President & CEO

Oboi@equiticity.org

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 Advisor

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.

Interim Senior Director of Impact

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.

Interim Senior Manager of Operations

zair@equiticity.org

Zair Menjivar is currently the Operations Manager at Equiticity, where the breadth of his work involves equitably based human resource initiatives, which prioritize the employee equally to the organization. As a firm believer in a healthy work/life balance, Zair has worked to implement a series of progressive policies and benefits, including a four-day work week and a comprehensive PTO policy. In addition to the human resource pillar, Zair supports Equiticity with grant management and reconciliation, communications, and other overall operational tasks.

Zair is a recent graduate from UIC, which he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Human Resource Management.

He has also organized around transportation inequities in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood of Chicago, which recently saw an unprecedented ten fold increase in accessible bike lanes, and historical investments in bike parking stations, and Divvy bike share stations.

A current board member of the Northwest Center, Zair works to ensure the Belmont Cragin-based non-profit operationalizes and executes against its six pillars, which are to be Responsive, Relational, Resident-Led, Data-informed, and racially equitable, in all of its day-to-day operations in the community it serves.

In his free time, Zair enjoys riding his bike, attending concerts, and traveling throughout Latin America, where he has the goal of visiting every country in that region.

Research & Consulting Contractor

matt@equiticity.org

Matt Weiss comes to Equiticity with a broad background in active transportation at the city, regional, and federal level and a passion for the healing power and potential of intentional community building. He serves Equiticity as a Research and Consulting Contractor, where one of his major projects is developing a Framework for communities who want to create their own Community Mobility Rituals. He is also convening everyday experts who ride the bus to participate in innovative transit pilots in the Illinois Medical District. 

Matt brings five years of experience in transportation planning roles, including with the Chicago Department of Transportation's Street Are For Everybody Ambassadors. He represented Divvy/Lyft at community events as the bikeshare system expanded through the rest of the city. Most recently, he served in a Transportation Fellowship with the Department of Interior, expanding nonmotorized mobility access to federal public lands.

Matt is on the Young Professionals in Transportation International Board as the Midwest Regional Liaison. He also is on the Board of Directors of Out Our Front Door, a Bike camping educational nonprofit in the Chicago great lakes basin. Matt has supported Equiticity formally with the SAFE Ambassadors and informally in his free time serving in Squad for many Community bike rides over the past five years.

Equiticity Marketing Intern

daniela@equiticity.org

Daniela Navarrete is a marketing student with experience in digital strategy, content development, and student-centered advocacy. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Northeastern Illinois University, where her work bridges communications, leadership, and community engagement.

She has held multiple leadership and professional roles across higher education and nonprofit spaces, including serving as Student Trustee and President of the Student Government Association. Her experience also includes supporting nonprofit marketing strategy through academic projects, working as a student aide within Student Affairs at NEIU, and contributing to student housing and programming initiatives. Through these roles, Daniela has developed a strong foundation in strategic planning, event coordination, stakeholder communication, and campaign execution, with an emphasis on accessibility and inclusion.

Her professional interests center on branding, storytelling, and marketing strategies that elevate mission-driven work and strengthen connections between organizations and the communities they serve. Daniela has contributed to marketing and communications initiatives across education and nonprofit sectors through content creation, social media strategy, and collaborative campaigns.

Based in Chicago, Daniela is driven by a commitment to meaningful engagement and using marketing as a tool for positive social impact. is a marketing student with experience in digital strategy, content development, and student-centered advocacy. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Northeastern Illinois University, where her work bridges communications, leadership, and community engagement.

Park Walking Tours Coordinator

marcus@equiticity.org

Marcus Sumrall is a Chicago-born and raised meetings and events director with over a decade of experience bringing people together through impactful experiences. Known for his eye for detail and creative vision, Marcus is passionate about designing memorable moments that foster connection, culture, and community.

Workforce Development Consultant

alicia@equiticity.org

Alicia Huddleston is the principal consultant at Huddleston Consultants, LLC, the President of Women United to Serve, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, and a neuroscience researcher, author, and adjunct professor at DePaul University. As a national and international speaker, she leads and serves in business, education, and faith-based organizations.

With nearly twenty years of leadership experience, she firmly believes that effective leadership is fundamental to any organization’s success. One of her core missions is to continue supporting leaders in developing intrinsic awareness and positive influence by answering the question: “What are people receiving in exchange for my leadership?”

Alicia holds a BA from Trinity International University, an M.Ed. from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a Ph.D. from DePaul University.

Program Evaluation Consultant

Danielle.Walker@equiticity.org

Dr. Danielle Walker is a research consultant, equity scholar, and policy strategist dedicated to advancing racial justice through rigorous, community-centered research. She brings more than a decade of experience working across higher education, government, and nonprofit sectors to help institutions make data-informed decisions that strengthen programs, improve policies, and achieve transformative outcomes for marginalized communities.

Dr. Walker earned her Ph.D. from the University of Colorado–Denver in the School of Education and Human Development and holds a Master’s degree in Public Affairs and Policy from the University of Missouri, where she specialized in education equity and research. Her work is grounded in mixed-methods inquiry, critical frameworks, and a deep commitment to understanding the intersectionality of inequities.

As a researcher, Dr. Walker specializes in transforming complex data into meaningful insights that drive institutional change. She has led studies focused on academic outcomes, housing rights, resource allocation, and program effectiveness. Her portfolio includes environmental scans, focus groups, equity audits, and the development of culturally responsive assessment tools. She is known for her ability to translate nuanced findings into clear, actionable recommendations that help leaders shape more equitable policies and practices.

Across all roles, Dr. Walker brings a racial justice analytical lens, a collaborative spirit, and a steadfast dedication to ensuring that research serves as a tool for equity and transformation. She remains energized by the pursuit of data-driven, equity-centered research that informs policies, strengthens institutions, and elevates the voices of marginalized communities.

Workforce Job Placement Outreach Consultant

pete@equiticity.org

Pete's work centers on a core belief: safe streets for all users build strong communities. He brings experience in sustainable transportation consulting, community engagement, and nonprofit programs. Pete is also a certified League Cycling Instructor with the League of American Bicyclists, working to bring bike safety education and the benefits of bike-friendly communities to people of all ages. He currently serves Equiticity as a Workforce Job Placement Outreach Consultant. Pete holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park, and an MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Pete has lived in Chicago for 13 years, the last 10 in the West Town community area. When he's not working, you can find him birdwatching in Chicago's parks, supporting local businesses, or caring for his cats and houseplants.

Community Mobility Rituals Lead

Daphnay@equiticity.org

Daphnay is the Founder and CEO of Streets Calling Bike Club USA NFP. Coming from a wealth of experience with planning, marketing, and implementing community events, through cycling; Daphnay is passionate about wealth and wellness, building underdeveloped communities, and promoting healthy lifestyles.

HR Generalist Consultant

Khanisha@equiiticity.org

Khanisha Hobson-Mackie is the Founder of KMSD LLC, an HR consulting firm dedicated to helping small businesses and nonprofits build strong people and operational foundations. With more than 10 years of experience in higher education at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, she brings expertise in human resources, recruitment, operations, compliance, and process improvement.

Khanisha holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, two SHRM-certified Human Resources credentials from Northwestern University’s School of Professional Studies, a Project Management certification, and a Mental Health First Aid certification through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Passionate about helping people and strengthening communities, she also serves as a Board Member for Josephine’s Way, a mental health organization that provides counseling services to underserved communities. Through her professional and community work, Khanisha is committed to expanding access to resources, supporting organizational growth, and creating meaningful impact.