Richelle Wardell serves as Education & Health Strategist for Mayor Shammas Malik and the City of Akron, where she leads initiatives that connect public policy, health, economic development, and community well-being. She works across government, healthcare, philanthropy, business, and nonprofit sectors to build partnerships that address complex challenges and create lasting systems change. Her work focuses on strengthening opportunities across the lifespan—from early childhood and youth success to workforce development, violence prevention, and healthy communities. Drawing on a career spanning philanthropy, education, and housing, Richelle specializes in bringing diverse stakeholders together around a shared vision and translating collaboration into measurable impact.