About CDSS-ESL

🏛️ About CDSS-ESL

Community Development Sustainable Solutions – East St. Louis (CDSS-ESL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to education, empowerment, cultural preservation, and reparative justice throughout Southern Illinois.

Founded in East St. Louis, CDSS-ESL was born out of a deep commitment to uplift historically excluded communities by investing in people first — through education, leadership development, and strategic partnerships.

We work at the intersection of community organizing, policy advocacy, and grassroots empowerment, offering programs that cultivate family engagement, prepare the next generation of educators and civic leaders, and celebrate Black heritage and brilliance.

What We Do:

Support and train caregivers through the Parent Mentor Program
Build local talent pipelines via the Prestige Professional Apprenticeship Program
Lead statewide cultural initiatives like the Miss Illinois Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant and Metro East Juneteenth Celebrations
Advocate for racial and economic justice through direct support of the African Descent Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC)

At CDSS-ESL, we believe sustainable solutions are rooted in community. Our work centers the voices, talents, and leadership of Black families — because justice, opportunity, and cultural power are not just goals. They are our foundation.

Leadership Spotlight:

Stephanie Taylor

Stephanie Taylor is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Community Development Sustainable Solutions – East St. Louis (CDSS-ESL), a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to education, empowerment, cultural preservation, and reparative justice in underserved communities across Southern Illinois. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, community organizing, and public service, Stephanie brings visionary direction rooted in grassroots connection.

She currently serves as:

Vice Chair, African Descent Citizens Reparations Commission (ADCRC), appointed by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker
Founder & State Director, Illinois Juneteenth Committee, a DBA of CDSS-ESL and the official Illinois chapter of the National Juneteenth Observance Foundation (NJOF)
Treasurer & Executive Board Member, Indivisible Illinois
Member, Illinois Climate Advisory Council, Office of Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias
Lifetime Member, NAACP

In recognition of her leadership in the passage of Juneteenth legislation in Illinois, Stephanie was honored with the Community Service Award from the NAACP and invited by the Governor to attend the official bill signing.

Stephanie's work bridges policy and practice, youth and elders, culture and innovation. Under her leadership, CDSS-ESL has developed multiple programs including the Parent Mentor Program, the Prestige Professional Apprenticeship Pipeline, and the Miss Illinois Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant. She is a passionate advocate for reparative equity and community healing, and remains deeply committed to building sustainable solutions led by and for the people.

“We are the legacy of those who endured — and the architects of what comes next.”

OUR CORE VALUES AT CDSS-ESL

Sustainability:

We place sustainability at the core of everything we do. Our solutions are designed to balance the needs of the present without compromising the well-being of future generations.

Empowerment:

Empowering communities is at the heart of our approach. We believe in working together with local stakeholders to co-create solutions that are culturally relevant and sustainable.

Innovation:

Embracing innovation allows us to tackle complex challenges with fresh perspectives. We continuously seek new and creative ways to drive positive change.

Integrity:

Honesty and transparency are the cornerstones of our interactions. We value integrity and uphold the highest ethical standards in our engagements with clients, partners, and communities.

Impact:

Tangible impact is the ultimate measure of our success. We strive to deliver measurable results that create meaningful and positive change in the lives of those we serve.

Page updated

Report abuse