The National Public Housing Museum Store
STOCKTON, CA
Store Operations Team
Natalie Crüe is a cultural producer, consultant, Global Hip-Hop connoisseur, and activist. Natalie sees web3, arts, and culture as vehicles for social change – spearheading various cultural and social
impact initiatives around the globe that aim to foster civic engagement, spark dialogue, and amplify communities.
She co-founded #CultureFix as well as MVMF, a global, interactive festival in the metaverse that amplifies tools and creatives in web3. Natalie also works with a number of DAOs and platforms in the blockchain and NFT community– onboarding creatives and managing several creative communities.
CHICAGO, IL
Store Operations Team
Dante Hamilton grew up in Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) where launched his commercial art and graphic design business in high school. Hamilton moved to Chicago, IL in 1990 and calls the Windy City his home.
Hamilton founded Internet Webpages Newspaper, Inc. (IWN) in 1998. The company provides, publishing, website services and special event services to targeted audiences. IWN is an Illinois certified DBE, MBE, BEP and Section 3 (CHA/HUD) business.
CHICAGO, IL
Store Operations Team
Ms. Chalonda McIntosh, I am passionate about my work and the work that I do. I love helping others and being resourceful. Business Owner of Thy Will Cleaning Janitorial Service, I also creative invites cards, wedding baby showers, events and funeral program and more.
I love to give back, support each other, share information, and take ownership of going above and beyond my calls of duties. I love to spend time with my children and grandchildren going out, eating, shopping, and having fun-filled weekends. Just to see the smile on their faces I feel amazingly blessed.
I have learned cooperative principles from my mother, friends, and pillars in and out of my community.
CHICAGO, IL
Store Operations Team
Managing Partner at Hilton Group, a real estate development company on the West Side of Chicago. Ten years experience as a real estate developer, with a passion for neighborhoods and businesses in communities impacted by disinvestment. My primary objectives are to increase community equity and create employment opportunities through commercial development in urban communities.
Recently his team’s project Coalition Food Hall was awarded 1 of only 11 Equitable Transit-Oriented Development grants. “Our team is enthusiastic about being selected for the ETOD Pilot Program and look forward to bringing our project to fruition. Working along with the program’s partner organizations, we look to implement a community investment vehicle (CIV) tailored for local residents to contribute as investors in the development.
Coalition Food Hall anticipates being the anchor that spurs commercial development near the California CTA Green Line station along Madison Avenue on the Westside of Chicago.”
HOUSTON, TX
Programs Team
Nakia Hillary Sims is an entrepreneur and affordable housing advocate. She received her B.S. from the University of Houston and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law.
She’s proud of her daughters’ entrepreneurial endeavor; Black Girl Bubble Tea recently winning an American’s Promise Alliance grant.
Nakia brings more than 20 years’ experience in public policy as owner of Hillary Consulting Services and in various roles that helped her keep a pulse on policy.
She is excited about the National Public Housing Museums workgroup and advisory boards.
CHICAGO, IL
Programs Team
“I am the dream and the hope of the slave.” – Dr. Maya Angelou
Natural born writer, speaker, and creative entrepreneur Takisha M Smith moved into public housing at the impressionable age of ten. Combating poverty and taking advantage of opportunities, she attended college and obtained an MBA, all while working full-time.
Subsequently becoming an auditor for both Deloitte & RSM McGladrey, focusing on not for profits and real estate investment trusts. Her personal interest in teaching wealth generation strategies, learning about land trusts and creating cooperative economics led her to volunteer with NPHM Entrepreneurship HUB.
She is also a licensed real estate broker and certified fraud examiner.
