Our Team
Madeleine England
Executive Director & Board President, Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative
Madeleine England is a dynamic leader with a rich history of fostering community engagement and driving economic growth through collaboration. As President of the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative, Madeleine combines her entrepreneurial expertise with decades of experience in business development, nonprofit leadership, and community-focused initiatives.
A Skokie resident and co-owner of Kneads and Wants Bakery, Madeleine has a proven track record of creating innovative programs that build connections and spark local pride. Her signature approach, rooted in her theory of psychological ownership, emphasizes collaboration and shared investment, inspiring commitment among merchants, residents, and stakeholders.
Madeleine has developed and led numerous successful projects, including community events, fundraisers, and collaborative marketing campaigns. Her work has not only enhanced Downtown Skokie's visibility as a vibrant destination but also strengthened its sense of community.
Through her leadership of the Collaborative, Madeleine remains committed to fostering connections and championing the success of Downtown Skokie's diverse business community.
Mark Collins
Membership, Community Outreach & Board Secretary, Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative; Trustee, Niles Township
Mark Collins is a dedicated community leader and professional actor based in Skokie, Illinois. As Secretary of the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative, he plays a vital role in promoting local businesses and fostering economic development within the downtown area.
Beyond his work with the DSMC, Mark serves as a Trustee for Niles Township, contributing to local governance and community initiatives. He is also a board member of The Education Foundation, supporting educational opportunities for Niles Township students.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Theater from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Mark has built a successful career as a professional actor, corporate narrator, and spokesperson. His passion for the arts and community engagement is evident through his active involvement in various local organizations, including the Niles Township Food Pantry, where he serves as an event emcee.
Mark's commitment to community service and his diverse professional background make him a valuable asset to the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative and the broader Skokie community.
Zack Williams
Fundraising & Board Treasurer, Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative
Zachary W. Williams is a retired family law attorney with over 25 years of experience, including 16 years as an Assistant Public Guardian for Cook County. He has represented children in highly contested custody matters, advocating for their rights in both the Domestic Relations Division and the Juvenile Child Protection Division.
Beyond his legal career, Zachary is deeply involved in community service. He serves as Treasurer for the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative (DSMC), contributing his financial expertise to support local businesses. Additionally, he holds the position of Board Treasurer for the Skokie Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving life for Skokie residents through grants and programming. His commitment to youth development is evident through his role as a Board Member for Youth Opportunity United Evanston (Y.O.U.), a nonprofit serving disadvantaged youth.
Zachary's extensive legal background and dedication to community initiatives make him a valuable asset to the DSMC and the broader Skokie community.
Amina Saleem
Director of Social Media, Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative
Amina Saleem is a seasoned social media strategist and the President of Curated by Amina, a public relations firm specializing in social media engagement. With a strong background in digital marketing and community engagement, Amina excels at building connections and driving visibility for businesses and organizations.
As the Social Media Director for the Downtown Skokie Merchants Collaborative (DSMC), she leverages her expertise to enhance the online presence of local businesses, fostering meaningful connections between merchants and the community.
With a proven track record in developing and executing impactful social media campaigns, Amina is dedicated to promoting Downtown Skokie as a vibrant destination. Her innovative strategies and commitment to engagement play a vital role in the success of DSMC's initiatives, making her an invaluable part of the team.