Nicole D. Nelson, executive director
Nicole D. Nelson is the Founder and Executive Director of Equity Legal Services, Inc. (ELS) where she litigates on behalf of and works with residents in Centreville who have had to contend with hazardous environmental conditions for decades. Nicole also works with citizens in surrounding communities who are vulnerable to similar conditions. Prior to her work at Equity Legal Services, Nicole previously worked in the non-profit and public interest space, including counsel on impact litigation matters and at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General in the Sexually Violent Persons Bureau.
During her time as a litigator, Nicole saw a tremendous need for increased reflective representation of the diverse communities served. With clients and research bearing out the need for such, Equity Legal Services, Inc. was launched. Nicole can be reached at nnelson@equitylegalservices.org.
Education
University of Illinois, College of Law, J.D. 2009
Alabama State University, B.S., summa cum laude 2006
Publications
Nelson, Nicole D. (2017, September 20). When will black lives matter in St. Louis? New York Times.
Maliaka Hill, community organizer
Maliaka is the Community organizer with Equity Legal Services. Graduating from the University of Missouri with a Bachelors of Arts in both Communications and Black Studies, she is dedicated to uplifting the voices of those facing adverse circumstances. She has worked closely with communities impacted by storm water flooding and drinking water issues, and coordinates with their governing agencies to advocate for policy change. Her main concentration is working with communities of color and low-income communities to address environmental injustices, and assist with community- centered advocacy and mobilization efforts.
Jenie M. Jones, Director of Operations
Jenie is a dedicated strategic leader with over 20 years of experience in business and nonprofit management. Her passion for social justice and community empowerment drives her commitment to ELS's mission of advocating for marginalized communities facing environmental and structural inequities. With a background in human resources, organizational leadership, and strategic partnerships, Jenie ensures that ELS operates efficiently while delivering critical legal services to underserved populations. Her strategic foundations strengthen the organization’s internal operations but also fosters partnerships and initiatives that create lasting change for communities in need.