Meet The Founders

Jimmy Guity built The Next Mile Project because too many young people, especially in working-class neighborhoods, are told to “get involved” without ever being shown how local government works or how decisions get made. In a moment when misinformation spreads quickly, and people feel shut out of the process, he believes civic education must be practical, local, and built for real life, so young people can move from frustration to confidence and action.

.

Terrell Belfield is a technologist, consultant, and public leader with a multidisciplinary background rooted in systems thinking and community impact. With hands-on experience in technical solutions, infrastructure consulting, and civic innovation — Terrell bridges the gap between data-driven problem solving and real-world application. Through his experience he brings a holistic lens to The Next Mile Project — balancing technical expertise with deep cultural awareness and policy insight.

Anelisa Defoe is an MPH-trained Health Equity & Impact Strategist who partners with for-profit and nonprofit organizations to design community-centered solutions that create measurable change. She brings a health equity lens to civic engagement — ensuring individuals not only feel called to create change, but have the tools, confidence, and support to actively shape the systems that impact their lives.