Sandra Traback, Chair
Ms. Traback joined the NHS Neighborhood Advisory Council in 2008 after purchasing her home in Back of the Yards in 2006. Ms. Traback served as the principal of Chavez Elementary for over 25 years and is a founding member of the Peace and Education Coalition of Back of the Yards, New City – promoting education and youth violence prevention programs in the neighborhood.
Marina Alonso, Vice-chair
Ms. Alonso joined the NHS neighborhood advisory council in 2009 and has years of experience in the education field, with noted success in developing Parents Groups through her position as a Community Representative for Hedges Elementary . She is also a founding member of Mothers for Peace, which is a group of Mothers working towards peace initiatives in the community.
Veronica Lopez, Secretary
Ms. Lopez is a long time resident and community activist in the Back of the Yards community, involved in block club formation and CAPS.
Floyd Minor
Mr. Minor is a long time resident of the Garfield Boulevard community and one of the original council members of the NHS programs in Back of the Yards and Garfield Boulevard. Mr. Minor is a leader in the formation of block clubs and block club networks in the community, active participant in CAPS, and serves as Vice-President of the Board of NHS.
Noreen Baltazar
Ms. Baltazar is a long time resident of the Back of the Yards community and is an active leader in block club formation and CAPS, as well as youth violence prevention.
Oscar Contreras
Mr. Contreras is a resident of the Back of the Yards community and an expert in youth violence prevention and working with parents to recognize the signs of gang activity. He serves on various local school councils. He is also a founding member of Mother’s for Peace in the community.
Amanual Stacker
Mr. Stacker is a long time resident of the Garfield Boulevard community and an active leader in block club formation and beautification projects along the Boulevard.
Joel White
Mr. White is a long time resident of the Back of the Yards/Garfield Boulevard community and is active in block club formation and CAPS.
Rafael Yañez
Mr.Yañez is a resident of the Back of the Yards community and a Chicago Police officer. He is active in block club formation and CAPS and founder of UNION Impact Center, a Christian based organization. The goal of UNION Impact Center is to provide youth in the Back of the Yards and New City Communities with opportunities to engage in after-school activities that encourage youth to develop their leadership skills, as well as engage in arts and sports programs.
Paul J. Lopez
Park Federal Savings Bank
Mr. Lopez is a Vice President of Park Federal Savings and has served on the Back of the Yards/Garfield Boulevard Council since its inception. Mr. Lopez is also the President of the Board of NHS and President of the Board of the Peace and Education Coalition of Back of the Yards, New City. Mr. Lopez is a long time business leader recognized for his commitment to the community, having grown up in the neighborhood.
Myrna Chavez
Ms. Chavez is a branch manager for Cole Taylor Bank and is active in community issues.
Luis Martinez
Mr. Martinez is a branch manager for F irst Bank and also serves on the board of the 47th and Ashland retail District (SSA#10).
Leo Maldonado
Mr. Maldonado is an agent for COUNTRY Financial and is active in community issues.
