About us

At Southland Equity Initiative (SEI), we are driven by a vision of economic empowerment and social equity for the South Suburbs of Chicago. Founded on the principles of community engagement, innovation, and collaboration, SEI is dedicated to uplifting individuals and communities, regardless of background or circumstance.

With a focus on affordable housing, small business development, entrepreneurship, and workforce training, we work tirelessly to close the wealth gap and create opportunities for all. Our team comprises passionate leaders from diverse disciplines, united by a shared commitment to driving positive change and building a brighter future for the Southland region.
Our values

Community-Centered

SEI is deeply rooted in the Southland community, with a commitment to addressing its unique needs and challenges.

Holistic Development

We believe in holistic development, recognizing the interconnectedness of economic empowerment, social equity, and community well-being.

Collaborative

Our success relies on strategic partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, industries, and sectors.

Inclusive Empowerment

 While our focus is on closing the wealth gap in the Black community, our initiatives are inclusive, benefiting individuals from all walks of life.

Transformative Impact

Through our programs and initiatives, we aim to create lasting, transformative impact, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity in the Southland region.

Meet the team

Pastor Lawrence blackful
CEO - Founder
Rev. Lawrence Blackful, Jr. has been the Senior Pastor at St. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church and CEO of Bethel Family Resource Center since 2013. He has a deep commitment to community service and workforce development, having impacted over 200 individuals through career training programs. Pastor Blackful advocates for strong community ties and has a history of leadership in various social and civic organizations.
Jim psyhogis
Chief operating officer
Jim Psyhogios is a prominent Chicago real estate expert with 35+ years in developing the South Loop and surrounding areas. He has overseen multimillion-dollar projects and played a key role in the X/O Condominiums. Jim’s passion extends to training new brokers, and his extensive knowledge ensures robust community development.
charlette blackful
insert title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vitae turpis id urna rutrum tincidunt vitae eget felis. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Aliquam ligula urna, lacinia in quam ut, ultricies venenatis nibh. Integer tellus metus, placerat non accumsan nec, pretium ut massa.
edward peck
Chief of Design & Development
Edward M. Peck is a distinguished architect and urban planner with 25+ years in innovative design. He founded Edward PECK DESIGN, focusing on high-performance architecture and sustainable projects. His diverse portfolio includes educational, cultural, and residential projects, and he actively teaches and lectures on design at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
dr. christopher toote
insert title
Dr. Christopher Toote is an accomplished leader with a background in urban higher education and administration. As Executive Pastor and Executive Director of UChicago Dining, he combines industry expertise with a commitment to leadership and positive thinking. His contributions include board memberships and authorship, reflecting his multifaceted impact.
diane bell
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Dianne Bell is a seasoned healthcare billing specialist with over 10 years of experience. At
LabCorp, Inc., she excelled as a Billing Quality Control Coordinator, resolving billing issues and managing client relations. Previously, as an Administrative Service Coordinator, she led a phlebotomy team and implemented procedural improvements. Dianne’s expertise ensures meticulous management of billing processes and client communication.
gary declark
insert title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vitae turpis id urna rutrum tincidunt vitae eget felis. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Aliquam ligula urna, lacinia in quam ut, ultricies venenatis nibh. Integer tellus metus, placerat non accumsan nec, pretium ut massa.
marcus whiteside
insert title
With over 20 years in real estate, Marcus Whiteside is a seasoned expert in mortgage lending, underwriting, and real estate. Licensed in Illinois and Indiana, he ensures a smooth, stress-free process for clients. As a certified buyer specialist and listing agent, Marcus offers valuable insights and guidance throughout transactions. His client-first approach and dedication to education make him a trusted advisor in the real estate industry.
cassandra j. matz
insert title
Cassandra J. Matz excels in strategic planning and leadership, drawing from experience in sales, public relations, and nonprofit management. She founded Women Leading the Way and actively volunteers with various organizations. Her service includes roles on local boards and community advocacy, showcasing her commitment to civic engagement and leadership.
isreal fuentes
insert title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vitae turpis id urna rutrum tincidunt vitae eget felis. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Aliquam ligula urna, lacinia in quam ut, ultricies venenatis nibh. Integer tellus metus, placerat non accumsan nec, pretium ut massa.
Victoria Wilson
insert title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vitae turpis id urna rutrum tincidunt vitae eget felis. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Aliquam ligula urna, lacinia in quam ut, ultricies venenatis nibh. Integer tellus metus, placerat non accumsan nec, pretium ut massa.
tim scott
chief financial officer
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vitae turpis id urna rutrum tincidunt vitae eget felis. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Aliquam ligula urna, lacinia in quam ut, ultricies venenatis nibh. Integer tellus metus, placerat non accumsan nec, pretium ut massa.
john beard
insert title
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vitae turpis id urna rutrum tincidunt vitae eget felis. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Aliquam ligula urna, lacinia in quam ut, ultricies venenatis nibh. Integer tellus metus, placerat non accumsan nec, pretium ut massa.
cherese ledet
insert title
Cherese R. Ledet, President & CEO of YWCA Evanston/North Shore, excels in nonprofit management and racial justice advocacy. With over 20 years of experience, she leads initiatives to address health and economic disparities, and has significantly contributed to housing and community wellness. Cherese's strategic leadership and dedication drive impactful changes in the communities she serves.
brian kimbrough
Marketing Strategist
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Duis vitae turpis id urna rutrum tincidunt vitae eget felis. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus. Aliquam ligula urna, lacinia in quam ut, ultricies venenatis nibh. Integer tellus metus, placerat non accumsan nec, pretium ut massa.
ryan (R.K.) miller
chief product officer
R.K. Miller, Chief Project Management Officer, brings 12 years of project management experience. His notable achievements include a 28.5% capacity increase and $7.8MM in cost savings at Amazon Air Logistics. R.K. also led successful multimillion-dollar projects at Walmart Inc., demonstrating exceptional skills in scaling operations and driving improvements.
Contact Us

looking to connect?

We’re here to help you make a difference. Reach out to start your journey with us today!

Or feel free to email us at info@southlandequityinitiative.com
Submit
Submit
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Please refresh and try again.