Staff
Since 2001, Lenear has been passionate about serving his community in the area of economic empowerment. In 2019, he launched Project GREEN to live out this vision with like-minded individuals, churches, and community organizations in Kent County and the state of Michigan.
Stephanie has a longstanding devotion to community service. She joined Project GREEN in November 2016 as a GFA and became our Advocacy Director in September 2019. She is also passionate about facilitating fair housing for all in Greater Grand Rapids communities.
After over 25 years as a consumer products brand marketing/product development executive and business growth consultant, Bobbie Locke made the life-changing decision to go from “making a profit” to “making a difference,” and launched a new career in the nonprofit sector.
Branden Sumerix has been working with nonprofits to coordinate fundraising efforts since 2012. Since joining Project GREEN in 2021, Branden has implemented a new social media strategy and new software systems to manage data and projects for the organization.
Kim Starks is a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan and has a heart for business, ministry, and entrepreneurship. As financial capabilities director at Project GREEN, her mandate is to reach, teach, train, and equip Money Heroes who will produce generational wealth and impact communities across the globe.
Grassroots Financial Advocates (GFAs)
As a Project GREEN GFA, Crystal is focused on breaking the cycle of homelessness and making housing opportunities equitable for all through the eradication of rental application fees.
Board
Milinda is CEO of GROW, a Community Development Financial Institution and microlender that offers loans to existing and aspiring business owners who lack access to traditional financing. Milinda co-founded the Latina Network of West Michigan, and is the elected Commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids 2nd Ward.
Shellida serves as a Corporate Benefits Consultant for SpartanNash. A devoted advocate of thriving communities, she started volunteering for Project GREEN in 2017 as a Grassroots Financial Advocate (GFA) and conducted the organization’s first Money Talk Workshop.
Dondreá Brown has been committed to providing financial education since 2013. He first began educating himself, then his family and friends, on the basic principles of money management.
Attah is CEO of iNFable, an emerging social justice brand bringing awareness to causes through their popular line of socks. He is also Director of Dream Fulfillment at SpringGR, empowering underserved entrepreneurs to build strong, sustainable businesses.
Chris is an adjunct faculty member for Ferris State University, focusing on social work and social policy. He is also the Founder and CEO of NPS Consulting. He brings to Project GREEN many years of experience stemming from leadership positions in the areas of human services and community/economic development.
Interns
Hannah Schneider has joined Project GREEN’s university internship program for the Spring 2023 semester. She is a fourth-year social work major at Ferris State University and will be a Summer 2023 graduate. Hannah is passionate about advocacy and helping others conquer the obstacles impeding their personal success and well-being.