Mission & Objectives
Alex Sims (Founder)
Bio
Alexandra P. Sims is a dedicated advocate for social equality and believes that one's background and economic status should not determine their life trajectory. With experience spanning private, government, philanthropy, and grassroots organizing sectors, she recognizes the power of collaboration and shared purpose in achieving meaningful change. Through her firm, APS and Associates, she offers expertise in governmental affairs, grassroots organizing, and political strategy, and has worked with notable partners including JB Pritzker, Kurt Summers, Kim Foxx, and The Obama Foundation.
Christopher Percy
Bio
Chris Percy is a seasoned political strategist, community organizer, and unapologetic pie enthusiast based in Chicago. With over a decade of experience in campaigns, nonprofit leadership, and grassroots movement building, he’s dedicated to helping everyday people turn their values into action. Chris currently serves as Senior Director of Member Productions and Special Projects at MoveOn, where he leads national training programs, high-impact engagement efforts including celebrity and politico interviews, and cross-movement initiatives to grow progressive power. Over nearly a decade at MoveOn, he’s held multiple senior roles—shaping strategy, managing teams, and representing the organization in national coalitions and global networks. He also served as MoveOn’s foreign minister to the Online Progressive Engagement Network (OPEN) from 2019–2024 and now chairs its C4 board. He began his career on President Obama’s 2012 campaign and later helped lead national organizing and training efforts at Organizing for Action. In Illinois, Chris has played key roles in major campaigns, including Regional Field Director for Quinn for Governor and Deputy Campaign Manager for Kim Foxx for State’s Attorney, alongside numerous local efforts rooted in community power. Chris serves on the boards of Green City Market, Black Bench Chicago, and OPEN, and was named one of Windy City Times’ “30 Under 30.” When he’s not organizing, he’s likely baking pies, mentoring young leaders, or strolling through Chicago’s farmers markets—often all in the same day.
Crystal Bland
Bio
Crystal Bland is the President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) local union representing HUD employees in Chicago, Cleveland, and Columbus. With 20+ years of federal government experience, she focuses on employment and labor relations and government service implementation. Crystal previously worked as a HUD Community Planning and Development Representative, addressing housing instability and homelessness. She actively engages in activism, philanthropy, and social justice causes, with a mission to end homelessness in Chicago and nationwide. Crystal volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, serves on community organization boards, and is dedicated to equitable provision of government services. She served in the US Army for eight years, completing three combat tours in Iraq. Crystal holds a Bachelor's degree in Network and Communications Management and a Juris Doctor from John Marshall Law School. Currently residing in the Chicago south suburbs, she cherishes spending time with family and friends.
Ibie Hart
Bio
Ibie Hart is a dedicated equity-driven strategist, organizer, and entrepreneur with deep roots in Chicago. As the founder and CEO of Hart for Change, she supports political campaigns, designs community engagement strategies, and builds equitable systems within government—offering first consultations for free. Previously serving as the Women's Business Development Manager at the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Ibie launched the Women’s Entrepreneurship Hub, supporting Black and Latinx women in low-wage roles with targeted business resources. She also built a consulting practice centered at the intersection of gender and race, and served as Secretary on the board of South Shore Works. A graduate of Temple University (JD/MPP ’16) and an IWIL ’19 alum, Ibie is a proud “Womanist of God” and unapologetic advocate for equity. She brings an unapologetic equity lens to her work—fueling passion, lifting underserved voices, and delivering results.
Program Chairs
Bobby Rush
Bio
Bobby L. Rush is a lifelong public servant, civil rights activist, and advocate for social and economic justice. He served as the U.S. Representative for Illinois’s 1st Congressional District for over three decades, becoming one of the longest-serving members of Congress from Illinois. During his tenure, Rush championed legislation to expand healthcare access, reform the criminal justice system, and invest in underserved communities. Prior to his congressional career, Rush co-founded the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party, where he helped lead initiatives focused on community survival programs, education, and public health. Throughout his life, he has remained deeply committed to grassroots organizing and empowering Black communities. Rush’s enduring legacy reflects a lifetime of advocacy, legislative impact, and unwavering dedication to civil rights and social equity.
Bio
Jacquelyne D. Grimshaw is an esteemed activist and public policy advocate known for her unwavering commitment to social change and community well-being. Through her extensive career in government, non-profit organizations, and civic engagement, she has made significant contributions to areas such as transportation, community development, and environmental justice.
Program Administrator
Bio
Jarae A. Hines is a passionate community organizer, political strategist, and experienced campaigner. He is driven by a deep desire to empower communities, uplift progressive voices, and deliver results to historically underserved communities. In his role as Director of Engagement, at APS and Associates, Jarae provides outreach and engagement strategies to ensure our clients are developing relationships with key stakeholders and constituencies. He has experience community organizing in battleground states and districts, such as: Wisconsin, Ohio, Iowa, Arizona, and suburban Chicago. Jarae has organized diverse communities in Cleveland and North Milwaukee, designed and executed robust campaign plans in Phoenix and the 14th Congressional District with Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, and developed a passion for progressive policy while working for Senator Elizabeth Warren’s presidential campaign in Iowa. In his downtime, Jarae co-founded his passion project, The School Board Project, to provide free electoral support to progressive school board members. He is a graduate of Temple University with a degree in Legal Studies in Business. Raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, he is currently a resident of Logan Square with his partner and their dog, Drew.
Tasia Clark
Bio
Tasia Clark is a passionate advocate for health equity and social justice, driven by a commitment to building a more just and humane society. A proud South Side Chicago native and graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Tasia holds a Bachelor of Science degree and brings a multidisciplinary background to her work. In her role as Executive Assistant at APS and Associates, she supports strategic operations and client coordination across civic, political, community, and public health initiatives. With a background in clinical administration, public service, and grassroots advocacy, Tasia brings an organized, service-oriented approach to advancing the firm’s mission and priorities. With a deep belief that race, background, or income should never be barriers to quality care or opportunity, Tasia focuses her efforts on addressing systemic health disparities and advancing equity for marginalized communities. In her downtime, Tasia is passionate about community wellness and creating space for underserved voices in conversations around health and healing through her work with Brownspace, a wellness initiative she leads.
