Kamillah M. Hanks is a lifelong Staten Islander and a proud mother of four, dedicated to fostering smart growth and positive economic development in the North Shore community for nearly two decades. With a background in marketing and finance from the College of Staten Island and over 20 years of professional experience across public and private sectors, Kamillah has built a career marked by advocacy, innovation, and leadership.
In 2012, she founded the Historic Tappen Park Community Partnership, where she collaborates with civic leaders, community organizations, and schools to drive cultural and economic revitalization in Stapleton and surrounding neighborhoods. Her pioneering efforts include establishing Staten Island’s first YouthBuild program, providing pathways to advanced vocational education, job training, and life skills for young adults. Under her leadership, YouthBuild Staten Island secured a $1.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in 2018.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kamillah partnered with local businesses and YouthBuild participants to create a training program that produced and donated over 5,000 face shields to first responders and healthcare workers. In 2020, she founded the Minority Women in Business Association of Staten Island to address inequities and support women of color in business.
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