Nicole D. Nelson, executive director
Nicole D. Nelson is the Founder and Executive Director of Equity Legal Services, Inc. (ELS) where she litigates on behalf of and works with residents in Centreville who have had to contend with hazardous environmental conditions for decades. Nicole also works with citizens in surrounding communities who are vulnerable to similar conditions. Prior to her work at Equity Legal Services, Nicole previously worked in the non-profit and public interest space, including counsel on impact litigation matters and at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General in the Sexually Violent Persons Bureau.
During her time as a litigator, Nicole saw a tremendous need for increased reflective representation of the diverse communities served. With clients and research bearing out the need for such, Equity Legal Services, Inc. was launched. Nicole can be reached at nnelson@equitylegalservices.org.
Education
University of Illinois, College of Law, J.D. 2009
Alabama State University, B.S., summa cum laude 2006
Publications
Nelson, Nicole D. (2017, September 20). When will black lives matter in St. Louis? New York Times.
Maliaka Hill, community organizer
Maliaka is the Community organizer with Equity Legal Services. Graduating from the University of
Missouri with a Bachelors of Arts in both Communications and Black Studies, she is dedicated to
uplifting the voices of those facing adverse circumstances. She has worked closely with communities
impacted by storm water flooding and drinking water issues, and coordinates with their governing
agencies to advocate for policy change. Her main concentration is working with communities of color
and low-income communities to address environmental injustices, and
assist with community- centered advocacy and mobilization efforts.
Kris Whitten, Paralegal
Kris Whitten is the Paralegal for Equity Legal Services working alongside the Executive Director/Attorney and Community Organizer to help the residents that live in the Cahokia Heights, Illinois area. Kris has thirty years of experience handling general civil litigation, personal injury, and corporate law, and is currently a CASA volunteer. Kris uses her positive attitude to form relationships with the residents. Kris attended classes for Paralegal Studies at Southwestern Illinois College in 1996-1997. Kris currently lives in Mascoutah, Illinois with her husband. She has two grown children and six grandchildren who are the light of her life. In her spare time, she enjoys refinishing furniture.