President & CEO

Olatunji Oboi Reed serves as the founding President & CEO of The Equiticity Racial Equity Movement. He works globally as a racial equity tactician, increased mobility advocate, and racial justice activist. Oboi’s passion lies at the intersection of community, culture, and health.

With an extensive background in both nonprofit management and corporate social responsibility, he is most proud of his work to create a diverse coalition of people, organizations, and businesses all working together to achieve racial equity and mobility justice across the City of Chicago.

In 2015, Oboi was awarded The White House Transportation Champion of Change award by The White House and the United States Department of Transportation, under the administration of President Barack Obama. Oboi serves as Co-Chair of the Transportation Equity Network, Steering Committee Member of PolicyLink’s Transportation Equity Caucus, and Steering Committee Member of the Free To Move Coalition.

Senior Director of Development

Bonnie@equiticity.org

Bonnie Scarlett-Logan serves as Equiticity’s first Senior Director of Development. In this position, Bonnie is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fund development strategy that will support the organization’s next chapter of growth and impact.

Bonnie brings nearly 30 years of experience executing marketing, public relations, program development, financial management, and fund development strategies designed to uplift residents and improve communities. She has helped fulfill the missions of other Chicago organizations dedicated to equity, including North Lawndale Employment Network, Heartland Alliance, The Resurrection Project, and Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago.

Although her passion for community development also led her to opportunities in Colorado and Florida at points in her career, she came home to Chicago, the community that shaped her and where she raised her daughter. She believes her varied personal and professional experiences culminated with the honor of joining the Equiticity Racial Equity Movement.

Bonnie holds a Certificate of Non-Profit Fund Development from the University of Notre Dame; MBA in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University; and a BA in Journalism from Columbia College Chicago. Exploring Chicago with her daughter and other family and friends, reading, and walking and biking on Chicago’s lakefront are among her favorite ways to spend her time.

Senior Advisor, Mobility Innovation

Ellen@equiticity.org

With a spirit of adventure and challenge, Ellen strives to align the business case, the moral argument and the environmental imperative for transportation law and policy that is sustainable and equitable. Throughout a career that brought her to Washington DC, Alaska, the Republic of Palau, and Chicago, she has been a committed collaborator and has become a transportation geek (loves a good graph)!

The pandemic showed that we can have a world of cleaner air, that we could make streets that are welcoming to people on bikes and people on foot. It gave impetus to making transportation more equitable.

Ellen has worked in public transit at federal and local levels, serving in the Obama Administration as Chief Counsel for the USDOT Research and Innovative Technology Administration and Chief Counsel for the FTA. At the Chicago Transit Authority she served as Deputy General Counsel for Policy and Appeals and learned that everyone has a CTA story. Before joining the CTA, she practiced environmental law with Jenner & Block in Chicago and Van Ness Feldman in Washington, D.C.

Senior Director of Operations

Cecily@equiticity.org

Cecily Langford is a seeker and creator of intentional communities and soul connections. Cecily has worked as a middle- and high school educator and administrator in Chicago Public Schools for the past 22 years. Most recently she served as Assistant Principal on the southwest side of Chicago where she worked to create spaces for kids to dream and actualize their purpose.

Before that, Cecily grew up in Evanston and as a half-Colombian girl became fascinated by the black/white binary that comprised her schooling experience in the 80’s. She is a mother of three and enjoys nature, people, cycling, practicing speaking Spanish, hiking, yoga, raising hell, creating, running, and singing loudly. Cecily dreams daily of what black and brown unity in Chicago could do to shift our city and improve life outcomes for the communities she loves.

Director of Programs

Remel@equiticity.org

Remel Terry is a distinguished community leader and advocate based in Chicago's Westside, with an impressive professional background spanning over 15 years in technical leadership, case management, advocacy, people leadership, program development, and community organizing. Her unwavering commitment to advancing the Black community and empowering its youth is a testament to her dedication and values instilled during her upbringing within a tightly-knit community.

Early on, Remel demonstrated a deep passion for community sustainability, focusing her efforts on social justice issues by collaborating with prominent organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Anti-Defamation League (ADL), and Black Lives Matter. Her work in addressing social justice, police misconduct, and accountability showcased her determination to eradicate racial disparities.

Remel has consistently partnered with grassroots organizations to confront legislative and enforcement inequities, economic development, education, legal system reform, healthcare, affordable housing, and political action. She has received recognition from the Fred Hampton Scholarship Fund for her empowering leadership, particularly in revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting financial and social equity in Chicago.

As a former Vice Chair for the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Targeted Community Engagement Council and an advisory council member for the Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA), Remel has demonstrated her dedication to community service. She also contributed her expertise to the Good Governance Transition Committee during Mayor Lori Lightfoot's administration, highlighting her commitment to good governance.

In her recent role as Interim Commissioner for the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), Remel continues to make strides in public safety. She co-led the most recent Superintendent search for the Chicago Police Department, making history yet again. Remel co-owns Black Gaming League, a company focused on digital gaming awareness and opportunities while actively engaging in community initiatives targeting youth and violence prevention.

Remel Terry is renowned for being a voice for the voiceless and a collaborative force within the community, working closely with residents, non-profit organizations, and elected officials. Currently, she serves as the 1st Vice President and Political Action Committee Chair for the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP, showcasing her dedication to civil rights, human rights, and community development.

Remel earned her Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration with a Minor in Business from Lewis University. With over a decade of membership in the Chicago Westside Branch NAACP, she remains deeply involved in her community. Beyond her professional endeavors, Remel finds joy in traveling both domestically and abroad, further enriching her perspective and experiences. Her transformative work in community engagement was duly acknowledged through a resolution from the Board of Commissioners Cook County, IL, sponsored by 2nd Cook County District Commissioner Dennis Deer.

Director of Advocacy & Movement Building

Jose@equiticity.org

Jose Manuel (he/him/el) was born and raised in the Little Village neighborhood in Chicago, IL. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Aviation Supply Specialist in 2008 and was Honorably discharged in 2012. After which, he resumed his educational career earning a B.A in Political Science and a Master’s in Public Administration from Roosevelt University. That is where he began organizing students and co-founded the Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter at Roosevelt in 2016 where the team worked hard to raise student voter registration and student political discourse by hosting events and speakers to share political and social ideas.

The Covid-19 pandemic re-activated Jose Manuel and he began organizing with UNETE La Villita, a volunteer-led community group fighting gentrification and over-policing in Little Village. As the Transit Organizer with Chicago Jobs with Justice, he led the Transit 4 All campaign that created Chicago’s very first city-wide transit riders union. Dedicated to liberation and social justice, Jose Manuel brings people together to build the collective power needed to create change.

Director of Community Mobility Rituals

Brandon@equiticty.org

Brandon Goodall is a cyclist and the co-founder of Chicago United, the first BIPOC cycling club and team in Chicago. Through his leadership of Chicago United, Brandon is focused on making the sport of cycling more accessible to BIPOC cycling enthusiasts and to provide exposure to, and opportunities in cycling to BIPOC youth.

Brandon comes to Equiticity from the cycling industry with 20+ years of experience. In his prior role, at the second largest cycling component brand in the world, he acted as the conduit to connect the brand, and its resources, to individuals and organizations working to make cycling more equitable and inclusive for Black, Brown, and Indigenous riders and youth.

Brandon is a firm believer that the bicycle is a powerful and transformative tool that can be utilized to create opportunities and experiences for Black and Brown communities that otherwise would not be available. He is thrilled to join the Equiticity team in leading the Community Mobility Rituals work, and looks forward to continuing to elevate bikes and other forms of mobility to be the catalyst for racial equity, economic justice, and cultural change.

JAC BikeForce Project Director

Miguel@equiticity.org

Miguel's journey spans diverse experiences, from early life in Cuamio, Mexico, to navigating the challenges of the Chicago Public School system. Despite facing the school-to-prison pipeline, Miguel emerged as a passionate advocate for restorative justice and artistic expression. His commitment led him to roles at Alternatives Inc. and BUILD Inc., where he developed youth leadership councils and arts programs.

In 2015, Miguel became a Restorative Practices Coach at Alternatives, rising to lead a team of over 20 practitioners. Miguel's impact extended beyond Chicago, with national and international training engagements. He co-founded innovative restorative models, including a team-coaching approach and restorative supervision at Alternatives. His leadership shaped the role of RJ Coordinators in Chicago schools and adapted restorative practices for remote learning during the pandemic.

In times of crisis, Miguel facilitated healing circles and de-escalation training, emphasizing the need to address root causes of violence. His journey reflects the transformative power of restorative practices, and he continues to seek new applications in both personal and professional realms. Grateful for his supportive family, mentors, collaborators, and community, Miguel remains dedicated to growth, challenge, and accountability.

Community Mobility Rituals Manager

Ztorres@equiticity.org

Zaira Torres is a nomadic spirit who always seeks adventure and zest in her life. Being born in Puerto Rico and raised in Chicago, within the Humboldt Park community, Zaira witnessed a lot of imbalances within her environment and she always wanted to make a difference.

Due to the hustle and bustle of life, she worked in event planning and management for many years; however, she poured into her community whenever she could. She always felt the desire to do something of purpose during her day to day, not just when she had the time. Fast forward to present time where she is doing exactly what her heart was seeking via Community Mobility Rituals.

Not only is she incorporating her event planning experience to plan and execute meaningful CMRs in North Lawndale with Equiticity, but she gets to continue living her nomadic spirit by pouring into underserved communities and exploring with them.

Operations Coordinator

Zair@equiticity.org

Zair is a firm believer that in order for Chicago to be considered the best city in the world, all 77 neighborhoods of Chicago have to be the absolute best. In his most previous role, Zair organized multiple transportation and health oriented events at the 31st Ward Alderman's Office. He also organized around transportation inequities in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of the city, which recently saw unprecedented investments in new bike lanes, bike locks, and Divvy bike share stations.

He is currently finishing up his second year at UIC as he pursues a Bachelor's degree in political science. In his free time, Zair loves to workout at the gym and ride his bike to the lake.

Workforce Manager

Vanjo@equiticity.org

Vanjo is a dedicated individual with a diverse background and a passion for community engagement and mobility. With experience in various roles and industries, Vanjo has honed his skills in program development, logistics management, and customer service. His commitment to equity and social justice is evident in his work, and he consistently strives to make a positive impact on the communities he serves.

During his time as Ride Series Co-Manager at Equiticity from October 2022 to January 2023, Vanjo played a key role in strategizing administrative support and managing the Equiticity Squad Ride Management Team. He successfully organized group rides ensuring their safety in various Chicago neighborhoods. Vanjo also fostered productive relationships with partnering organizations and collaborated with the CEO of Equiticity on Community Mobility Ritual strategies.

As the Workforce Manager, Vanjo is responsible for executing four program areas with varying time investments, including the BikeForce Instructor, Mobility Opportunities Fund (MOF) Bike/E-Bike Technician, One Lawndale Bike Team Co-Instructor, and Trade School Instructor (in development). He is particularly excited about the BikeForce Instructor and MOF Bike/E-Bike Technician roles, where he can leverage his experience in traditional bicycle mechanics as well as knowledge of emerging transportation technologies such as e-bikes, e-scooters, and battery systems. Vanjo is committed to urban education and adolescent development, as they are the future.

Vanjo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology & Sociology from Denison University, where he further developed his understanding of social dynamics and community engagement. Overall, Vanjo's multifaceted experiences, dedication to equity, and passion for community empowerment make him a valuable asset in promoting mobility, social justice, and positive change in Chicago and beyond.

JAC BikeForce Program Instructor

AD@equiticity.org

AD was born and raised from the South of Chicago, with a passion for bicycles dating back to the age of 8. He has gained his skills through various shops like Small Shop Cycles and Service, Blue City Cycles, and Tailwind Cycles AD's work with BikeForce as a subcontractor and appearances on TV for skateboarding and LDRS brand modeling make him a familiar name.

Social Enterprise Fellow

Jacob@equiticity.org

Jacob Klink is passionate about business design and bikes. He first applied his interest in bikes and community, co-creating the Duke City Classics, a week of events that engaged cyclists of all backgrounds and continues to run annually. He later worked as an educator in China, then in 2012 launched a bicycle brand, shop, and manufacturer with a focus on community and bicycle advocacy.

As an entrepreneur, Jacob explored the intersection of bicycles in commerce and as a tool for driving the improved health, wealth, and mobility of its user. He returned to the United States to attain an MBA at Vanderbilt, advancing his entrepreneurial abilities in planning, building, and scaling ventures that serve a positive impact, continuing to use the bicycle as a blueprint for accessibility and greater equity.

When he's not dreaming about a future on two wheels, you'll find him on his bike spinning out his thoughts, looking for the next song or story that will send a chill down his spine, or with his wife geeking out about a good meal.

Project Manager, Walking Series & Healing Spaces

Chaz@equiticity.org

Chazarhae is a multidisciplinary artist, educator, and wellness practitioner. Working as a freelance arts and community wellness program developer and project manager, she centers holistic wellness, whole-body systems, integration, ecology, conservation, symbiosis, security, sustainability, and skill-building.

Chazarhae strives to acquire and co-create resources and access to cross-cultural, community-driven practices of liberation and deep healing through rituals of reverence for ourselves and our connection to Earth and Universe.

Special Projects Manager

Mechiya@equiticity.org

Mechiya Jamison is a multidisciplinary thinker, planner, facilitator, storyteller, writer, placemaker, curator, poet, recording and visual artist, and activist. She is the curator of the exhibit Moving Freely, a Ray Fellow, a Mobile Artist for city-wide initiative We Will Chicago, and special projects manager for racial equity organization Equiticity.

Mechiya attended the University of Illinois at Chicago where she studied Urban Studies and Public Policy. Dedicated to liberation and environmental justice, She uses art as a tool to build solidarity, cultural understanding, and a means of collective power and consciousness.

Grant Writer & Development Strategist

leslie@equiticity.org

After nearly five decades working with nonprofits, Leslie remains committed to cause-related marketing and resource development. As a founding member of Lipman Hearne, a prestigious agency serving nonprofits, she created publications, videos, websites and special events for major philanthropic foundations, as well as for local, regional and national organizations in health care, social services, education, arts & culture and religious movements.

Since 1998, Leslie’s consulting practice, The Millenson Collaborative, has provided small-to-midsized nonprofits with sophisticated marketing/communications services generally available only from large agencies too costly for smaller nonprofits. “Working with smaller organizations,” she says, “there’s a much better chance you can effect positive change for those organizations. They will be substantively different when you leave than when you arrived, and that’s very satisfying.” In the years since, Leslie gradually moved away from day-to-day communications and toward resource development, including program design and grant writing. She was one of the architects of the Associated Colleges of Illinois’ Center for Success in High-Need Schools, for which she helped secure $17 million in federal and state grants.

Leslie dedicates her work with Equiticity to her late sister, a civil rights/labor lawyer at EEOC and, later, at the Civil Rights Division/U.S. Department of Labor. “My sister’s work helped open doors for a diverse labor force to enter the banking, trucking and steel industries. Working with Equiticity gives me the chance to honor her commitment to equal access and to equitable treatment for women and people of color.”