Aaron Frumin

New Orleans, Louisiana

Aaron Frumin is a community builder who believes young people rise when they’re given real responsibility, trusted guidance and the chance to contribute in meaningful ways. His work is grounded in the idea that opportunity can be built—working shoulder to shoulder —and that strong communities grow from the inside out.

Aaron is the founder and CEO of unCommon Construction, a New Orleans-based nonprofit that turns construction sites into classrooms where students are paid and earn school credit for building together. Before unCommon, Aaron worked in youth development, education and disaster response, experiences that shaped his commitment to equity, agency and hands-on learning.

Outside work, Aaron spends time with friends and family, loves to travel and stays closely connected to the community he calls home.

Ahnyel Burkes

New Orleans, Louisiana

Dr. Ahnyel Burkes is driven by a deep commitment to advancing health equity, strengthening the nursing profession and creating systems where communities can thrive. She is motivated by service, advocacy and the belief that nurses have the power to shape policy and transform care as well as communities.

She currently serves in nursing leadership at University Medical Center in New Orleans and is an Adjunct Nursing Professor at Dillard University. With more than a decade of experience across clinical care, academia and statewide organizational leadership, she brings a blended expertise in operations, policy and professional development.

Ahnyel holds a B.S. in Nursing from Dillard University, a M.S.in Nursing from Loyola University New Orleans and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Chamberlain University. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and children, gardening, engaging in community service and pursuing creative projects that inspire connection and growth.

Alexandria Taylor

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Born and raised in Alamogordo, New Mexico Alexandria “Niecy” Taylor is the daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter of Southern Black folk who made their way to New Mexico and have called it home for 5 generations. She is deeply committed to centering her work rooted in a love ethic, truth, healing and justice.

As the current Executive Director of the New Mexico Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs, Alexandria leads the statewide network of providers working to prevent harm, build culturally responsive healing services and access to justice rooted in dignity, safety and autonomy.

Alexandria is a mother, daughter, sister and friend. A member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Alexandria was raised to live a life participating in her community. She also serves as the Vice President of the Board of Directors for the ACLU-NM and is a member of the Board of Directors for the National Alliance to End Sexual Violence. Alexandria is also a full-time basketball mom, community organizer, homegirl and loves reading, writing and as her grandma once told her “enjoying her own company”.

Amia Edwards

Jackson, Mississippi

Amia Edwards believes in the power of the arts to transform young lives and is driven by a commitment to ensuring that every child—especially those from underserved communities—has a safe and inspiring space to discover their voice, creativity and leadership potential.

Amia is the founder and Executive Director of the Amiable Arts Foundation, where she develops arts, entrepreneurship and leadership programs that help young people thrive academically, socially and emotionally. Her work builds on years of experience in youth development, community arts and nonprofit leadership. She leads community arts initiatives and is recognized for her dedication to uplifting children in inclusive creative spaces.

Outside of her work, Amia enjoys performing, exploring home décor, spending time with her poodle and connecting with the community that continues to fuel her passion and purpose.

Anahi Mena Hernandez

El Paso, Texas 

Anahi is driven by the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. With a background in nutrition education from Universidad de Ciencias Biomédicas and as the Community Education Program Manager at La Semilla Food Center, Anahi leads the implementation of La Cosecha Program, connecting low-income families with local produce and cooking and gardening education.

Through coordination of a Produce Prescription Program, partnering with Federally Qualified Health Centers across the Paso del Norte region, Anahi cultivates safe, welcoming spaces for underrepresented communities to re-claim the value of heritage food traditions and challenge the narratives around root causes of health disparities.

Anahi is a member of FED, a national cohort of community-based organizations at the forefront of Food is Medicine work, and the CDC Foundation’s Hunger, Nutrition, and Health Innovation Lab.

Anahi cherishes her role as a mother, spending time with her son and reading about medicinal plants.

BeAnka Masefiade

Grand Rapids, Michigan 

BeAnka Masefiade is a passionate advocate for Black children and families, grounded in her lived experience with the child welfare system through kinship placement. She is driven by the belief that systems must honor the dignity, strength and cultural knowledge of Black communities, and that every family deserves support rooted in collective care and equity.

She is the founder, Executive Director, and “community auntie” of Osofomaame, an organization committed to reducing the overrepresentation of Black families in the child welfare system. Her leadership centers community-rooted solutions that uplift prevention, healing and racial equity.

A graduate of Calvin College, she holds a degree in sociology with a minor in African Diaspora Studies, shaping her commitment to justice, dignity, and social change.

Outside of her work, she serves in her local church, enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with family while staying grounded through relationships, joy, and community connection.

Casey Bartrem

Moscow, Idaho 

Working around the world, Casey has learned how much we share across borders and cultures, and is deeply motivated to address environmental injustices through science and shared humanity. Casey is Executive Director at TerraGraphics International Foundation (TIFO), where she supports governments, researchers, students and local leaders to prevent pollution from poisoning people. She works with partners to develop programs that make the environment safer for children, families and communities impacted by hazardous industries.

Casey formerly advised USAID on developing childhood lead poisoning prevention programs and is member of the Collegium Ramazzini, an academy of 180 experts in occupational and environmental health. From 2007-2009, Casey served as a US Peace Corps Volunteer in the Kingdom of Lesotho.

She has a B.S. in Environmental Biology/Zoology from Michigan State University and a Ph.D in Environmental Science from the University of Idaho. When not working, Casey enjoys time spent in motion outdoors.

Charlie Verploegh

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Charlie Verploegh is committed to building systems that treat people with dignity and make public services that work for those most often pushed to the margins. They are driven by a belief that communities thrive when care, housing and connection are treated as basic infrastructure rather than charity.

Charlie serves as the Deputy Director of Social Services and Connections for the City of Albuquerque, where they lead work across homelessness response, housing access and system coordination. Their previous roles span community-based mental health, program evaluation and strategy development.

Charlie has served on multiple local planning groups and collaboratives focused on housing equity and cross-sector coordination. They hold a PhD in sociology.

Outside of work, Charlie spends time dancing, cooking for friends and building community with the people who keep them grounded.

Chelsea Bellon

Missoula, Montana

Chelsea Bellon is an enrolled member of the Ihanktonwan Dakota Oyate (Yankton Sioux Tribe) and grew up in the San Poil Valley on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington. She is dedicated to strengthening Indigenous birthing sovereignty and advancing community-rooted maternal health.

Chelsea works to build systems where Native families feel seen, safe and honored. She is driven by a commitment to protecting future generations and uplifting the knowledge held within Indigenous communities.

Chelsea serves as a Program Manager at the National Indian Health Board, where she develops culturally grounded programs, trainings and workforce pathways for behavioral health, birthworkers, families and Tribal Nations. Her previous work spans public health education, policy advocacy and perinatal workforce development across Montana and beyond.

Chelsea holds a MPH in Indigenous Health and serves as a Patient Family Partner with the Montana Perinatal Quality Collaborative. Outside of work, she enjoys making ribbon skirts, beading and spending time with her husband, their three daughters and their community.

Chiquikta Fountain

Cleveland, Mississippi

Chiquikta Fountain is a champion for public education and for serving small communities in the Mississippi Delta.

She has dedicated her career to service by building strong, sustainable relationships with individuals and organizations that focus on empowering and uplifting communities and being on the front lines of issues that affect public education, food security and disability rights.

For more than twenty years, she has worked in community and family engagement, education advocacy and community organizing, working with organizations such as AmeriCorps and Children’s Defense Fund (SPARK). Chiquikta also has served as a Parent Coach with the National Office of Parents for Public Schools, Executive Director of Delta Hands for Hope and has recently returned to Parents for Public Schools as the Program Manager for Mississippi.

She is a two-time graduate of Delta State University, with a B.A. in Journalism and a MBA. She serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Environment, Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, Advisory Board member of the Bolivar County Resource and Referral Network and a member of the Bolivar County Consortia.

Christina Andrews

Arizona 

Christina C. Bell Andrews brings more than 20 years of collective leadership experience across Tribal government, higher education, health systems and community organizations. She previously held leadership roles with the Tohono O’odham Nation, where she served as Executive Director of Health and Human Services and as a Board Member for the Economic Development Authority.

Christina was also elected as the first Chairperson of the Hia-Ced District where she helped establish the infrastructure for a newly recognized district of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Beyond Tribal government, Christina is currently Executive Director and Assistant Professor for the University of Arizona’s Wassaja Carlos Montezuma Native American Health Center, where she leads administration, expands research and education, and fosters partnerships with Tribes. Christina also serves on the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program Advisory Panel, and has held leadership roles with the Arizona Department of Health & Human Services and the University of Arizona’s Community Action Council Committee.

Christina Khim

Battle Creek, Michigan 

Christina Khim is a dedicated community leader and nonprofit executive driven by a deep commitment to equity, belonging and systems change.

Shaped by her own lived experience as a Burmese immigrant, she is motivated to create pathways that empower communities to thrive. She currently serves as the Executive Director of the Burma Center in Michigan, where she leads organizational strategy, programs and community partnerships to strengthen cross-cultural understanding and support Burmese American families.

Christina contributes her leadership beyond her organization, serving on multiple nonprofit boards in Battle Creek, Michigan. She brings nearly a decade of corporate HR experience to her roles.

Christina holds a MPA from Western Michigan University and a B.A. from Albion College. Outside work, she enjoys exploring new places, spending time with her family and engaging with her local community and church.

Cindy Eggleton

Pleasant Ridge, Michigan

Cindy Eggleton often says she is living a fairy tale because she is living her purpose. As part of her work as the Co-Founder and CEO of Brilliant Cities, she connects with people and communities to envision with them a Kid Success City, in which they have agency on what matters for themselves and families.

She started this work in Detroit, building a model in which the organization is invited into neighborhoods. With roots as both a first-generation high school graduate whose family came from poverty and as a Founder, she has a deep passion for driving success and an aversion to business as usual.

She spends most of her time in service of her life’s work to make sure families have everything they need to thrive.

Corilia Ortega

Taos, New Mexico 

Corilia takes play seriously. She champions early childhood experiences that create a sense of belonging, curiosity, and joy. She is motivated by “”light-bulb”” moments where children and their families explore the range of play and learning together.

As the Executive Director for Twirl, A Play & Discovery Space, she builds relationships in rural northern New Mexico that keep children at the center of decision-making and advocacy, all while developing initiatives that maintain high energy to match toddlers’ and foster whimsical imagination to impress the most skeptical fifth graders. She was recently named a 40 Under 40 Leader with the Santa Fe Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and is completing her term as a Town Councilmember.

Corilia spends much of her time tending to her fruit trees, traditional crops and turkeys.

Cornell Johnson

Washington, DC 

Cornell focuses on curating strategic partnerships for The Center for Energy Workforce Development and its member companies. He leads the strategy that positions CEWD to be a world-class, benchmark company for sustainable equity within workforce development.

In this work, he oversees the initiatives focused on change efforts to ensure the development of energy workplaces that reflect the communities we serve. He is also responsible for the creation and implementation of CEWD’s internal and external engagement strategy and initiatives as well as expanding programs such as the Urban Energy Jobs Program, a joint initiative between The National Urban League and CEWD.

Cornell is very passionate about philanthropy and grassroots relationships. Powered by this passion, he currently serves on the board for KIPP D.C. making a difference in the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. When he is not working, you can find Cornell spending time with his family or at the motorcycle track racing and coaching.

Courtney M. Latimer

Detroit, Michigan

Courtney Latimer is an Equity-Driven Impact Strategist who believes that strong communities are built when compassion, culture and justice meet. Guided by a deep commitment to families, she works to ensure that every person, especially mothers and babies, has the support needed to thrive. This purpose fuels her leadership and keeps her rooted in service.

At Henry Ford Health, Courtney leads the Community Health Worker Hub and the Women-Inspired Neighborhood (WIN) Network: Detroit, where she builds support pathways, trains emerging Community Health Workers, and provides equity training for Healthcare providers and leaders alike. Her work spans public health, maternal wellness and community engagement, always centering equity and dignity.

Courtney is also a maternal and child health advocate, entrepreneur, and devoted public servant. She holds a B.A. in Public Health and a M.A. in Health Services Administration. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Michigan, creating fashion, spending time with her family and unwinding with 90s Hip-Hop and R&B.

Darrin McCall

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Darrin McCall, LCSW, is a social worker and nonprofit leader committed to expanding opportunities for young people and strengthening the systems that support them. He is driven by a deep belief in the potential of all children and the responsibility we share to create environments where all young people can thrive.

Darrin has been with the Youth Empowerment Project in New Orleans for more than 16 years and currently serves as Chief of Staff, where he provides strategic leadership across programs, internal operations and organizational systems. Throughout his tenure he has worked at the intersection of youth development, social services and organizational strategy by helping to build strong programs, develop emerging leaders and expand access to equitable opportunities.

Originally from Albion, Michigan, Darrin holds degrees in social work from Grand Valley State University and Tulane University. Outside of work, Darrin enjoys discovering new music, building and fixing things and sharing good food and laughter with his family and friends. He finds inspiration in his wife, Kristy, a lifelong educator and passionate advocate for children, and in their children, Emmett and Graeme.

Debra Giles

Greenville, Mississippi 

Debra understands that we live in a society where there are daily injustices and believes that giving up should not be our love language. Instead, peace, love, prosperity, hope and unity must be our armor.

Debra is a Chancery Court judge who presides over equity and youth court matters in Humphreys and Sunflower counties, who takes pride in her oath to ensure that there is access to justice for all.

Prior to coming on the bench, she spent a significant amount of time volunteering with her sorority and church. She now spends her time creating opportunities of service through partnerships and collaborations. Debra is blessed by the honors and awards she has received in her life, but becoming a W.K. Kellogg Fellow and a future Inductee (July 2026) into the Mississippi Bar Foundation has been truly the most heartfelt.

When she is not working, she enjoys traveling, arts and crafts, creating door hangers and jewelry, reading and riding horses.

Devin Winsett

Jackson, Mississippi

Devin Winsett is a social worker, advocate and community-rooted leader in Jackson. As the Director of Social Services at the Refill Jackson Initiative, he provides direct support to young adults, leads social service strategy and develops trauma-informed and youth-centered practices across the organization. He is committed to building collaborative, community-driven solutions that allow young people not only to survive, but to thrive.

Originally from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Devin discovered his passion for youth advocacy through teaching in Mexico City, serving with City Year New Orleans and working in youth residential care in Brooklyn. He returned home to earn his MSW from Jackson State University, where he completed his field placement at Refill and found his long-term vocation in community social work.

Outside of work, Devin loves traveling, all things Mississippi and exploring Jackson’s local art, music and food community.

Dilli Gautam

East Lansing, Michigan 

Dilli Gautam is a former Bhutanese refugee who resettled in the United States in 2008 after spending 16 years in a refugee camp in Nepal. His experience of displacement and discrimination shaped his purpose and commitment to advocate for those without a platform. As a community leader, mentor and change-maker, he is dedicated to empowering immigrant children and families who face the same racial and systemic barriers he once did.

The resilience he built in the refugee camp, strengthened by education, community support and a deep sense of justice, continues to guide his work. Education transformed his life, reflecting the Bhutanese community’s belief in its power to shape the future.

Today, Dilli champions investment in children through academics, leadership, extracurricular involvement and civic engagement to help strengthen families and communities.

Edna Wyena

Enumclaw, Washington 

Edna Wyena, known as Last of the Wanapum—Last of the River People–is committed to serving the community, learning and adapting. She is motivated by the resilience of her ancestors and the painful history Native people carry, using those truths to build pathways of healing and opportunity for future generations.

Edna serves as the Executive Director of Unkitawa, a Native-led nonprofit focused on cultural revitalization, healing, and access to traditional foods and medicines. A first-generation college graduate, she earned her bachelor’s B.A. and MPA from the University of Washington. She previously worked across higher education, finance and the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), and completed Harvard’s Leading People and Investing to Build Sustainable Communities program.

Outside of work, Edna is a mother, wife and auntie. She enjoys picking huckleberries, attending feasts on Yakama lands, traveling with her family and spending time with those she loves. Her community includes Indigenous relatives, BIPOC partners and many leaders she learns from every day.

Elizabeth Schultheiss

Battle Creek, Michigan

Elizabeth Schultheiss is a community-rooted servant leader who believes lasting change begins locally—with relationships, shared purpose, and collective courage. She is driven by a deep commitment to ensuring every child, family and neighbor has the opportunity to thrive, and she brings empathy, systems thinking, and a collaborative spirit to everything she does.

As Vice President of the Battle Creek Community Foundation, Elizabeth leads trust-based philanthropy, grantmaking, scholarships, and community impact initiatives designed to elevate resident voice and remove barriers. Her 25+ years of leadership across Calhoun County reflect a consistent throughline: bringing people together to strengthen local institutions, expand educational opportunity, improve health and food access, and champion community-led solutions.

Elizabeth has served on numerous boards and holds an MPA and M.A. in Historic Preservation. She finds joy in family time and in creating opportunities that help others flourish within the community she loves.

Errolyn Gray

Columbus, Mississippi

Errolyn Gray is a community-centered leader dedicated to building a future where healthcare is accessible, education is equitable and economic mobility is not dictated by circumstance. Known for strategic clarity, compassion and commitment to justice and equity, she creates pathways that honor dignity, expand opportunity and ignite change.

A native of West Point, Mississippi, Errolyn built her career at the intersection of communication, community organizing and organizational development. She drives initiatives that strengthen capacity, cultivate leadership and deliver programs with sustainable, measurable results. Her experience spans ministry, public service, nonprofit leadership and community organizing—always centered on helping communities overcome systemic barriers.

Errolyn earned a Bachelor’s from Alcorn State University, a Master’s from Mississippi State University and graduated in Pastoral Leadership from Highlands College. She approaches her work with the same enthusiasm and love she brings to family and travel, finding inspiration and balance in the people and experiences around her.

Guillermo Carmona

Las Cruces, New Mexico 

For Guillermo, communication, trust and belonging are non-negotiable. He leads with a commitment to equity, community voice and strengthening systems so people can thrive.

He serves as Director of Communications for Gadsden Independent School District, guiding districtwide strategy, crisis response and bilingual family engagement for more than 11,000 students. Guillermo has over two decades of experience as a principal, assistant principal, leadership coach and state-level contributor to education guidance in New Mexico, with a focus on instructional clarity, community partnership and cross-department alignment.

He has supported statewide initiatives through NMPED and CES and is an active member of the NM Aspiring Superintendents Academy. Guillermo earned both his B.A. and M.A. degrees from New Mexico State University.

Outside of work, he enjoys time with family, exploring local communities and supporting youth activities.

Hallie Casey

Austin, Texas

Hallie Casey is a movement-minded food systems instigator inspired by the belief that communities thrive when farmers do. Raised in Austin and shaped by her ancestor’s work in agriculture and botany, she carries a lifelong connection to land and a commitment to protecting soil, water and rural livelihoods for future generations.

As Partnerships Director for The Common Market Texas, Hallie leads institutional collaborations that create stable markets for small and sustainable farms. She has spearheaded statewide farm-to-school programming, facilitated impactful networks and coalitions and helped advance Texas’s first soil health legislation—all aimed at shifting power, access and opportunity in the food system.

Hallie holds degrees from Texas State University and UC Davis and volunteers in Austin’s arts and dance communities. She spends her free time hiking, cooking, and gathering with her expansive Texas kin.

holly jo Sparks

Lansing, Michigan 

holly jo Sparks is a cooperative housing advocate and community champion with more than three decades of experience building community-owned housing and shared leadership. She believes housing is more than a roof–it is a foundation for belonging, shared power and self-determination.

She serves as Executive Director of the Spartan Housing Cooperative in the Greater Lansing area, where she leads efforts to expand affordable, community-owned housing for students, families and underserved households. She also serves on the boards of Shared Capital Cooperative and the Cooperative Development Foundation. She holds a M.A. in City Planning from MIT.

A solo parent by choice, holly jo lives in an intergenerational co-housing community and finds joy in shared meals, road trips, audiobooks and planning reunions with her friends and loved ones.

Inella Ray

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Inella Ray is driven by a deep commitment to building collective power and reimagining systems so children—especially those in historically divested communities—can truly thrive. She believes in the brilliance of families and everyday people and is motivated by creating material, lasting change across the full lifespan of childhood.

As the Director of Parent Advocacy & Engagement at Children First, she leads the Parents Empowered for Change portfolio, advancing leadership development, research and policy strategy across early childhood, K–12 and broader child-serving systems to ensure policy is implemented with integrity at the city and state levels. Her earlier work in teacher recruitment, youth development, out-of-school programs, postsecondary access and school operations gives her a grounded, holistic understanding of what youth and families need.

Inella also serves as Board Chair of Lift Every Voice Philly and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. She holds an M.Ed. from Harvard and a B.A. in Economics from Temple University.

Jakki Bungart-Bibb

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Jakki Bungart-Bibb is a human-centered systems leader committed to transforming lives through access to education, training and quality jobs. She is driven by the belief that strong families and thriving communities begin with opportunities that remove barriers and create pathways to lasting prosperity.

Jakki currently serves as a workforce development leader in Southwest Michigan, where she strives to build employer-driven talent pipelines, advance workforce solutions and lead collaborative, multi-county strategies across the Michigan Works! Southwest system. With nearly 30 years of experience in service organizations, she has championed partnerships that strengthen talent ecosystems and expand access to opportunities.

Outside of work, Jakki is energized by community connection, time with family (especially her amazing grandchildren) and creating spaces where people feel supported and inspired.

Jen Hsu-Bishop

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Jen Hsu-Bishop reimagines our collective future by investing in relationships, cultivating individual and community joy and creating intentional pathways toward transformation and liberation.

Currently, Jen serves as Executive Impact and Equity Officer at United Way of South Central Michigan. They lead the organization’s grantmaking, direct service, and culture building initiatives to accelerate the mission of disrupting systems to meet the needs of individuals, families and communities experiencing the toughest social issues.

Their work is focused on shifting the paradigm of nonprofit service and grantmaking toward one that acknowledges and redistributes power. Jen has served on numerous local, state and national boards. They are passionate about cultural preservation and community agency among immigrant families and currently serve on the board of the Kalamazoo Chinese Academy.

Jeremy Davis

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Jeremy is an education and nonprofit leader committed to expanding opportunity for young people and strengthening the systems that support them. Raised in rural Alabama, he brings a service-centered approach shaped by his early life growing up on a farm and the values of community, resilience and hard work that guided his upbringing.

Jeremy began his career in New Orleans through Teach For America, where he taught middle school English and developed a deep commitment to educational equity. He later advanced youth development and college access through leadership roles at Son of a Saint, College Track and Urban Leaders Fellowship, supporting students as they navigated critical transitions into high school and college.

Today, Jeremy leads national initiatives that recruit and support aspiring educators, build diverse teacher pipelines and expand access to high-quality pathways into the profession. He serves as Board Chair of JCFA and is an active member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Jeremy is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University.

Jonathan Alvarez

Yonkers, New York 

Jonathan Alvarez is a justice reform leader dedicated to accurate representation, community healing and creating opportunities for people with lived experience. Motivated by his own reentry journey, he believes that those closest to the issues must lead the work and shape the narratives that define their communities. He is the CEO and Board Member of 914United, where he leads justice-impacted professionals in reentry, youth diversion and violence prevention.

Jonathan began his career with the Yonkers Family YMCA, My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, and later worked within the Westchester County Department of Correction supporting emerging adults. He serves on the New York State Commission on Prison Education, the ATI/Reentry Westchester Committee and the Community Advisory Board for New York–Presbyterian.

Outside of work, he enjoys socializing, watching thriller movies, taking walks and journaling, supported by family, close friends, mentors and his team.

Katie White

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Katie White is an advocate working at the intersection of child welfare and immigration systems to ensure that the voices of unaccompanied immigrant children are centered, and their best interests are represented. Katie is currently a Staff Attorney and Child Advocate Supervisor at the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. They have over a decade of experience practicing immigration law and innovating ways to meet the legal and advocacy needs of immigrants.

Katie holds a B.A. from Grand Valley State University in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Human Rights and Social Photojournalism and a JD from Western Michigan University – Cooley Law School.

Outside of work, Katie is a member of the Grand Rapids Community Relations Committee and the Parents Advancing Change in Education Systems program through the Autism Alliance of Michigan.Katie spends their free time with family, volunteering with their daughter’s Girl Scouts troop and reading.

Kenlana Ferguson

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kenlana began her career in mental health, supporting individuals and communities experiencing the emotional and psychological impacts of racism and trauma. Over time, she saw that the emotional wounds people carried were inseparable from the systems that contributed to them, which led her to shift from individual care to transforming the conditions that shape people’s lives.

Kenlana went on to lead equity and culture-change work in higher education and philanthropy, while also building a consulting practice that helps organizations deepen their equity commitments.

Today, as Executive Director of the Michigan Transformation Collective, she leads collective impact work that strengthens community safety, expands racial healing and builds the trusting relationships needed for shared power and long-term systems transformation.

She holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University, serves on multiple boards, and is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In her free time, Kenlana enjoys being with family, crafting and thrifting, and she is sustained by a close community of people who ground, challenge and inspire her.

Kenneth Winfrey

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Kenneth Winfrey is a Cultural Wellness Architect whose work centers on healing, equity and community strength. He is motivated by a lifelong commitment to restoring cultural knowledge, advancing mental health access and supporting the wellbeing of Black and Indigenous communities.

Kenneth serves as the CEO and Director of Clinical Services at Umoja Behavioral Health PC, where he leads culturally grounded behavioral health programs and develops workforce pathways for emerging social workers. He also directs training for the Umoja Wellness Foundation, integrating Belief Systems Analysis, Kemetic Yoga and trauma-informed practice.

Kenneth holds a Master of Social Work degree and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Peer Support Worker. He finds renewal in nature, writing and time with his family and community.

Kevin Ford

Kalamazoo, Michigan

Kevin Ford is a systems-focused economic developer driven by a deep commitment to expanding opportunity for children, families and historically marginalized communities. He is motivated by the belief that zip code should not determine destiny and works to build conditions where all residents can thrive.

Kevin serves as the Shared Prosperity Kalamazoo Coordinator in the City of Kalamazoo’s Community Planning and Economic Development Department, where he designs community wealth-building strategies, advances economic justice initiatives and supports inclusive growth across neighborhoods. Previously, he has contributed to nonprofit boards and cross-sector coalitions focused on equity and family well-being.

He holds a MPA and a B.A. in Political Science from Western Michigan University. Outside of work, Kevin enjoys reading, playing chess and pickleball, walking and spending time with his family.

Kim Nall

 Colusa, California

With over three decades of experience in early care and education, Kim has dedicated her adult life to leading and supporting initiatives that empower families and communities. Kim’s life joy comes from being a mother, grandmother, wife, sister, friend,and passionate advocate.

Kim has worked in Native communities since 2003 and was the Director of a Tribal Early Learning Center for twenty years. During her tenure at the Center, she co-founded the nonprofit Tribal Child Care Association of California (TCCAC), and now serves as Executive Director.

Kim is a passionate advocate for building spaces to support of indigenous children and family identity. She holds advisory roles at many early childhood development organizations including the World Forum Foundation on Early Care and Education. She also serves on the board for Dimensions Education Foundation.

Kim is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, with a B.A. in child development and holds a nonprofit management certificate from California State University, East Bay.

Kimberly Novod

New Orleans, Louisiana

Kimberly Evans Novod is the founder and Executive Director of Saul’s Light, a Louisiana-based nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the unique social-emotional needs of Louisiana’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and bereaved families through direct services and advocacy.

As a champion of health equity, Kimberly is most passionate about maternal mental health, prematurity and infant mortality in the Black community. After experiencing all three, she knows that the most impactful thing we can do after loss is lead a meaningful life.

In 2024, Kimberly was named an Angel Award winner by the L.A. Blue Foundation which recognizes people who do extraordinary good for children in Louisiana. In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys spending time with her family, gardening and traveling.

Leticia Archuleta

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dr. Leticia Archuleta, Ed.D, LCSW, LSSW, is a Native New Mexican from Albuquerque whose work is driven by a commitment to cultural integrity, community wellness and educational equity.

As Executive Director/CEO of Health Leadership High School and a Certified Clinical Social Work Supervisor, she focuses on creating meaningful, culturally grounded learning experiences that uplift underserved and marginalized students. With over 25 years in education, she has developed programs that strengthen communities and support Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth and adults.

A proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and a Chicana, Dr. Archuleta also serves on the American Heart Association board. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of New Mexico.

Outside of work, she cherishes time with her husband and two boys, her greatest source of motivation and finds purpose in serving her community with integrity and passion.

Libbie Sonnier

New Orleans, Louisiana

Libbie Sonnier is driven by the belief that children and families thrive when systems are built around their voices, needs and strengths. Motivated by a lifelong commitment to equity, she works to ensure that early childhood investments create lasting community impact.

As Chief Executive Officer of the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children, she leads statewide efforts to expand access to high-quality early care and education, as well as critical support and services, drawing on more than two decades of experience advancing family-centered, data-informed policy. She serves on numerous advisory groups and community collaborations and is widely recognized for her leadership in early childhood systems-building.

Libbie holds a Ph.D. in human development. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and spending time with the people who keep her grounded—her family, close friends and the communities she serves.

Loida Maritza Perez

Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Loida Maritza Pérez is a cultural activist deeply invested in intersectionality and radical solidarity. A native of the Dominican Republic, she is the Founder and Executive Director of AfroMundo, an arts and humanities nonprofit that creates platforms for collective narratives to promote intergenerational and cross-cultural dialogues, connect diasporic communities, foster alliances and nurture a sense of belonging locally, nationally and globally.

Her commitment to equity in the arts gained her a 2024 artEquity BIPOC Leadership Circle, and a 2022-2023 National Leaders of Color Fellowships. She is the author of Geographies of Home, a novel published in the United States and abroad. Her book in progress, Beyond the Pale, won a PEN America 2019 Jean Stein Grant for Literary Oral History.

Laughter, joy and plain old silliness are integral to her resilience and social justice work.

Madison N. Upendo

Brandon, Mississippi

Madison Upendo is a faith-driven teaching artist from Jackson, Mississippi, dedicated to youth development and the transformative power of storytelling. He is motivated by a calling to create opportunities for young people to discover their voice, purpose and creative gifts.

Madison currently serves as Chair of the Wells APAC Theatre Department within Jackson Public Schools, where he teaches acting, technical theatre and career development to students across elementary, middle, and high school. His work is shaped by years of mentoring in community programs, campus ministry and resident-based nonprofits, all of which deepened his commitment to uplifting families and youth in Jackson.

A graduate of Belhaven University (B.A., Theatre) and Jackson State University (M.A., Elementary & Special Education), Madison is also a 2025 M.A.C. film grantee. Outside of his school leadership, he is a working artist in voice, stage and film acting and enjoys time with his wife and two daughters.

Marcus Burger

Jackson, Mississippi 

Marcus D. Burger is Vice President and Shareholder with Ross & Yerger Insurance, Inc. where he leads the Education and Not for Profit practice roups. Working throughout the Southeastern United States, his focus is finding innovative ways to advise his clients of cost savings opportunities and risk management strategies for municipalities, education systems, charter and private schools and rural health clinics. Marcus is a graduate of Hampton University where he received his BS in Mathematics and received his Masters of Science in Applied Mathematics from Old Dominion University.

Marcus has spent his life giving back to his community. Since returning to Mississippi in 2001, Marcus continues to serve his community as Past Chairperson of Leadership Greater Jackson, Inc., Jackson MS Diocese Catholic Charities Finance and Governance Council, Ambition Preparatory Charter School Chairperson and LeFleur East Board Member.

Marguerite Green

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Marguerite is driven by people owning their own food systems and choices, as well as having access to food that nurtures their hearts, bodies and minds. She currently works in food policy in her community with people who grow and catch their own food. She also serves on the board of Sprout, an organization she co-founded.

Being from the deep south is a large part of how Marguerite sees the world and she is proud to live in her home of South Louisiana. She continues to organize with friends and neighbors to fight polluting industries that dominate our communities and hurt our children’s futures. You can often find her in the swamps and forests of Louisiana, and in her free time she enjoys basket-weaving, cooking gumbo and growing food.

Marilyn Johnson

Canton, Mississippi 

Marilyn Johnson is a Mississippi-born leader shaped by lived experience and a deep commitment to community. She is driven by the belief that families deserve care, resources and systems that see them fully.

Marilyn serves as the Deputy Executive Director of Mom.ME, leading maternal mental health programs, strategy and partnerships across the state. Her career spans nearly two decades in maternal and child health, including leadership roles such as Title V Director and she holds an MBA.

Marilyn also works as a consultant supporting nonprofits and health systems with strategy and development. She has served on national boards including the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association (NFPRHA) and the Association of Maternal and Child Health Programs (AMCHP).

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crafting, gardening, grounding practices, listening to music and spending time with family and friends.

Mavis A. Creagh

Hattiesburg, Mississippi 

Mavis A. Creagh an advocate with twenty-plus years of engagement connecting individuals, businesses and resources. Her simple yet profound belief is that everyone has value.

Currently she serves as Executive Director of R3SM, Inc. a nonprofit founded following Hurricane Katrina that specializes in restoration following disasters. She serves on boards for multiple organizations, including the Disaster Leadership Team, Mississippi State Conference NAACP, Pine Belt Veteran’s Task Force, and NAMI Mississippi.

Her professional accomplishments include: President’s Lifetime Achievement Award (AmeriCorps), Elevate Mississippi 2025 Cohort (Our Village United), Area Development Partnership Leadership Pine Belt Class and more.

A graduate of Hattiesburg High School, Mississippi State University and William Carey University. Her proudest accomplishment is being the mother to an amazing son, Jordan, a self-trained chef, basketball enthusiast, tech wizard and lifelong volunteer.

Maya Williams

Brooklyn, New York 

Maya Williams is a proud Brooklynite, mother, researcher, organizer and policymaker dedicated to dismantling systems that prevent children and families from living safe, healthy, and thriving lives She works to transform lived experiences into policy recommendations and narrative shifts that advance financial investments and reparative change.

As Director of Research and Policy at the NYC Commission on Racial Equity, Maya leads research, policy and legislative strategies that center community voices in government decision-making and hold the government accountable for advancing racial equity. She previously led community-based and participatory action research to ensure lived experience informs policy and practice across areas including urban planning, the carceral system, policing, community safety, equitable hiring and educational justice.

Maya serves on the Board of READ718, a Brooklyn non-profit focused on closing the literacy gap for children, and is a Ministry Leader at the historic Bethel Baptist Church. She finds joy in raising her son, cheering at his basketball games, reading, exploring coffee shops and jazz clubs and praising and worshiping in her faith. She holds a B.A. in Political Science from CUNY Brooklyn College, and a MPA from CUNY John Jay College.

Michael Rodríguez

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Michael Rodríguez is a recognized leader in the field of dual language education, dedicated to advancing equitable opportunities for multilingual learners. Having parents who were punished for speaking Spanish in school, he did not grow up speaking it, and first realized a personal disconnect while attending college. This experience fueled his commitment to learning Spanish and working to expand access to educational opportunities that reflect the identities, languages and cultures of all students.

As a former school administrator, he helped establish three dual language programs in New Mexico. Today, he champions high-quality, sustainable models grounded in decades of research, demonstrating the immense benefits for all students. Michael continues to influence policy and practice as an active member of Transform Education New Mexico and as treasurer of the National Dual Language Forum.

He enjoys time with family, traveling and exploring New Mexico’s natural wonders.

Miles Tokunow

Albuquerque, New Mexico 

Miles Tokunow is committed to building communities where immigrants are safe, rooted and able to shape their own futures. He believes dignity grows when people have real access to justice and he is motivated by the stories and strength of families who navigate impossible systems with courage.

He serves as the Executive Director of Contigo Immigrant Justice in New Mexico, where he leads statewide legal services, community education and policy work that confronts legal deserts and protects immigrant families.

Miles is also a multimedia storyteller and dancer. His creative practice explores the layers of history and identity, motivated by his experience as a transracial adoptee and born from his Afro-Futurist commitment to land, body and movement.

He loves being father of two wild and fun children, partner to a brilliant poet and friend to many in the community.

Nathana Bird

Ohkay Owingeh, New Mexico

Nathana Bird is an Indigenous community advocate with over two decades of leadership in community organizing and nonprofit management across Northern New Mexico. As Co-Director of a Native women-led organization in the Española Valley, she advances environmental, reproductive and gender justice through programs that uplift youth and families. An enrolled member of Ohkay Owingeh with ties to Santo Domingo Pueblo, Bird grounds her work in the strength of her cultural teachings.

From organizing as a young person to becoming a respected regional leader, her journey reflects unwavering resilience, compassion and vision. She holds an M.A. in Language, Literacy and Socio-Cultural Studies with an emphasis in American Indian Education from the University of New Mexico.

When not working, she can be found with her family, supporting their family business, tending to her houseplants and rewriting the tired narratives placed on Indigenous people and weaving something fierce and powerful for future generations.

Oscar Brown

New Orleans, Louisiana

Oscar Brown is a dedicated community leader, photographer and advocate for the historic Desire community of New Orleans. Born and raised in Desire, he continues to live out his commitment to the neighborhood by working every day to make it a desirable, thriving place to live.

Oscar currently serves as the Director with Thrive New Orleans at the Giving Hope Community Center located at the heart of the neighborhood and holds leadership roles on several boards, including the board of Collegiate Academies, a charter network serving more than eight high schools in New Orleans. A strong believer in culture, growth and community, he has spent decades uplifting others through service and mentorship.

Oscar has been married for 22 years to his best friend and mental health counselor, Centell, and they share three children and one grandchild.

Pauline Rogers

Jackson, Mississippi

Pauline Rogers is a nationally recognized leader in reentry, restorative justice and community transformation. For more than 35 years, she has worked to dismantle barriers that limit the potential of individuals and families, especially in Mississippi’s most underserved communities.

As Founder and Executive Director of the RECH Foundation, she has built a comprehensive model of housing, workforce development, life skills training and advocacy grounded in lived experience and racial equity. A lifelong believer in restorative justice, Pauline centers healing, accountability and dignity in every aspect of her work. Under her leadership, RECH has maintained a record of zero recidivism among its residents.

Pauline is listed in the Marquis ‘Who’s Who in America’, the 2021 Nexstar Remarkable Women Winner and a Public Voices Fellow on Transformative Justice.

In her free time, she enjoys storytelling, reflection and staying connected to the community that inspires her work.

Percy Marchand

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Percy Marchand is passionate about creating equitable opportunities for all and rebuilding communities through purpose-driven initiatives. His motivation stems from personal experiences of loss and resilience after Hurricane Katrina, which inspired him to understand and prioritize the expression ‘people over profits.’

As Founder and CEO of IMPACT504, Percy leads programs focused on youth, families, workforce development and community service in Greater New Orleans. Under his leadership, IMPACT504 launched IMPACT University, a transformative campus offering wraparound services that address systemic challenges through education, empowerment and sustainability.

Percy serves as Associate Director of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. National Office and also collaborates with organizations promoting civic engagement. A Loyola University New Orleans graduate in Business Management, he enjoys exercising, exploring local culture, mentoring youth and spending time with family and friends who share his vision for change.

Quiton Garrett

Madison, Mississippi

Quiton Garrett is driven by a deep commitment to expanding opportunity and strengthening communities through education, workforce development and service. He believes that when people are equipped with the right support, they can transform their lives and the systems around them.

He currently serves as Program Director for Mississippi Reading and Math Corps, where he leads statewide efforts to support students in reading and math while also helping young adults build meaningful career pathways. His previous experience is in social services—specifically housing—where he developed programs that supported families holistically and strengthened long-term stability.

Quiton is an active member of several community service and volunteer groups across the Jackson metro area. Outside of work, he enjoys writing, camping and exploring the outdoors as a dedicated nature enthusiast.

Rachel Tyrone

Monticello, Mississippi

Rachel is driven by a deep commitment to improving early childhood health and development through systems-level change. Her work is motivated by a belief that investing in infants, young children and their caregivers transforms life trajectories and strengthens communities.

She serves as an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator in the John D. Bower School of Population Health at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, where she leads interdisciplinary training, research and workforce development initiatives focused on early childhood, maternal mental health and population health science. Her previous clinical work as a pediatric speech-language pathologist continues to shape her systems-informed approach.

Dr. Tyrone mentors emerging professionals through state and national programs and collaborates with community partners, including childcare centers, to advance equitable early childhood development.

Outside of work, she enjoys time with her family and spending time in the great outdoors.

Randy Johnson

Boise, Idaho

Randy Johnson is driven by a passion for advancing health equity and creating meaningful change in his community. Motivated by the belief that access to quality healthcare and supportive policies should be available to all, he works to ensure communities have the resources and systems they need to thrive.

Randy is the Government Relations Director for Idaho at the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, where he focuses on Medicaid expansion, tobacco prevention, cancer screening funding and volunteer engagement. He has led advocacy campaigns, built coalitions and influenced policy that directly impacts families and communities.

A proud combat veteran and father, Randy supports volunteer initiatives that strengthen local health and policy efforts. He draws inspiration from his family, community and outdoor adventures. In his free time, he enjoys exploring Idaho’s backcountry with his wife, two children and dogs.

Rebecca Spann

Kentwood, Michigan

Rebecca Spann, ED. S., LPC is the Founder and Executive Director of Our Mental Health Collective, Lead Therapist and Owner of About You Counseling and Consulting, and the Lead Creative and Owner of Your Therapeutic Journey Apparel.

Rebecca has 14 years of experience as a licensed professional counselor working in various mental health settings and leading advocacy efforts. She is also a consultant and workshop facilitator, grant writer, mental health program creator and leader. She is a passionate advocate for mental health care that is culturally affirming and accessible.

Rebecca was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. She attended Jackson State University where she earned her B.A. in Psychology. She also attended Mississippi College where she earned both her M.A. and Education Specialist degrees.

Her work has been recognized by Linc Up, A Glimpse of Africa, The Iota Pi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc, Grand Rapids Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Mom’s Bloom.

Rebecca enjoys being outdoors and photography.

Rodrigo Rodriguez

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Rodrigo Rodriguez is an activist and organizer who believes in the sacred power and infinite possibilities of community. He currently serves as Director of Community Organizing for La Plazita Institute and Director of the Justice for Youth Community Collaborative in Albuquerque.

Rodrigo brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in community organizing, activism, movement building, political education, campaign strategy and policy work. His life’s work is centered around his own lived experience with carceral systems, the power of transformation and empowering future generations to fight for justice. Rodrigo credits his community with saving his life, helping him break cycles of incarceration and addiction.

Rodrigo has represented his community in Palestine, Brazil, Spain, Mexico and all around the United States. He is a founder of Project Feed the Hood and New Mexico Youth Justice Coalition. He is a ‘Better Big Homie’ and a father of two beautiful kids, Juanita Maiz and Esperanza Natividad.

Ronald Marshall

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Ronald Marshall is dedicated to breaking barriers for formerly incarcerated people and helping family and children heal from generational trauma. He does this work because of his firsthand experience of what trauma does to a person’s body, spirit and future. He’s motivated by one thing: refusing to let families continue to cycle through poverty, hopelessness and harm without someone fighting to protect them.

He serves as the Chief Policy Analyst for Voice of the Experienced, working at the crossroads of justice lobbying, trauma healing and civic power-building. Ronald wrote the 2023 Mental Healing Justice Act, now a Louisiana law, and in 2025 drafted two New Orleans ordinances that led to the city recognizing formerly incarcerated people as a protected class with a private right to sue. He is also the recipient of the President’s Award for Policy Advocacy.

Ronald is a New Orleans brother who loves good energy, real conversations and spending time with family.

Samantha Magdaleno

Dearborn, Michigan

Samantha Magdaleno is a Detroit-rooted organizer and Collective Liberation Organizer focused on building a pipeline of future lawyers and community leaders from the global majority. As a proudly Indigenous Mexicana woman, her work is grounded in ancestral values of collective care, resistance and responsibility to community. She believes systemic change must be driven by those most impacted, especially youth and immigrants whose voices are often overlooked in decisions that shape their futures.

Samantha serves as Executive Director of 1Michigan for the Global Majority, expanding access to career and community organizing knowledge for Detroit youth, and as Executive Director of One Michigan for Immigrant Rights, supporting immigrant youth and families fighting for dignity and opportunity.

She is a third-year student at Michigan State University College of Law and President of the Latinos Unidos Law Student Association, where she strengthens a pipeline for Latino students pursuing legal careers and builds community rooted in culture, belonging and intergenerational power.

Sara Cotten

Ridgeland, Mississippi

Sara’s professional career and personal life have been dedicated to public interest and service to aspiring communities. She is passionate about empowering individuals with resources they need to move their lives in a positive direction.

In her current role at the Mississippi Volunteer Lawyers Project, Sara focuses on providing legal resources that impact the lives of the state’s underserved populations. This is accomplished through the delivery of pro bono legal services such as self-representation legal clinics and public awareness workshops, working to close the gap in access to justice.

Sara’s volunteer roles outside of her profession have ranged from Project Development Chair to Board Secretary to Board President. Sara likes to jumpstart her day with a workout. When her family is not at a sporting event, she enjoys dinners at local restaurants or recreating favorite dishes at home.

Sarah Sattelmeyer

Washington, DC 

Sarah Sattelmeyer is a Project Director at New America where she works at the intersection of higher education and economic mobility. In her work, she connects research and promising practices to policy advocacy, addressing systemic barriers to opportunity for families and communities.

Previously, she served in the Office of the Under Secretary in the U.S. Department of Education, where she worked on issues related to financial aid, college enrollment, student loans and student success.

Sarah launched and directed The Pew Charitable Trusts’ student borrower success project and served on Pew’s financial security and mobility project.

Sarah holds degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Georgia, and he has served on the board of DC SAFE, an organization dedicated to ensuring the safety and self-determination of domestic violence survivors.

Scott Patterson-Alatorre

Tijeras, New Mexico 

Scott Patterson-Alatorre believes deeply in each individual’s capacity to heal. He has spent the last 22 years working with New Mexicans throughout the state to provide interventions and support services to mitigate the impact of trauma on their daily lives.

He currently serves as the Director of the Family Services Division for the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. His work centers on connecting children, youth and families to culturally responsive and trauma-informed prevention and intervention, creating pathways for increased stability and connection to community.

He is currently completing a Doctor of Psychology where his research focuses on provider attitudes, beliefs and perceptions, and the ways in which these contribute to their experiences of anxiety and well-being. In his free time, Scott likes to hike and explore New Mexico with his husband Steve and their dogs, Frankie and Nacho.

Seirra S. Williams

Pearl, Mississippi 

Following the belief that a better tomorrow starts today and with us, Seirra S. Williams serves as a legal advocate, coordinating statewide legal clinics and supporting Mississippians facing housing insecurity and challenges linked to criminal history records.

Seirra holds a Bachelor of Paralegal Studies, a MPA and a Juris Doctorate. She is a member of the Mississippi Bar, a past president of the Magnolia Bar Association, a graduate of the 2022–2023 Leadership Mississippi Bar Class and a 2025 graduate of the Mississippi Women in the Lead Cohort. In 2023, the Magnolia Bar Association honored her for her commitment to service and advocacy.

Seirra is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. and Junior Auxiliary of Rankin County, where she serves her community, creating safe and equitable spaces that strengthen children, families and communities. In her free time, Seirra enjoys spending time with her family and miniature poodle, Denim.

Shanee Garner

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Shanée Garner believes in people and loves building coalitions too big to fail. She is driven by the conviction that communities most impacted by injustice have the motivation, expertise and gifts to build the world anew, and that every person deserves dignity, safety and joy.

She is the founding Executive Director of Lift Every Voice Philly, where she leads parent-driven organizing to transform public education and hold systems accountable. Garner brings more than 15 years of experience in public policy and advocacy.

Garner is West Philly born and raised, where she organizes, lives and raises her family. In her free time, she loves building overly specific playlists and reading everything she can find.

Shequite Wilson-Johnson

Indianola, Mississippi

Dr. Shequite Johnson is driven by a deep commitment to advancing equity, dignity, and opportunity for families in the Mississippi Delta. Her passion comes from lived experience—both as a mother and as a community leader—fueling her advocacy for maternal health rights, youth empowerment and rural community transformation.

She is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Social Sciences at Mississippi Valley State University, where she teaches, mentors emerging leaders and engages students in community-based research and policy work. Dr. Johnson is also the co-founder of the GAP Leadership Program, a nonprofit dedicated to youth entrepreneurship, civic engagement and educational advocacy across the Delta.

She serves in various community leadership capacities and has been recognized for her service, academic excellence and commitment to rural communities. In her free time, Dr. Johnson enjoys writing, creating programs for young people and spending time with her children and extended community.

Sia Y. Magadan

Sacramento, California 

Sia Y. Magadan is a bridge builder and connector grounded in the belief that every child deserves the chance for their potential greatness to be realized. As a first-generation American and child of Sierra Leonean immigrants, she knows that while talent is universal, access is not—and this truth fuels her commitment to equity and community care.

Sia currently serves as Executive Director of Reach Out and Read California, where she advances early literacy and early relational health through trusted pediatric partnerships. Her career spans nonprofits serving youth and marginalized communities, where she has led initiatives focused on opportunity access, equity and evidence-based support for children and families.

She serves on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals–Sacramento Region and the Zion Girls Leadership Academy. Sia holds degrees from Bowie State University, Florida A&M University, and an M.Div. from Oral Roberts University.

Outside of work, she is a wife, mom, unapologetic sneaker head, and lover of joy, Golden Girls and good storytelling.

Sonja Diaz

Los Angeles, California

Sonja Diaz is driven by a belief that policy and narrative can unlock opportunity for communities too often written out of public life. She does this work because she has seen, from an early age, how public decisions can limit or expand dignity, belonging and power—and she is motivated by a lifelong commitment to justice and visibility.

Sonja is the Founder of Unseen, where she leads future-focused efforts at the intersection of civil rights, policy innovation and storytelling to elevate Americans hidden in plain sight. She previously founded UCLA’s Latino Policy and Politics Institute and helped launch the Latina Futures 2050 Lab, securing major state and philanthropic investments to advance research during moments of national crisis. Sonja serves on the boards of LatinoJustice PRLDEF and Future Forward Women and formerly advised then–Attorney General Kamala D. Harris.

A graduate of UC Berkeley Law, UCLA, and UC Santa Cruz, she finds joy in cities, art and segundas.

Susana Hines

Washington DC Metropolitan Area 

Susana Hines develops and advances strategies that expand equitable educational and economic mobility. The child of immigrants from Michoacán, Mexico and the first of twelve siblings to attend college, she brings first-hand experience to her commitment to increasing access and equity in early and higher education.

A former Head Start child herself, she currently works at the National Head Start Association, leading efforts to co-locate Head Start on community college campuses to expand opportunities for young children and families.

With over a decade of experience across higher and early education, nonprofits and philanthropy, Susana has contributed to equity-driven policy reform and systems change through roles at Education Strategy Group, Ascendium Education, Institute for Women’s Policy Research and Lumina Foundation.

She holds M.A. in Higher Education from the University of Michigan and dual B.A degrees in Sociology and American Ethnic Studies from the University of Washington.

Tammi Moe

Gallup, New Mexico 

Tammi Moe is a community-centered library leader committed to charting a better future for children by strengthening the places and systems that shape their lives. She is motivated by the belief that when kids have equitable access to stories, culture, resources, safe gathering spaces and trusted adults, they grow into thriving learners and leaders—and communities heal and flourish across generations.

Tammi serves in public library leadership in Gallup, New Mexico, advancing community services, youth and family-centered programming, and a capital campaign for a new regional library rooted in Indigenous cultural preservation—work dedicated to creating opportunities for children and families through welcoming public spaces, literacy, and creative learning.

She partners with local arts, education and civic groups that uplift under represented voices and wellbeing. Outside of work, Tammi enjoys mind and body integration through art and history, storytelling through film, literature and live performance, practicing yoga, being outside and spending time with family, friends and her furry guardians.

Tatiana Elisa Bustos

Puyallup, Washington

Dr. Tatiana Elisa Bustos is a community psychologist and dedicated systems change leader. As a first-generation college graduate with Nicaraguan roots, she believes in the power of communities to drive change. With over 14 years of experience, she designs community engaged research and evaluation that strengthens community capacity and ensures federal, state and local programs reflect the voices and needs of the people they serve. She has been recognized as a Rising Leader by the National Network of Public Health Institutes.

Dr. Bustos is currently research scientist at RTI International, where she directs transformative research projects and shapes engagement strategies to lead with a “people-first science.” She is a research affiliate with the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

She holds a Ph.D. in Community Psychology from Michigan State University, along with degrees in psychology from Nova Southeastern and Florida International University. In her free time, she is a hiker, dog mom and a vegan who takes all recipe risks with her husband.

Terrelene Massey

Rio Rancho, New Mexico

Terrelene Massey has served as the Executive Director of the Southwest Women’s Law Center for the past six years, bringing more than two decades of policy, legal and administrative experience to her leadership. A licensed attorney specializing in Native American law, she has spent 24 years shaping and advancing policies that strengthen and protect Native communities, women and families.

A citizen of the Navajo Nation, Terrelene is Tangle Clan, born for Towering House. Her maternal grandfathers are of the Rock Gap Clan, and her paternal grandfather is of the Salt Water Clan. Raised on the Navajo Nation by a single mother of three, she understands firsthand the power of support, empowerment and community.

She holds a J.D. from the University of New Mexico School of Law and a MPA from the University of Texas at Austin.

Outside of her professional work, Terrelene loves music, spending time with her family, including her twin daughters and returning home to Pinon, Arizona, where her roots continue to ground and inspire her.

Tess Johnson

Oxford, Mississippi

Tess Johnson is dedicated to advancing meaningful wellness programs and supporting mental health initiatives across Mississippi. She believes young people thrive when their voices can be heard and they are given genuine opportunities to shape change in their communities.

Tess serves as an Instructional Assistant Professor and CEPH Accreditation Coordinator in the Department of Public Health at the University of Mississippi, where she works on Youth Participatory Action Research and community-based projects in local schools and afterschool programs. A certified kids’ yoga instructor and mindfulness educator, she integrates wellness and mindfulness principles into her teaching and community engagement. She holds a B.A. in Community Development, a M.A. in Health Promotion, and a PhD in Health & Kinesiology with an emphasis in Health Behavior.

In her free time, Tess enjoys cooking, gardening, engaging in the local food community, attending concerts, watching football and spending time with her family.

Tha Par

Battle Creek, Michigan

Tha is called to be a purposeful light in this world that reflects God’s love for humanity, hungering for righteousness, thirsting for justice and extending mercy even when retaliation feels easier. At the heart of her work is living with intention and co-building a world where all are seen, valued and given the opportunity to thrive.

She currently serves as the Co-Executive Director for Battle Creek Coalition for Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation.

Outside of this role, she also provides strategic consulting and program management to empower communities and foster equitable systems. Tha previously worked as Executive Director at the Burma Center advocating and empowering Burmese Americans through various programing.

Tha serves on the boards of Grace Health, the City of Battle Creek Brownfield Authority, and TIFFA. She holds a MSW and B.A.in Sociology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and her leadership has been recognized with awards including the Burma Center Outstanding Leadership Award and the Lakeview School District Outstanding Young Alumni Award.

In her free time, she enjoys playing tennis and volleyball, reading and journaling for peace and clarity.

Timolynn Sams

New Orleans, Louisiana

Timolynn Sams is a storyteller, systems healer and community strategist whose work sits at the crossroads of justice, culture and collective power. Rooted in New Orleans, she believes that every community holds the wisdom to transform the systems around them — and that narrative is as critical to change as policy. Her leadership is fueled by a commitment to amplifying Black and Brown families and nurturing spaces where their voices are not only heard, but honored.

As Director of External Affairs for the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office, she leads work that brings humanity into justice reform — uniting families, strengthening reentry pathways, and building partnerships that restore dignity. Her post-Katrina leadership with the Neighborhoods Partnership Network continues to ground her in community voice.

Timolynn chairs the Operations Committee of the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority and serves as Board Chair of The Data Center. She finds joy in traveling, reading and her children, Evan and Jaxon.

Tracy Galloway

Ocean Springs, Mississippi

Tracy Galloway is committed to building healthier, more self-sufficient communities through food, land and education. He is driven by a belief that every family deserves access to fresh food, meaningful outdoor learning and opportunities to reconnect with the land.

Tracy currently serves as the Founder and Executive Director of Galloway Family Farm & Education Center, where he leads programs in youth agricultural education, community gardening and sustainable farm development. His work builds on years of experience in community outreach and land stewardship.

Tracy also volunteers with regional food justice networks and partners with Mississippi, Alabama and New Orleans organizations to expand equitable food systems. He is actively involved in cultural preservation work rooted in his family’s multigenerational farming heritage.

Outside of his leadership roles, Tracy enjoys gardening, exploring local nature trails and spending time with his diverse Gulf Coast community.

Tristan Bredehoft

Battle Creek, Michigan

Tristan Bredehoft is an entrepreneur and community builder who brings energy, creativity, and bold vision to the revitalization of Battle Creek. As co-founder of Café Rica and Breaking Bred Hospitality, he has transformed local spaces into lively hubs where people gather, businesses grow and culture thrives. Tristan leads with ideas and action, launching initiatives like Battle Creek Restaurant Week, the Breaking Bred Bazaar, and citywide arts and placemaking events that spark connections and lift the local economy.

His leadership reaches far beyond his businesses. Tristan partners with TRHT Battle Creek, the SHARE Center, Battle Creek Public Schools, and Pride BC to expand access to mentorship, belonging and community wellness. He has mentored dozens of emerging entrepreneurs, supported regional accelerator programs through Can Do Kalamazoo and shared his insights on equitable business at the Aspen Institute’s Shared Success summit.

Tristan leads with purpose, optimism and a deep commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive future for Battle Creek.

Turquoise Velarde

Taos, New Mexico 

Turquoise “”Chenoa”” Velarde comes from Taos Pueblo and the Jicarilla Apache Nation, and currently resides in her hometown of Taos. An Indigenous mother, daughter, auntie, sister, educator, and cultural advocate, Chenoa continues to create educational equity and access for tribal students and the communities they come from in higher education. She is passionate about spreading awareness about Indigenous Educational Sovereignty, advocating for its place in public education.

Chenoa works at University of New Mexico-Taos as the Indigenous Outreach Coordinator. She supports the Indigenous Student population by bridging institutions and communities, helping them walk in their educational and cultural worlds with strength and pride. Chenoa earned her B.A. in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College and her M.A. in Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Studies from the University of New Mexico.

Chenoa serves on various education and advocacy-centric councils, boards and committees in Taos where education and advocacy is centered and is an active member in both of the tribal communities her parents are from.

Whitney Wardell

Battle Creek, Michigan

Whitney Wardell is committed to expanding housing stability and creating communities where all people can thrive. She is motivated by a passion for equity and by the belief that safe, affordable housing is the foundation for opportunity.

Whitney is the President & CEO of Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek, where she leads work in homelessness prevention, rapid rehousing, property management, community development and a host of other services related to affordable housing. Her career began in low-income housing, providing support and resources to families at risk of homelessness.

She is an engaged community volunteer, serves on several local boards and was recognized as a Young Professional by the Battle Creek Community Foundation in 2021.

In her free time, Whitney enjoys time with her three sons and her dog, Louie, and staying active in her community.

Yaha Aguilera

Las Cruces, New Mexico

Driven by the joy of seeing every child feel safe, seen and cared for, Yaha leads with heart, creativity, and collaboration. As the New Mexico State Director for Save the Children, she oversees work across New Mexico, championing equal opportunities for kids—regardless of language, resources or circumstance.

Her passion for community shows up everywhere—from welcoming asylum seekers to preparing food boxes and delivering backpacks to children in need. A graduate of the NMOST Leadership Institute, she is also completing a Gender Equality course to deepen her impact.

A UTEP alum with a double major in Graphic Design and Advertising, she expresses her worldview through bold ceramic art. Outside of work, she enjoys exercise, bilingual podcasts and nurturing her love for cactus of every kind.

Zakenya Neely

New Orleans, Louisiana

Zakenya Perry Neely is a visionary architect dedicated to elevating communities by expanding access to resources that advance economic mobility for children, families and small business owners. She is driven by a deep belief in the power of innovative programs to transform lives and strengthen communities.

As Director of Strategic Partnerships & Market Solutions at the National Association for Family Child Care, she designs and leads initiatives that support social entrepreneurs, expand educational access and build sustainable pathways to prosperity. Her 25 years of experience span community leadership roles across local, state and national organizations, where she has launched award-winning programs and cross-sector collaborations.

A New Orleans native and proud member of the fabulous Mardi Gras parade, Krewe of Muses, she finds joy in being creative, planning events and spending meaningful time with family and friends.