STAFF & BOARD

HAC Board

Jennifer Lacy

President

I am a mother and Hilltop resident. I moved to Hilltop for the community. It is the first place I have been where I feel like we belong. I served on the Stanley PTA Board for 2 years and got to experience a working board, as well as advocating for the community in and outside of the school. I was drawn to HAC because I wanted to serve our community in a more intentional way. I look forward to further serving in a way that centers our community.

Tiffani Reyes

Member

Serving community is an intentional practice meant to create a space for my two children and modeling to them how to navigate in that space.  Along with serving as Board Treasurer, I am a mom, wife, and Stanley Elementary PTA President, while still managing to work full time in accounting and keep my plants alive. Hilltop is an amazing community, and the future is brighter if we stick together.

Michealea Lemons

Member

Serving community was instilled in Michealea at a very young age and now she just can’t stop! Along with serving as the Board President, she is employed as a Community Outreach Educator for Planned Parenthood and HIV advocate for PCAF. During her time as President, she has had the pleasure of lifting up voices in the Hilltop Neighborhood and ensuring that HAC always has a seat at any table that concerns our community.

Amita Lonial

Treasurer

Amita Lonial (she/her) is the Deputy Director for the Tacoma Public Library. She has worked in public libraries for over a decade focusing on learning, programming, and marketing. Prior to becoming a librarian, she spent 8 years in the non-profit sector organizing racial and economic justice. She is a 2016 Library Journal Mover & Shaker, co-chaired the Public Library Association’s inaugural Equity and Social Justice Task Force, and served on the Public Library Association’s Board of Directors. Amita identifies as queer, desi, femme, and fabulous! She is a parent and a partner and has a deep and requited love with karaoke. 

HAC Staff

Tara Newton

Executive Director

Tara (Her/She) brings over two decades of dedicated service in civic and social roles throughout Tacoma and Pierce County. A proud graduate of Evergreen State College located on the Hill, she maintains close connections to the area.

Passionate about community empowerment, volunteering, and social action, Tara is known for her innovative bridge-building approach. She is thrilled to serve alongside the remarkable individuals at HAC and is particularly enthusiastic about contributing to the well-being of the Hilltop neighborhood.

In her free time, Tara hosts gatherings where she imparts creative techniques to enhance individual well-being. She also enjoys short road trips, exploring the breathtaking scenic spots in the Pacific Northwest. With a perpetual smile and a love for great humor, Tara has never met a stranger.

For Tara, HAC is the Heart of the Hill. As a proud Black woman, she is deeply connected to the history of the Hilltop neighborhood, honoring those who paved the way for her to serve this vibrant community.

Selena O'Bannon

Program Manager

Selena O'Bannon was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. She has obtained two degrees with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education and Special Needs. Selena has a background in community engagement and educational outreach, specifically working with youth and families in the Eastside and Hilltop neighborhoods of Tacoma. Being a part of HAC allows Selena to give back to her community through engagement and development activities. She is mother to four boys, a TPS PTSA member, and a behind-the-scenes gal.

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