2364 Essington Rd. #105Joliet, IL 60435
ABOUT US
Ezio Community Development Services, Inc. is a 501©3 nonprofit organization compelled to leave a positive impact on every neighborhood we touch. We are focused on community development, economic development and community engagement.
We are a diverse team with a common goal, develop community centric, thriving neighborhoods!
Our Core Values include:
Building or renovating homes in areas that have been divested
Building a sense of community, connectedness, and valued relationships while promoting safe neighborhoods for all neighbors.
Incorporating green practices that help sustain a healthier environment
Collaborating with local businesses, trades, and entrepreneurs to encourage workforce development, and boost job creation
Focusing on Housing, Revitalization, and Community Engagement
Services: Our team is working hard to offer services that align with the needs of the community. Please check back soon for updated information.
Board of Directors:
Boise Walker
PRESIDENT/ FOUNDER
Ms. Walker has designed interior spaces for more than 20 years. Boise’s love for interior design was ignited in high school when she redesigned her family home. Realizing her innate gift, she received a BS degree in Interior Design at Colorado State University. She led the design efforts of more than 1,000 projects for several large Fortune 500 retailers in the US and International markets. After uncompromised success in the corporate world with retail and commercial design and project management, she desired to expand her business acumen and received an MBA from the University of Nebraska Omaha. Boise is the Owner/Designer of Ezio Design Solutions, a full-service interior design firm that allows her to design beautiful spaces in Chicago, Joliet and surrounding areas. With a heart for helping people, Boise established the non-profit, Ezio Community Development Services, Inc. to ensure marginalized communities have room to thrive. Not only is she committed to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, she also does not shy away from the challenge of revitalizing areas that have been forgotten and blighted for decades. Boise’s love for design and helping others have finally merged to benefit a greater cause.
Artisha Cook
SECRETARY
With more than 14 years of experience in healthcare, Artisha is a dedicated Patient Navigator committed to helping patients access quality care while ensuring a positive healthcare experience. She has served as a trusted resource for patients, families, physicians, and clinical staff by coordinating care, verifying insurance benefits,
scheduling appointments, resolving complex patient concerns, and removing barriers that impact treatment outcomes.
Beyond my healthcare career, Artisha is deeply committed to serving her community through volunteer leadership. She is recognized for her attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced clinical
environments while maintaining compassion and professionalism.
Throughout her career, she has been recognized with numerous Certificates of Appreciation for Outstanding Performance and Dedicated Community Service, multiple incentive awards, and the prestigious Honorable Molly Pitcher Award presented by the
United States Field Artillery Association.
Driven by compassion, integrity, and service, Artisha remains passionate about
improving patient experiences, supporting healthcare teams, and making a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need her helping hand.
Advisory
Committee:
Nicole Jacupovic
SPIRITUAL ADVISOR
Nichole Jakupovic is a compassionate and driven Family Nurse Practitioner who has dedicated her life to healing and uplifting others. Graduating with her bachelors of science in nursing in 2011 followed by her masters of science in nursing in 2016, she has since channeled her expertise into founding and running a thriving men’s health clinic, where she blends her passion for holistic medicine with a commitment to comprehensive care. Nichole believes in treating the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—empowering her patients to live healthier, fuller lives through natural and integrative approaches.
Living each day side by side with God, Nichole’s faith is the cornerstone of her journey. Anointed with the extraordinary gifts of prophecy, dreams, and visions, she sees her work as a divine calling, guided by a deep spiritual connection that inspires both her practice and her personal life. Her mission goes beyond medicine; she strives to be a beacon of hope and support, helping people navigate their challenges with grace and resilience
.
Nichole balances her professional endeavors with a steadfast devotion to her community and loved ones. Known for her empathetic heart and unwavering dedication, she continues to make a profound impact, one patient and one prayer at a time. In moments of rest, she finds joy in reflecting on her visions, nurturing her faith, and connecting with those she holds dear, always seeking to align her life with her purpose. Nichole Jakupovic is a true healer, blending science, spirit, and service in a way
that transforms lives.
Dawn Bates
COMMITTEE ASSOCIATE
Dawn Bates is a 2nd grade teacher at Woodland Elementary School in Joliet IL. Dawn was recognized as a Joliet Area Great Teacher in 2017. She became a National Board Certified Teacher in 2019 and is the only certified teacher in her district. She was a Teach Plus Fellow for the 2020/2021 school year and is currently serving as a Teach Plus Science Fellow for the 2024/2025 school year. She is an expert teacher mentor on the app Uppercase Teach where she mentors and answers questions from new teachers. She graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Housing and Environmental Design in 1994 and received her Master of Arts in Teaching from Olivet Nazarene University in 2008. Dawn loves to spend time with her family and enjoys gardening, cooking and traveling.