BUILDING BLOCKS
of
Kalamazoo
ABOUT US
mission
Building Blocks of Kalamazoo empowers residents, one block at a time, to enhance the quality of neighborhood life.
vision
Building Blocks of Kalamazoo envisions vibrant neighborhoods where resident groups have the tools and voice to address block-level issues. We foster deep collaboration to enable vibrant communities to flourish with the power of resident-led advocacy.
strategic commitment statement
Building Blocks of Kalamazoo is dedicated to promoting social justice by prioritizing focus on the historically marginalized neighborhoods of Eastside (49048), Edison (49001), Northside (49007), Vine (49008), and West Douglass (49007). Our mission is to engage our communities in collaborative efforts that address systemic inequities and enhance the quality of neighborhood life for all.
meet the team
Katie McPherson
Executive Director
Jonah Bolton
Programming Supervisor
Erika Brown
Edison/Vine Community Organizer
Stephanie Vallar
Northisde Community Organizer
Emily Wittman
Eastside, Oakwood, West Douglas, Community Organizer
board of directors
President
Willa Ditaranto
Deputy Housing Director, Kalamazoo County Government
Co-Vice President
Steve Walsh
Executive Director, Vine Neighborhood Association
Co-Vice President
Sarah Matyczyn
Recruitment and Retention Manager, Kalamazoo Anesthesiology
Tresurer
Danielle Johnson
Senior Branch Manager, PNC
Secretary
Joe Kiser
President, The Old National Bank Foundation
Founder
Kim Cummings
Retired Professor, Kalamazoo College
Zac Bauer
Executive Director, Kalamazoo County Landbank
Kaylen Humes
Deputy Director, Community HomeWorks
Tshepo Mathekga
Community Investment Officer, Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Michael Seals
Human Resource Assistant, AARP/Goodwill
Judd Easton
Connected Care Account Manager, Philips Healthcare