About Us.
The Greater Englewood Community Development Corporation is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit corporation, that exists to address the stalled economic development within the Greater Englewood community. We believe that by empowering and educating small business owners and entrepreneurs within Englewood and the surrounding Chicagoland area, true transformation will happen.
Our Mission.
Greater Englewood CDC’s mission is to rebrand, rebuild, and revitalize the Greater Englewood Community by building on existing community assets and facilitating ongoing collaborations between residents and other key stakeholders. We execute this through business and workforce development, workshops, and advisory, as well as real estate initiatives.
Our Team.
Derrick A Warren
Executive Director
Derrick serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Englewood, Community Development Corporation (GECDC), which serves to re-brand, re-build and revitalize the Greater Englewood Community by building on existing community assets and facilitating ongoing collaboration between residents and other key stakeholders. Currently, Derrick oversees the GECDC, which includes: a membership-based business center, small business development, and job creation by attracting [and supporting] new small businesses to the community.
Tamora Hughes
SBDC Director
Tamora Walls has worked for corporate institutions utilizing her skills in the areas of graphic design, presentations, computer training, basic IT support, and web development. Tamora completed the SBA Entrepreneurship Courses where she has received her Certificates of completion in early 2013.
Shirley Oliphant
Financial Manager
Shirley, affectionately known as “Mrs. O,” serves as the Financial Manager for the GECDC. She is a native of Englewood with 25 years of Financial Management experience, including all facets of Post-Secondary Education, Executive Leadership, Team Building, Training & Development, and Mentorship. In addition to being the Financial Manager for the GECDC, Mrs. Oliphant oversees our Entrepreneur Center, as well as all events. Mrs. O enjoys working with people and prides herself on being a mentor to youth.
Rhea Steele
SBDC Small Business Advisor
Rhea Steele is a Small Business Advisor for the Greater Englewood CDC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Rhea is a seasoned business professional with a career history that includes corporate management and entrepreneurship. Rhea recognizes the positive impact realized in our communities when local businesses succeed. She is committed to the growth and development of our businesses, and economic development in our communities.
Brandi Hill
Executive Administrative Assistant
Brandi is the Executive Administrative Assistant at the GECDC. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison is Spanish. Brandi consistently strives to achieve maximum customer satisfaction and is passionate about helping others. Her dream has always been to work for a community based non-profit that serves the needs of a diverse inner-city population. Brandi comments, ” I am excited to be a part of an extraordinary corporation and I look forward to changing many lives as we rebrand, rebuild and revitalize our community.”