Diane Gibbs

Diane is a visionary leader that follows a strong family tradition of serving God’s Kingdom and gives back to others through connecting resources, driving strategic collaboration, and creating impactful projects.

Diane has built a successful 30- year career in the food service industry by utilizing her exceptional customer relationship development skills and caring deeply about the communities and constituents she serves. She managed her family’s restaurant in Michigan and then to Chicago at US Foods as a top performing sales professional.

In Chicago, she led at City Church as Outreach Partner & Community Engagement Coordinator. She currently serves as a Trustee for the Awesome Foundation, Community Liaison for Soul City Church, Food Coordination & Distribution Partner for the Love Fridge Chicago and a devoted Breakthrough Ministries’ volunteer. Diane earned a BA in Psychology from Michigan State University and graduated from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. She resides in Chicago and enjoys spending time with friends, family, and traveling the world.

Jurema Gorham

Jurema N. Gorham is the Founder and Executive Director at Burst Into Books. In this role, she helps develop and lead the services offered through the organization. The mission of Burst Into Books is to rebuild our village through the arts, advocacy, educational and family programming. Over 3,000 children have received a free book to add to their home libraries. Jurema has been an educator since 2008 with experience ranging from Kindergarten to 12th grade.

In February 2020, Jurema received the Humanitarian Award from the Far South Community Action Council for her work with families and community outreach. In March 2020, Jurema was recognized by WGN-9 as a finalist for the national Nexstar Remarkable Woman Contest. In addition, she was honored by the Drew Barrymore Show as a “Drew Gooder” for their Mother’s Day special. Jurema earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Chicago State University. In addition, she has two Master in Education degrees (Differentiated Instruction and Educational Leadership) from Concordia University Chicago. Currently, she is a doctoral candidate in Curriculum and Instruction at Concordia University Chicago. Jurema is excited to use all of her skills and experience with the Together Chicago Education Team.

Damien Howard

Damien Howard is an educator with 12 years of experience, primarily with Chicago Public Schools. He cares deeply about Urban Education Reform. Damien teaches character development and life skills to help students thrive in all aspects of their lives.  His current work targets schools on the South and West sides of Chicago.

Damien graduated from the University of Illinois (05′) with a degree in Special Education. Damien received his M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (10′). Damien is married to Sharial and Gabrielle is their daughter.

Dr. Deborah Umrani

Deborah Um’rani is a native Chicagoan. She is the mother of Annisah (an attorney in Washington, D.C.) and Khalil (an investment banker in Atlanta) and the wife of Rashad for 38 years. She served at the University of Illinois as an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the College of Education. For 17 years, she led the pipeline initiatives for the Urban Health Program as the Visiting Director of Undergraduate Programs and Assessment and as the Director of the Early Outreach Program. Dr. Um’rani has designed, implemented and evaluated pipeline initiatives and educational and enrichment programs for underserved youth to prepare them for careers in S.T.E.M. disciplines. Annually, she provided academic and student support services to over 800 students who attend elementary school, high school, college, and graduate and professional degree programs. She has been very successful in supporting a cadre of talented African-American, Latino and Native American students and increasing their persistence in S.T.E.M. disciplines and careers in the health sciences. Over the years, Um’rani has expanded the minds and increased the options, while broadening the horizons of Chicago residents. She has been an incredible nexus for providing curricular options and co-curricular research, internship and volunteer opportunities throughout Cook County.