Who We Are
Surprising partnerships bring dramatic results.
Elevate Northland is a Community Development Corporation that brings together groups working on business development, public health, poverty and building community bonds.
Mission
Elevate Northland promotes sustainable social and economic development in the Northland area of Columbus with a destination community hub anchored by locally owned multicultural businesses.
Founders
Our Board of Directors
Alicia Ward, Chair & Co-Founder
- President, Northland Community Council
Alice Foeller, Treasurer & Co-Founder
- President, Northland Area Business Association
Jenny Leal, Secretary & Co-Founder
- Chair, Northland Alliance
Lesa Brugger
- Consumer Direct Mortgage Loan Originator, First Commonwealth Bank
- Minerva Park Civic Association
Marci Hasty
- District Executive Director, North YMCA
Mary Lutz
- Director, Columbus Center, Ashland University
Our Advisory Council
Alfred Akainyah: City of Columbus Department of Neighborhoods
Seleshi Asfaw: Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services
Kashi Adhikari: Vedic Welfare Society
Cynthia Engmann: Ghana Council
Pat Hammel: Retired organizer and fundraiser
Brian Kerr: Northland Performing Arts Center
Darla King: King Business Interiors
David Leland: State Representative
Chuck Lynd: Simply Living
I live in Blendon Estates now. Formerly I lived in Clinton Estates and I served on the Northland Development Council. I have been involved for several years in a coalition that advocates for local economic development and the benefits of locally owned businesses. I serve on the board of the Ohio Sustainable Business Council. I am a retired educator and have a passion for environmental education.
Hodan Mohammed: Our Helpers
Inna Simakovsky: Simakovsky Law
Satch Sullinger: Columbus Parks & Recreation Department
Mark Swepston: Atlas Butler
Michelle Wilson: Experience Columbus
Michelle Wilson serves as the Director of Visitor Experience at Experience Columbus. This role oversees the management of the Certified Tourism Ambassador program, a national certification program dedicated to enhancing the overall visitor experience; and the EDD (Experience Dedicated Destination) program which is a survey-based tool that provides visitor feedback on various sectors of our city. Previously, Michelle served as the Executive Director of the Tri-Village Chamber Partnership serving the communities of Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff and Upper Arlington. Michelle lives in the Worthington Hills community, has been married for 29 years and has 3 sons and one grandson.
Rick Harrison Wolfe: North Market
Our Team
Three Groups Working Together
Northland Community Council
The NCC is a quasi-governmental group supporting civic life in Northland by bringing together the combined influence of civic associations in each neighborhood as well as other area organizations. The NCC serves in the role of an area commission for Northland, as well, with a Development Committee that hears zoning cases and recommends for or against to the Columbus City Council.
Northland Alliance
The Northland Alliance is a nonprofit community organization. Its mission is to create opportunities to effect positive change for organizations, associations, residents and anyone associated with the Northland area of Columbus, Ohio.
Northland Area Business Association
NABA is a nonprofit corporation formed to promote the interests of Northland Area business owners, managers and property owners; and to promote responsible revitalization of the Greater Northland Trade Area.