About Us
John Michael Johnson, Sr., Founder and CEO.
Mr. Johnson is currently employed by the City of Chicago as a tradesman, project manager and trainer for more than 300 tradesmen. He served as president of Simeon’s Local School Council from 1990 – 2000. He developed an employment and training model for students for the Mayor’s Office of Employment and Training. He has coached and mentored hundreds of students. He attended Southern Illinois University and the University of Houston Industrial Technology and Industrial Supervision . He is a 1976 graduate of Simeon Vocational High School.
John Michael Johnson, II, President
Educator and athletic coach.. Mr. Johnson is founder/president of Faith Investments and one of the first carpentry students of Project Simeon 2000. He is a 1995 graduate of Simeon Vocational High School. He holds a BS in Education from Northern Illinois University and attended Harvard University and received a certification in Community Development.
Ysmin K. Johnson, Vice President
Mrs. Johnson is a Sr. Corporate Tax Consultant for CNA Insurance Companies. She holds a BS in Accounting from DePaul University. Mrs. Johnson is also an honorary Simeon Alumnus.
Ardell Young, Treasurer
Mr. Young is a retired Vice President in the banking industry. He is the former executive director of Neighborhood Housing Service of West Englewood and Project Simeon 2000’s first corporate partner.
LaKeisha D. Charles, Director / Project Manager
Field Recruiter for Heartland Food Corporation. Ms. Charles is a graduate of Simeon Career Academy, class of 1998 and has a B.A. in Sociology from Chicago State University. She is also a coach for the Chicagoland United Elite cheer team.
Tommie Davidson, Director / Project Manager
President and CEO of Tommie Davidson Printing Company. Mr. Davidson is a graduate of Simeon Vocational High School’s class of 1975 and has a BS in Education from Central State University. He is a former Park Supervisor for the Chicago Park District.
Devon H. Fason, Director / Project Manager
Computer Programmer for marketing firm, Leo J. Shapiro. Mr. Fason is a graduate of Simeon Vocational High School’s class of 1997 as a top ten graduate on the National Honor Society. He has a B.A. in Computer Science from North Central College. He is also a partner of 1st & 10 Barber Shop.
Kimberly D. Fason, Director / Public Relations Coordinator
Trading Administrator for the public securities sector of Heitman Real Estate Securities. Mrs. Fason is a graduate of Simeon Career Academy’s class of 1998. She earned a real estate license at the Chicago Association of Realtors and practices real estate with Century 21 Hometown.
Charmaine Jackson-Jones, Director / Project Manager
Ms. Jones is a graduate of Simeon Vocational High School’s class of 1987. She is an entrepreneuer offering services such as barber, bartending and armed security. She is PS2’s Cinderella Project coordinator.
Selena King, Director / Project Manager
Graduate of Simeon Career Academy’s class of 2000, Ms. King works for Action for Healthy Kids a national non-profit that focuses on fighting childhood obesity. Ms King holds a B.S. in Communication from Bradley University and a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Illinios at Springfield.
Onie L. Riley, Director / Project Manager
Youth Leadership Specialist for Uhlich Children's Advantage Network (UCAN). Ms. Riley is a graduate of Simeon Career Academy’s class of 2000. She attended the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign on a four-year academic scholarship from the Department of Children and Family Services. She graduated in August 2004 with a B.A. in African American Studies and holds a Masters of Science in Non-Profit Management form Spertus Institute of Jewish Studies.
Alvin Scott, II, Director / Project Manager
Civil engineer and project manager (Walsh Construction and II in One Corporation). Mr. Scott is an entrepreneur and one of the first architectural students of Project Simeon 200. He is a 1994 graduate of Simeon Vocational High School. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Florida A&M University.
Cassandra Sprouse (Cassy), Director / Project Manager
Founder/Creator of “Imagine That by Cassy”, Ms. Sprouse is an event designer/coordinator. She graduated from Simeon Vocational High School in 1987 and Chicago State University in 1993. She has a background in Criminal Justice. After graduating, she spent 10 years as a Senior Special Agent/Criminal Investigator for the Federal Government.
Brain Frazier, Director / Project Manager
Property Services Manager for Network Propety Services. Mr. Frazier is a Green Technology contractor and trainer. A 1993 graduate of Simeon and the first carpentry student of Project Simeon 2000.
Willie Harris, Director / Project Manager
A Training Specialist for CEDA, State of Illiniois certified energy auditor, former City of Chicago Building Inspector , Field Architect for d’escoto Inc. , Enviromental Protection Agency’s Certified Renovator of Lead Safe Operation and a Licensed General Contractor . He holds an AA in Architectural Technology, a B.A. in Architecture / Psychology and is a 1975 graduate of Simeon.