Summer Grants Institute 2026

Rachel Waterman holds a Master's degree in Community and Economic Development from Illinois State University with a concentration in Applied Social Research. While in graduate school, Ms. Waterman won several research awards including a grant from the Illinois State Governor's office for her groundbreaking ethnographic research with the Latinx community of Central Illinois. Her research was later utilized by the U.S. Department of Justice as the baseline indicator for the Federal Social Justice State by State Report. She went on to conduct numerous community, social, and economic impact analyses for local nonprofits and municipalities throughout her career.

Ms. Waterman's career over the past 3 decades has encompassed a broad spectrum of community & economic development. She has worked as a non-profit Executive Director, a researcher, a consultant, a grant writer, a trainer, a Senior Planner with Palm Beach County's Office of Community Revitalization and served as Mayor of Lake Worth, FL. While with Palm Beach County, Ms. Waterman created the County's signature leadership program REAP (Residents Education to Action Program) and the Neighborhood Partnership Grant Program, both still in use today. She has conducted charrettes for master plans, as well as community and economic analysis for NGOs and municipalities throughout Florida. Ms. Waterman, who is fluent in both Spanish and Portuguese, is an advocate for empowering residents to become active participants and leaders in the development, economic and otherwise, of their own communities.

Saniorah Edouard is an impact-oriented social change agent with over 10 years of experience in nonprofit programming, events, and community outreach. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Saniorah's academic background in the humanities and proud Haitian heritage bring a unique perspective to her work. She has dedicated her career to creating meaningful and sustainable change in the lives of marginalized communities. Her goal is to bridge the gap between community needs and effective solutions with an open mind and a passion for connection, recognizing that true change happens when we engage with and listen to the needs of the community.

Known for her unbridled confidence, vibrant personality, and unwavering commitment to joy as a catalyst for revolution, she views herself as a multipotentialite, utilizing her various talents and skills to fill the gap of care that marginalized individuals often face, promoting liberation and equity. Saniorah firmly believes only through fostering genuine connections and responsive care, can we create social impact that truly transforms communities.