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Meet the team

April Rivera

April Rivera

ward secretary

Introductory photo

April Rivera

Pronouns: she/her

April is a St. Louis native who graduated magna cum laude from Arizona State University in December 2024 with a degree in Public Policy and Public Service.  In her final semester of college, she interned in the 6th Ward office at the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, further strengthening her experience in local government. 

April has been deeply engaged in civic and community life— including serving as Vice President of her local PTO, working as an election judge supervisor.

Beyond her professional and political commitments, April has been married to her wife for 18 years, and together they are raising two teenage sons. April loves to spend her time in nature, with her family and friends, and listening to music.

We Can Help!

Please contact the 6th Ward’s official ward office directly if you need assistance. Our team is here to help you navigate any issues with agencies or services. Additionally, if you have ideas for legislation to improve our ward, we are eager to hear from you. Your input is invaluable in making the 6th Ward a better place for everyone.

extended 6th ward team

Your Neighborhood
Improvement Specialists

NIS' identify and resolve neighborhood issues in coordination with Aldermen, residents, neighborhood groups, block units, police, and City departments. Their goal is to proactively address physical and behavioral problems through collaborative problem-solving and to equip residents with effective tools for neighborhoods.

<p>Dena Hibbard</p>

Dena Hibbard

tower grove south NIS

Dena Hibbard grew up in Sedalia, Mo., in a family deeply rooted in public service. She earned a degree in Psychology from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas, before heading west. In Los Angeles, she worked with people facing severe disabilities and challenging behaviors, then made an unexpected career turn in San Diego, where she spent several years working with show horses.

Dena returned to Missouri in 1993 and joined the Missouri Department of Mental Health as a case manager, supporting individuals with developmental disabilities in St. Louis. It was during that work that she first encountered the Neighborhood Stabilization program — and in 2000, she accepted the call to work in neighborhood stabilization, where she has continued serving city residents ever since.

<p>Marna Coleman</p>

Marna Coleman

Shaw NIS

Marna Coleman is a St. Louis community leader whose career spans the U.S. Army, government, and nonprofit service. She’s managed budgets, tackled complex projects, and earned recognition from Marquis Who’s Who for her military honors.

In her role as a Neighborhood Improvement Specialist, Marna addresses issues like vacant properties, zoning, and public safety. As a dedicated community leader, she has partnered with groups such as The Little Bit Foundation, Urban League, and Access Foundation to hone skills in strategic planning, financial oversight, and organizational management while helping the community. She is also active in Alpha Kappa Alpha and the Order of the Eastern Star, organizations through which she helps feed the less fortunate during the holidays and year-round.

Marna is also pursuing her doctorate at Liberty University. She continues to use her interests and experience to blend academic rigor with on-the-ground leadership, always focused on building equity, stability, and opportunity in St. Louis.

<p>Darius Redmond</p>

Darius Redmond

dutchtown NIS

Darius Redmond is a driven professional with a strong background in program management, community development, and public service. He has extensive experience leading initiatives that address neighborhood concerns, foster collaboration, and support community reintegration efforts. Known for his problem-solving abilities and dedication to meaningful change, Darius thrives in roles that require strategic planning and effective communication. Outside of work, he enjoys listening to music, with a special love for anything Beyoncé.

<p>Keith Minor</p>

Keith Minor

compton heights/hill NIS

Keith Minor has spent more than 25 years working alongside St. Louis residents to strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life. In the nonprofit sector, he worked with hundreds of kids and young adults through after-school programs and neighborhood activities, organized block units, tackled nuisance properties, and helped young people in gang culture find healthier outlets.

For the past six years, Keith has served as a Neighborhood Improvement Specialist, where he surveys residents, files service requests, connects people with resources, and mediates conflicts. His approach is simple but powerful: empower residents to be good neighbors — one person, one household, one block at a time.