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Staff

Vincent Slocum

Executive Director l vincent.slocum@mcc.edu l 

Vince is a lifelong resident of Genesee County. A voracious reader and learner of diverse and free roaming interests, Vince received two Associates degrees from Mott Community College, a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Michigan-Flint, and a Master of Theological Studies from Methodist Theological School of Ohio. In his Bachelor’s studies, Vince’s research focused on poverty traps and racial inequality in post-industrial urban economies, while his Master’s-level research concentrated on African religious experience within diasporic communities. As Executive Director of the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network, Vince serves as a data-informed consensus builder, thought leader, and champion of evidence-based strategies for radically raising literacy rates in Flint & Genesee County.

Throughout his career, Vince has served as a passionate advocate for equity in the building of flourishing communities. Prior to joining the FGLN team, Vince served as a strategic impact, data, and operational analytics consultant for multiple Genesee County nonprofits, including Asbury Community Development Corporation, Urban Renaissance Center, and the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network. Prior to this, he served as Neighborhood Services Director for Genesee County Habitat for Humanity and as a municipal Planner for the City of Flint. 

When he’s off the clock, Vince serves on the Executive Cabinet and Board of Directors for Asbury Community Development Corporation, as the Pastor of Lake Fenton United Methodist Church, and is constantly begging his wife’s forgiveness for bringing home yet another book about world history.

Jessica Kitchner, MPA
Operations Manager | jessica.kitchner@mcc.edu| 810.232.4397

Jessica Kitchner is the Operations Manager for the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network. Prior to joining the FGLN team, Jessica spent 15 years working in education, primarily supporting English-language learners at the primary, secondary, and adult education level.   Jessica spent significant periods of time living and working abroad in Japan and Russia, and uses her professional and life experiences to promote inclusion and cultural competency within our community.  Jessica received her Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and International Relations from Central Michigan University and Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Michigan-Flint.  Jessica is grateful and inspired to work alongside amazing colleagues and a network of like-minded partners committed to literacy, eliminating barriers, and cultivating positive change in our Flint and Genesee County communities.  Jessica serves on the Board of Directors for the Genesee County Youth Corporation and the Latinx Technology & Community Center, and continues to be an advocate for English-language learners as an Adult ESL instructor for Genesee County’s Adult ESL population.

 


 

Ella Gill
AmeriCorps RSVP -Literacy Administrative Support | ella.gill@mcc.edu | 810-232-2526

Ella Gill is a retired senior analyst from General Motors serving as a SeniorCorps RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program) service volunteer through the Valley Area Agency on Aging (VAAA). Ms.Gill attended Northwood University and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration.  

Ms.Gill enjoys being involved with programs focused on children, such as summer camps sponsored by her church. Through these opportunities she noticed that the children were lacking in their reading and math skills. To advance children's education, Ms. Gill got involved in afterschool mentoring, which made a substantial difference in the children’s academics. Ms. Gill  wants to share the knowledge that she has learned from working with the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network and inform anyone that wants to further their education.  Importantly, she wants to educate parents on engaging and showing an interest in their child's education.  Additionally, Ms. Gill serves on the Board of Directors for Compassionate Care Network, an organization that provides housing opportunities for veterans and those seeking assistance. 


Ummy Siddiqui
Flint Urban Safety & Health Corps - Family Advocate | usiddiqui1@mcc.edu | 810-232-2526

Ummy Siddiqui is an AmeriCorps service member from the Flint Urban Safety & Health Corps serving as the Family Advocate at the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network. Ummy attained her Associate’s in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Northwestern Michigan College in 2013.  From a young age, she has been an active volunteer within her own religious community and performed many simultaneous roles;  including: student, tutor, business woman, wife, and mother. Ummy spent 7 years living in Istanbul, Turkey. where she researched Turkish history and culture; learned the Turkish language; volunteered at local elementary schools; and served as a private ESL educator. Prior to leaving Turkey, she initiated a fundraiser to aid struggling families and orphan Syrian refugees in her local neighborhood.

Most important, Ummy is a survivor of both domestic violence and homelessness.  Despite monumental personal and economic challenges, Ummy continues to pave her way to self-sufficiency and independence utilizing the many resources Flint has to offer. With that, Ummy knows first-hand the struggles faced by disadvantaged families, and she fully understands the significance literacy has in breaking the socio-economic barrier.  She is passionate and fully prepared to give back to other families like her own by serving the community she feels has given her and her children a fair chance.

Mervat Esaak
Flint Urban Safety & Health Corps - Family Advocate | 810-232-2526

Mervat Esaak is an AmeriCorps service member with the Flint Urban Safety & Health Corps serving as the Family Advocate at the Flint & Genesee Literacy Network. Mervat, a Syrian immigrant, is one of 7 siblings who were displaced as refugees throughout the world. After experiencing 8 years of civil war in Syria, Mervat arrived in Flint in 2020 where she found a welcoming and kind attitude from Michiganders and Flintstones.

Mervat began her journey in her new country at GST Michigan Works! Talent Development Center, which set her on her path and empowered her to develop skills, both professionally and with the English language. Additionally, Mervat attended local Adult ESL courses at the Genesee Intermediate School District. Mervat has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from AlBaath University in Syria and spent 8 years in administrative and retail management.

As a mother to a young daughter here in Flint, Mervat is compassionate toward children's health and hopes to help Flint families with continued recovery from the Flint Water Crisis. As the daughter of a teacher and sister to two teachers, she gravitates toward educational initiatives. Serving as an AmeriCorps member allows Mervat to immerse herself into the Flint community to forge connections, build relationships, and gain experiences.

Brenniss Carnes-Ferguson
Partners Engagement Contractor | 810-232-2526

Brenniss Carnes-Ferguson is a born and raised “Flintstone.” She has been a local grassroots community change agent for over 20 years. Brenniss is a returning AmeriCorps service member formerly serving with Flint Urban Gardening and Land Use Corporation under the auspices of Salem Housing. Her service focused on building community capacity through gardening with block clubs and connecting community members to vital community resources. She has worked in the education field in many different roles:  SKIP family service worker; Rainbow Learning Center lead and assistant teacher; after-school coordinator; support staff for nutrition education; and a kitchen team leader. She currently has her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential for preschool-age children. Additionally, she is a poet, published author, and spoken word artist. Brenniss has a passion for cooking, creating, working with the youth, and building communities.