Today we’d like to introduce you to Eulois Cleckley
Hi Eulois, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. raised by two loving and dedicated parents who stressed the importance of education and hard work. I went to North Carolina A&T State University, where I earned my degree in Transportation and Economics. I also completed a Global Logistics Professional Designation from California State University. After college, I started in the logistics industry, but eventually transitioned into the public sector, where I held various roles at the federal, regional, and local levels.
I’ve had the honor of being appointed to several top executive roles including the Director and CEO of the Department of Transportation and Public Works for Miami-Dade County, Executive Director of the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) for the City and County of Denver and a Deputy Director at Houston-Galveston Area Council (HGAC).
I currently serve as the CEO of Friends of The Underline Inc. leading the overall management and leadership of the organization’s finances, fundraising, programming, advocacy, and developing strategic partnerships by working with public and private stakeholders to deliver a first-class urban space redevelopment project that supports, business, entertainment, nature, culture, art, health and wellness, connected by a 10-mile, 120-acre park, urban trail and transit system.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In leadership, there are always challenges. Whether it’s turning around an underperforming organization or implementing a project or policy, you will be met with resistance. I have taken on tasks that were difficult and made personal and professional sacrifices to deliver results. By doing so, I have endured and gained wisdom. In the quiet moments alone, I ground myself in two quotes by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:
“”The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” and; “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice.”
Simply put, true leadership can be difficult but overwhelmingly rewarding. Focus on doing the right thing and you will persevere and overcome.
As you know, we’re big fans of Friends of the Underline Inc.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Please tell us more about your organization. What should we know?
The Underline is the premier redevelopment project in Miami that has transformed the land below Miami’s Metrorail into an inspirational destination for residents and visitors. The Underline connects 112,000 residents and nearly 20,000 businesses across three municipalities to commerce, recreation, entertainment, culture, art, health, and education programs, connected by a 10-mile, 120-acre park, urban trail and transit system.
What does the organization do, what does it specialize in / what is it known for?
The Underline is one of the most innovative transformational projects in South Florida and the country. It’s more than a park, it’s a destination that provides opportunities for businesses, residents, and visitors to experience the best of Miami.
What sets your organization apart from others?
Friends of The Underline’s is known for its mission of revitalizing spaces and promoting community well-being. We are a community and purpose-driven organization that has distinct core values in creating an accessible, safe, innovative and cultural space.
What are you most proud of brand wise?
Meg Daly, the visionary behind The Underline, began a movement and over the years, the team has built a strong brand and identity in the community. The brand signifies city building at its best and highlights innovation, safety, mobility and resiliency. This public space transformation demonstrates the collective power of how diverse communities can support and deliver a vision that can change lives and improve a city.
What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?
The Underline is globally recognized as one of the most innovative projects in the country. Everyone is welcome at The Underline. More than 2 million visitors enjoyed our scenic corridor including commuters, cyclists, runners, pedestrians, nature and park lovers, art enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, and families. We have supported over 300 small businesses, hosted over 500 community events and have made Miami more resilient by installing over 100,000 trees and plants, building bioswales that manage stormwater and creating some of the first microforest in South Florida.
Approximately three (3) miles of the Underline are currently open. The complete ten (10) mile corridor will be completed in 2026. The Underline will provide 21 amenity areas that include half and full basketball courts, pickleball courts, retail spaces, community plazas with amphitheater seating, dog parks, rain forests, butterfly gardens, fitness rooms, playgrounds and much more.
With numerous workforce and economic development programs, The Underline will generate nine (9) million annual visitors, support nearly 140 jobs and generate 50 million in economic activity per year.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for?
I’m known as a leader that can get things done. I place extreme importance on leading and coaching others to maximize their potential. Building a strong team, delivering on a vision, and moving expeditiously to improve workplace culture are key to delivering significant projects and improving organizational performance. It’s something I truly enjoy and have done across both public and private sectors.
What are you most proud of personally?
My life’s goal is to create a legacy of helping people to progress and become great leaders. What gives me the most fulfillment is to see an organization and its people become the best version of themselves and achieve success.
What sets you apart from others?
My unique experiences living and working in different cities and sectors have allowed me to be exposed to the best approaches relating to leading people, delivering projects, programs, and implementing high-quality services. I have learned from every experience, and I have honed a leadership skillset that can help organizations progress and surpass expectations and goals.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Come visit The Underline! You will be blown away.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theunderline.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theunderlinemia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theunderlinemia
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theunderlinemia/
- Twitter: https://x.com/theunderlinemia
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eulois-cleckley-13a1112/
Image Credits
Friends of The Underline
