Meet Our Team
Treasurer & Director
Raquel Bradford
Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Raquel brings a strong blend of personal commitment and professional expertise to her role as Treasurer and Director of Pure and Sure Inc. She met Founder London Jones over 30 years ago while attending Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, with minors in Marketing and Computer Science, and later obtained a Master of Business Administration.
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With over 20 years of experience in Information Technology, she has developed advanced skills in systems management, data analysis, and strategic problem-solving. Complementing this background is her extensive experience in financial oversight, including budgeting, financial planning, expense tracking, and ensuring organizational accountability. Her ability to manage resources with precision and integrity plays a critical role in sustaining and scaling the organization’s impact.
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She has worked closely alongside London, helping to build and maintain the organization’s financial infrastructure while supporting day-to-day operations. From managing budgets and ensuring compliance to contributing to creative direction and program expansion, she is deeply invested in the organization’s success. Together, they remain committed to creating safe, empowering spaces for young girls and mothers to be heard, supported, and uplifted.
Motherhood over the past five years has further deepened her sense of purpose, shaping her passion for service and strengthening her dedication to building a lasting, meaningful impact in the community.
She also dedicates time to substitute teaching, reflecting her commitment to youth development and community engagement. Over the past five years, motherhood has further deepened her sense of purpose—strengthening her passion for service and her dedication to creating safe, empowering spaces for young girls and mothers.
Social and Emotional Program Developer & Director
Felisa Brown
Felisa brings over 25 years of experience in education, counseling, and student support to her role as Director of Social & Emotional Learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Northeastern Illinois University, two Master’s degrees from Concordia University in Elementary Education and School Counseling, and a Certificate in Administration & Supervision from Lewis University. She also holds Type 75 (Administration), Type 73 (School Counseling), and Type 03 (Teaching) certifications, along with an LBS1 endorsement.
Her diverse experience spans Kindergarten through high school, including general education, special education, and school counseling. Throughout her career, she has served students across multiple Chicago schools, with a deep commitment to supporting their academic, social, and emotional growth.
Raised on the west side of Chicago, Felisa has dedicated her entire career to serving the same communities that shaped her. Her work is grounded in building strong relationships, creating supportive environments, and ensuring students feel seen, heard, and valued.
Outside of her professional work, Felisa enjoys traveling, skating, dancing, and spending time with her family. She is a proud mother and grandmother, and her passion for nurturing and supporting others extends beyond her career into every aspect of her life.
Program Advocacy and Coordinator
Jasmine Nicole Pettis
Jasmine serves as the Program Advocacy and Coordinator, bringing a strong passion for empowering and uplifting young girls. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Nursing Leadership, reflecting her commitment to growth, service, and leadership.
With several years of mentoring experience, Jasmine creates supportive and affirming spaces where girls feel seen, heard, and valued. In her role, she plays a vital part in program development, participant advocacy, and overall wellness support, establishing partnerships for additional care or resources as needed, serving as a bridge between the organization and broader health supports.
Drawing from her nursing background, Jasmine provides education and guidance to young girls as they navigate puberty, helping them medically understand the physical changes they experience. She also supports menstrual awareness and hygiene education, ensuring girls are informed, confident, and equipped with the knowledge and resources they need.
Jasmine believes deeply in the power of representation, guidance, and community, and is dedicated to helping young girls realize their full potential and walk boldly in who they are becoming.
Community Liaison & Parent Advisor
Sheryl Hall
​Sheryl is the proud and devoted mother of Pure and Sure Founder, London Jones. Her life has been defined by unwavering commitment to motherhood, community care, and service to others. Known lovingly throughout Chicago as “Mama Sheryl,” she has become a trusted village mother—someone families can rely on for support, guidance, and compassion.
Throughout her life, Sheryl has been deeply involved in supporting families in raising their children, often serving as an extended source of care, wisdom, and encouragement. She has served on multiple school councils and volunteered countless hours with Chicago Public Schools, advocating for students and strengthening connections between families and schools. Her voice and presence have consistently uplifted both parents and educators, helping to bridge gaps and build stronger school communities.
A lifelong servant leader, Sheryl operates a food pantry directly from her home in partnership with local grocery stores, ensuring that families in need have access to food and essential resources. She regularly distributes food, clothing, and household necessities not only from her home but also throughout neighborhoods, meeting people where they are with dignity, love, and respect. Her passion for service extends beyond material support, as she also mentors parents, offers emotional encouragement to families, and helps connect individuals to vital community resources in times of need.
In her role as Community Liaison and Parent Advisor for Pure and Sure, Sheryl strengthens family engagement and ensures the organization remains grounded in the lived experiences and needs of parents and caregivers. She serves as a trusted bridge between families and the organization, promoting unity, advocacy, and community voice.
School & Family Liaison
Desiree E. Jordan
Desiree E. Jordan has a longstanding commitment to serving youth and families through both school and community engagement. She spent 9 years volunteering at Barbara Sizemore Academy, including 3 years as Parent Council President, during which she strengthened family engagement, supported school initiatives, and advocated for student success.
Her dedication to youth development also spans more than 16 years as a Girl Scout volunteer and Troop Leader, during which she has mentored young girls, built leadership skills, and fostered confidence, independence, and creativity. In addition, she has spent the past two years working with youth through Gifts from God Ministry, continuing her work of guidance, encouragement, and empowerment.
In her role as School & Family Liaison, Desiree is committed to fostering connections among families, schools, and the community—ensuring strong communication, meaningful engagement, and holistic support for every child’s success.
Program Strategist & Director
Gerald D. Jones
Gerald Jones was born in Fort Riley, Kansas, a military base, and raised in the Pullman neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. His upbringing was deeply rooted in faith, family, and service, shaped significantly by his grandfather, Pastor Willie Wims, the founding leader of Showers of Blessings Church in Chicago. Through his grandfather’s ministry, Gerald was immersed in a culture of community outreach, compassion, and service to others—experiences that laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to giving back.
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Gerald also serves as a member of the North Star Lodge No. 1, a prominent Prince Hall Masonic lodge located in Chicago, Illinois.
From an early age, Gerald learned the importance of community engagement and learned to value service as a way of life. These lessons have guided his dedication to youth development, where he has spent countless hours volunteering in youth sports programs, including baseball and football. He has also expanded his impact by serving as a volunteer boxing coach, mentoring young people through discipline, structure, and confidence-building.
Professionally, Gerald brings a strong background in corporate and financial services, having worked as an underwriter for AIG, a manager for General Motors, and at BNSF Railway. His experience in risk assessment, strategic planning, and operational analysis strengthens his ability to support organizational growth and sustainability.
In his role as Program Strategist and Director for Pure and Sure, Gerald combines his professional expertise with his lifelong passion for service. He supports the development, structure, and long-term vision of programs that empower young girls and families, ensuring they are impactful, sustainable, and aligned with the organization’s mission of healing, growth, and empowerment.
Marketing & Digital Director
Daniel Merrick
Daniel Merrick is a Commercial Enablement Manager at Mars, where he leads the development and commercialization of innovative, consumer-focused retail strategies. Originally from Chicago and now based in Texas, he brings over 10 years of experience across organizations, including Kellanova, Procter & Gamble, and Staples, with a focus on strategy, brand storytelling, and market activation.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from South Carolina State University, where he developed a strong foundation in leadership and service. Daniel is also an active member of Mars’ African American Resource Group (KAARG) and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., contributing to initiatives centered on culture, mentorship, and professional growth.
In his role with Pure and Sure, Daniel serves as Marketing & Digital Director, where he leads brand strategy, storytelling, and digital engagement. He helps amplify the organization’s voice, strengthen community connection, and expand its reach through intentional, mission-driven communication.
Beyond his professional work, Daniel is deeply committed to mentorship and youth development. He is passionate about creating spaces where young people recognize their value, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of self-worth. His work with Pure and Sure reflects his belief that when individuals understand their worth, they are empowered to build healthy relationships, set boundaries, and reach their fullest potential.