About Us

Our Mission

The mission of The Chisholm Legacy Project is rooted in a Just Transition Framework. The project serves as a vehicle to connect Black communities on the frontlines of climate justice with resources to traverse the path from vision to strategy to action plan to implementation to transformation. In support of frontline leadership, the project seeks to link movements and mainstream entities with the tools necessary to advance systems change centered in equity and justice. With Black women on the frontlines of advancing systems change, this project ensures that these leaders have the support they need as they transform society from extractivism to a living economy that cares for sacred relationships between people and with Mother Earth, through regenerative, cooperative, democratic systems.

Our Team

In alphabetical order by last name

Photograph of Kelly Baker

Kelly Baker

Popular Education Associate

Dr. Bernice V. Campbell

Chief Impact Officer

Classie Colinet

Deputy Executive Director

Sherrell Cuthbertson

Executive Administrative Manager to the Chief Program Officer

Ruby Ervin

Executive Administrative Manager

nathaniel gonzalez

Deputy Director of Organizational Culture

Raquel Greene

Executive Administrative Manager

Dawnyell Harris

Senior Project Manager

Jameka Hodnett

Chief Programs Officer

Photograph of Jonathan Holmes

Jonathan Holmes

Chief Strategy Officer

DeVante Hudson

Chief Organizing Officer

Josie Karout

Executive Project Manager

Cheryl Kwapong

Executive Assistant

Edith Lopez

Executive Administrative Manager

Jacqueline Patterson

Founder & Executive Director

Photograph of Natalie Rivas

Natalie Rivas

Research and Policy Manager

LaShawn Roberson

Director of Programs

Jylisa Scruggs

Chief People Success Officer

Photograph of Lynda Seward

Lynda Seward

Chief Operating Officer

Akilah Sigler

Black Femme Wellness Program Manager

Photograph of Tiffany Slater

Tiffany Slater

Chief Financial Officer

Board of Directors

In alphabetical order by last name

Photograph of Mariah Barber

Mariah Barber

Treasurer, Board of Directors

Tonnette Byrd

Member, Board of Directors

Photograph of Katherine T. Egland

Katherine T. Egland

Chair, Board of Directors

Photograph of Denise Fairchild

Denise Fairchild

Member, Board of Directors

Photograph of Adrienne L. Hollis

Adrienne L. Hollis, PhD, JD

Vice Chair, Board of Directors

Our Inspiration

Our work is inspired by the life and legacy of Shirley Chisholm

1924

Born in Brooklyn, NY

Shirley Anita St. Hill Chisholm was born to immigrant parents in Brooklyn, NY on November 30, 1924. Her father, Charles St. Hill, was a factory worker from Guyana, and her mother Ruby Seale St. Hill, was a seamstress from Barbados. Shirley was the oldest of four daughters.

1924

1942-1946

A strong education

Chisholm graduated from Brooklyn Girls' High in 1942 and from Brooklyn College cum laude in 1946. She won prizes on the debate team. Although professors encouraged her to consider a political career, she replied that she faced a "double handicap" as both Black and female.

1942-1946

1951-1960

A career in early childhood education

After working as a nursery school teacher, Chisholm earned a master's degree from Columbia University in early childhood education in 1951. By 1960, she was a consultant to the New York City Division of Day Care.

1951-1960

1968

Elected to Congress

Chisholm was the first African-American woman in Congress. 

1968

1972

Presidential Candidacy

Chisholm was the first woman and African-American to seek the nomination for president of the United States from one of the two major political parties.

1972