Kim Jayne is the director of WLCDC. Born and raised in St. Louis City, she witnessed the desegregation of public schools during the 1960s and ’70s—an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to social issues. Inspired by her early educators, she earned a B.A. in History and Political Science from Webster University and an M.A. in Education from Lindenwood University.

Kim spent most of her career teaching at Roosevelt High School and Logos School while also engaging in activist initiatives in response to the increasing gentrification of Forest Park Southeast, her home for over 30 years.

Now, through her work at WLCDC, she focuses on advocacy and community development in the Wells-Goodfellow and Hamilton Heights neighborhoods. Grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins with addressing immediate human needs, she remains committed to uplifting and supporting her community.