Empowering Disadvantaged Communities Through Our Justice40

Darrell Wimberly has been a cornerstone of the Southern Illinois community for over 24 years, serving as a pastor, business leader, high school administrator, and coach. As the Pastor of East Liberty Christian Church since 2002, Darrell has fostered strong connections with both the business community and local youth, notably officiating over 50 weddings for former students. He is currently the Chairman of Connect 360, Co-Chair of the Boyton Street Community Center Board, and serves on several other community boards, playing a key role in organizing events to support and uplift underserved community members.

Sarah Dobie, MSW, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and the Graduate Program Director in Social Work at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She teaches both undergraduate and graduate students. Before entering higher education, she worked in mental health crisis intervention for over 15 years and has additional practice experience in both psychiatric and medical settings.

Erin Ashley began her career at the Carbondale Park District in January 2007 as an intern. By that summer, she was supervising her first fieldwork student, and thus began her career in Workforce Development. She supervised and mentored interns and fieldworkers (over 30) through Recreation and Kinesiology programs at Southern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, and Western Illinois University, as well as several students from Evaluation and Development Center, Brehm Options, and Carbondale Community High School.

Marcella Woodson is a versatile professional dedicated to youth empowerment and community development. She leads AphroZentrics Holistic Health & Wellness and Marcella Woodson Consulting, LLC, and co-founded Men of Power Women of Strength Inc. With a background in Journalism and Business Administration, she holds certifications as a Transformational Life Coach, NLP Practitioner, and in various mental health and trauma-informed fields. Her experience spans substance abuse counseling, behavioral health consulting, and Social Emotional Learning programs.

Nancy Maxwell has been a dedicated member of the Southern Illinois community for over 20 years, known for her strong advocacy and leadership. With 15 years of leadership experience, she holds certifications in Computer Information Systems and degrees in education and Rehabilitation Services from Shawnee Community College and Southern Illinois University. As the Executive Director of Carbondale United, she leads initiatives for systemic change benefiting families and children. Nancy's background includes roles as a Community Outreach Manager, Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Correctional Officer, and Rape Crisis Counselor.

Unree Westley holds a high school diploma from Carbondale Community High and a Bachelor's in Recreation and Programming from SIU, along with Master's degrees in Education and Recreation Administration from North Central University and SIU. My notable roles include Athletic Director at Giant City School, Director of Leadership Development at the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Illinois, Program Coordinator at Attucks Community Services, and various positions at Carbondale Community High School and the Carbondale Park District. Currently, I own a restaurant, lounge, and event space, work as a full-service DJ, own a radio station, write for Straight Official Magazine, and co-founded the nonprofit 618 Launchpad.

Yahaira ‘Yaya’ L. Vargas (Heller) credits her deep understanding of the Latino experience to her upbringing in both Chicago and rural Adjuntas, Puerto Rico. These experiences have shaped her approach to community event planning, emphasizing resiliency, intentionality, and mentorship. Before college, Yaya represented Illinois at the National Youth Science Camp, a prestigious STEAM program, and completed her high school education despite challenges. She holds degrees in Public Administration and Political Science from SIU Carbondale, focusing on migrant education, Latino experiences in politics, and LGBTQ issues. As the Artistic Director and now Executive Director of SICABE!, Yaya continues to foster community engagement and collaboration through dynamic events and partnerships.