South Bend, Indiana

Mayor James Mueller


Meet Our Team

The Engagement and Economic Empowerment TEAM!

 

Mary McAfee

Director, Engagement and Economic Empowerment
mmcafee@southbendin.gov
Mary loves South Bend and has made it her permanent home. She possesses a social worker degree form Siena Heights University, and a Political Leadership Certification from Michigan State University. She’s a member of League of Women Voters, Indiana Black Expo, and a team member of (SBEAP)- Notre Dame & South Bend Entrepreneurship & Adversity Program. She was the President of Asa Phillip Randolph Institute of Berrien County, Michigan and served as Vice President for the Democratic Party of Southwest Michigan. Mary was the first Black woman elected to the Niles School Board of Education and served 3 terms, first as Trustee, then Vice President, and finally as President. Mary founded the (MIC) Multicultural Involvement Council, a non-profit organization which ran programs for at-risk youth in grades k-12. Mary wrote and implemented “Fresh Start” a program for students who were expelled from school in grades K-12. The program ran for 17 years with 98% graduation from high school. Over the years she served on other various boards including Big Brothers/Big Sisters, United Way, Michiana Literacy Council, Volunteer in Probation, Optimist Club, Gateway Rehabilitator, and was Notary Public for the State of Michigan. She also served on the Advocate Leaders for Police and Community Trust (ALPACT) Board of Berrien County, Michigan. Mary has one beautiful daughter and a handsome son-in-law. She loves the South Bend community and aspires to become more involved.

DeLonda Blake

Engagement Specialist
dcblake@southbendin.gov

Passionate and experienced in community service, DeLonda Blake joined the E3 team in October 2022 with 35+ years of community outreach, organizational leadership, and project management. She believes learning is a “forever” process propagated by the willingness to experience life with openness and compassion for others. She attributes this philosophy to her family’s long history of civic engagement.

Daschane Gills

Engagement Fellow

 

Harrison Gilbride

Enfocus Fellow

 

Ryan Ryker

Engagement Fellow

Ryan Ryker currently resides in South Bend Indiana, he moved to South Bend to attend Indiana University South Bend, later transferring to Ivy Tech Community College. Ryan was also involved in the cryptocurrency industry, starting 2 successful companies he later sold. Ryan has a wonderful girlfriend, and a cute dog named Brody. He is excited to be able to make an impact in the community and city he now calls home.

 

Hannah Pak

Market Coordinator

Hannah is an urban farmer, local food advocate, and community organizer who has been engaged with the City of South Bend since 2018. She has recently completed her Master’s in Public Administration at Indiana University South Bend and is excited to fulfill her new role as the Linden Ave. Pop-Up Market Coordinator! When she’s not with the E3 Team, you’ll most likely find Hannah farming empty lots in the Near Northwest Neighborhood or cooking up a storm in her kitchen with all the local produce our area offers. Please contact Hannah with any questions regarding Pop-up Markets by email eee@southbendin.gov.

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227 West Jefferson Blvd.
South Bend, Indiana 46601
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