Our board of directors is a seasoned group of professionals in the fields of healthcare, business, law, education, social service, and mental health with a combined experience of more than 200plus years. We are committed and passionate about the state of youth and turning the tide.  We will undertake aggressive pursuits to fulfill the mission and goals of this Program.

Board Member:  Mayme Buckley-Leonard
E-Mail:  Mayme

Mayme Buckley-Leonard is a Community Advocate and a small business owner.  Mayme received a Bachelor of Science in Technology Management, with a Concentration in Health Service Management from DeVry University.  She also attended Prairieview A&M University where she studied Biomedical Laboratory Technologies.  She served as the Director of External Affairs for a non-profit organization, Manager of a Faith-Based Initiative, Manager of Community Relations for the Department of Children Family Services contracted programs, and Manager of Community and Provider Relations for a Medicaid Managed Care Health Insurance Organization.  Mayme also served as Commissioner of Housing and Human Relations for the Village of Matteson, Illinois.  She currently serves as the Board Secretary for South Southwest United Way Organization (Metro).

Through the various positions held, Mayme has gained experience with Grant Writing/Reviewing, Community Organizing, Workforce Development, Violence Prevention, Youth Development and Community Outreach and Education, just to name a few.  She has a strong passion for Community Outreach and Education and has earned a Certificate from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws for Community Engagement & Outreach Cannabis Training and a Certificate from Johns Hopkins University for COVID-19 Contact Tracing.  Mayme is married to Traysee Leonard and has two sons, one stepdaughter, two stepsons and five grandchildren.

Vice Chairperson:  Gloria Moye, BSN, MPH
E-Mail:  Gloria

Gloria Moye received her master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Chicago and Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Loyola University Chicago.  She serviced the Cook County area for more than 30 years as a registered nurse. She worked as a Nurse Epidemiologist in the Department of Infectious Disease. Passionate about public health, Gloria held workshops in hospitals and the community at large, participated in health fairs, presented in conventions in various states and investigated disease outbreaks. 

Currently retired, Gloria uses her dance background and love for God in service as Director of the Youth Praise Dance Ministry at her church. She facilitated the 10-week workshop sessions on the Fruit of the Spirit to a group of 7-12 year olds.  Gloria holds the following professional certifications and licenses:  Centers for Disease Control (CDC) trained, R.N. license, CPR certification, and Certificate of Completion in Community College Training and Learning Services.

Chairperson:  Kim Jackson Cobb, LCSW
E-Mail:  Kim

Kim Jackson Cobb is a licensed clinical social worker and received her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. A career driven by hope for change, she has practiced, trained and supervised in child welfare, academic, medical and legal settings. As an advocate for the safety and well-being of children, youth and families, she has served on various state and regional planning committees and taskforces addressing quality improvement for Illinois child welfare practice.

Kim currently serves as Director of the Caseworker Advocacy Unit at the Cook County Office of the Public Guardian. She previously served as Director of Clinical Services at Jane Addams Hull House Association, Associate Director of Clinical Services at Heartland Alliance, a Clinical Consultant specializing in trauma-informed treatment and child welfare issues. As an Educator with a commitment to the future of the field, Kim taught undergraduate and graduate social work practice courses at Trinity Christian College and University of Illinois at Chicago.

Executive Director:  DeBorah Ward, BSN, MBA
E-Mail:  DeBorah

DeBorah Ward is a registered nurse with over 30 years of professional experience that includes a certification in school health and former certification in mind/body health.  Her experience spans the educational, public health and hospital settings.  She received both her undergraduate and graduate degree from Loyola University Chicago with her graduate degree conferred as an inductee in the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society.

DeBorah believes in a holistic approach to achieve radiant health addressing the mind, body and spirit.  With a passionate interest in healthy growth and development, she has worked with children with special needs presenting seminars to address emotional health and stress management at schools and organizations throughout the Chicago land area.  She currently supports children in the Chicago Public School system achieve optimum health service through the Office of Diverse Learner Support Services.  DeBorah maintains affiliation with the American College of HealthCare Executives and Organizing for Action (OFA) Chicago Metro South.