Executive Team
Shenita Muse
Executive Director
Shenita Muse is a dynamic leader with a broad range of experience in marketing and innovative program design. With more than two decades of experience spanning the radio, television, and not-for-profit industries, Shenita has amassed a noteworthy track record by leveraging her unique skill set in ministry and the marketplace alike. She is best known for her strategic, analytical thinking skills, meticulous attention to detail, and most of all, results.
Shenita began her career as a media buyer for an advertising agency then segued into the radio industry as an Account Executive for WLS-AM (Disney Corporation). Shortly thereafter, she transitioned to iHeartMedia (formerly Clear Channel), where she impressively secured ‘the highest one deal’ in the company’s history totaling $2.4M. Several years in, Shenita took her talents to Living Word Christian Center (LWCC), a 20,000-member congregation in Forest Park, IL, where she climbed the ranks of the marketing department, eventually to land in the seat of Marketing Director and Television Resource Manager.
For more than a decade, Shenita was responsible for the development of strategic marketing campaigns for LWCC, Bill Winston Ministries, Joseph Business School and other related entities. It was there that Shenita also gained a footprint in corporate events, having led operations for all of LWCC’s national and international conferences, seminars, trade shows, graduations and corporate meetings. Most notably, Shenita served as the event planner and project manager for International Faith Conference, LWCC’s 6-day flagship event with five-figure attendance and a $500,000 event budget. In addition, she managed a $3M budget for “Believer’s Walk of Faith,” a Bill Winston Ministries television broadcast viewed by 800 million households worldwide.
She was appointed Executive Director of the Hope Center Foundation in 2019. Her responsibilities include daily oversight of the organization, ensures the programs and services are aligned with the mission, maintains budgetary controls, hire staff, and reports directly to the Board of Directors.
Beyond the workplace, she holds numerous appointments including Vice-Chairman of the Oak Park Housing Authority Board, Board member One-On-One Chicago, Board Member Reclaiming Chicago, NFP and Secretary of the Union of the Unemployed Board.
Joan Douglas
Director of Workforce Programs
Joan Douglas epitomizes versatility, drive, and a profound dedication to making a difference. With a dynamic career spanning two decades, she has honed her skills across diverse operational realms, consistently delivering impactful results.
Her journey began at Salem Baptist Church, under the Leadership of Rev. James T. Meeks. Starting as a volunteer, Joan quickly transitioned into various roles, including Children’s Ministry Administrative Assistant, Office Assistant, and Director of Traffic Control. Her commitment extended beyond church walls, where she mentored youths through the ‘Just Do It Mentoring Program’ and collaborated with initiatives like Save Our Sisters.
Joan’s compassionate leadership shone brightest in the Pastoral Care Ministry, where she served as Operation Manager for 12 years, tending to the needs of the sick, shut-in, and bereaved with unwavering dedication. Seeking new horizons, she embraced a pivotal role as Operation Manager at the Hope Center Foundation, alongside Pastor James T. Meeks, fostering opportunities for those in need.
An alumna of DePaul University School of New Learning, Joan holds bachelor’s degrees in organizational leadership. Her academic excellence led her to join the prestigious Alpha Sigma Lambda, Delta Lambda Pi Chapter, an honor reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Joan finds joy in travel and cherished moments with her husband Marcus and their grown children. Yet, it’s her bond with her granddaughter, the apple of her eye, that fuels her spirit for adventure and exploration. In every facet of her life, Joan’s passion for service and compassion shines brightly, leaving an indelible impact on all she encounters.
Lauren Wesley
Director of Operations
Lauren is a seasoned and dynamic marketing, communications, public relations and nonprofit professional with more than 16 years of experience in brand and project management and fundraising. She is a highly successful architect of creative media campaigns and brand strategies resulting in increased national and international visibility and revenue generation. Further, she leverages her strong event management and strategic partnership engagement experience in the corporate and nonprofit sectors to generate critically-need operating funds. She has managed international, national, and local brands carefully crafting the brand story to strategically communicate to various audiences.
She leverages her professional background in the nonprofit sector and education in clinical psychology to provide exceptional personal service to her clients. Working in fundraising and development for 15 years gives Lauren a keen understanding of how to cultivate partnerships, and she applies this knowledge to maintaining strong communication and relationships. She is a published author whose work has appeared in numerous national publications including the Wall Street Journal and in college-level textbooks.
Lauren holds masters’ degrees in clinical psychology and education from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Widener University respectively. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Xavier University of Louisiana. When she is not serving her clients, she continuously strives to be the supermom to three boys one of whom is a Junior Olympian in track and field, one of her proudest mom moments.
Tralynn Pullen
Program Manager
Tralynn Pullen is a growing innovative professional with a passion for bringing generational wealth to urban communities. She is currently the Program Manager for the R.E.A.D.Y. to Work Youth Job Training Program. Tralynn has worked as an Assistant Professor of English, as well as the Director of the Writing Center at Claflin University in South Carolina. She holds a Master of Arts in English from Western Illinois University and plans to continue to share her knowledge and skills with Chicagoland youth. In her free time, Tralynn enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
