​Leadership Rooted in Service & Justice

Kelis Houston is the founder of Village Arms, a Christ-centered organization established to address the overrepresentation and inequitable treatment of African Americans within the child welfare system. With over a decade of experience in social services, Kelis has been a tireless advocate and voice for marginalized communities. Her personal mission is to eliminate racial disparities in child welfare through legislative action, family advocacy, policy reform, and community engagement. Kelis developed and advocated for the African American Family Preservation Act in the state of Minnesota. This landmark legislation promotes the stability and security of families by establishing standards to prevent the unjust removal of African American children from their homes. ​​In addition to leading Village Arms, Kelis serves as the Chair of the NAACP Minneapolis Child Protection Committee. She is also a trusted cultural advisor and policy consultant, working alongside social service professionals and organizations to address systemic inequities in child welfare. Through her leadership, Kelis continues to drive transformative change, pushing for macro-level reforms that uphold the dignity, stability, and well-being of African American families.

Thomas E. Berry Jr. is a dedicated educator, community leader, and advocate for Black families and civic engagement. Born in South Bend, Indiana, he has devoted his career to empowering communities through education, advocacy, and innovative program development. From 2004 to 2009, Berry worked as an educator, where his proudest achievement was raising the reading and math scores of his students. His passion for education led him to serve on the school board at Sankofa Academy Underground North, where he played a key role in recruiting fellow educators. His leadership within the school expanded as he took on the roles of Dean of Students and building supervisor, furthering his impact on student success and school operations. Currently, Berry serves as the Program Director at Black Civic Network, a role he has held since 2018, where he works to advance civic engagement, policy education, and community empowerment. He is also a Family Advocate at Village Arms, where he supports African American families navigating systemic challenges, particularly within child welfare and family preservation efforts. One of Berry’s proudest professional accomplishments is founding The Twelve Watch App and The Watch Foundation, initiatives aimed at community safety, accountability, and advocacy. His work continues to reflect a commitment to justice, equity, and the empowerment of Black communities. Beyond his professional endeavors, Berry enjoys baking, reading, playing chess, and listening to Rhythm and Blues. He lives by the quote: “I may not be the fastest, may not be the smartest, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a soul more sincere.”

DeClara Tripp, originally from Ohio and raised in Minnesota, is a dedicated advocate for systemic reform in child welfare. As a single mother with personal experience navigating the child protection system, DeClara brings invaluable firsthand insight into the disparities and inequities that disproportionately impact the African American community. Her experiences have fueled a profound passion for eradicating inequitable outcomes and driving meaningful change in the child welfare system. DeClara has actively engaged in legislative lobbying, grassroots activism, and family advocacy, working tirelessly to amplify the voices of marginalized families and push for systemic reforms. With a professional background in healthcare and client services, she combines compassion with a commitment to serving the BIPOC community. DeClara’s mission is to create a child protection system that is equitable, just, and centered on preserving and uplifting families.

Tunisunia Reed is a dedicated advocate with over 15 years of experience serving teens and families. Her passion for fostering positive change is evident in her leadership, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to community empowerment. As a vital member of Hope Academy School, Tunisunia played a key role in teaching and mentoring young women. Her creativity and leadership enriched both the educational experience of students and the broader school community, fostering personal and academic growth. Currently, Tunisunia serves as a Client Advocate at Emerge Mothers Academy (EMA), where she supports mothers on their journey toward stability and self-sufficiency. In her role as Family Advocate with Village Arms and EMA, she works to uplift individuals and families by ensuring access to essential resources and comprehensive support. Her work is deeply rooted in a commitment to strengthening communities and fostering sustainable change. In addition to her full-time work, Tunisunia is a dedicated volunteer at Union Gospel Mission, where she develops and teaches curriculum, further demonstrating her passion for education and empowerment. Beyond her professional and volunteer commitments, she is an active member of her local church. Her steadfast dedication to service remains the cornerstone of her mission, reinforcing her lifelong commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those she encounters.