About Us
The Junction Coalition is a nonprofit community organization based in the Junction neighborhood of Toledo, Ohio, founded in 2016 to empower residents and improve quality of life in a historically disinvested area of the city.
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The group works through grassroots activism, community development, and justice-centered programs built on four core pillars:
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Social Justice
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Environmental Justice
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Economic Justice
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Peace Education
These pillars guide efforts to address systemic inequality, improve health and environmental conditions, support local economic opportunity, and nurture community cohesion.
Activities include neighborhood revitalization and housing support, workforce and youth development, public health initiatives like lead poisoning prevention, advocacy in local planning and policy, and partnerships to expand resources and engagement for residents.
The organization emphasizes resident voices and leadership, aiming to build sustainable, equitable community prosperity and resilience in the Junction neighborhood
Building Stronger Communities Through Our Four Core Pillars
Guided by Economic Justice, Environmental Stewardship, Peace Education, and Social Justice, we're creating a future rooted in equality, sustainability, and understanding.
Social justice is a critical pillar in fostering a harmonious and inclusive society. It centers on advancing equality and equity in rights, opportunities, and treatment for all people, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, ability, or socioeconomic status.
Economic justice promotes fair access to opportunities that allow everyone to achieve financial stability, while dismantling barriers caused by systemic inequality.
Environmental stewardship ensures that all communities—especially underserved populations like Junction—have equal access to a healthy environment and protection from environmental hazards.
Peace education ensures that all communities have access to learning that honors their lived experiences, cultivates critical consciousness, and empowers them to build stronger, more connected communities rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
Who We Are
The Junction Coalition aims to provide a viable voice to our neighbors and cultivate out community. We seek to promote healthy relationships with local, state, and federal government to build a better quality of life for community membersand business owners who benefit the Junction community.
Meet Our Team
Alicia Smith
Executive Director
Archie Beasley Jr.
Lead Program Manager
Marya Czech
Volunteer
Donald Wiggins Jr.
Environmental Program Specialist
Cliff Porter
Housing Program Manager
Tiberius Tesnar
IT Support Specalist
Dr. Carla Pattin
Urban Agriculture Specialist
Anthony Davis
Marketing Specalist
Antoine Washington
Community Engagement Specalist
Amil Bates
Intern
Trebor Singeltary
Executive Assistant
Alexander Devenney
Intern
Alicia Sheilds
Bookkeeper
Meet our 2025 Wavemaker Honoree - Alicia Smith
We’re proud to highlight the impactful work of Alicia Smith, co-founder and driving force behind The Junction Coalition right here in Toledo. Alicia doesn’t wait for change—she creates it. In response to the 2014 algae bloom crisis, she helped establish The Junction Coalition to address urgent environmental and social justice issues in our community.
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Since then, Alicia has remained at the forefront of water justice advocacy, youth empowerment, and systemic reform. Her leadership has influenced legislation and amplified community voices on local, state, and national stages. With Alicia at the helm, advocacy is more than a mission—it’s a movement.