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.
Mission
To rebrand, rebuild, revitalize Greater Englewood and beyond, through Entrepreneurship, Employment and Economic Empowerment by collaborating with community, partners and key stake holders.
Vision
To be the global resource for making Englewood the destination to live, work, and play.
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.
Shirley Oliphant
Director of Finance & Entrepreneur Center
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
Interim SBDC Director
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.”
Audia Wells
Human Resources
Audia Wells brings over 20 years of human resources leadership, ranging from start-ups to Fortune 50 companies. Guiding the Human Resource and Workforce functions, Audia finds joy in providing critical skills and access to information that leads to increased career opportunities and mobility. Her passion for employment access is grounded in knowing that healthy communities require its residents to have skills necessary for meaningful work at market wages.