Meet the QCU Team!

Jorge Millares, was born in Miami, Florida from Cuban parents who fled Cuba's authoritarian regime in the early 1960's. They wanted to be a part of the American Dream and worked hard throughout their entire lives. Despite being born in a low-income neighborhood, Jorge did not let that get in the way of his success. He is a 1st generation American and was always taught by his parents that you can accomplish anything that you dream possible in this country. 

At the age of 22, Jorge opened up his very first business in Jacksonville, Florida and experienced great success. He has spent a majority of his adult life as an entrepreneur and has always been a steward of the community. He has truly lived the American Dream thanks to his parents' sacrifice to come to this country before he was born. 

In 2010, Jorge moved to the Greater Charlotte area for business. He immediately fell in love with the culture of the Carolina's and has been a resident ever since. During his time in North Carolina he witnessed great change and growth in Charlotte. But as we all know, great growth presents new issues for any community. 

The current state of affairs in Charlotte have created concern for some in the community, and the civil unrest of 2016 in Uptown was a pivotal moment in Jorge's life. It was that day that he decided to take action.
 

He couldn't stand around and watch the city that had come to love in the midst of violent tension and racial divide. He callled a meeting with friends, business partners, and colleagues to put together an extraordinary team to drive equity and equality for all in the city of Charlotte. That team came to be known as Queen City Unity.

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Jorge's leadership and humility are proven to be extremely influential and impactful. He is a passionate visionary who is driven by mending the cultural divide that exists in Charlotte and across the nation. His work in the community have earned him the '2017- Empowering Lifestyles Community Service Award' , the '2018-NAACP of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Champion Award', and he became the first Latino to receive the 'City of Charlotte Government- Martin Luther King Jr. Keeper of the Dream Award' in 2018. We have no doubt that under his leadership we can continue to make Charlotte an equitable and equal city for all. 

Jamal Harvey, was born in Oakland, CA but grew up in Portland, OR. While he was raised in the Pacific Northwest, he had touches of southern roots, as his parents were from Mississippi and Texas.  

When Jamal was 12 years old his older brother, a 31-year-old Marine Corps veteran, was killed by the Portland Police in what came to be known as the “Don’t Choke’em, Smoke’em Case”. It sparked protests and marches across Portland and changed the course of history between the citizens and police in the city.

That incident sparked Jamal to be part of the solution. In his early 20’s Jamal went to work for the Metropolitan Public Defender’s office as a Legal Assistant and helped vigorously defend people’s constitutional rights, and aid them in getting a clean start to their lives.

In 2007, Jamal and his family moved across the country to Charlotte, NC. The Queen City was a rapidly growing city that reminded him a lot of his hometown.

For the last 10 years Jamal and his wife have raised their family and he has immersed himself in all things Charlotte culture; including volunteering with organizations from the Girl Scouts to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Jamal also serves on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Access Corporation Board.

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When the tragic events and ensuing civil unrest unfolded on September of 2016 in Charlotte, Jamal knew that he couldn’t stand by without taking action. He had seen this before with the officer involved death of his brother and needed to step up and help the city that he had grown to call home. 

That's when he helped launch Queen City Unity; a group that had a pivotal message that he found as an extreme necessity. 

Jamal prides himself on being a family man and a positive leader for the young people in the community. He recognizes there is a cultural divide in Charlotte, and with the help of Queen City Unity collaborating with other organizations, he believes that we can all come together to bridge the gaps of division. It is his goal for Charlotte to become the next great American city that embraces its rural beginnings and urban future.  

Tim moved to Charlotte in June 2013 for graduate school after college at Wake Forest. Tim had first experienced the Queen City in 2012 through a summer internship, and fell in love with the exciting growth, friendly people, and Southern charm. This love of city continued as he found a church family at Christ Central Church and made friends with folks who pushed him to see beyond the shiny exterior of Charlotte, into the murky history and challenging present issues facing this New South City.

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He heard about Queen City Unity through one of the founders, Jamal Harvey, and was instantly hooked on the vision of building an equitable and just city, where opportunity was provided to all members of the community. Tim has seen commitment to this vision time and time again through the Ambassadors rallying around programs designed to close gaps, and a group-wide unselfish passion to partner with nonprofits already doing amazing work. Tim gladly joined the Board in March 2018 to help further community outreach, believing that each Ambassador carries incredible connections and experiences that can drive Queen City Unity’s reach into the hurt and pain in the community.

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He believes that a prosperous Charlotte starts with truth telling and relationship building. We need to understand the factors (both excellent and unsavory) that built the glamorous city we know, as well as going out of our way to show compassion, mercy, and love for those different than us. We need to embrace the ‘Hornets Nest’ mentality as we tenaciously live up to our rebellious roots – getting out of our comfort zone to build a counter-cultural, complex, and beautiful city with a sense of community and equity extended to all.

Jensen Savannah Nichol, is a homegrown product of Charlotte. She has spent her entire life in the city that she loves and she firmly believes that Charlotte can be the progressive city that many crave it to be.  During her lifetime she has seen our city go from a growing town, to the metropolis that Charlotte is today. As a hometown girl she has experienced the segregation in our schools and knows as well as anyone that there is a cultural and racial divide that has existed for quite some time in the Queen City.

She watched this all come to a boiling point with the officer involved shooting of Keith Lamont Scott and the ensuing civil unrest that occurred in the fall of 2016. On that day Jensen was appalled. She couldn't believe that the city and community that she loves dearly was being torn apart. She always knew that there were issues but could never fathom that it would lead to bloodshed and violence. She knew then that it was time to take action and that our city was in dire need of a unifying movement. Her love for the people of Charlotte from all walks of life is incomparable to any other. 

Jensen is a Co-founder of Queen City Unity and an integral part of the organization. Her expertise in social media marketing, outreach, and event planning, make her a valuable asset to the team and a driving force behind making Charlotte an equal and equitable city for all. 

Dr. Damon Silas was born in Boston, MA to parents of very different backgrounds. His mom was Caucasian, Catholic, and from the north (Massachusetts); while his dad was African-American, Baptist, and from the south (Louisiana). His parents were among the first generation of interracial couples in this country who were allowed to legally marry.  He grew up with diversity as a normal part of his everyday experience. His dad served 20 years in the United States Air Force and therefore they moved around quite a bit, including to California & Oklahoma, thus experiencing people from many different cultures and backgrounds.

Following high school, Damon chose to leave his small town just south of Boston to go to Washington, DC.  This became his home-away-from-home for over twenty years. Here he earned two degrees - a Bachelor’s in Psychology from Howard University, and a Doctorate in Psychology from The George Washington University.  He has always been interested in the impact of trauma on one’s life, especially after losing a sister to homicide when he was 17 years old. In his professional career, he has helped countless people with mental health concerns ranging from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.

Damon moved to the Charlotte area in July 2016 with his husband to escape the rat race (and cost of living!) of DC. He was ready for a change in all areas of his life.  That change happened when he turned on the news and heard what was happening in Charlotte after the death of Keith Lamont Scott. Being a constant advocate for change, he couldn’t sit on the sidelines after seeing this.  He went to the local police department to offer his support, recognizing that trauma doesn’t discriminate between law enforcement and civilians. Shortly thereafter, he became involved with Queen City Unity after seeing them on social media and loving their message of inclusion, love, and equality for all.  They represented the exact opposite of all the things people said he should fear moving down south as a gay black man.

Damon has since been a Queen City Unity Ambassador, and most recently became a member of the Board of Directors. He prides himself on constantly working to uplift those around him.  Queen City Unity is a perfect fit for this desire. In his spare time, Damon enjoys working on his new business, Tipping Point Wellness, which is all about holistic health and wellness; reading; and dancing.   

Chiana came to Charlotte from Virginia because of her career in the banking industry. The first thing she noticed about the Queen City was how clean it was. She initially became a part of Queen City Unity because she wanted her children to be involved in something she believed in.

She came from a very diverse environment prior to moving to Charlotte. During her early days in the city she realized that when she would walk into a restaurant she wouldn't see African Americans, Caucasians, Asians, Hispanics all sitting at the same table. Instead everyone would surround themselves with people of similar backgrounds. She yearned for a racially integrated Queen City. A city where she could surround herself with different types of positive people and where people of all races mingle amongst each other. 

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She love being a Queen City Unity Ambassador because she loves her fellow Ambassadors and treats them as if they were family, because in actuality, she believes they are. Chiana has been an integral part of the organization since coming on board. She currently leads our Greet Squad which focuses on being the first point of contact for our organization. 

Corey Sigle Sr. is a native Charlottean. He loves everything this beautiful city has to offer from the educational opportunities, career opportunities, mass transportation, parks & recreation, pro sports and a thriving nightlife!

Corey was one of the first to become a Queen City Unity Ambassador shortly after the civil unrest 2016 as a result of the officer involved shooting of Keith Lamont Scott.

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At that time he felt obligated as a Charlotte native to be more active and visible in our city and communities. During that time, our city still needed healing desperately and a voice of unity. Once he read Queen City Unity’s mission statement and had a conversation with Jamal Harvey & Jorge Millares, he immediately knew how passionate this group was about positive change in our city. Corey loves being a Queen City Unity Ambassador because he is able to make a positive impact in our city by being a beacon of light to others. He feels that Queen City Unity’s dedication to bringing people together of all races, genders, and socioeconomic statuses to unite Charlotte is unmatched!

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Corey’s vision for a prosperous Charlotte is seeing more diversity in our communities, schools & workplaces. He firmly believes that in order to prosper as a city we need to be socially active by engaging ourselves in positive conversations daily. It is embedded within him that the best way to meet people is to sit down and have a conversation. Only by doing so will you realize that we have more similarities than differences.

We are proud to call Corey one of our Lead Unity Ambassadors!

Kelly, a long-time Charlottean, originally from Richmond, Va., moved to the QC during his college years to get a fresh start. He has witnessed the evolution of Charlotte from a medium sized city to a thriving metropolis

As the first Queen City Unity Ambassador, the opportunity to become an activist promoting Queen City Unity's mission is inspirational. As a pacifist, his diverse family and upbringing fuels his desire to encourage inclusiveness in the community for all people.

He enjoys working with Queen City Unity Ambassadors  and experiencing the diversity of Charlotte. Furthermore, he finds it very rewarding to work on projects such as the QCU Coats, Socks, and PJ drive for foster children, the Charlotte UNITE Festival, and the homeless care bag distributions in uptown. 

Kelly's vision of a prosperous Charlotte would include progressive educational programs for the city's youth covering civil and immigration rights;  bullying, and LGBT issues. With the concerted efforts of city/county government officials, CMPD, CMS and the residents of Charlotte working together, he envisions the possibility of major strides toward resolution in  the current, racial and socioeconomic divide.

Jamille is originally from Chicago, IL but spent a majority of her life in Atlanta, GA. She is the youngest daughter of 5 children, and is also the proud mother of 5 children of her own. Jamille is a Surgical Assistant who specializes in heart surgery. Additionally, she is also the owner and CEO of Zuri Bath and Body, an all natural product line based out of Charlotte, and Zuri Elite Travel.

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When she lived in Atlanta she was very involved in her community. “I always wanted to instill in my children to never forget where you came from, and to give back when you are in a space to do so”, said Jamille. As a parent  she knew that leading by example was key. Jamille moved to Charlotte in July of 2016 because she was ready for a change after living in Atlanta for 23 years. She knew that it was time to leave her mark somewhere else.

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She decided to become a Queen City Unity Ambassador after her significant other, Aker el Bay, came home after a Queen City Unity Meet and Greet and she could hear the excitement in his voice. He was so excited about joining the organization that it was then that she knew it was something that she wanted to be apart of as well.

What better way to show her children an example? She loves how QCU has a goal to impact EVERYONE in Charlotte. Jamille’s vision for a prosperous Charlotte is to one day see everyone working together for a greater good, no matter the color of your skin or your socioeconomic status. Being able to truly see each other for our internal love and light.

 

 In the year of 2005, Aker decided to leave his hometown of Detroit Mi. to pursue a fresh start in Charlotte NC. It was a big move but he felt that it would be worth a shot. After all, Detroit was on a major downturn and Charlotte was a goldmine just waiting to be explored. 

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On the day of The Charlotte Riots following the officer involved shooting of Keith Lamont Scott, he watched the news with his wife and other loved ones from a retreat that they were attending. For Aker, it was heartbreaking to see how bad the system was failing the people that they were swore to protect. He knew that day that ‘We The People’ had finally had enough. He felt in his heart that he would have to get more involved in the community.

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Shortly after the days that followed the civil unrest in Charlotte, he saw something on Facebook about Queen City Unity and it just spoke to him. He reached out and the rest is history. “Upon my first meeting with the Ambassadors I knew I had found a new home” said Aker. His mission is to use all of his talents and resources to help make Charlotte and every city of the world a place where all of its citizens can live free, safe, and abundant lives. Where so called race and class is a thing of the past and is no longer a barrier. Where we all have full access for self-expression and discovery. “That is why I am here to spread more unconditional love and eradicate the fear”, says Aker.

Angela graduated from UMASS-Amherst and lived in the Boston area for while. She came to Charlotte in search of greater career opportunities and because of the booming economy. After living in Charlotte for a few years she has decided to call it her home for her family.

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She became a QCU Ambassador because she wanted to find a way to focus her attention on something positive following a fall out with someone who she was in a long-term relationship with. She always enjoyed helping others and this just seemed like the right opportunity to do so. ”I guess I should thank the individual who broke my heart because without him I would not have found my purpose and I would not have found this awesome group of people who I enjoy being out in the community with.” said Angela. Her pastor always said that your greatest rewards come from withering your greatest storms and after this experience she knows it to be true. Angela said that “Finding QCU has been one of the best things I have done.”

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She lovse being a Queen City Unity Ambassador because she sees the joy we bring to our fellow citizens. Angela feels that we encourage unity, and people can see that with our diverse group of Queen City Unity Ambassadors. She also believes that we through our 4 Pillars of Unity we help our brothers and sisters in the community and that it is rewarding to bring joy to others. Her vision for a prosperous Charlotte is one where her son can go anywhere and feel welcomed. Charlotte has come along way since she moved here and she wants a diverse and inclusive city for her and her family.

Like many, Lori came from humble beginnings supported by a single parent in Happy Town, South Carolina. She came to Charlotte in search of diversity, growth, and a little distance from their small town way of life.

She is a proud mother of two young gentlemen that keep her young, on her toes, and they take her breath away every day.  Before they were born she was in tune with what she wanted their experiences to look like. Lori's goal was to shield them from the racism that she experienced growing up. She’s grown a lot over the years and understands now that shielding them isn’t the answer. Rather confronting and engaging in dialogue and activities to understand the root cause of racism and ways to end racism is the answer.

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She also she has a passion for empowering women that gone through hard and depressing times due to their fight, whether it’s with Cancer, Domestic Violence or Homelessness. Her children and those women are why she made the decision to become a Queen City Unity Ambassador.
 

 As a Queen City Unity Ambassador she loves the exposure that it has given individuals from all walks of life to meet, interact, and fellowship during events that benefit so many in our community.  Oftentimes without this platform, these individuals paths may have never crossed. Her vision for a prosperous Charlotte is to continue to drive our message of unity so that everyone can see we are all equal and deserve equality in every aspect of our lives.