Our team

Daniel Allen is the founder of Bridging Communities Together and a seasoned leader in public safety, community engagement, and corporate security. A retired Chicago Police Department Lieutenant, Daniel served the city for 31 years, building a distinguished career rooted in community policing, relationship‑building, and collaborative problem‑solving; earlier in his career, he worked in tactical, narcotic,s and DEA task force units. His work helped strengthen trust

between residents and law enforcement, reduce neighborhood tensions, and create safer environments through partnership rather than enforcement alone. During his tenure with CPD, Daniel became widely respected for his ability to connect with

diverse communities, mentor young officers, and design strategies that addressed the root causes of crime. His leadership style emphasized empathy, accountability, and shared

responsibility—principles that continue to guide his work today. After retiring from CPD, Daniel transitioned into the private sector, where he now serves as a Security Manager for Pinkerton/KPMG, overseeing comprehensive safety and security operations within corporate and professional environments. In this role, he leads initiatives that protect personnel, physical assets, and organizational data while ensuring compliance with client requirements and industry standards. His expertise in risk management, threat assessment, and incident response allows him to support business continuity and maintain secure, resilient workplaces.Daniel’s unique blend of law‑enforcement experience, corporate security leadership, and

community‑focused values inspired him to create Bridging Communities Together. His vision is to bridge gaps between businesses, communities, and youth by combining professional security

consulting with mentorship, music, and cultural engagement. Through this organization, he continues his lifelong commitment to building safer, stronger, and more connected communities

Victoria grew up on the west side of Chicago, Illinois. She attended Our Ladies of Lourdes Grammar School, Holy Family Academy High School (Graduating Class of 1988), and Catherine College Business School. She attended Christ Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Milton R. Brunson. In 1996, she formed the first Youth prayer breakfast. Knowi g at an early age that she was very passionate about youth, she continued her journey.

 In 1997, she formed Christ Tabernacle praise dancers under the leadership of Pastor Dwight Gunn.  She received her certificate in dance in 1997 at Dorloyn Academy under Sandra Riley. Chris  Tabernacle praise dancers were blessed to Perform for the Thompson community singers, Mcdonald's gospel Fest, Darius Brooks & SDM Gospel Radio 1390, Chicago gospel fest, Inner Youth Spring Break conference, and many more. Victo ia is one of the founders and Executive Director of Divine Purpose Youth Performing Arts Center a non for profit in the West Garfield Park area of Chicago, Illinois.

William S. Martinez joined the Chicago Police Department in June of 2013. He has served the Austin Community for 10 years. In 2017, William joined Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy unit, as Youth Liaison Officer of the 15th District. Officer Martinez, with the help of many sponsors, developed his own youth program Hip Hop Tuesday, this program tutors kids after school and provides a safe space for children to play with one another. Officer Martinez is also one of the founder for the YDAC group (Youth District Advisory Council) which helps to empower and lead them into a successful future. He continues to create opportunities for the community by taking the children on camping trips, sports games & promoting talent shows. The youth group looks up to him as a role model and he proudly continues to serve our communities to make it safe for our children. On his spare time, he enjoys spending time & traveling with his Wife,

Tamera Allen was born and raised on the northwest side of Chicago, Tamera has been singing at
an early age of 5 years old in her Church choir, her school Choir, Divine Purpose Youth
Choir and lastly as an independent pop music solo singer, model and writer. 

Tamera is an excellent community customer representative and is also the founder of Women Never Broke Again a non for profit catered to enhancing women's success in mental health and careers.

Danielle Allen is the oldest daughter of Daniel Allen, Danielle graduated from  Morgan Park High School and attended Parkland Community College, Danielle has been very instrumental in the fine arts primarily dance and has owned her own company "Dance Array", Danielle has much experience in the field of property management and will serve as the property management director of the facility of Bridging Communities Together.

 Monica P. Macklin has worked as a legal assistant for over 20 years. She is the Executive Director of UrHarmoni Community Resource Center, a nonprofit organization geared towards empowering the people to rebuild communities through human services programs; and Perri Enterprises LLC, a parent company to three entities, Corporate Services (New business start up for profit and nonprofit), Perri Entertainment (author of ‘Kin Folks’ and writer of live stage productions, and Perri Tees & More.
 

 Maxine has worked in the accounting industry since 1997 and started Excel Bookkeeping & Tax Service Inc. in 2012. She's worked for a range of private sector businesses including industries like banking, manufacturing, and finance. Maxine also spent 14 years at a downtown Chicago law firm where she learned how to maximize corporate profits and stream-line accounting tasks for clients. She has held positions as both a controller and chief accounting officer. Maxine continues to expand her knowledge and skills with regular accounting and tax courses. She's a member of the (AIPB) American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers and the Austin chamber of commerce. She currently serves on the advisory board of United for Better Living, a non-profit organization that provides a wide range of programs designed to address the physical, social, financial and spiritual needs of individuals within the community. Maxine is registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a tax return preparer and offers electronic tax filing to all of her clients. In her free time Maxine enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with family and friends.
 

Harry Bell grew up on the west side of Chicago where his charismatic spirit and leadership skills first took root. Now a  student at Southern New Hampshire University, Harry channels his talents into making a difference on campus and in the community. As a peer role model and student council member, he is well-known for bringing people together. His passion for empowering youth shines through in his work with Divine Purpose Youth Performing Arts Center. As a youth leader and producer for their ASM program since 2016, Harry helps create events, videos, and documentaries that showcase the talents of the center's youth. The kids adore his caring mentorship. Harry Bell brings inspiration wherever he goes, living by the motto "I am inspired by you. My hope is to mirror all that you give me."

Greetings, my name is Rita M. Pickett I have been a resident of the Austin Community for over 50 years. I am a Chicago Police Officer with 29 years of service. As a Chicago Police Officer, I have been a School Resource Officer (SRO), trained and certified. as a Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Officer and trained as a Bridging the Divide Officer. As an SRO and a G.R.E.A.T. Officer, I have taught both the middle and elementary school curriculums in some of the Chicago Public schools located within the Chicago Police Department 011th

District. As a Bridging the Divide Officer, I have participated in Circle Training and events, which included Cafe’ meetings within the Chicago Public Schools with administrators, students and their families,

community stakeholders and many other organizations throughout the

city.My passion is to work with the youth, who is the future of our Community, to instill in them that there are better choices and it is up

to them to forge their own path in society, and not social media. I lookforward to working with the Bridging Communities Together.