October 2023 NAC Member Spotlight: Trevelle Harp

Trevelle Harp

Trevelle Harp is the executive director of Neighborhood Leadership Institute (NLI), which aims to improve the quality of life for the people of greater Cleveland through grassroots leadership development and engagement. NLI offers programs for adult leadership development, youth leadership and youth development, mentorship opportunities for Cleveland Metropolitan School District students in grades 7 and 8, and community health equity work, among others. The nonprofit focuses on building collaborative projects and initiatives within neighborhoods.

Harp previously worked at Northeast Ohio Alliance for Hope (NOAH) in East Cleveland. He joined NOAH in 2008 and served as its executive director since 2010. Harp is a graduate of Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland and the Community Development Corporation Leadership Program. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Fund for Our Economic Future.

Harp is a proud East Cleveland resident, where he lives with his wife and three school-aged children. He lives by his personal slogan: “Invest in people. Develop leaders. Transform communities.” 

“The NAC has a lot of potential to address equity within the neighborhoods around Case Western Reserve University and Northeast Ohio at large,” Harp says. “Being able to strategize and advise President Kaler on ways to engage with the community and then connecting the community with university resources is an amazing opportunity. I hope to help us to build bridges between the university, which is a great asset, and the community around it.”