Board of Directors
Alton Williams II
Chairman of the Board
Alton R. Williams II is a seasoned business professional with extensive experience in real estate and operations management. Raised in Detroit, Alton graduated from St. Agatha High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Central Michigan University. Alton is committed to improving the world by helping those in need. He volunteers with organizations such as Don Bosco Hall, the City of Pontiac, and Focus Hope, recognizing the significance of giving back to the community. Alton is dedicated to ensuring everyone has access to fair opportunities to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
Jela Ellefson
Board Treasurer
Jela Ellefson is a community and real estate development professional with over 20 years of experience in urban planning and economic growth across the United States. She currently leads the parking strategy for Ford Land's Michigan Central Development project in Detroit's Corktown neighborhood, aiming to use parking to enhance economic growth and create a vibrant 24-hour community. Previously, Jela developed fundraising strategies for low-income homeownership and managed planning projects at Eastern Market, the U.S.'s oldest public market. She also implemented initiatives that reduced traffic congestion, improved walkability, and fulfilled community benefits agreements. Originally from Slovakia, Jela holds a bachelor's degree in Finance from the University of Detroit Mercy, where she was a scholarship member of the fencing team.
Tiarra Hart
Board Member
Tiarra Hart is dedicated to adding value to her community through large and small contributions. As a Mortgage Loan Officer at Huntington Bank, she helps individuals achieve their financial goals and ensures that their most significant investment—their home—generates positive returns. Tiarra takes pride in seeking opportunities that push her beyond her comfort zone to reach her full potential.
Christian Linear
Past Board Treasurer, Board Member
Christian Liner is an experienced accounting and auditing professional, philanthropist, and advocate for educational reform in Detroit. He began his career as an auditor at Deloitte & Touche and later worked as a senior auditor at Ernst & Young in Cleveland, Ohio. He has also served as a financial reporting accountant at Flagstar Bank and General Motors Financial. Christian is the Director of Financial Reporting for Jewish Family Services in West Bloomfield, managing financial forecasting and compliance with grant requirements. He previously worked as the Accounting Manager for Matrix Human Services, a Detroit non-profit. Since 2014, Christian has been on the Board of Directors for NEWCC. He aims to empower and drive change in Detroit, using his skills to help transform the City. He continues to use his knowledge and skills to make Detroit the city he knows it can be.
Latoya Morgan
Board Member
LaToya Morgan is a nonprofit professional with a diverse public policy, program evaluation, and organizational development background. She operates as a private consultant, offering advisory and technical assistance to nonprofits and foundations in the public sector, focusing on policy and advocacy. LaToya has experience working in local and state government, collaborating with the notable former city council president Maryann Mahaffey on the Detroit City Council. Her professional background also includes working on political campaigns and holding positions within large and small nonprofit organizations.
Gloria Trammell
Board Member & Pantry Manager, Storehouse of Hope
Gloria Trammell was promoted to Pantry Manager at the Storehouse of Hope in 2024 after dedicating 20 years of volunteer service to the pantry. As a devoted mother, wife, daughter, and friend, Gloria is deeply committed to her community and strives to make a positive impact on everyone around her. Whether through her volunteer work, offering support to others, or simply being a listening ear, she dedicates her time and energy to giving back. Her unwavering love and passion for helping others define her as a person who brings kindness and generosity wherever she goes.
Norma Heath
RETIRED
Norma Fairweather Heath was born in Jamaica and moved to the USA in 1972. She graduated from Highland Park Community High School. Norma completed her college education with a degree in Computer Information Technology, studying at Madonna University and Wayne County Community College. Since 2006, Norma has been involved with the Storehouse of Hope, initially serving as a volunteer before becoming the Volunteer Coordinator and Pantry Manager. In 2010, she was nominated by the Board to serve as Vice-Chair, becoming the second longest-serving member. Through her work with the organization, Norma has gained a deeper understanding of social justice, land justice, and energy democracy. Her home often serves as a testing ground for various organizational projects and initiatives, including the Equitable Internet Initiative, a Solar Charging Station, a Solar Tee Pee, and a twenty-two-panel solar array.
Community Impact
500+ Households Wired
Providing Internet access in the North End, Highland Park, and Hamtramck
3,000 Served
Monthly providing emergency food and services to families in 48202, 48203 & 48211
41.5+ metric tons of carbon offset
Our solar power work is offsetting impact on our environment each year
300,000+ Listeners
Potential radio audience listeners on air and online
