EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As the Executive Director of Project Kindred, Yaa is dedicated to driving transformative change in her communities. With a diverse background spanning economic development, venture capital, and education, Yaa brings unique insights to strategic planning and team leadership. She previously led revitalization projects for Milwaukee’s inner harbor at Harbor District, Inc. Yaa is a proven changemaker whose efforts to empower marginalized communities have garnered wide recognition–from Fortune magazine for her work investing in and supporting Black Founders of high-growth startups, to Michelle Obama for her initiatives with young leaders and voter education. Outside of professional pursuits, Yaa enjoys witnessing her son’s growth, spending quality time with loved ones, exploring the world, embracing new experiences, and sweating it out with hot yoga.

COMMUNITY ARCHITECT - ENGAGEMENT

Nora Godoy-González is a proud Milwaukeean Mexicana deeply committed to her community. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish for the Business Professions and Public Relations from Marquette University. Her dedication to authentic community engagement and collaboration has led her to take on diverse roles within the community. Nora began her career as a Community School Coordinator with the Milwaukee Community Schools Partnership, where she discovered her passion for youth development. She later pursued a passion for urban planning and neighborhood revitalization as the Placemaking Director at the Milwaukee Harbor District. Now, she is merging both passions in her role as the Community Architect of Engagement at Project Kindred. Nora is excited to be part of the leadership team, connect with caregivers and participants, and help expand Project Kindred’s mission.

Outside of work, Nora enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, hiking, spending time with loved ones, and cuddling with her two cats.

EXPERIENCE ARCHITECT

Adriana Salgado-Santiago is a caring powerhouse dedicated to building a more connected and just community. A proud Milwaukee native and Project Kindred’s Experience Architect, she designs and delivers transformative programs, immersive events, and curated experiences that bring people together and empower young people to lead — all rooted in equity, empathy, and joy.

An AmeriCorps alumna, Adriana holds a B.S. in Human Development & Family Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice from UW–Madison and an M.A. in Social Impact from Claremont Lincoln University. With deep roots in service and strategy, she blends storytelling, relationship-building, and systems thinking to spark lasting change in Milwaukee and beyond.

Outside of her professional life, Adriana enjoys reading, collecting stationery, marveling at her children’s growth, and traveling with her husband. These personal joys fuel the same curiosity, care, and intentionality she brings to her work every day.