Dr. Glenda Wright-McCullum
As a lifelong resident of Joliet, Dr. Glenda Wright-McCullum has made it her mission to impact and give back to the communities where she was born and raised.
Leadership, mentorship, and guidance have followed Dr. Glenda throughout her life whether in the workplace, in her home, or in her community and neighborhood. As she has cultivated these gifts throughout her lifetime, they continue to be evidenced through her many successful and diverse community-focused endeavors.
Her heart is to see her community and the people who dwell there to be given the resources and opportunities to not only be successful, but to thrive. This desire has been evidenced through the establishment of “Arise Community Corporation”, a 501(c)3 organization that has served the community for over 15 years.
Arise Community Corporation has made lasting impact in lower-income parts of Joliet through providing mentorship in job resources, aid and assistance for low-income families, and through offering a summer day camp where no child was turned away due to a lack of finances.
The impact of the summer day camp had lasting positive effects on the children and families who attended. Children and families were encouraged and empowered to discover who they are and what they were capable of doing and becoming! Participants were provided free meals daily, given weekly group music lessons through a private teacher, held technology classes, arts & crafts, drama and creative play, field trips, and team building activities. Throughout the summer, children’s confidence levels were realized, families were encouraged and thankful for a safe haven for their children during the summer. Those who attended were empowered with lasting memories and reminders that they matter and can make a difference in their homes, communities, and the world.
Dr. McCullum has empowered many individuals not only through Arise Community Corporation, but also in the establishment of Glenda McCullum Ministries a 501(c)3 that serves individuals nationally, but also internationally, concerning ministry in music and Biblical teachings, music production, and online educational courses in these topics. GMM has made international impact in multiple countries including the USA, Malaysia, Australia, and South Africa and continues to expand its reach across borders.
Outside of her non-profit organizations, Dr. McCullum is a servant-leader and has enhanced her community through interior and exterior building renovations, places of business, and individual homes in order to maximize quality and affordable living for all.
As a board member for The Hope Center of Joliet, Dr. McCullum facilitates many community and educational programs, including Excel Homeschool Academy, where children are provided with gap-learning instruction that is tailored to their individual educational needs. This program has seen measurable success of multiple children evidenced through consistent rising test scores, improved behavior management strategies, and achievements of grade-level mile-markers.
The Hope Center of Joliet also offers adult programs such as job training and mentorship, resume writing, monthly health and educational webinars, as well as community resources to offer positive self-development and educational programs.
Dr. McCullum serves as the Chairwoman for the Housing Authority of Joliet’s Board of Commissioners and Hope Bound Development Corporation, an instrumentality of the Housing Authority of Joliet, for the past 5 years. Through her co-leadership with the CEO, and Board constituents, she has been instrumental in helping to achieve transformations of public housing into quality, affordable housing developments throughout Will County. Water’s Edge, a $21million project reconstructed and developed by Hope Bound Development Corporation, consists of 68 single-family homes and townhouse style homes. Liberty Landing, phase 1, 2, and 3, a mixed-use housing development consists of single-family homes and duplexes that provide affordable housing and purchase opportunities for residents of mixed-income levels. Stevenson Crossings, a RAD conversion is currently scheduled to occupy by early 2025.
Through these many endeavors, Dr. Glenda Wright-McCullum continues to further her impact in her community leading by example. She not only empowers others through these resources and opportunities offered, but also by way of her life’s testimony. Her faith, pursuit and belief of education, selfless giving, and business acuity all lend to her successes and impact that has extended over generation gaps. Dr. McCullum’s application of wisdom and methodology of excellence only continues to lend itself to greater endeavors and improvements within our city’s borders and benefits its citizens!
Dr. Glenda In The News
A True Voice for the People
Dr. Glenda Wright-McCullum, a candidate for the City of Joliet Council at Large is ready to serve through the concept of B.U.I.L.D.
Brand Partner, Patch Post
Tue, Mar 30, 2021 at 4:30 pm CT
JOLIET, IL — A life-long resident of the city of Joliet, Dr. Glenda Wright-McCullum came from the most unpretentious beginnings. During her tenure in Joliet, she has resided in every sector of the city, ingrained in multiple environments, and connected with people from all walks of life, affording her the unique experience and ability to appreciate individuals from multiple spheres...
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Joliet Peace Walk Participants Want Their Neighborhoods Back
By KRIS STADALSKY
March 29, 2015 at 10:55 pm CDT
....One of the event organizers, Pastor Glenda McCullum of Kingdom Builders International Worship & Training Center, told the crowd there have been 12 murders in Joliet since November. She read the names of victims aloud, and asked others to say the names of loved ones who had died.
McCullum gave a powerful and moving sermon before stepping off to walk the streets of Joliet in a show of solidarity and support for neighborhoods plagued by violence.
“I grew up just a few blocks from here,” McCullum said before the event was underway. “It breaks my heart to see what’s happened in the neighborhood.”
The peace walk is just one of many initiatives planned by Men of Valor 2 as part of the Stop the Gun Violence Epidemic program.... Click on photo to see full article
Meet Joliet City Council Candidate:
Glenda Wright-McCullum
Glenda Wright-McCullum is running for one of the three open seats for Joliet City Council at large in the April 6 races.
By John Ferak, Patch Staff
Wed, Feb 24, 2021 at 7:30 pm CT
JOLIET, IL — Glenda Wright-McCullum is one of 12 candidates running for three open positions on the Joliet City Council. Wright-McCullum recently filled out the Joliet Patch candidate survey, and her answers can be found below:...Click on photo to see full article
Joliet Pastor and Former Housing Authority Resident Honored to Give Back
Rev. Glenda McCullum Appointed to Housing Authority’s Board of Commissioners
He did it for two reasons: McCullum asked to be considered when a position opened, and O'Dekirk, who's known McCullum for years, said he has much respect for her – as a leader and as a former resident of the authority's recently demolished Des Plaines Garden Homes apartments.... Click on photo to see full article
Joliet Church Leaders Bring Community Together for National Day of Prayer.
Joliet- For families. For the church. For the military. For peace and unity. For religious freedom.
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