Our team
Connecting lives, simplifying support- fostering compassion in crisis and wellness.
Michael Parisi,
Founder/CEO
St. Louis, MO
CEO and founder of Free From, for years I’ve dreamed of redefining humanity and empathy through design. Human centered design is my mission to make a difference by connecting people with compassionate assistance via app functionality. Beyond my role as a tech entrepreneur, I have extensive history as a youth worker, and am dedicated to making a positive impact on their lives through this platform. I thrive on learning new things, pushing boundaries of what's possible, and seeking out innovations to incorporate in our app
Ranisha Noble,
Chief Marketing Officer,
Saint Louis, MO
Ranisha is a multifaceted professional blazing trails in various domains. From strategizing as the Director of Strategic Business Development at ACR Environmental/Alliance Certified Restoration to infusing creativity as the merchandise designer at Rides N School Supplies, versatility defines their journey. With a background in healthcare analysis and project management, she began discovering a passion for aiding others early on. Her career trajectory led them to champion the cause of eliminating social determinants of health, exemplified during their tenure as a Data Analyst for People’s Health Centers. Ranisha not only brings expertise but also a commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
Mike Milton,
Chairperson
St. Louis, MO,
Mike is the Founder and Executive Director of Freedom Community Center. He's dedicated to continuing the legacy of Black faith traditions in nonviolence and civil rights. He's led efforts in grassroots violence prevention, nonviolence training, and boosting Black political participation. Launching The Bail Project in St. Louis, and helping over 4,000 people make bail and return to court, supported Black-led bail funds, and led campaigns like #CloseTheWorkhouse, resulting in its closure.
Jermar Perry,
Chief Operations Officer,
Philadelphia, PA
Village PATH Co-founder In August of 2019 the Village HAWC (Healing & Writing Circle) held their first gathering. In June of 2020, Jermar formed the Village PATH (Programs to Access Healing and Therapy) in order to house all of the programs that they were contributing to including The Black Mentell Village Podcast, the Lil Black Boy Campaign for free therapy and others. Jermar enjoys writing/storytelling and furthered that love by performing in the Men’s Story Project as well as being named the fellow for the storytelling event Campfire in 2020.
Adam Layne,
Chief Financial Officer,
Boston, MA
Adam came to St. Louis in 2011 to teach high school math before leading a local education nonprofit and then being elected to the Board of Education. Adam Layne is the Treasurer of St. Louis, appointed April of 2021. Treasurer Layne originally joined the office as the Deputy Chief of Staff, managing projects and policy matters. Layne believes in community leadership and serves on boards and in leadership roles to support economic opportunities in the St. Louis region.
Darren Young,
Independent Director, Strategic Advisor,
Los Angeles, CA
A Southern California native who's been bringing the warmth of the West Coast to the heart of Saint Louis for over 12 years. As the Area Director for Young Life St. Louis City and Co-Founder/CEO at the haven of smoked meats, The Fattened Caf, he has woven a passion for youth development and culinary delight into the fabric of our community. All while while embodying a fusion of flavors, such as mentoring the youth of St. Louis to crafting mouthwatering dishes that please all of your senses.