Meet the UCM Board President and Staff
Board President: Donna Brooks-Sanders
Donna Brooks-Sanders is a 50 year member of Southern Mission Missionary Baptist Church in East St. Louis, IL and serves as ministry leader for a clothing closet that has served over five thousand families in need. She has been active in the East St. Louis/ St. Louis community for many years; serving as secretary of the St. Louis Place Community Partners, a board member of the Bayer YMCA in St. Louis; serves on the Heat Up/Cool Down board of directors; and sits on the board of Continuity STL. She is a former President of the League of Women Voters in St. Louis, served as the vice president of the Gateway Classic Board of Directors, served as the secretary of Call For Help, Inc., and is a member of the East St. Louis branch of the NAACP. As an active member of the East. St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, she recently served as the chapters Journalist. She has chaired several signature community events including their Founders Celebration, annual Breakfast with Santa, and Arts and Letters. Brooks-Sanders has been a member of UCM for several years. While her community involvement has crossed many paths, she finds her current self interest in environmental issues and justice reform. She looks forward to her tenure as president of UCM along with supporting and promoting the work of the organization. Vocationally, Brooks-Sanders is the Communications Commissioner for the City of St. Louis, where she has served for 22 years. She is a wife and mother and proud great-aunt to 11 month old twins.
Executive Director Consultant: Rev. Michael L. Atty
Rev. Michael L. Atty
Executive Director
Lead Organizer
Rev. Michael L. Atty came to United Congregations of Metro East in 2018 as community organizer. He brought with him skills learned from his previous works in the community and church. Upon receiving his Master of Devinity in 2016 from Eden Theological Seminary, Rev. Atty pursued to use his ministry vocation to impact his community and surrounding areas. He believes that structures of racism, classism, sexism, and other "isms" that creates marginalized groups is the work of sin. He believes that these structures need to be dismantled and people of faith are particularly placed in the world to effect change on these systems to bring about God's kingdom and Christ's beloved community.
Rev. Michael Atty took position as UCM's Executive Director in 2019 and serves on the ministerial staff at The Antioch Baptist Church in St. Louis, MO.
UCM Staff
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Rev. Stefanie Ward
Organizational Administrator
Stefanie keeps the organization running smoothly behind the scenes. After two years of working with UCM, Stefanie has a new understanding and respect for those who work to eliminate injustices seen and unseen.
For more information regarding UCM, contact me: stefaniew@ucmetroeast.org
Jaylon Cal
Youth & Transformational Justice Organizer
Originally from the Bay Area in California, Jaylon brings his west coast charm to the Midwest. After studying at the University of Illinois Springfield and interning with our sister organization Faith Coalition for the Common Good, Jaylon joins UCM with a passion to walk in the footsteps of the late great Rep. John Lewis.
If you want to build power with me, contact me: jaylonc@ucmetroeast.org
Stephanie Taylor
Transformational Justice Organizer
Born in East St. Louis, IL and raised in Milwaukee, WI, Stephanie brings 25 years of experience in social services and residential care of behavioral youth to UCM. As a mother of 3 sons, she is passionate about building power in communities that have been overlooked due to poverty.
If you want to build power with me, contact me: stephaniet@ucmetroeast.org
Gabriel Calixto
LatinX Community Organizer
Gabriel was raised in Bethalto, IL and has been an active member of his parish in Fairmont City, IL for the past 19 years. He has been an advocate for immigrant rights since the inception of DACA and is now taking his passion for civil rights for immigrants to the next step by organizing with UCM.
I'd love to meet you and build power together, contact me: gabrielc@ucmetroeast.org
Kentaro Kumanomido
Environmental Justice Organizer
He's back folks! Kentaro is a native of St. Louis, MO. He worked with us 2020-2021 and went off to pursue a higher degree. He's back and is focused on the work surrounding the implementation of the Climate & Equity Jobs Act (CEJA).
If you want to build power with me, contact me: kentarok@ucmetroeast.org
Jalen Robins
Digital Organizer
Jalen is a recent graduate of Harris-Stowe State University. In the late Winter and early Spring 2022, Jalen came as an intern. Upon graduation, he has remained as a part-time digital organizer putting into action his communications degree.
If you'd like more information or have suggestion for our social media content, contact me: jalenr@ucmetroeast.org
Kahn Key
Youth Community Organizer
Kahn is one of our youngest organizers that has joined the team to develop leaders within our youth community. He brings new ideas, fresh perspective, and authenticity to UCM.