ABOUT US
Building leaders from the ground up
At Neighborhood Leadership Institute, we believe leadership lives on every block, in every household, and within every person. Since 1994, we’ve helped everyday people grow into neighborhood leaders—strengthening families, mentoring youth, promoting health, and shaping the future of Greater Cleveland.
Whether you’re stepping up for the first time or looking to deepen your impact, you belong here.
Our guiding purpose, every day
Neighborhood Leadership Institute exists to develop grassroots leaders who help rebuild the bonds of community and improve the quality of life for neighborhood residents throughout Greater Cleveland.
Our Journey of Leadership
Milestones from 1994 to today
1994
Neighborhood Leadership Institute is founded by Don Slocum to develop civic leaders from the ground up.
2015
True2U Mentoring Program begins, connecting 8th-grade scholars with local mentors to support future planning.
2023
NLI Live and book clubs launch, creating new platforms for conversation, connection, and lifelong learning.
Through every chapter, we’ve remained committed to the idea that leadership begins with personal growth, community connection, and the courage to serve.
Meet the People Behind the Mission
A team rooted in community and purpose
Our staff, board, and mentors bring a deep commitment to building a better Cleveland—one relationship, one neighborhood, and one leader at a time.
Our Staff
Trevelle Harp
Executive Director
Caroline Brennan
Senior Coordinator, Youth Mentoring Programs
Christina Cole
Infant Vitality, Navigation Liaison
Tasha Fairley
Director, Out of School Time Initiatives
Michelle Hall
One Community Coordinator
Laura Huffman
Program Manager, True2U
Marie Jones
Director, Community Health Initiatives
J’Twasha Kelley
Community Health Program Coordinator
Marjorie Malcolm
Office Assistant
Beverly Moore
Coordinator, Neighborhood Navigation
Nailah Muhammad
Neighborhood Navigation Liaison
Dee Spearman
Office Manager
Kristen Tellaisha
Program Coordinator, True2U
Board of Trustees
Annamarie Morino
Courtney Mickens
GiGi Elder
Kim Foreman
Roger Sikes
William Newsome
Trevelle Harp, Executive Director
Partners
Partners
Central Promise Neighborhood
Cleveland City Council
City of Cleveland-Division of Recreation
City of Cleveland-Dept. of Community Development
Cleveland Foundation
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University Levin College of Urban Affairs
Cuyahoga Community College
Cuyahoga County Board of Health
Environmental Health Watch
Greater Cleveland Career Consortium (GCCC)
Greater Cleveland Partnership
Neighborhood Connections
Rid-All Green Partnership
Saint Luke’s Foundation
The Shanahan Law Firm
Sisters of Charity Foundation of Cleveland
Starting Point
Voices for Ohio’s Children
Youth Opportunities Unlimited
Funders
Cleveland City Council
City of Cleveland Division of Recreation
City of Cleveland Community Development Department
Cleveland Foundation
Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Cuyahoga County Board of Health
The Nord Family Foundation
Parker Hannifin
Saint Luke’s Foundation
Starting Point
United Way of Greater Cleveland
