Founder & CEO | Joan D. Clay, Esq.

Joan D. Clay, Esq., is the founder and CEO of The Village Legal and Community Project. Joan has devoted half of her legal career to public interest law, utilizing her expertise to make the legal system more accessible to those who need it most.

A Chicago native, Joan holds a B.A. in Communications with an emphasis in Journalism from Loyola University Chicago and earned her J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy. Since becoming a licensed attorney in 2004, she has been in private practice, academia and nonprofit roles.



When COVID-19 hit in 2020, she took a step back to reflect on her purpose, and The Village Legal and Community Project was born. Today, The Village provides critical legal support for individuals facing issues such as evictions, sealing and expungement, parenting time, and child support. The Village also provides free programming to entrepreneurs and youth (entrepreneurship and job readiness).

Joan deeply believes in breaking cycles, creating economic opportunities, and training the next generation of attorneys who will keep the door open for those who need it most.

Paralegal | Kenickie Henderson

Kenickie Henderson has been interested in law for as long as he can remember. He feels strongly about accessibility and believes it is crucial that individuals have access to necessary legal help, especially as it pertains to navigating complicated legal issues. He was drawn to The Village Legal and Community Project because of its focus on aiding communities, which aligns with his desire to be an asset to those who need assistance.

Kenickie is currently an undergraduate student at Northeastern Illinois University, where he studies Philosophy and is pursuing a double minor in Pre-Law and Political Science. He has also earned his Paralegal Certificate from the Center for Legal Studies. During his time as a student, Kenickie has served as a Code Nation fellow, a Front Desk Aide at his university’s Learning Success Center, and Orientation Leader for his university.

Development Coordinator  | Marley Wiemers

Marley Wiemers graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in Psychological & Brain Sciences and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, and a minor in Anthropology. She is passionate about supporting community-based organizations and leveraging strategic communications to advance social justice.

Her experience spans mission-driven communications work with nonprofits like the Gephardt Institute and academic institutions including Washington University School of Medicine. This background, combined with her social psychology research experience and commitment to community service, has equipped her to support The Village Legal Community Project's development initiatives. With aspirations to attend law school, Marley is passionate about working at the intersection of legal access and community development.