Slum Busters
Creating beautiful sustainable communities
At Slum Busters, we are passionately working to transform and uplift our neighborhoods! Our dedicated board, made up of community leaders, retirees, students, and garden enthusiasts, is united by our mission to bust slums and create vibrant spaces. Through volunteerism and collaboration we tackle challenges head-on, fostering growth and making a positive impact in our community. Join us as we cultivate not just plants, but also a thriving, connected community!
Board of Directors
Margo Stewart
President
Margo is the niece of Gerald and Lorean E. Earles, the founders of Slumbusters. Margo leads the organization and works tirelessly to keep her family legacy alive. She is deeply rooted in the North Lawndale community and wants the garden to bring the community together.
Margo is a retired business ownwer, wife and mother.
Margo loves working with children, playing with her grandchildren, cooking, and learning about gardening.
Frank Stewart
Board Member
Frank met his wife Margo, the niece to Gerald and Lorean Earles, in 1970. He has always been interested in gardening. Lorean and Frank both grew up in Mississippi, sharing gardening stories and experiences about the South.
Frank supports his wife, Margo in all of her endeavors and in 2023 he retired from their trucking business, allowing him time to support both his wife and Slumbusters garden.
Dorothy Morris "Dottie"
Board Member & Garden Steward
Dorothy, affectionately known as Dottie, is a Mississippi native who spent her early years on her family's farm. She brought her strong passion for agriculture to Chicago when she relocated. Dottie is a long time North Lawndale resident.
In 2021, her commitment to sustainable gardening caught the attention of the Slumbusters, leading her to the roles of board member and garden steward. She particularly enjoys cultivating sweet-seeded watermelons. Dottie is usually accompanied by her miniature German shepherd, Daisy, as she engages in her gardening endeavors.
Marlene Hudson
Finance
Marlene is a nurse in the North Lawndale area and avid gardener. She serves as the treasurer of the Slum Buster board. Marlene was the nurse for Slum Busters founder Mr. Earles when she learned about his mission for the community garden and decided to support it.
She spends time in the garden helping grow and harvest fruits and vegetables. Marlene plants marigolds to keep the squirrels away. She is a veteran, mom and grandmother who loves to spoil her family including her fur babies and fish.
ShiRita Robinson
Board Member
Kim
Board Member
Dr. Israel
Board Member
Kathy
Board Member
Kristal Davis
Marketing & Communications
Kristal is a Chicago native and communications professional. She joined the board at the invitation of her mother and quickly fell in love with the Slumbusters mission and members. In her role, Kristal and supports communications, outreach and event planning efforts.
Kristal is a novice gardener who recently began contanier gardening. She spends most of her time with her family, working as a business executive and serving as a community advocate.
Anna
Board Member
Ms. Bea
Board Member
Daisy
Daisy, the Head of Garden Security, is dedicated to maintaining the safety of the garden. With her watchful eye, no butterflies, birds, or people enter without her permission. She stands as a steadfast guardian, ensuring that the beauty of the garden remains undisturbed. Trust in Daisy to keep the peace and protect this tranquil oasis.