Jamie Ervin is a native Detroiter and proud mother of a Navy sailor and college freshman. She holds a B.A. in Child Development and a Childhood Welfare Certification from Marygrove College. With over years of experience in higher education and early childhood education, Jamie is a dedicated social activist for improving the lives of the underserved populations. Formerly a Family Liaison with the Strong Beginnings program, she is now a Senior Advocate for Matrix Human Services. She is committed and passionate about strengthening urban families and love spreading positivity through education throughout the communities in which she serves.
Alicia Edwards is a native Detroiter recently appointed as a Board Member for H.E.A.R.D. She is a graduate of Cass Technical High, Michigan State University (BA) , and Summa Cum Laude from Henry Ford College’s Culinary Arts Program (AA). Mrs. Edwards is employed with the State of Michigan and has served an array of Child Welfare programs for 14 years. Currently, she is employed as an Analyst/Trainer for computer software systems used for child protective services, foster care, juvenile justice, and foster home licensing. She is an active member of the Diversity Equity, and Inclusion Council/Leadership Action Team under the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Mrs. Edwards has served on the board for Purposeful YOUth Detroit, a non-profit program providing curriculum and service learning for at-risk girls. Mrs. Edwards brings her knowledge of child welfare policy, community resources, technical knowledge, and passion for criminal and social justice to H.E.A.R.D.
Crystal Jones is a native of Detroit. Crystal is a Healthcare professional with over 25 years of experience. She is a wife, mother and grandmother, she has served as Youth Administrator, Mentor and Youth Leader at Citadel of Praise for 6 years, my passion is to assist the youth to be able to function and achieve there goals. Crystal’s hobbies are: decorating, planning events, cooking, traveling and spending time with family.
Edward Sims is a Human Services Professional. He’s worked with children, adults and families from all cultural backgrounds for over 28 years. Through many levels of leadership and community activisms, he’s provided a safe, relaxed and productive environment where people can openly discover their authentic selves. His model and commitment to others, amplifies the nature of the true “American Dream:” believing that we work well together when we are safe, connected and completely supported. Mr. Sims is an social collaborative expert with building relationships through researched based strategies to repair family conflict, build self-esteem, developing coping skills, addressing and minimizing multicultural issues, teaching oppositional anger management, addressing grief, parent challenges, defiance and anxiety issues. He is committed to HEARD and the work we do to support families across Michigan.
Korye’ Felton: In progress
Jae’la Nelson is a native of Detroit, MI currently residing in Mount Pleasant, MI to attend school. She graduated from Mid Michigan College in 2020 with an Associate of Arts in Liberal Studies and is currently studying as a double major in Social Work and Psychology at Central Michigan University. Jae’la has worked with children of various background within the cities of Highland Park and Detroit as a mentor and cheer coach for girls ages 6-15. With her degree, she plans to dismantle any (and all) policies and practices that discriminates against black people and people of color. She believes in justice for all even in the small, everyday battles which is why she chose the field of Psychology. Jae’la hopes to bring more awareness to mental health not only in the world, but within the Black/African American community especially. She believes nothing can progress without awareness and unity and hopes to one day change the face of mental health in her community.
Shataria Evans: In progres.
Taquaryl C. Hunter is a native of the city of Detroit and graduate of Baker College of Allen Park. Taquaryl has more than 15 years of experience working with youth from various backgrounds and socio economic status. Taquaryl is driven by the word success. It is her goal to be involved in development work and to contribute to the fight against inequality and injustice in Detroit and Beyond, which are reflected in racism, domestic violence, homophobia and lack of access to basic services and dignity. Her initial contact with development work and volunteering in social projects was in January 2008 when she became an AmeriCorps Members helping disadvantaged youth in Metro Detroit. this experience taught her compassion for those trying to improve their situation against all odds. This also led her to identify areas of her life that remained unexamined in order to keep intact her “personal bubble” and enjoy a “safe conduct” in Metro Detroit. I’m committed to protecting the citizens of Metro Detroit through education and opportunities to rise against adversity.
H.E.A.R.D. Humanitarian Corporation 