Englewood, in the form of school advice, helped me begin the work to receive my GED and pursue multiple trades.

It means the world to me to help the community out in so many ways, which makes me feel proud to be a part of Something Good in Englewood.

My community has helped me develop discipline and leadership skills by helping me stay honest, pushing nonviolence, and more.

With the help of SGIE, I have set a goal for myself of receiving my GED, earning my driver’s license, and getting into my first apartment.

Tiana Davis

My experience at Something Good in Englewood has been pivotal in my journey of professionalism and experience with public service work (serving and giving back to the public). Something Good in Englewood pushed me to use my degree and academic background in real-world scenarios for the first time through experience with advocacy work.

This experience allowed me to flourish in various leadership roles both on campus and in the office. The support I received from my SGIE team helped me realize my potential and value on a team and the importance of my voice in such spaces, which has allowed me to consider the ways in which I can continue to contribute to the betterment of my community in the future.

Pursuing excellence and representing my community through adversity not only means making sure that I show up as my best self every day, but also ensuring that I help equip those around me with the tools to become their best selves as well. Representing my community is not only about how said representation benefits me, but also how I can use my positionality and voice to uplift and provide support to others as well. In representing my community through adverse situations, I am actively making an example of who we are and who we have the potential to be.

My community enabled me to see what it looks like to create change by witnessing the ways in which we are able to make a difference in our everyday lives through the development of curiosity and leadership skills.

The adversity faced by my community at large has enabled me to develop discipline in my everyday life as a result of the curiosity that has been cultivated through various experiences and encounters. Examining the making of Black excellence in the face of adversity has pushed me to pursue my goals and turn my dreams into a reality. While I am currently on a gap year, having graduated with my B.A. in Sociology modified with African and African American studies in June 2025, I plan to attend law school in the coming fall and eventually become a practicing attorney with an ultimate goal of serving the community that first served me.

The people around me have helped me to believe in the attainability of my own goals by portraying hope, positivity, and excellence in all that they do.

Cortney Smith

Little Angels Learning Center has helped shape my confidence and belief in my potential as a young Black student by exposing me to a variety of Black excellence and experiences. I have been given a voice through the center and have been able to express my concerns and experiences through a larger platform because of this. This includes me speaking on various news channels and seeing firsthand the work that is put into the children and youth of the community at LALC.

The foundation I received from Little Angels influenced my academic journey by encouraging me to push the boundaries placed on my skin color and truly embody the saying, “We are not defined by our zip code.” I have seen the hardships of my community, and Little Angels has shown me that there is more to our youth and people than what the world wants us to believe. I have made it my mission to put myself in spaces that do not commonly have representation, and Little Angels has given me the confidence to do so. We have to be the change we want to see in the world, and Little Angels has shown me that I have all the qualities to be anything and anywhere I choose.

Pursuing excellence to me means going beyond the status quo and defying the preconceived notions that people have about me. People think that Englewood is full of violence and has no success within its community borders. In my journey of pursuing excellence, I am proving these notions wrong by showing that success is attainable for all, given the right opportunities and guidance. I am pursuing a career in finance, and I know that African Americans make up the smallest percentage of people in finance. My dream career in its entirety is an adverse situation, as I am the only one who looks the way I am in many rooms, and this will continue in my career. To represent my community would be to show members of my community that they belong and that we are capable; there is nothing special about me besides the fact that I was given a chance and I took it.

My community helped me develop the discipline, curiosity, and leadership skills I have now by allowing me to develop an understanding of the way of the world and how race and socioeconomic status define one’s path in life. I am a scholar in the Wellesley A Better Chance program, so I have been given the opportunity to attend high school in Massachusetts. The differences I have come across between my community and that of Wellesley, MA, have redefined my perceptions of the world around me. I see the wealth gap and understand that the cycle is continuous and made to stay that way. Not having access to higher-paying jobs means not being able to afford higher education, and not being able to afford higher education means not being able to get a higher-paying job. My community has given me the drive I need to keep pushing toward my goals and beyond. I chose to be a leader in breaking the endless cycle for my community and use these skills every day at my high school. In most of my classes, I am the only Black student, and the same will be for my career in finance. My community has taught me not to let these discouragements deter me from my path, but to strengthen my determination for myself and my people.

The goals I have set for myself are to be determined and dedicated in everything I put my mind to. This could be staying consistent with a club or cause and not backing out when I feel the weight coming on. Another goal is to always spread my success amongst my community because I have been in their shoes for so long with hopes and dreams that could not materialize if I had not been given a clear path to them. It is important that I don’t simply speak of Black Excellence, but put actions to my words. My goal in life is to be successful in my career in finance and be able to help the youth of my community find success in their own passions based on the experiences and lessons I learn on my journey. I know this is possible because I have already come this far as a senior in a state I had never stepped foot in prior to boarding there. I have been the minority and still made a difference both in my academic and social school communities, and continue to do so. I also have the support of so many who have made my journey thus far possible, including Little Angels.

Jaden Jackson

My experience at Something Good in Englewood helped shape my confidence in many ways; I’m more confident both at work and outside of work when I’m doing the things I like to do.

Something Good in Englewood influenced my academic journey by offering me the resources and confidence necessary to explore my options.

To me, pursuing excellence and representing my community means going above and beyond to reach my goals even if the path is uncomfortable.

My community helped me develop discipline by keeping me on the right path to greatness and helping me correct my behavior when necessary.

I set many goals for myself, most of which I feel are achievable, and some that I have achieved. What helped me believe those goals were achievable was those around me pushing me to do my best and believe that anything is possible.

Brandon Allen

SGIE has helped me a lot in the past. I got to learn what working hard meant at a young age. Something Good in Englewood has helped me learn more, travel, and communicate better with the youth.

One of my main goals when I finish school is to apply to the army, work hard there, and gain/utilizing its benefits.

After spending some time in the army, I plan to attend trade school.

Something that SGIE taught me that I will continue to use in the future is to stay on task, be respectful, and treat other people the way you want to be treated.

What I look forward to the most post-graduation is seeing the look on everybody’s face when I walk across the stage, and seeing how proud I will make all of my friends and family members.

Camren Pugh

My name is Camren Pugh, and I am a software engineering student at Morehouse College and a Youth Leader at Something Good in Englewood. Growing up in Chicago, Illinois, I developed a deep appreciation for the rich history and legacy of Morehouse, which motivates me to commit to leadership, service, and excellence in all that I do.

Working with young children at Little Angels has taught me the importance of building strong and trusting relationships through reliability, consistency, empathy, and mentorship. These lessons, combined with the skills I’ve gained at Something Good in Englewood, have equipped me with valuable leadership qualities that I apply in my everyday life.

My communication skills help me connect better with others, fostering empathy and understanding in teamwork. By clearly expressing ideas and actively listening to others, I create an environment where everyone feels heard and valued. This ability helps build strong connections and facilitates collaboration, enabling me to work effectively with diverse groups of people.

The patience and flexibility I’ve developed allow me to adapt to daily challenges and changing situations with ease. Patience helps me remain calm and focused under pressure, ensuring I can navigate difficult situations without becoming overwhelmed. Flexibility enables me to adjust my approach as needed, embracing new ideas and perspectives to achieve the best outcomes.

One of the most underestimated skills I’ve developed is positive reinforcement. I’ve learned that effectively organizing and motivating others can lead to the successful completion of any task. By recognizing and celebrating the achievements of others, I foster an atmosphere of encouragement and motivation, inspiring people to reach their full potential. This skill is crucial in creating a supportive and productive environment where everyone is driven to succeed and contribute their best efforts.

Carvin Pugh

My name is Carvin Pugh, and I am a senior at Morehouse College, majoring in Software Engineering. This year, one of my primary goals is to expand and officially establish my community service group as a non-profit organization. Additionally, I aim to get it chartered as an official organization on the Morehouse College campus to broaden its reach and impact. I deeply appreciate support services and a strong sense of community, and I plan to leverage my education and career to uplift underserved communities and create positive change.

Working at Little Angels and serving as a mentor has profoundly impacted my understanding of early education. Building relationships and gaining trust with young children has underscored the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment. Early childhood education is crucial as it lays the foundation for a child’s future learning, behavior, and overall development. During these formative years, children acquire essential skills that help them think critically, solve problems, and interact effectively with others. This experience has taught me invaluable lessons that have transformed how I interact with others.

Accountability has become a cornerstone of my approach, emphasizing the importance of reliability and responsibility. Meeting deadlines and being dependable in every area of my life have become a priority.

The educators at Little Angels lead by example, teaching me the importance of clear and effective communication. They have shown me how to express myself clearly, articulate my thoughts, and listen for understanding. These skills, developed through my interactions with children and educators, are now integral to how I engage with others.

Genesis Craig

Little Angels Learning Center helped me embrace who I am, as someone who has always been an extrovert. Being taught at Little Angels helped me control my urges, while still acknowledging my strength of not being shy. They knew my potential before I did, and it helped mold who I am today: a strong, brave, courageous, Genesis.

The foundation I received at Little Angels greatly helped because I went to a diverse middle school, and I was, for most classes, always ahead of my peers because of the one-on-one experience I received when I attended. Little Angels taught me to always make sure I speak up for myself and get the help when needed.

To pursue excellence to me means being able to be yourself, grow, and pour into others who are on the path as you, which is why I wanted to go away for school. I wanted to represent my community in conversations where they are overlooked, even at an HBCU.

My community helped me with my discipline and leadership skills, heavily being involved in almost every activity there was growing up. I had no choice but to speak out at events, and as I am learning, all it was doing was preparing me to seek and advocate opportunities, however I could have imagined.

I have a favorite scripture that I quote, Philippians 4:13. When I set my goals, I align them with what God has planned for me, which is to become a clinical psychologist to take away the taboo of Black mental health and to always put my best foot forward for everything I do. Accountability helps me a lot with that.

Lamiya Pope

Hi, my name is Lamiya Pope, and I was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. From a young age, I learned the importance of working hard, staying focused, and believing in myself. My early school experiences helped build my confidence and taught me discipline, responsibility, and how to stay organized.

As I continued through school, I experienced challenges, especially when adjusting to new environments and meeting new people. Those moments helped me grow and taught me that I don’t have to change who I am to fit in. I learned that being confident in myself is more important than trying to impress others.

I take my education seriously and always aim to do my best. I enjoy expressing myself through writing and creative projects because they allow me to share my ideas and experiences. Over time, I have become more comfortable speaking up, taking initiative, and stepping into leadership roles when needed.

My family and community have played a big role in shaping who I am. Their support has helped me stay motivated and push through challenges. Because of them, I believe my goals are achievable.

In the future, I plan to graduate from college and build a successful career where I can make a positive impact. I am committed to continuing to grow, stay disciplined, and become the best version of myself while also inspiring others along the way.

Meet Amya Bush. Amaya is 16-year-old, 11th grade student at Simeon Career Academy. She enjoys cheerleading and running track.

Amya enrolled in Something Good in Englewood summer camp to aid the younger children in having the same opportunities she had growing up. Additionally, Amya wants to give back to the community.

When reflecting on her hopes and dreams, Amya wants to be successful in her life as a business owner.

Amya wants to support her community by sharing her good energy with positive vibes throughout the day.

Her personal goal is to have an impact on the lives of children.

During the college tour, Amya enjoyed learning about the amount of support and opportunities that were available for minorities.

Meet Kami’yelle Carter. Kami’yelle is a 16-year-old, 11th grade student at Southland College Prep. In her spare time, she enjoys engaging and interacting with friends, playing basketball, and singing in the choir.

Kami’yelle enrolled in Something Good in Englewood summer camp to work with children especially since she has always wanted her first job to be a summer camp worker.

When reflecting on her hopes and dreams, Kami’yelle wants to have new and exciting experiences while enjoying the process.

Kami’yelle wants to support her community by helping and ensuring the children have a fun and safe summer.

Her personal goal is to be creative by starting something new.

During the college tour, Kami’yelle stated she had a fantastic experience playing volleyball with some of the college students.

Meet Akeelah Evans. Akeelah is a 16-year-old, 10th grade student at Horizon Science Academy. She enjoys cooking, shopping, eating, and having fun with friends.

Akeelah enrolled in Something Good in Englewood summer camp because after all the years of being a camper herself, she wanted to take a more responsible leading role in summer camp.

When reflecting on her hopes and dreams, Akeelah aspires to give back and help others.

Akeelah wants to support her community by giving love and kindness to the young children.

Her personal goal is to become a successful doctor.

During the college tour, Akeelah was amazed with the many interesting activities that were available for the students.

Meet Myrical Jackson. Myrical is a 16-year-old, 11th grade student at South Shore International. Her favorite hobby is playing volleyball.

Myrical enrolled in Something Good in Englewood summer camp to assist the Englewood community and the young children.

When reflecting on her hopes and dreams, Myrical would like to become a traveling ER Nurse.

Myrical wants to support the community by offering joy, happiness, and comfort to the young children.

Her personal goal is to make children happy.

During the college tour, Myrical experienced attending lectures, workshops, and discussions about the different opportunities available on campus.

Meet Flor Tapia. Flor is a 25-year-old and enjoys reading and watching television.

Flor is volunteering with Something Good in Englewood summer camp to learn more about the neighborhood where she has lived her entire adult life.

When reflecting on her hopes and dreams, Flor wishes for her parents to never have to worry about anything but enjoying their lives alongside their children.

Flor wants to support our youths with her 6+ years of experience in education and her unconditional love and understanding.

Her personal goal in life includes being happy and becoming a registered behavioral therapist and helping children with autism effectively communicate.

Meet Jordan Moore. Jordan is a 22-year-old, first year law student at Suffolk University Law School. Her favorite hobbies include creating art, spending time with friends and family, watching Netflix, and working out.

Jordan is supporting Something Good in Englewood by sharing her knowledge and expertise in writing and technology.

When reflecting on her hopes and dreams, Jordan aspires to become a high-power attorney.

Jordan wants to support our community with her artistic talents, educational skills, warm spirit, and excellent communication skills.

Her personal goal in life is to complete grad school and pass the bar exam to become a practicing attorney in the State of Illinois.

Meet David Raw. He is a 19-year-old, sophomore at the University of Chicago. His favorite hobbies include biking, painting, and cooking.

David joined the Something Good in Englewood team as an intern to build his data analysis skills and to learn more about the internal operations of the organization.

When reflecting on his hopes and dreams, David seeks to make a significant and positive impact on others.

David wants to support our community through his knowledge of data collection and budgeting to help the agency focus on what matters most: providing socioeconomic opportunities for the members of the Englewood community.

His personal goal is to one day visit Antarctica.