Build With UsDonate
Build With UsDonate
Build With UsDonate
About Us
Legacy Land Project (LLP) was born out of an urgent need in the wake of the Eaton Fire on January 7, 2025. Within 24 hours of devastation, Pastors Jon DeCuir and AnGele Cade of Victory Bible Church—longstanding community leaders who witnessed the fire firsthand—mobilized to serve more than 90 neighbors.
Our Story

What began as emergency relief quickly grew into lasting impact, with LLP now offering holistic community care, from financial aid and legal or medical support to mental health care and trusted contractor guidance. With the support of partners and donors, we’ve provided more than $1.5 million in direct financial assistance and supplied essential resources to affected families.

The name Legacy Land Project honors the Black and Brown communities of Altadena and Pasadena, collectively known as “Dena.” They turned an undervalued neighborhood into a home of culture, memory, and strength. These neighborhoods are where generational stories live and where the fire left its deepest mark. While LLP is rooted in this legacy, it exists to serve all members of the Dena community, creating space for every family to be seen and supported.

By safeguarding residents from exploitation, preventing displacement, and advancing long-term economic resilience, LLP fills the gaps where larger agencies fall short. Through partnerships with community leaders, policy advocates, and philanthropic investors, we are creating a model of community-led recovery that can inspire and be replicated nationwide.

Our Mission
Legacy Land Project’s (LLP) mission is to restore hope, revive dignity, and rebuild communities in Altadena and Pasadena, collectively known as ‘Dena.’ LLP delivers comprehensive, people-centered aid that meets both seen and unseen, holistic needs. As both shield and guide, we prevent displacement, protect families from exploitation, and safeguard the homes passed down for generations. Acting as a trusted hub and conduit for resources, partners, and recovery efforts, we close critical gaps to ensure every path to rebuilding is within reach.
Our Vision
Legacy Land Project (LLP) envisions a future where every community member can remain in the place they call home, passing down generational legacies with dignity and strength. By combining community leadership, lived experience, and long-term resilience strategies, LLP is building a model of recovery that can inspire communities nationwide.
Our Mission
Legacy Land Project’s (LLP) mission is to restore hope, revive dignity, and rebuild communities in Altadena and Pasadena, collectively known as ‘Dena.’ LLP delivers comprehensive, people-centered aid that meets both seen and unseen, holistic needs. As both shield and guide, we prevent displacement, protect families from exploitation, and safeguard the homes passed down for generations. Acting as a trusted hub and conduit for resources, partners, and recovery efforts, we close critical gaps to ensure every path to rebuilding is within reach.
Our Vision
Legacy Land Project (LLP) envisions a future where every community member can remain in the place they call home, passing down generational legacies with dignity and strength. By combining community leadership, lived experience, and long-term resilience strategies, LLP is building a model of recovery that can inspire communities nationwide.
Board of Directors & Leadership Team

Dr. William Syms

Executive Director & Board of Directors President

Pastor Jonathan DeCuir

Board of Directors Chairman

Margaret Yasuda

Board of Directors Secretary

Brandon Cade

Board of Directors Treasurer

LaReece Campbell

Boardmember

Lisa Collins

Boardmember

Charles T. Bryant

Boardmember

Erica Alexis

Boardmember

Staff

Tyler Gilmore

Communications Director

Corrine Walker

Executive Administrator

Alicia Cass-Hazelton, M.S.W.

Care Manager Lead

Rocsii Woolley

Resource Coordinator

►
Necessary cookies enable essential site features like secure log-ins and consent preference adjustments. They do not store personal data.
None
►
Functional cookies support features like content sharing on social media, collecting feedback, and enabling third-party tools.
None
►
Analytical cookies track visitor interactions, providing insights on metrics like visitor count, bounce rate, and traffic sources.
None
►
Advertisement cookies deliver personalized ads based on your previous visits and analyze the effectiveness of ad campaigns.
None
Home
About
Programs
Build With UsDonate
Dr. William Syms
Dr. William E. L. Syms serves as the Executive Director of the Legacy Land Project, bringing more than two decades of leadership as a community educator, equity advocate, and transformational leader. His career includes executive roles at West Los Angeles College, Sierra College, and Pasadena City College, where he expanded workforce education, launched culturally relevant pathways such as Umoja and Puente, and built K–12 partnerships to reduce costs and accelerate completion for students.

Beyond education, Dr. Syms has held civic leadership roles with the NAACP, Amnesty International USA, the U.S. House of Representatives, and the City of Pasadena, securing millions in funding and building programs to support veterans, LGBTQIA+ students, and families with basic needs. A resident of Altadena directly impacted by the Eaton Fire, he brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his role, ensuring LLP’s work remains family-centered, community-driven, and rooted in equity. Husband to Shauna and father to August and Ellington, Dr. Syms embodies the values of dignity, service, and resilience that define the Legacy Land Project.

Pastor Jonathan DeCuir
Jonathan DeCuir, M.Div., is a multifaceted leader, visionary, and community advocate who has spent over 20 years impacting lives through dynamic preaching, speaking, coaching, and leadership. Known for his ability to inspire individuals across religious, political, and cultural boundaries, Jon is a gifted communicator who blends wisdom, experience, and faith to drive positive change.

A native of Pasadena, California, he currently serves as Senior Pastor of Victory Bible Church in Altadena, where he has played an instrumental role in the church’s growth and influence. In addition to his pastoral duties, Jon is an author, mentor, community leader, and scholar. His unique ability to cast vision, communicate complex ideas, and empower individuals to break through limitations stems from his deep faith and unwavering commitment to service.

In 2025, following the Eaton Fires in Altadena, Jonathan DeCuir’s leadership was essential in guiding the community through recovery. Through Victory Bible Church, he organized relief efforts, support groups, working with local and national organizations to ensure both immediate aid and long-term healing. His efforts helped rebuild more than just homes—they restored hope and solidarity within the community.

In 2025, Jon was presented a Certificate of Congressional Recognition as Community Activist of the Year by Congresswoman Judy Chu for his tremendous efforts in uplifting the Altadena and Pasadena community.

Margaret Yasuda
Margaret Yasuda is a dedicated development and philanthropic professional whose
work has meaningfully enriched the arts and nonprofit communities in Pasadena and
beyond. Throughout her career, she has combined an entrepreneurial mindset with a
deep commitment to community-building and creative empowerment. She has been a
vocal advocate for the arts and community, producing fundraising events and
stewarding campaigns that build organizational capacity and much-needed funds for
underserved populations in Northwest Pasadena, including Stars, Harambee Ministries,
and Steamcoders. As an event producer, she has helped raise over $3 million in funds
for Los Angeles-based organizations, including the Los Angeles County High School for
the Arts (LACHSA) Foundation, Go for Broke National Education Center, St. Vincent
Meals on Wheels and the Braille Institute of America.

In parallel to her fundraising and development experience, Margaret is a strong
strategist for impact. She coordinated Rhythms of Life under the direction of Pastor Jon
Decuir with local group home, Bourne Inc., which provided hands-on music and vocal
instruction, and music production training for foster teens. Margaret also brings her
connection to music to the studio of SEP Music, a music production studio developing
emerging talent by managing aspects of the studio’s operations. Her work with SEP
Music deepens her connection to the artistic ecosystem she champions philanthropically and enables her to bridge creative practice with philanthropic strategy.

Brandon Cade
Brandon Cade brings a foundation of financial acumen to the Legacy Land Project with over two decades of financial leadership as CFO and owner of Executive On the Go, where he directs corporate compliance and white-label operations serving thousands of accountants, attorneys, and clients nationwide. Serving on multiple boards throughout his career, such as the former Regional Treasurer for California PYPU, he strategically managed multi-state budgets spanning California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii. He expanded asset portfolios while funding critical youth development programs. Deeply rooted in the Dena community through faith and service, Brandon is committed to driving transparent, community-centered stewardship to help as many families as possible.
LaReece Campbell
LeReece Campbell is a seasoned quality professional with over 24 years of experience in the life science and medical device industry. She currently serves as Senior Manager of Quality Systems at Johnson & Johnson Vision, MedTech.

She is passionate about creating opportunities and driving positive change in her community. A proud UCLA graduate with a degree in Biology, LeReece brings over two decades of experience in quality and compliance within the life science and medical device industries. Today, she serves as Senior Manager of Quality Systems at Johnson & Johnson Vision. Beyond her professional role, LeReece is deeply committed to mentorship and equity.

She actively supports underrepresented students and early-career professionals, helping them prepare for college and thrive in their careers. Her leadership in both corporate and community spaces focuses on recruitment, inclusion, talent development, and equitable access. LeReece’s heart for service extends to volunteering with organizations such as OneWe Reach, Victory Bible Church, and the Legacy Land Project.

Lisa Collins
Lisa Collins is the founder and pub-lisher of L.A. Focus Newspaper, a monthly newspaper spotlighting news of interest to L.A.'s African American community. The monthly publication, founded in 1995—together with its weekly digital edition— fuels Collins' passion for equipping Black Angelenos with information and resources enough to make better choices in their lives, while spotlighting news and issues of interest and showcasing the church as a critical component in community empowerment.

L.A. Focus Charities serves to provide resources and information to empower churches in their efforts to coalesce the collective power of the faith community toward issues that are impacting their surrounding communities. Established in 2015, L.A. Focus Charities is dedicated to empowering women of faith and addressing critical community issues through our Annual First Ladies High Tea, which supports at-risk girls aged 15-18 with scholarships while also celebrating and supporting women of faith with impactful programs.

Charles T. Bryant
Charles T. Bryant is the principal architect at Masbuild Design Solutions with forty years of experience in design and construction. He is a Past president of So Cal NOMA (National Organization of minority Architects), and Past President of PF AIA (American Institute of Architects). Prior to co-founding Masbuild Design Solutions, he led the award-winning firm of Charles T. Bryant & Associates. Mr. Bryant has long provided services to underserved and marginalized communities, including communities of color, senior citizens, veterans, and housing insecurity. He is also a resident of Altadena; his home is one of the many casualties of the Eaton fire, and he is in the process of assisting his community in the rebuilding process.
Erica Alexis
Erica Alexis is the Founder and CEO of Bridgeline Development Inc., where she leads a fully vertically integrated real estate and construction platform specializing in acquisition, entitlement, development, construction, and delivery of commercial and new residential projects. She is also the founder of Bridgeline Construction, a certified woman-, minority-, and veteran-owned general contracting firm with more than $30 million in completed and active pipeline projects.

A licensed California general contractor with over a decade of construction experience, Erica entered the industry as a specialized ADU builder, completing ADUs in under four months and quickly expanded into new-home construction, city projects, tenant improvements, multifamily, and commercial scopes.

Widely known as The Lady Builder, she carries a powerful multigenerational legacy: both her grandfather and great-grandfather were builders, and her family’s name is honored with a dedicated street in Nashville. Today, Erica continues that lineage with a modern vision, championing innovation, inclusivity, and sustainable growth across every project she leads.

Tyler Gilmore
Tyler Gilmore is an accomplished communications strategist and business development professional whose expertise and vision make him a powerful asset to the Legacy Land Project (LLP). As Communications Director, Tyler leads all external-facing storytelling, marketing, and media outreach, shaping how LLP’s mission, impact, and values resonate with communities, partners, and stakeholders globally.

With a background in enterprise business development and partnership management, Tyler has built a track record of cultivating strategic collaborations and driving growth for mission-driven organizations. His experience in development and business planning enables him to combine communications savvy with strategic foresight, ensuring LLP’s message supports not only awareness but also sustainability and long-term impact.

Corrine Walker
Corrine “Co” Walker is a multifaceted entertainment executive, strategist, and creative producer whose work sits at the intersection of artistry, operations, and impact. A proud Spelman College alumna, she carries the school’s legacy of excellence, sisterhood, and cultural leadership into every creative space she steps into.

Her journey began in service, launching Boro Goes Pink as a teenager in Willingboro, NJ, and raising more than $20,000 for families battling breast cancer. That early commitment to community still drives her purpose and shapes how she shows up in the industry.

Throughout her career, Corrine has supported Grammy- and Golden Globe–winning talent, chart-topping artists, acclaimed writers, and powerhouse executives across music, TV, and film. She was a key part of the management team for Andra Day, contributing to major creative initiatives, detailed logistics, and impactful community work, including leading Hurricane Ida relief and overseeing the full rebuild of a family home. She has also collaborated with Brandi Carlile, partnered in television and film development with creator/showrunner Felicia Pride, and supported dynamic artists like K. Michelle — earning a reputation for being the one who can both strategize and execute at the highest level.

Corrine currently leads Co & Company — a boutique consulting and management firm serving artists, entrepreneurs, and mission-led organizations with expertise in artist development, project and production management, brand and release strategy, and live event execution.

Alicia Cass-Hazelton, M.S.W.
Alicia Cass-Hazelton, M.S.W., is a dedicated social work professional with over two decades of experience in care management, case work, and trauma-informed service delivery. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Southern California (USC) and her Master’s degree in Social Work from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.

Alicia has devoted her career to empowering children, families, and communities affected by trauma, violence, and systemic inequities. Her professional experience includes more than 15 years with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, where she specialized in crisis intervention, case planning, and family reunification.

A recognized community leader, Alicia serves on the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work Community Advisory Board and provides professional training and consultation on trauma, cultural humility, gang intervention, and youth development to social workers, educators, and mental health professionals.

With a strong foundation in both academic theory and lived experience, Alicia bridges compassion with evidence-based practice—delivering trauma-informed care that promotes healing, resilience, and empowerment across every stage of recovery.

Rocsii Woolley
Rocsii Woolley is a dynamic, purpose-driven leader whose work sits at the powerful intersection of community empowerment, resource mobilization, and legacy preservation. As the Resource Coordinator for the Legacy Land Project (LLP), Rocsii plays a central role in ensuring families impacted by the Eaton Fire receive timely access to the housing, financial, legal, mental-health, and rebuilding resources essential to long-term recovery. Her work strengthens LLP’s survivor-centered care management system, reinforces cross-sector partnerships, and ensures that culturally grounded support reaches the individuals and families who need it most.