Project Origin

The And Project was birthed through the Grand Rapids’ Urban Core Collective (UCC) Transformational Leadership Program which brought together five individuals in a shared pursuit of equity and justice. What started out as a group assignment to bring transformation to our community became a journey of learning, and forming solidarity because of our different yet shared experiences as people of color in our city.

While we all identify as people of color, there are so many other intersections of our identity that shape who we are, how we experience the world, and consequently how the world’s systems and structures treat us. While all five founders are people of color, some of us identify as black and female, black and bi-racial, female and queer, or cisgender male and black. These overlapping pieces of who we are are not represented singularly.

The And Project is the fruit of our shared learning experience, our love letter to diversity and inclusion in our city, with the hope that it will be an accessible starting place for our friends and community to learn about the compounding ways in which identity exists.

Begin Learning

Guiding Principals

We are committed to providing credible and intentional resources during the development of this project.

We value and honor lived experiences and personal stories.

We are committed to the accessibility of the materials provided in this project.

Creators & Support Team

Anya Ward (she/her/hers)

Anya is an enthusiastic dreamer with an affinity for people and creating spaces that celebrate their uniquely nuanced journeys & experiences. As a housing and human services professional in West Michigan, Anya dedicates her talents to support neighborhood community development, affordable and wealth-generating housing initiatives, and racial equity. As a proud Queer woman, Anya actively seeks ways to empower and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Amanda Williams (she/her/hers)

Amanda is a healthcare leader with a passion for process improvement, team development, diversity, inclusion, and addressing health disparities within the communities we serve. As a leader, she has advocated for dismantling racial inequities, forced needed conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, and created a safe space for other voices to be heard. Amanda is a member of NAACP; Grand Rapids Chapter, a mentor for Grow 1000; Grand Rapids Youth development program, and former board member for African Americans for Resource and Engagement.

Cordell Zachery (he/him/his)

A Motor-City Native, Cordell is passionate about being a changemaker. He currently is the lead for Diversity Partnerships at DoorDash creating pathways for underrepresented people to do the best work of their career. He also serves as the interim Board President for STEM Greenhouse which provides STEM education for youth in the Grand Rapids area.

Maija Grisa (she/her/hers)

Maija is a social worker who is committed to supporting youth and families in Kent county. Maija is passionate about serving and advocating for those that are traditionally underserved. Maija’s passion for serving youth and families was born out of her own lived experience as a foster child. She is also the author of “A Kids Book About Foster Care.”

Jessa Challa (she/her/hers)

Jessa is an entrepreneur, technologist, and creative. She actively participates in West Michigan-based efforts to democratize technology. Jessa volunteers her energy and talent to organizations including Code for Good West MI, AIGA West MI, Equity PAC, and Casual Simulation. She works towards the ultimate goal of making the tech sector a more inviting and inclusive place for all.

Aleka C. Thrash (she/her/hers)

A Las Vegas, NV Native, Aleka’s purpose is to inspire individuals to live authentically. Her mission is to cultivate beautiful experiences of authenticity that inspire and influence others to love and embrace who they are born to be. Aleka is a serial entrepreneur, a creative, and Chief Experience Officer at ACTPhotoMedia. She’s been recognized for her commitment to community and leadership as a LocalMotion award recipient, a 40 Under 40 Honoree, a Brilliance Awards-Brilliant Entrepreneur finalist, and named one of 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by The GRBJ.

Urban Core Collective

UCC believes that successful people and neighborhoods overcome the effects of systemic racism through equal access to education, economic prosperity, health and power and influence. UCC is a community of six organizations sustaining and advocating for one another to end systemic racism.

UCC knows that by supporting emerging leaders of color to achieve their true potential, our community can be transformed by their leadership and wisdom.