Our People
Pastor Willie J. Sams
FOunder & President
Willie J. Sams' brings his vision and spirit of advocacy and high esteem of community-building to NEBC's operations. A Mississippi native, Pastor Sams moved to Chicago at the age of 17 and after a brief military career, dedicated his focus and energies to empowering the community through his ministry. A master of construction, he has spent the past 49 years building relationships founded on compassion, generosity, and collaboration throughout the Chicagoland area.
Evelyn Ross
Executive Director
Evelyn Ross, the Executive Director of NEBC Employment Resource Services since May 2013. In May 2000, The organization was founded by Dondretta Strong and Sharon Perkins. With a desire to serve the community, Evelyn was instrumental in laying the foundation for the organization’s mission of driving youth programming forward. Evelyn leverages an Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education, Bachelor’s Degree in Business Leadership and love of Chicago’s West Side to make gains in her role as most senior staff member and trainer.
Lanel Clay
Director of Operations
Lanel Clay devotes time to NEBC as Director of Operations, working closely with the Executive Director to govern day-to-day operations and coordinate interdepartmental activities. Lanel gives the Operations team a voice on the Board and reports on the organization's overall progress as well as specific projects. Born and raised in Chicago's West Englewood community, he is a proud father of 3 and manager for AT&T, with a 15 year tenure with the telecommunications giant. Lanel's training in Business Administration has served NEBC well since joining us in March of 2016.
VOLUNTEER
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Adelina Sanchez
Project Manager & Instructor
Adelina I. Sanchez is the business instructor for our You Got Served Culinary Program. Adelina has 7+ years experience as a small business owner and holds a BA in Business Marketing. She's been passionately involved with NEBC since 2014. She started her journey as a business intern, and she now serves not only as an instructor; but also, as a fully involved board member of the NEBC organization. She's committed to expanding the interests and opportunities for the youth of our community through: discipline, attention, respect, accountability and resources.