Emerging Leaders

The Emerging Leaders for Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo (CIS) make a positive impact in our community by supporting student success in Kalamazoo. The group plans and participates in activities that further the mission of CIS: to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. The group supports student success in many ways including tutoring, mentoring, career-focused enrichment, college prep, and fundraising. Members of the group also join together in social, networking, and professional development activities.

Meet the leadership team for the Emerging Leaders for CIS

Moira Gilligan

Marketing Group Leader, Landscape Forms

Moira enjoys hiking, gardening, traveling, and spending time with her fur-babies. She is involved with CIS because she believes in giving back to build up a community. Moira is from Chicago and attended Marist High School and Western Michigan University. Moira works at Landscape Forms as a Marketing Group leader. She describes CIS in one word: empowering.

Elijah Isch

Executive Search Consultant, Welsh & Associates

Elijah enjoys being outdoors, hunting, golfing, or spending time on the water. He is involved in CIS because he sees the needs of the students in Kalamazoo and values CIS's mission to serve them and lift them out of bad situations. Elijah is from Vicksburg and graduated from Western Michigan University. Elijah Works for Welsh & Associates as an Executive Search Consultant. His favorite subject in school was history.

Alisha Kuch

Executive Search Consultant, Welsh & Associates

Alisha enjoys spending time on the beach, playing golf, and hanging out with her family. Alisha is involved with CIS because she believes in giving back to her community and making a positive impact on kids’ lives. Alisha is from Mason and attended Mason High School and Michigan State University. Alisha works at Welsh and Associates as an Executive Search Consultant. She describes CIS in one word: impactful.

Melissa Nesbitt

Lead Pathway Coach, The Kalamazoo Promise

Melissa enjoys traveling, creating adventure, and expressing herself through art (sewing and beading). She also enjoys a good laugh. She’s involved with CIS because it gives her the opportunity to serve and empower students at multiple levels. Melissa is from Kalamazoo and attended Kalamazoo Central High School. She works for the Kalamazoo Promise as the Lead Pathway Coach assisting high school students as they transition into post-secondary education. Her favorite subject in school was math.

Liz VandenHeede

Communication and Marketing Professional

Liz enjoys running, hiking, photography, and being involved in organizations that are working to make the Kalamazoo community even better. She is involved with CIS because she believes in public education and the power of surrounding kids with a community of support. Liz is from Niles, Michigan, attended Niles High School and is a graduate of Western Michigan University. Liz is a communications and marketing professional. Her favorite subjects in school were English and history.

Spencer Welsh

Executive Search Consultant, Welsh & Associates

Spencer enjoys spending time outside, playing golf, and is involved with CIS, serving as a resource for youth in our community, helping to develop the next generation of leaders. Spencer is from Kalamazoo, MI, attended Loy Norrix High School and Michigan State University. Spencer works at Welsh & Associates as an Executive Search Consultant. His favorite subject in school was math.