About Us

We are a more than a think tank, we are a participatory action Think Well.

POLIS Institute is building a new kind of think tank; one rooted in dignity.
Like a community well, our Think Well is a place where research and relationships meet.

We support people, families and neighborhoods by discovering insights, sharing best practices and championing the dignity of everyone involved.

OUR VISION

People enjoying the fruit of their labor in long and healthy lives.

OUR BELIEF

We are a civic organization with faith-based roots. We believe that all people matter regardless of what they believe or what they have done and deserve an opportunity to succeed. The hallmark of a just society is dignified interdependent relationships.

OUR MISSION

To champion human dignity by designing solutions to the social problems that infringe upon it.

OUR STORY

Polis Institute started with a question. In 2009, a team of researchers asked, “What impact are nonprofits having on solving root problems?” They focused on a selected region to meet the demands of a well-designed study. The answer they found hit everyone at their core.

The researchers found that despite massive investments and a vast ecosystem of service providers, there was no evidence of significant resolutions to the root issues. Similar to most regions in the U.S., the study revealed that philanthropy and social services weren’t fixing the problems; they were offering band-aids that didn’t affect the root problems driving disparity.

For Phil Hissom, the study’s lead researcher, simply identifying the problem wasn’t enough. Determined to deliver on solutions with the power to make a true impact, he founded Polis Institute in 2009.

OUR VALUES

Dignity

We treat every person with respect and honor. We recognize and value the inherent worth of all people, promoting an inclusive environment that promotes equity, belonging, kindness, fairness, and compassion.

Collaboration

We achieve more together! By partnering with diverse teams, clients, and communities, we combine our strengths and ideas to create amazing solutions that benefit everyone.

Innovation

Polis embraces forward-thinking approaches and cutting-edge technologies to address complex challenges. We work through a culture of creativity and experimentation to develop groundbreaking solutions that drive progress and transformation.

Trust

Trust is everything to us. We commit to being honest, transparent, and accountable in all we do, building strong and trustworthy relationships with everyone we work with.

LEADERSHIP

Phil Hissom, Chairperson

Chris Busey Ph.D., Vice-Chairperson

J.B. Boonstra, Treasurer

Chris Ramos, Secretary

Vanessa Gonzalez, Board Member

Ryan Norman, Board Member

Nat C. Jones is a strategic leader and facilitator with over 15 years of experience working alongside nonprofits, government agencies, and mission-driven organizations to strengthen leadership, operations, and community impact. As CEO of Polis Institute, Nat oversees program execution, partner engagement, and organizational strategy, helping translate vision into measurable outcomes that serve families and communities across Central Florida.

Outside of her role at Polis, Nat is the founder of Nat C. Company LLC, where she designs leadership development programs and team-building frameworks rooted in clarity, accountability, and sustainability. She is known for her ability to connect people, align systems, and build momentum around meaningful work.

Nat C. Jones
Chief Executive Officer

Leanne Yonkman has been a resident of Orlando for over 30 years and brings deep local knowledge and relational insight to her work at the Polis Institute. As Director of Communication & Communiyt Engagement, she plays a key role in building meaningful connections between Polis and the communities it serves. Through strategic outreach, partnerships, and thoughtful programming, Leanne helps ensure Polis initiatives are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to diverse audiences.

Leanne works closely with partners and stakeholders to support event coordination, logistics, and community engagement efforts that strengthen trust and participation. She lives in the Orlando area with her husband, Steve, and their three children.

Leanne Yonkman
Director of Communications
& Community Engagement

Nicole Robles is a detail-oriented GIS and Data Analyst with four years of experience supporting data-driven decision-making through spatial analysis, data management, and visualization. At the Polis Institute, Nicole supports projects by collecting, processing, and maintaining complex datasets, assisting with map creation, and ensuring data accuracy across systems used by internal teams and partners.

With a background in GIS technology, administrative coordination, and process improvement, Nicole brings both technical skill and operational support to her role. She is proficient in tools such as ArcGIS, Excel, Word, and Google Workspace, and is known for her analytical mindset, strong communication skills, and commitment to organized, reliable data practices.

Nicole Robles
Director of GIS
& Data Analysis