Kimberly Harshman

Kimberly Harshman did her Pastoral studies at Global University with Assemblies of God. After nearly 20 years in youth and children’s ministry, she felt a call on her life to make prayer and intercession her full time occupation. She participated in an internship with International House of Prayer Kansas City (IHOPKC), where she later went on staff as a full time intercessor in the 24/7 Global Prayer Room. As an overflow of that prayer, she worked as the Prayer Coordinator for the anti-human trafficking organization, Exodus Cry. She coordinated global prayer watches for the ending of human trafficking and managed the Human Trafficking Museum. She was also on the team that created the award winning film, Nefarious: Merchant of Souls, a Christ centered documentary, raising awareness on the global sex trade.

Kimberly has traveled abroad to minister to at risk women and to help launch Love Your City Initiatives and Houses of Prayer in India. After traveling to India, she was on layover in Chicago, when she heard the Lord invite her to come and build the House of Prayer in this city. She now works with Chicagoland United in Prayer to mobilize prayer and action events in Chicago. She has joined the Together Chicago team as our Prayer Team Coordinator. She brings with her a passion to see prayer and justice to walk hand in hand for the transformation of our city.

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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.

Alandis Phillips

Alandis R. Phillips has a diverse professional background with expertise in college student development, staff development, and strategic programming. He naturally connects with people and uses his gift of relation building to be a conduit for resources. Born and raised in Chicago’s West Pullman & Englewood neighborhoods; he directly aligns with the mission and values of Together Chicago. He aims to utilize his gifts and professional skillset to aid in ensuring that inner-city youth receive the skills and resources necessary to be successful students and holistically healthy members of society.

Alandis is a first-generation double alum of Northern Illinois University. While at NIU, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and a Master of Science in Adult & Higher Education. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, a socialite, basketball enthusiast, charismatic speaker, and most importantly, a proud Dad to his daughter, Ava.

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.