FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Elijah Norris-Holliday; currently serves as the founder and Executive Director for Project Restore Minnesota, a private nonprofit social enterprise serving young adults ages 18-24 residing in the twin cities. Our organization dedicates its resources to the empowerment and upliftment of ADOS young adults. We accomplish this through connecting youth with Jobs and opportunities, professional development training, mentorship, and a network to promote and sustain their development. Elijah has a bachelor’s degree from Winona State University in public administration and political science and a Master of Arts in Public Administration specializing in public budgeting and finance.

BOARD MEMBER

Mr. Alexander Hines earned a B.S. in Management Studies and a double minor in History and Psychology from the University of Maryland, University College, European Division, Heidelberg, Germany and a Master of Education Degree in Counseling and Guidance Services from Clemson University with an emphasis in Student Affairs. Alexander served in the United State Air Force as a non-commissioned officer for 12 years. Alexander has 28 years of experience in higher education in student and academic affairs working with traditional, non-traditional, first-generation, underserved and underrepresented high school and college students and their parents/caregivers with intersectional identities.

BOARD MEMBER

Maria McLemore is a professional fundraiser with more than 25 years of experience partnering with nonprofits to access funding and continue efforts to increase educational, social, and economic capital for underrepresented and majority communities. Her work as a fundraiser is guided by lessons taught by her mother and learned as an African American female in a predominantly white profession. Despite having roles in successful fundraising campaigns, McLemore often says the most challenging and fulfilling roles she’s ever held is “raising astute children in the age of social media and guiding their adult selves in the age of…well…everything and everyone that are currently plaguing the African American community.” McLemore’s volunteer work has been focused on organizations and programs that help African American children, teens and young adults recognize their immeasurable value and guide their individual paths to self-love, community, and engagement. McLemore and her husband find joy in sharing time with their married son and daughter-in-law and two adult daughters–both university students–who are destined to continue the family’s legacy of love, leadership, learning, and laughter.

TREASURER & BOARD MEMBER

Aikan started his own financial advising practice as a financial advisor operating under a fiduciary standard of care. Aikan graduated from Winona State with a major in Finance and a minor in accounting. While at Winona State, Aikan, enjoyed a successful career on the football field, which has fueled his passion for working with like minded individuals. Aikan serves as the treasurer of Project Restore Minnesota, a Minnesota non-profit focused on helping people from underprivileged backgrounds develop into productive members of society through areas of education that they were under-educated on. Aikan lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota and has a growing real estate portfolio. His passion lies in helping others in any way he can.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Olivia was born and raised in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. She has lived in the Twin Cities since 2018, and recently Graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2021 with bachelor degrees in Sociology of Law and Psychology. Olivia has been an administrative assistant to Elijah since January 2022. She also serves on a youth and young adult youth advisory council for Ramsey county. She is a social justice activist and especially passionate about transforming systems, specifically the criminal legal system in regards to youth justice, by addressing, dissecting, and dismantling racial disparities.