LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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.
Kevin A. Dorsey, PhD, MBA, MA
Dr. Dorsey has been in the healthcare industry for nearly 30 years. Currently, he is the Executive Director of Managed Care for the University of Illinois Health System where he’s served for 17 years. Kevin is a retired United States Navy Command Master Chief with 28 years of highly decorated military service.
He received his doctoral degree at the University of Illinois Champaign Urbana College of Education, with concentration in Diversity and Equity. Kevin also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Champaign Urbana, Master of Management in Organizational Development from National University of California, San Diego, CA, Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College, Chicago, IL, and an Instructors Certification in Total Quality Management (TQM) from Naval Amphibious School, San Diego, CA.
Rosa Mendez
Ms. Mendez is a first-generation black Dominican American with over 20 years of experience with community engagement, case management, and mental health services. She has worked with non-profit organizations, school districts, and businesses to promote equitable and just community, parent, and family engagement efforts in the Chicagoland area and the Northern suburbs.
“My purpose is grounded in social and equity justice, empowering individuals and families and connecting people to resources within their community.”
Christina Santiago
A proud Bronx native, Christina Santiago earned her law degree from Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center in 2017. Over the past eight years, she has built a strong foundation in the legal field— beginning as a Prosecutor with the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and later launching her own private practice.
Christina is deeply committed to fostering inclusivity in the legal profession and believes in the power of continued learning. She aims to serve as a mirror and motivator for others in her community, helping them pursue and achieve their goals.
ADVISORY BOARD
Coming Soon!
