Engagement and Economic Empowerment TEAM!
Mary loves South Bend and has made it her permanent home. She possesses a social worker degree from Siena Heights University, and a Political Leadership Certification from Michigan State University. Mary is 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 has 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, Rotary and was a 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’s work/career is in Housing Development (HUD), Economic Development Workforce and Public Development & Education K-12. 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
Passionate and experienced in community service, DeLonda Blake joined the E3 team 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. Please contact us with any questions regarding the Linden Avenue Market by email eee@southbendin.gov.
Dakoda Decocker
Engagement Specialist
Dakoda is a veteran at the city but the newest member to our team. Dakoda has a bachelor’s degree in business management and graduated Magna cum Laude. She is passionate about serving our residents and is looking forward to working with you.
Harrison Gilbride