About Us

Khaatim brings more than 20 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector, specializing in education, community development and workforce development. He was raised in Newark's West Ward and graduated from Sciene High School. He earned his bachelors degree from Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA) and masters degree in change managent from Columbia University (New York, NY). Khaatim and his partner lives in the South Ward's Historic Weequahic neighborhood.

Rhenotha has lived in the South Ward for her entire life and has been active in the community, championing issues like parks and greenspaces, health and fitness, and the arts. She is a Weequahic High School graduate and earned her bachelors in Economics and Business Management from Drew University. She went on to complete her masters at Rutgers University in public administration. She is SAG-AFTRA actresss and regular contributor to the Doctor Oz show.

Karen is an expereinced administrative professional and officer manager, having worked for Gibbons Law Firm, New Jersey Institute of Technology, NJ Department of Labor, and Programs for Parents. She is a Newark native. Karen holds a certificate in accounting. She is a long-time member of Greater Abyssinian Church where she serves as President of the Deaconess Board.

Kisha is passionate about helping people and spent much of her career workin in healthcare. She graduated from Arts High School. She is an active member of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church and lives in the Clinton Hill neighborhood. She most recently served as the facilitator for Concerned Citizens of Clinton Hill. As a community organizer, Kisha's is focused on working with Clinton Hill residents on quality of life projects, including the neighborhood history project, Beautify the Block, and helping residents access resources to repair their side walks and front porches and plant trees.

Jihad is a South Ward native. His family has been active in the Weequahic Section since the 1960's. Jihad sees the potential for the South Ward to be as beautiful as it is influential and powerful. He believes the way to do this: get more residents to take pride in the community, respect the community and each other, and work together. At Clinton Hill Community Action, Jihad is responsible for the maintenance of the office and Beat the Blight properties throughout the neighborhood along with our soon to open Food Pantry Hub.

Joe is the retired executive director for Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC), where he spent nearly 30 years organizing residents to improve conditions in the neighborhood, focusing on education, environmental justice, housing, and workforce development. Prior to joining ICC, he was a member of the City Council in Hoboken. One of his many accomplishments, while leading ICC, was the remediation of the Passaic River and the development of Riverfront Park.