Community Advisory Board

Greg Lee (Chair, biography forthcoming)

Thuran Peterson
“Thuran “Huee G” Peterson is a recording artist and entrepreneur from Harvey, Illinois. He is the founder of Empty The Vault, a platform that connects music, culture and community advocacy. His work creates spaces for creative voices to thrive and is guided by the philosophy that “Dreamers Live Forever.” He is committed to empowering others and strengthening his community.”

Olivia Obineme
With over 15 years of experience, Olivia Obineme’s career spans reporting, visual journalism, product, partnerships, operations, and community engagement. They are the founder of Third Nook, a space for impactful work across media, arts, and culture rooted in community engagement, storytelling, and creative strategy. Through Third Nook, they provide capacity support, guidance, facilitation, photography, and mentorship independently and with partners and clients. Their work has included collaborations with Local Independent Online News Publishers (LION), Grand Victoria Foundation, Illinois Community Power Fund, NPR, and the Field Foundation of Illinois. They also create spaces and resources that amplify the voices, experiences, and skills of Black women and femmes in journalism, including Pocket Sessions, 1:1 check-ins for reflection, support, and connection. Beyond their media and support work, Olivia is an avid green thumb who loves gardening for self and others, and they continue to volunteer with local nonprofits. A proud first-generation Nigerian and Baltimore native, Olivia has lived in Chicago since 2017.

Jay Readey (biography forthcoming)

Jo Ellen Kaiser (biography forthcoming)

Bo Kemp (biography forthcoming)