Local Progress Impact Lab
Local Progress Policy Institute d/b/a Local Progress Impact Lab is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization, which brings together local leaders, partners, and experts to build the knowledge, skills, and leadership needed to advance racial and economic justice at the local level.
Our Strategy
Our Strategic Framework – Redefining What is Possible from the Ground Up – outlines four key elements that anchor our strategy as a network – a firmly rooted commitment to racial justice, a belief in the power of collaborative governance to create transformational change, the knowledge that the change that happens in our communities has the potential to change our country, and an understanding that our power and impact is greatest when we are organized.
STATE CHAPTERS & STATE ORGANIZING
We organize and build the infrastructure in key states to impact policy and governance outcomes at the state level. We currently have fully certified chapters in New York, Texas, North Carolina, and Minnesota and are organizing across Florida
Our Board
Local Progress Impact Lab is overseen by a Board of Directors that guides the strategic direction of the network. Our board consists of local elected officials from localities across the country and organizational members from labor and movement partners.
Jillian Johnson
Southern Regional Director, Movement Voter Project | Board Chair
Jillian Johnson is a former Durham City Councilmember, a long-time grassroots organizer and activist, and a mother of two. Elected in 2015, she was the first openly LGBTQ person to serve on the council and was unanimously chosen to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore from 2017-2021. She championed Durham’s first participatory budgeting initiative, is a strong advocate for affordable housing and helped secure the city’s $95 million affordable housing bond, and continues to push forward work to reimagine public safety. Jillian is a co-founder of Durham for All, serves on the board of Southern Vision Alliance and is the North Carolina State Advisor for Movement Voter Project.
Jillian Johnson
Southern Regional Director, Movement Voter Project | Board Chair
Jillian Johnson is a former Durham City Councilmember, a long-time grassroots organizer and activist, and a mother of two. Elected in 2015, she was the first openly LGBTQ person to serve on the council and was unanimously chosen to serve as Mayor Pro Tempore from 2017-2021. She championed Durham’s first participatory budgeting initiative, is a strong advocate for affordable housing and helped secure the city’s $95 million affordable housing bond, and continues to push forward work to reimagine public safety. Jillian is a co-founder of Durham for All, serves on the board of Southern Vision Alliance and is the North Carolina State Advisor for Movement Voter Project.
Southern Regional Director, Movement Voter Project | Board Chair
Ashley Dwire
Director of State & Local Programs, SEIU | Secretary and Treasurer
Ashley Dwire is the Director of State & Local Programs at the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) where she works with SEIU locals and state councils to drive progressive issue campaigns at the state and local level that empower workers and improve the quality of life for their communities.
After spending nearly a decade in the labor movement in Tennessee working with the Tennessee Labor Management Center and TN AFL-CIO Labor Council, Ashley knows the importance of workers having a voice not just at their jobs but also in their communities. Ashley has also worked to lift up the voices of low income workers through supporting progressive candidates on both the state and local level in her home state of Tennessee as well as across the country- seeing the importance of having electeds who mirror the values of their communities.
In addition to serving on the Local Progress Board Ashley serves on the National Conference of State Legislators Foundation Board of Directors and works closely with SiX to support state/local electeds in their efforts to expand the right to organize and collectively bargain through traditional and new forms.
Outside of work Ashley enjoys spending time with her partner, Michael and their 11 year old husky, Lily camping, hiking and taking in DC city life as well as splitting time with family in Tennessee and Vermont.
Ashley Dwire
Director of State & Local Programs, SEIU | Secretary and Treasurer
Ashley Dwire is the Director of State & Local Programs at the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) where she works with SEIU locals and state councils to drive progressive issue campaigns at the state and local level that empower workers and improve the quality of life for their communities.
After spending nearly a decade in the labor movement in Tennessee working with the Tennessee Labor Management Center and TN AFL-CIO Labor Council, Ashley knows the importance of workers having a voice not just at their jobs but also in their communities. Ashley has also worked to lift up the voices of low income workers through supporting progressive candidates on both the state and local level in her home state of Tennessee as well as across the country- seeing the importance of having electeds who mirror the values of their communities.
In addition to serving on the Local Progress Board Ashley serves on the National Conference of State Legislators Foundation Board of Directors and works closely with SiX to support state/local electeds in their efforts to expand the right to organize and collectively bargain through traditional and new forms.
Outside of work Ashley enjoys spending time with her partner, Michael and their 11 year old husky, Lily camping, hiking and taking in DC city life as well as splitting time with family in Tennessee and Vermont.
Director of State & Local Programs, SEIU | Secretary and Treasurer
Marcelia Nicholson
Marcelia Nicholson, Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman
Marcelia Nicholson is an award-winning activist, and the first Black woman and Latina elected as Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Prior to her election as Board Chair, she served as 1st Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Economic & Community Development and Intergovernmental Relations committees. She sits on the board of directors of several community and national organizations, including Local Progress, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Chairwoman Nicholson works to make opportunities that were given to her as a young woman growing up in 53206—one of the nation’s poorest and most incarcerated ZIP codes—available to others. Chairwoman Nicholson is a champion for working people, public education, economic development, and community empowerment. Her past work as a union activist, community organizer, and educator informs her policy and community work. She has authored and sponsored several significant pieces of legislation, including a $15 living wage ordinance, an eviction reduction program, a resolution establishing Juneteenth Day as a major holiday, and a declaration of racism as a public health crisis (Milwaukee County was the first county or municipality in the United States to do so). She has also secured funding for County parks, advocated on behalf of women of color seeking entrepreneurship, and fought for criminal justice reform.
Chairwoman Nicholson is a proud product of Milwaukee Public Schools and is an honors graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Prior to her first election to the Board of Supervisors in 2016, she taught 4th grade at Milwaukee Public Schools. As a member of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA), she worked to organize MTEA members and community groups for better teaching and classroom conditions. She earned recognition for her activism and dedication to Social Justice Unionism with a feature profile and cover story in the Fall 2016 edition of the National Education Association magazine.
Chairwoman Nicholson is also the Director of Civic Engagement and Independent Political Power at the Center for Popular Democracy. In her spare time, Marcelia serves as a national trainer for the Progressive Governance Academy, where she trains progressive elected officials across the country on various skills, including transitioning to public leadership and setting an agenda. She also has a passion for baking and owns her own business baking cookies, cakes, and sweets.
Marcelia Nicholson
Marcelia Nicholson, Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman
Marcelia Nicholson is an award-winning activist, and the first Black woman and Latina elected as Chairwoman of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors. Prior to her election as Board Chair, she served as 1st Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Economic & Community Development and Intergovernmental Relations committees. She sits on the board of directors of several community and national organizations, including Local Progress, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the Milwaukee Public Museum.
Born and raised in Milwaukee, Chairwoman Nicholson works to make opportunities that were given to her as a young woman growing up in 53206—one of the nation’s poorest and most incarcerated ZIP codes—available to others. Chairwoman Nicholson is a champion for working people, public education, economic development, and community empowerment. Her past work as a union activist, community organizer, and educator informs her policy and community work. She has authored and sponsored several significant pieces of legislation, including a $15 living wage ordinance, an eviction reduction program, a resolution establishing Juneteenth Day as a major holiday, and a declaration of racism as a public health crisis (Milwaukee County was the first county or municipality in the United States to do so). She has also secured funding for County parks, advocated on behalf of women of color seeking entrepreneurship, and fought for criminal justice reform.
Chairwoman Nicholson is a proud product of Milwaukee Public Schools and is an honors graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Prior to her first election to the Board of Supervisors in 2016, she taught 4th grade at Milwaukee Public Schools. As a member of the Milwaukee Teachers Education Association (MTEA), she worked to organize MTEA members and community groups for better teaching and classroom conditions. She earned recognition for her activism and dedication to Social Justice Unionism with a feature profile and cover story in the Fall 2016 edition of the National Education Association magazine.
Chairwoman Nicholson is also the Director of Civic Engagement and Independent Political Power at the Center for Popular Democracy. In her spare time, Marcelia serves as a national trainer for the Progressive Governance Academy, where she trains progressive elected officials across the country on various skills, including transitioning to public leadership and setting an agenda. She also has a passion for baking and owns her own business baking cookies, cakes, and sweets.
Marcelia Nicholson, Milwaukee County Board Chairwoman
Gabriela Santiago-Romero
Detroit City Councilmember
Gabriela Santiago-Romero (sher/her) is an immigrant from Mexico and a Southwest Detroit native. She’s the former Policy and Research Director at We The People MI based in Detroit. She earned her master of social work studying Social Policy and Evaluation with a focus on Community and Social Systems from the University of Michigan. She has made history by becoming the first out female LGBTQ Detroit councilmember and the first queer Latina legislator in the state of Michigan. She’s a community activist and organizer who has extensive experience working for Detroit nonprofits and local government. Love and food fuel her work.
Gabriela Santiago-Romero
Detroit City Councilmember
Gabriela Santiago-Romero (sher/her) is an immigrant from Mexico and a Southwest Detroit native. She’s the former Policy and Research Director at We The People MI based in Detroit. She earned her master of social work studying Social Policy and Evaluation with a focus on Community and Social Systems from the University of Michigan. She has made history by becoming the first out female LGBTQ Detroit councilmember and the first queer Latina legislator in the state of Michigan. She’s a community activist and organizer who has extensive experience working for Detroit nonprofits and local government. Love and food fuel her work.
Detroit City Councilmember
Kendra Brooks
Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large
Kendra Brooks is a Councilmember At-Large from North Philadelphia and the first Working Families Party member ever elected to City Council. She has a background in organizing for social movements, public school advocacy, gun violence prevention, and restorative justice, all of which inform her priorities as an elected official. Some of her recent accomplishments include championing eviction prevention and reforming the rental application and screening process; guaranteeing emergency paid sick time to frontline workers; expanding protections for survivors of domestic violence; and protecting neighborhood-led community gardens.
Kendra Brooks
Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large
Kendra Brooks is a Councilmember At-Large from North Philadelphia and the first Working Families Party member ever elected to City Council. She has a background in organizing for social movements, public school advocacy, gun violence prevention, and restorative justice, all of which inform her priorities as an elected official. Some of her recent accomplishments include championing eviction prevention and reforming the rental application and screening process; guaranteeing emergency paid sick time to frontline workers; expanding protections for survivors of domestic violence; and protecting neighborhood-led community gardens.
Philadelphia City Councilmember At-Large
Our Staff
Our work is powered by a high-functioning team of staff who bring local elected officials, partners, and allies together to shape and advance a bold collective shared vision.
Faisal Alam
Director of Finance & Operations (he/him)
Faisal is the Director of Finance & Operations at Local Progress, where he leads the financial management, annual budgeting process, operations and compliance. Prior to joining Local Progress, Faisal worked at Resource Generation (RG) as the Deputy Director. At RG, he developed new operational and financial systems, advocated for progressive HR policies and increased staff benefits. He served as Interim Executive Director during a leadership transition and led the growth of the Operations team from 2 to 5 people.
Faisal has worked in social justice movements for 20+ years, including reproductive justice, international LGBTQ human rights, HIV/AIDS education & prevention, and LGBTQ Muslim organizing.
He considers himself a global citizen, having grown up in 4 countries and living in multiple cities in the US. In his free time, Faisal enjoys traveling to visit friends and family, seeing Broadway shows, dancing to top 40 & Bollywood music, watching the latest blockbuster film, and trying out new cuisines in New York.
Faisal Alam
Director of Finance & Operations (he/him)
Faisal is the Director of Finance & Operations at Local Progress, where he leads the financial management, annual budgeting process, operations and compliance. Prior to joining Local Progress, Faisal worked at Resource Generation (RG) as the Deputy Director. At RG, he developed new operational and financial systems, advocated for progressive HR policies and increased staff benefits. He served as Interim Executive Director during a leadership transition and led the growth of the Operations team from 2 to 5 people.
Faisal has worked in social justice movements for 20+ years, including reproductive justice, international LGBTQ human rights, HIV/AIDS education & prevention, and LGBTQ Muslim organizing.
He considers himself a global citizen, having grown up in 4 countries and living in multiple cities in the US. In his free time, Faisal enjoys traveling to visit friends and family, seeing Broadway shows, dancing to top 40 & Bollywood music, watching the latest blockbuster film, and trying out new cuisines in New York.
Director of Finance & Operations (he/him)
Elizabeth Alcantar
California Coordinator (she/her)
Elizabeth Alcantar is the California Coordinator. She advances Local Progress’s work in California by organizing and developing new and existing LP members to build power for progressive issues across the state.
Elizabeth is a first-generation Mexican-American and eldest daughter to her parents: a union butcher and a garment worker. It was because of the disparities she saw between her parents’ work experiences that she became interested in organizing and building power for working people and families. While studying at California State University, Long Beach for Political Science and Sociology, Elizabeth organized with Students for Quality Education, the student arm of the California Faculty Association, fighting against tuition hikes and for fair wages for faculty. She then went on to organize carwash workers in Los Angeles County with the C.L.E.A.N Carwash Campaign, serve as a Field Deputy for former Secretary of Labor, Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and most recently worked at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) building power, transforming public opinion, and working to change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights.
Since 2018, Elizabeth has served on the city council in her hometown of Cudahy in Southeast Los Angeles, serving as Mayor twice. She’s honored to serve the community that raised her and lead on progressive policy changes that best elevate and support her working class, immigrant community. In her spare time, you can find Elizabeth at an LAFC game or playing with her kitten Chiqui who was named after her favorite football player.
Elizabeth Alcantar
California Coordinator (she/her)
Elizabeth Alcantar is the California Coordinator. She advances Local Progress’s work in California by organizing and developing new and existing LP members to build power for progressive issues across the state.
Elizabeth is a first-generation Mexican-American and eldest daughter to her parents: a union butcher and a garment worker. It was because of the disparities she saw between her parents’ work experiences that she became interested in organizing and building power for working people and families. While studying at California State University, Long Beach for Political Science and Sociology, Elizabeth organized with Students for Quality Education, the student arm of the California Faculty Association, fighting against tuition hikes and for fair wages for faculty. She then went on to organize carwash workers in Los Angeles County with the C.L.E.A.N Carwash Campaign, serve as a Field Deputy for former Secretary of Labor, Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and most recently worked at the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) building power, transforming public opinion, and working to change policies to achieve full human, civil and labor rights.
Since 2018, Elizabeth has served on the city council in her hometown of Cudahy in Southeast Los Angeles, serving as Mayor twice. She’s honored to serve the community that raised her and lead on progressive policy changes that best elevate and support her working class, immigrant community. In her spare time, you can find Elizabeth at an LAFC game or playing with her kitten Chiqui who was named after her favorite football player.
California Coordinator (she/her)
Tannya Benavides
Texas Chapter Manager (she/her)
Tannya Benavides is a first-generation Mexican American and the daughter of working class immigrants. A product of South Texas public schools, Tannya earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas State University with minors in English and History. Tannya also holds a Masters in Education with a concentration in Education Policy from Johns Hopkins University.
In Spring 2020, Tannya moved back home to Laredo, where she joined the No Border Wall Coalition to help in the fight and defeat the U.S./Mexico border wall. Their efforts culminated with the cancellation of federal contracts worth over $1 billion and 71 miles of wall in October 2021.
Tannya previously co-founded and led the grassroots coalition Organizing For Equity NY. As a classroom teacher and lead organizer in New York, Tannya helped attain policy wins at the NYC Department of Education including an expansion of the universal 3K program. She also worked to drop the length of out-of-school suspensions from 180 school days down to 20 days, and advocated for the addition of community schools to high-need districts.
At the start of her career, Tannya served in Teach For America, where she taught third grade bilingual education in Houston. She also became a community organizer with the Organizing Network for Education (ONE) Houston, fighting against exclusionary discipline, where she contributed to a policy win that effectively canceled a multi-million dollar contract with the third-party affiliate private prison company, Camelot Schools of Texas.
Prior to joining Local Progress, Tannya spent her time working the Texas state legislature as Advocacy Director at Commission Shift, fighting for sound environmental reforms to move the Railroad Commission of Texas to be more responsive to the people of Texas.
Tannya Benavides
Texas Chapter Manager (she/her)
Tannya Benavides is a first-generation Mexican American and the daughter of working class immigrants. A product of South Texas public schools, Tannya earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas State University with minors in English and History. Tannya also holds a Masters in Education with a concentration in Education Policy from Johns Hopkins University.
In Spring 2020, Tannya moved back home to Laredo, where she joined the No Border Wall Coalition to help in the fight and defeat the U.S./Mexico border wall. Their efforts culminated with the cancellation of federal contracts worth over $1 billion and 71 miles of wall in October 2021.
Tannya previously co-founded and led the grassroots coalition Organizing For Equity NY. As a classroom teacher and lead organizer in New York, Tannya helped attain policy wins at the NYC Department of Education including an expansion of the universal 3K program. She also worked to drop the length of out-of-school suspensions from 180 school days down to 20 days, and advocated for the addition of community schools to high-need districts.
At the start of her career, Tannya served in Teach For America, where she taught third grade bilingual education in Houston. She also became a community organizer with the Organizing Network for Education (ONE) Houston, fighting against exclusionary discipline, where she contributed to a policy win that effectively canceled a multi-million dollar contract with the third-party affiliate private prison company, Camelot Schools of Texas.
Prior to joining Local Progress, Tannya spent her time working the Texas state legislature as Advocacy Director at Commission Shift, fighting for sound environmental reforms to move the Railroad Commission of Texas to be more responsive to the people of Texas.
Texas Chapter Manager (she/her)
Alex Birnel
Campaigns Manager (he/him)
Alex Birnel is an organizer who thrives on tackling long odds and high stakes. Before joining Local Progress, he was a founder of MOVE Texas, and served as its Advocacy Director, where he fought voter suppression and built up local democracy, challenged fossil fuel, and contested the state legislature’s grip on power. Since 2013, Alex has led transformative campaigns all over Texas, including helping to launch the South’s first jail-based voting programs, restoring polling places on college campuses, and helping to push CPS Energy to fast-track the closure of a major coal plant. These wins represent cracks in systems designed to marginalize communities. Alex’s organizing journey began with building MOVE San Antonio into a statewide organization, leading on campaigns to pass and defend paid sick leave ordinances in Texas, teaching him that true victories require long-term defense. He has trained hundreds of young organizers, helped nonprofit workers unionize, and built collective power across movements. A founding member of MOVE Texas and co-founder of the San Antonio chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Alex served as one of its first co-chairs and held a one-year term on DSA’s National Political Committee. Born and raised in San Antonio, Alex graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. He serves on the ACLU of Texas board and as Vice Chair of the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER). Honored with the Jane Bagley Lehman “Heroes of Youth Organizing” Award in 2023, Alex’s work has been featured in PBS’s Latino Vote: Dispatches from the Battleground and Jacobin Magazine. Through organizing, Alex remains committed to imagining a better world and building the power to realize it.
Alex Birnel
Campaigns Manager (he/him)
Alex Birnel is an organizer who thrives on tackling long odds and high stakes. Before joining Local Progress, he was a founder of MOVE Texas, and served as its Advocacy Director, where he fought voter suppression and built up local democracy, challenged fossil fuel, and contested the state legislature’s grip on power. Since 2013, Alex has led transformative campaigns all over Texas, including helping to launch the South’s first jail-based voting programs, restoring polling places on college campuses, and helping to push CPS Energy to fast-track the closure of a major coal plant. These wins represent cracks in systems designed to marginalize communities. Alex’s organizing journey began with building MOVE San Antonio into a statewide organization, leading on campaigns to pass and defend paid sick leave ordinances in Texas, teaching him that true victories require long-term defense. He has trained hundreds of young organizers, helped nonprofit workers unionize, and built collective power across movements. A founding member of MOVE Texas and co-founder of the San Antonio chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Alex served as one of its first co-chairs and held a one-year term on DSA’s National Political Committee. Born and raised in San Antonio, Alex graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. He serves on the ACLU of Texas board and as Vice Chair of the Coalition for Environment, Equity, and Resilience (CEER). Honored with the Jane Bagley Lehman “Heroes of Youth Organizing” Award in 2023, Alex’s work has been featured in PBS’s Latino Vote: Dispatches from the Battleground and Jacobin Magazine. Through organizing, Alex remains committed to imagining a better world and building the power to realize it.
Campaigns Manager (he/him)
Melissa Carrera-Solano
New York Chapter Manager (she/ella)
Melissa Carrera is the New York Chapter Manager. In this position, she drives Local Progress’ work in New York – including growing and strengthening our members and leadership, cultivating relationships and buy-in from key organizational and labor partners, identifying and implementing state-specific campaigns.
Prior to joining the Local Progress team, Melissa worked for the Center for Popular Democracy, focusing on building relationships and increasing engagement with organizational affiliates across the country. Melissa also worked at Churches United For Fair Housing (CUFFH) serving as the Special Projects Coordinator, building their network of churches fighting for affordable housing in New York City.
Melissa is a Bushwick, Brooklyn native who serves on her community board. She is an active member fighting for affordable housing and a more livable city.
Melissa Carrera-Solano
New York Chapter Manager (she/ella)
Melissa Carrera is the New York Chapter Manager. In this position, she drives Local Progress’ work in New York – including growing and strengthening our members and leadership, cultivating relationships and buy-in from key organizational and labor partners, identifying and implementing state-specific campaigns.
Prior to joining the Local Progress team, Melissa worked for the Center for Popular Democracy, focusing on building relationships and increasing engagement with organizational affiliates across the country. Melissa also worked at Churches United For Fair Housing (CUFFH) serving as the Special Projects Coordinator, building their network of churches fighting for affordable housing in New York City.
Melissa is a Bushwick, Brooklyn native who serves on her community board. She is an active member fighting for affordable housing and a more livable city.
New York Chapter Manager (she/ella)
LiJia Gong
Policy and Legal Director (she/they)
LiJia is the Policy and Legal Director at Local Progress. She leads the development of Local Progress’ policy and research capacity to support members and drives the development and growth of national program areas.
LiJia is an attorney with over a decade of experience in policy, litigation, and political strategy. Prior to joining Local Progress, she served as Counsel at Public Rights Project, an organization that empowers local and state governments to advance civil rights, worker and consumer rights, and environmental justice. At Public Rights Project, she launched a partnership with Local Solutions Support Center to fight abusive state preemption of local policymaking. LiJia has worked on the 2018 campaign to re-elect Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and served as a law clerk for Judge Kiyo Matsumoto of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Prior to becoming a lawyer, LiJia worked as a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
LiJia earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University. She immigrated to the United States from China at age 5, grew up in Maryland, and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband (Andrew) and cat (Wilma).
LiJia Gong
Policy and Legal Director (she/they)
LiJia is the Policy and Legal Director at Local Progress. She leads the development of Local Progress’ policy and research capacity to support members and drives the development and growth of national program areas.
LiJia is an attorney with over a decade of experience in policy, litigation, and political strategy. Prior to joining Local Progress, she served as Counsel at Public Rights Project, an organization that empowers local and state governments to advance civil rights, worker and consumer rights, and environmental justice. At Public Rights Project, she launched a partnership with Local Solutions Support Center to fight abusive state preemption of local policymaking. LiJia has worked on the 2018 campaign to re-elect Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and served as a law clerk for Judge Kiyo Matsumoto of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. Prior to becoming a lawyer, LiJia worked as a research assistant at the Federal Reserve Board of Governors.
LiJia earned her J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and her B.S.F.S. from Georgetown University. She immigrated to the United States from China at age 5, grew up in Maryland, and currently resides in Brooklyn, NY with her husband (Andrew) and cat (Wilma).
Policy and Legal Director (she/they)
Reynold Graham
Program Manager, Public Safety (he/him)
Reynold is the Public Safety Program Manager at Local Progress and is part of the Policy and Program Team. He is responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s vision to build a comprehensive public safety platform and organize the LP network around policies that address root causes of harm and violence without criminalization, surveillance and incarceration. He also develops policy resources, creates in-person and virtual events, provides technical assistance to members and identifies campaign opportunities. Prior to joining Local Progress, Reynold held various roles in New York City government over the course of 8 years. He graduated from the New School with a M.S. in Public and Urban Policy.
Reynold Graham
Program Manager, Public Safety (he/him)
Reynold is the Public Safety Program Manager at Local Progress and is part of the Policy and Program Team. He is responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s vision to build a comprehensive public safety platform and organize the LP network around policies that address root causes of harm and violence without criminalization, surveillance and incarceration. He also develops policy resources, creates in-person and virtual events, provides technical assistance to members and identifies campaign opportunities. Prior to joining Local Progress, Reynold held various roles in New York City government over the course of 8 years. He graduated from the New School with a M.S. in Public and Urban Policy.
Program Manager, Public Safety (he/him)
Iimay Ho
Managing Director, People & Operations (they/them)
As the Managing Director, People & Operations, Iimay leads the work to build and scale Local Progress’ organizational infrastructure, HR, administration, and operations. In their last role, Iimay was the Executive Director of Resource Generation for over four years, and established systems to help the organization scale as it transitioned from being a fiscally sponsored project to an independent 501(c)3, doubled its staff, and tripled its budget. Iimay also led the launch of Resource Generation’s 501(c)4 sibling organizing, RG Action, in 2020. Iimay is dedicated to organizing across class for racial and economic justice. They have been organizing at the intersection of LGBTQ, racial justice, and youth movements for over 10 years, starting with their first political home at Southerners on New Ground. Iimay graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Sociology.
Iimay Ho
Managing Director, People & Operations (they/them)
As the Managing Director, People & Operations, Iimay leads the work to build and scale Local Progress’ organizational infrastructure, HR, administration, and operations. In their last role, Iimay was the Executive Director of Resource Generation for over four years, and established systems to help the organization scale as it transitioned from being a fiscally sponsored project to an independent 501(c)3, doubled its staff, and tripled its budget. Iimay also led the launch of Resource Generation’s 501(c)4 sibling organizing, RG Action, in 2020. Iimay is dedicated to organizing across class for racial and economic justice. They have been organizing at the intersection of LGBTQ, racial justice, and youth movements for over 10 years, starting with their first political home at Southerners on New Ground. Iimay graduated from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill with a B.A. in Sociology.
Managing Director, People & Operations (they/them)
Mahroh Jahangiri
Policy Counsel (she/her)
Mahroh Jahangiri is the Policy Counsel at Local Progress, where she provides legal and policy search support to members on a broad array of issues. Mahroh is an attorney and organizer with over a decade of experience supporting campaigns for prison-industrial complex abolition, immigrant workers’ rights, climate justice, Palestinian liberation, and ending gender-based violence in schools. Prior to Local Progress, Mahroh was a Skadden Fellow and led a project focused on meeting the legal needs of girls, women, and queer survivors of police violence in the U.S. South. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Mahroh is a first-generation Pakistani rooted in the Gulf South, where she is learning to steward a community-governed land project and invested in building neighborhood-based mutual aid and solidarity economies.
Mahroh Jahangiri
Policy Counsel (she/her)
Mahroh Jahangiri is the Policy Counsel at Local Progress, where she provides legal and policy search support to members on a broad array of issues. Mahroh is an attorney and organizer with over a decade of experience supporting campaigns for prison-industrial complex abolition, immigrant workers’ rights, climate justice, Palestinian liberation, and ending gender-based violence in schools. Prior to Local Progress, Mahroh was a Skadden Fellow and led a project focused on meeting the legal needs of girls, women, and queer survivors of police violence in the U.S. South. She earned her J.D. from Harvard Law School. Mahroh is a first-generation Pakistani rooted in the Gulf South, where she is learning to steward a community-governed land project and invested in building neighborhood-based mutual aid and solidarity economies.
Policy Counsel (she/her)
Tatyana James-Brannigan
Events Manager (she/her)
Tatyana is the Events Manager at Local Progress, where she oversees the planning and execution of various events, including the organization’s flagship event, the National Convening. Before joining Local Progress, Tatyana gained extensive experience working with numerous nonprofits. She resides in New York with her husband and enjoys spending her free time cooking, staying active, and traveling the world to attend EDM music festivals.
Tatyana James-Brannigan
Events Manager (she/her)
Tatyana is the Events Manager at Local Progress, where she oversees the planning and execution of various events, including the organization’s flagship event, the National Convening. Before joining Local Progress, Tatyana gained extensive experience working with numerous nonprofits. She resides in New York with her husband and enjoys spending her free time cooking, staying active, and traveling the world to attend EDM music festivals.
Events Manager (she/her)
Jessy Lancaster
Membership Data Manager (they/them)
Jessy is the Membership Data Manager at Local Progress and is part of the Organizing Team. They are responsible for data collection and analysis, creating reports, communicating data in accessible ways to inform strategic decision making, and supporting Local Progress to build a data driven approach to our organizing, programmatic, and fundraising work. They also engage with members and partners in coordination with relevant team members to increase engagement. Prior to joining Local Progress, Jessy spent thirteen years in the labor movement working as an organizer, data manager, and product owner for academic and hospitality workers at UAW 2865 and UNITE HERE. Jessy’s data and product work supported union organizers and leadership on campaigns across the US and Canada. They graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with an M.S. in Cognitive Psychology, and they reside in Chicago with their partner and two cats.
Jessy Lancaster
Membership Data Manager (they/them)
Jessy is the Membership Data Manager at Local Progress and is part of the Organizing Team. They are responsible for data collection and analysis, creating reports, communicating data in accessible ways to inform strategic decision making, and supporting Local Progress to build a data driven approach to our organizing, programmatic, and fundraising work. They also engage with members and partners in coordination with relevant team members to increase engagement. Prior to joining Local Progress, Jessy spent thirteen years in the labor movement working as an organizer, data manager, and product owner for academic and hospitality workers at UAW 2865 and UNITE HERE. Jessy’s data and product work supported union organizers and leadership on campaigns across the US and Canada. They graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz with an M.S. in Cognitive Psychology, and they reside in Chicago with their partner and two cats.
Membership Data Manager (they/them)
Mia Loseff
Program Coordinator, Housing (she/her)
Mia is the Housing Program Coordinator, working alongside local elected officials to develop collaborative, long-term strategies that address housing needs for all. Prior to joining Local Progress, Mia was the South Texas Regional Director of Texas Housers. In this role she organized with public housing tenants and low-income families to advance housing policies that center the voices of those experiencing the challenges of the housing crisis firsthand. Mia brought together tenant leaders and community partners to establish San Antonio’s Proactive Apartment Inspection program, which ensures that all tenants have a safe and dignified place to call home. Mia served on the city’s first Housing Bond Committee where she advocated for the needs of San Antonio’s most vulnerable populations. Mia also helped create the first Eviction Case tracker in Bexar County, providing local officials and community members with the information needed to create policies that effectively address evictions. Mia graduated from Trinity University with degrees in Urban Policy and Spanish. She lives in San Antonio, TX, where she spends the majority of her time outside of housing justice work playing ultimate frisbee with the larger Texas community.
Mia Loseff
Program Coordinator, Housing (she/her)
Mia is the Housing Program Coordinator, working alongside local elected officials to develop collaborative, long-term strategies that address housing needs for all. Prior to joining Local Progress, Mia was the South Texas Regional Director of Texas Housers. In this role she organized with public housing tenants and low-income families to advance housing policies that center the voices of those experiencing the challenges of the housing crisis firsthand. Mia brought together tenant leaders and community partners to establish San Antonio’s Proactive Apartment Inspection program, which ensures that all tenants have a safe and dignified place to call home. Mia served on the city’s first Housing Bond Committee where she advocated for the needs of San Antonio’s most vulnerable populations. Mia also helped create the first Eviction Case tracker in Bexar County, providing local officials and community members with the information needed to create policies that effectively address evictions. Mia graduated from Trinity University with degrees in Urban Policy and Spanish. She lives in San Antonio, TX, where she spends the majority of her time outside of housing justice work playing ultimate frisbee with the larger Texas community.
Program Coordinator, Housing (she/her)
Ivan Luevanos-Elms
Executive Director (he/el)
Ivan Luevanos-Elms is the Executive Director of Local Progress and the Local Progress Impact Lab, which work to advance a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of government. Ivan is applying more than 15 years of experience in municipal government, electoral campaigns and grassroots organizing to helping the more than 1,500 elected officials across the country advance racial and economic justice through all levels of local government. Before becoming Executive Director, he served as LP’s Organizing Director, overseeing a multi-state organizing strategy and helping to develop and grow the Progressive Governance Academy in deep collaboration with the State Innovation Exchange and re:power. Prior to that, he served as Director of the Community Engagement Division of the New York City Council where he helped create NYC’s municipal ID card system and expand the city’s participatory budgeting process. He also previously worked at the intersections of immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights for Make the Road NY, and on electoral campaigns at the Working Families Party.
Ivan Luevanos-Elms
Executive Director (he/el)
Ivan Luevanos-Elms is the Executive Director of Local Progress and the Local Progress Impact Lab, which work to advance a racial and economic justice agenda through all levels of government. Ivan is applying more than 15 years of experience in municipal government, electoral campaigns and grassroots organizing to helping the more than 1,500 elected officials across the country advance racial and economic justice through all levels of local government. Before becoming Executive Director, he served as LP’s Organizing Director, overseeing a multi-state organizing strategy and helping to develop and grow the Progressive Governance Academy in deep collaboration with the State Innovation Exchange and re:power. Prior to that, he served as Director of the Community Engagement Division of the New York City Council where he helped create NYC’s municipal ID card system and expand the city’s participatory budgeting process. He also previously worked at the intersections of immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights for Make the Road NY, and on electoral campaigns at the Working Families Party.
Executive Director (he/el)
Sabrina Mauritz
Midwest Regional Director (she/her)
Sabrina Mauritz is the Midwest Regional Director, organizing and investing in Local Progress members in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. As an organizer since 2012, Sabrina advanced several successful policy and electoral campaigns including Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time policy and protecting Medicaid funding. As the former Political Director of TakeAction Minnesota, Sabrina has developed grassroots leaders to run for elected office and organized for more representative elected leadership to make our stories, struggles, and dreams for the future are heard and honored in our government decision making. As Midwest Regional Director, Sabrina will continue to connect labor organizations, community partners, and grassroots leaders with Local Progress members across the Midwest to build a strong movement of progressive elected officials making change in their local communities.
Sabrina Mauritz
Midwest Regional Director (she/her)
Sabrina Mauritz is the Midwest Regional Director, organizing and investing in Local Progress members in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Missouri. As an organizer since 2012, Sabrina advanced several successful policy and electoral campaigns including Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time policy and protecting Medicaid funding. As the former Political Director of TakeAction Minnesota, Sabrina has developed grassroots leaders to run for elected office and organized for more representative elected leadership to make our stories, struggles, and dreams for the future are heard and honored in our government decision making. As Midwest Regional Director, Sabrina will continue to connect labor organizations, community partners, and grassroots leaders with Local Progress members across the Midwest to build a strong movement of progressive elected officials making change in their local communities.
Midwest Regional Director (she/her)
Arami McCloskey
Executive Assistant (she/her)
As the Executive Assistant for Local Progress and the Impact Lab, Arami supports the Executive Director, Organizational Development team, and Board of Directors. Prior to joining the Local Progress team, Arami worked as the Project Manager for Nosotros Organization striving to create an inclusive and accessible pipeline that empowers Latine actors to thrive and excel in their craft. Arami also served on the Board of Directors for Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT) and led the ELITE Academy, a program focused on personal and professional development for high school Latinas in the DC metropolitan area. Arami is passionate and deeply committed to elevating the voices of underrepresented individuals and remains dedicated to advocating for their inclusion.
Arami McCloskey
Executive Assistant (she/her)
As the Executive Assistant for Local Progress and the Impact Lab, Arami supports the Executive Director, Organizational Development team, and Board of Directors. Prior to joining the Local Progress team, Arami worked as the Project Manager for Nosotros Organization striving to create an inclusive and accessible pipeline that empowers Latine actors to thrive and excel in their craft. Arami also served on the Board of Directors for Latinas Leading Tomorrow (LLT) and led the ELITE Academy, a program focused on personal and professional development for high school Latinas in the DC metropolitan area. Arami is passionate and deeply committed to elevating the voices of underrepresented individuals and remains dedicated to advocating for their inclusion.
Executive Assistant (she/her)
Francesca Menes
Managing Director, Membership & Organizing (she/her)
As Managing Director, Francesca works closely with our state and regional coordinators to help build, expand, and strengthen LP’s organizing infrastructure, chapters and membership development across the country. She also works closely with Local Progress partners and allies to advance new membership recruitment and organizing strategies and partnerships. In addition, Francesca is part of the Executive Committee of the Progressive Governance Academy, a joint project of Local Progress, State Innovation Exchange and re:power to build and develop the leadership and governance skills of progressive local and state elected officials across the country.
Francesca is a political educator, legislative and policy strategist, entrepreneur and former television host. She is the daughter of working-class Haitian immigrants raised in Miami’s Little Haiti community. With over 15 years of experience, Francesca has led successful coalitions and legislative, policy and advocacy campaigns with undocumented families, immigrants, refugees, students, Black communities and communities of color, resulting in the passage of local, state, and federal resolutions, policies and laws on the issues of education, immigration, housing, wage protections and job security. Francesca graduated from Florida International University, earning her BA in Political Science and Women’s Studies with a minor in Philosophy and a certificate in National Security Studies and her Master’s in Public Administration, with a certificate in Community Development.
Francesca Menes
Managing Director, Membership & Organizing (she/her)
As Managing Director, Francesca works closely with our state and regional coordinators to help build, expand, and strengthen LP’s organizing infrastructure, chapters and membership development across the country. She also works closely with Local Progress partners and allies to advance new membership recruitment and organizing strategies and partnerships. In addition, Francesca is part of the Executive Committee of the Progressive Governance Academy, a joint project of Local Progress, State Innovation Exchange and re:power to build and develop the leadership and governance skills of progressive local and state elected officials across the country.
Francesca is a political educator, legislative and policy strategist, entrepreneur and former television host. She is the daughter of working-class Haitian immigrants raised in Miami’s Little Haiti community. With over 15 years of experience, Francesca has led successful coalitions and legislative, policy and advocacy campaigns with undocumented families, immigrants, refugees, students, Black communities and communities of color, resulting in the passage of local, state, and federal resolutions, policies and laws on the issues of education, immigration, housing, wage protections and job security. Francesca graduated from Florida International University, earning her BA in Political Science and Women’s Studies with a minor in Philosophy and a certificate in National Security Studies and her Master’s in Public Administration, with a certificate in Community Development.
Managing Director, Membership & Organizing (she/her)
Yumhee Park
Managing Director, Communications & Narrative Strategy (she/her)
As the Managing Director of Communications & Narrative Strategy, Yumhee leads and oversees Local Progress’ strategic communications, strengthening the capacity of our members to share the power of local governance and uplifting the unique voice of our Network. Alongside the Communications Team and working collaboratively across the organization and our network of partners, she elevates and advances initiatives that change what’s possible at the local level. Yumhee brings deep expertise in values-led messaging, issue advocacy campaigns, and coalition building. In her previous roles, she has spearheaded campaigns on a number of issues – from positioning baby bonds as one tool to help narrow the racial wealth gap to driving mass mobilization against religious refusal of health care laws – resulting in hundreds of thousands of actions, digital reaches of over 30 million, and broad support from allied organizations. With experience training elected officials and members of Congress to effectively communicate shared values and influence public opinion, she is driven by the belief that all communities deserve to live, work, and play with dignity. Yumhee was born and raised in Miami, Florida, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies from George Washington University, and lives in the Washington, D.C. area.
Yumhee Park
Managing Director, Communications & Narrative Strategy (she/her)
As the Managing Director of Communications & Narrative Strategy, Yumhee leads and oversees Local Progress’ strategic communications, strengthening the capacity of our members to share the power of local governance and uplifting the unique voice of our Network. Alongside the Communications Team and working collaboratively across the organization and our network of partners, she elevates and advances initiatives that change what’s possible at the local level. Yumhee brings deep expertise in values-led messaging, issue advocacy campaigns, and coalition building. In her previous roles, she has spearheaded campaigns on a number of issues – from positioning baby bonds as one tool to help narrow the racial wealth gap to driving mass mobilization against religious refusal of health care laws – resulting in hundreds of thousands of actions, digital reaches of over 30 million, and broad support from allied organizations. With experience training elected officials and members of Congress to effectively communicate shared values and influence public opinion, she is driven by the belief that all communities deserve to live, work, and play with dignity. Yumhee was born and raised in Miami, Florida, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies from George Washington University, and lives in the Washington, D.C. area.
Managing Director, Communications & Narrative Strategy (she/her)
Jonathan Peebles
Associate Development Director (he/him)
As the Associate Development Director at Local Progress, Jonathan oversees fundraising strategy and unifies the team around fundraising systems and culture. He manages the team to execute an annual fundraising plan, develops and implements new strategies for donor identification and cultivation, and creates and manages individualized fundraising portfolios.
Prior to joining Local Progress, Jonathan served as Development & Operations Director of the Latin American Coalition, a regional nonprofit serving the Latino and immigrant community, where he helped achieve its most successful fundraising year in three decades. He also modernized program processes, introduced new data-collection systems, and implemented organizational procedures.
Jonathan earned his bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and his master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Jonathan Peebles
Associate Development Director (he/him)
As the Associate Development Director at Local Progress, Jonathan oversees fundraising strategy and unifies the team around fundraising systems and culture. He manages the team to execute an annual fundraising plan, develops and implements new strategies for donor identification and cultivation, and creates and manages individualized fundraising portfolios.
Prior to joining Local Progress, Jonathan served as Development & Operations Director of the Latin American Coalition, a regional nonprofit serving the Latino and immigrant community, where he helped achieve its most successful fundraising year in three decades. He also modernized program processes, introduced new data-collection systems, and implemented organizational procedures.
Jonathan earned his bachelor’s degree from Old Dominion University and his master’s in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Associate Development Director (he/him)
D’Ana Pennington
Program Director (she/her)
D’Ana is the Program Director, responsible for overseeing Local Progress and the Local Progress Impact Lab’s issue-focused member programming and education. Prior to this role, D’Ana developed and managed Local Progress’ organizational strategies on housing justice, including direct member support and collective action coordination. Prior to joining Local Progress, D’Ana served as Senior Policy Aide to the Minneapolis City Council President, where she advanced policies and programs to generate and preserve affordable housing, protect renters, and prevent evictions and advised on a range of local issues including public safety, emergency response, transportation and public health. D’Ana graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in History and lives in Chicago.
D’Ana Pennington
Program Director (she/her)
D’Ana is the Program Director, responsible for overseeing Local Progress and the Local Progress Impact Lab’s issue-focused member programming and education. Prior to this role, D’Ana developed and managed Local Progress’ organizational strategies on housing justice, including direct member support and collective action coordination. Prior to joining Local Progress, D’Ana served as Senior Policy Aide to the Minneapolis City Council President, where she advanced policies and programs to generate and preserve affordable housing, protect renters, and prevent evictions and advised on a range of local issues including public safety, emergency response, transportation and public health. D’Ana graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in History and lives in Chicago.
Program Director (she/her)
Angelo Pis-Dudot
Legal Fellow (he/him)
Angelo Pis-Dudot is a Legal Fellow at Local Progress, where he provides members legal and policy support across a range of issues. His focus is on housing and economic justice, which he has worked to advance in Florida and New York by defending working-class and immigrant tenants and debtors in court; fighting discriminatory local housing ordinances; and supporting campaigns for rent regulation, social housing, and strong usury laws. He earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law, where he was a Furman Public Policy Scholar, New York Pro Bono Scholar, and member of the Civil Rights and Racial Justice Clinic. Prior to law school, as a paralegal at Protect Democracy, Angelo supported legal, policy, communications, and development work to combat U.S. authoritarianism. He holds a B.A. from Yale University and is proudly from Miami, FL.
Angelo Pis-Dudot
Legal Fellow (he/him)
Angelo Pis-Dudot is a Legal Fellow at Local Progress, where he provides members legal and policy support across a range of issues. His focus is on housing and economic justice, which he has worked to advance in Florida and New York by defending working-class and immigrant tenants and debtors in court; fighting discriminatory local housing ordinances; and supporting campaigns for rent regulation, social housing, and strong usury laws. He earned his J.D. from New York University School of Law, where he was a Furman Public Policy Scholar, New York Pro Bono Scholar, and member of the Civil Rights and Racial Justice Clinic. Prior to law school, as a paralegal at Protect Democracy, Angelo supported legal, policy, communications, and development work to combat U.S. authoritarianism. He holds a B.A. from Yale University and is proudly from Miami, FL.
Legal Fellow (he/him)
Kathleen Pointer
Program Manager, School Boards (she/her)
Kathleen Pointer is the program manager for the school board work at Local Progress. Her experience in public education policy has focused mostly on how economic development, housing, and privatization issues impact K-12 students and their families. She is particularly interested in how these issues influence a place’s overall education landscape.
Before she worked in K-12 public education, Kathleen was a journalist who produced a daily public affairs talk show at a NPR affiliate station. She also wrote about education and local government for various media outlets.
Kathleen is a board member for KC Tenants, the citywide tenant union in Kansas City, Missouri. Since its launch in 2019, KC Tenants has organized to pass policies instituting a tenant bill of rights, a tenant right to counsel, a ban on source of income discrimination, and $50 million for the city’s affordable housing trust fund.
She studied journalism at the University of Missouri.
Kathleen Pointer
Program Manager, School Boards (she/her)
Kathleen Pointer is the program manager for the school board work at Local Progress. Her experience in public education policy has focused mostly on how economic development, housing, and privatization issues impact K-12 students and their families. She is particularly interested in how these issues influence a place’s overall education landscape.
Before she worked in K-12 public education, Kathleen was a journalist who produced a daily public affairs talk show at a NPR affiliate station. She also wrote about education and local government for various media outlets.
Kathleen is a board member for KC Tenants, the citywide tenant union in Kansas City, Missouri. Since its launch in 2019, KC Tenants has organized to pass policies instituting a tenant bill of rights, a tenant right to counsel, a ban on source of income discrimination, and $50 million for the city’s affordable housing trust fund.
She studied journalism at the University of Missouri.
Program Manager, School Boards (she/her)
Rebecca Poutasse
Communications Manager (she/her)
As the Communications Manager for Local Progress, Rebecca develops and executes media and digital strategies to amplify Local Progress members and local policy wins, advance federal advocacy, and build the communications capacity of Local Progress members. She also leads on strengthening Local Progress’ media relations infrastructure.
Prior to joining Local Progress, Rebecca worked in media relations at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a research and policy institute focused on strengthening anti-poverty programs. There, she helped plan and execute media strategies to promote research and analysis in federal fiscal policy, state fiscal policy, and food assistance policy. Rebecca also worked closely with the Center’s internship program, serving as both a coordinator for the program and mentor to the communications interns.
Rebecca graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Multimedia Journalism and minors in Leadership and Social Change, Professional and Technical Writing, and Global Engagement. She grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and currently lives across the river in Washington D.C.
Rebecca Poutasse
Communications Manager (she/her)
As the Communications Manager for Local Progress, Rebecca develops and executes media and digital strategies to amplify Local Progress members and local policy wins, advance federal advocacy, and build the communications capacity of Local Progress members. She also leads on strengthening Local Progress’ media relations infrastructure.
Prior to joining Local Progress, Rebecca worked in media relations at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a research and policy institute focused on strengthening anti-poverty programs. There, she helped plan and execute media strategies to promote research and analysis in federal fiscal policy, state fiscal policy, and food assistance policy. Rebecca also worked closely with the Center’s internship program, serving as both a coordinator for the program and mentor to the communications interns.
Rebecca graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in Multimedia Journalism and minors in Leadership and Social Change, Professional and Technical Writing, and Global Engagement. She grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and currently lives across the river in Washington D.C.
Communications Manager (she/her)
Chad Radock
Associate Organizing Director (he/him)
Chad came to Local Progress in 2017. His work has helped to pioneer our state chapter model, incorporating a mix of strong programming, leadership development, and responsiveness to members’ needs and concerns. Going forward, he will be using that experience to create a regional organizing approach to the Northeastern states. As the New York State Chapter Manager, he developed close relationships with partner organizations throughout New York State to bring progressive policy solutions to our local elected officials. In that time, the state chapter was part of several high-interest wins for progressive policy including the landmark 2019 Tenant Protection Act, the modernization of New York’s voting laws, and the commitment of the state to fully fund NY Foundation Education Aid. Chad will still supervise the work in the Empire State. A former elected School Board Member himself, Chad organized his community to oppose a dangerous temporary school option that could have put the health of more than 700 students in jeopardy. Chad also served as a high school U.S. History and World History teacher, was a member of numerous local, state, and federal electoral campaigns, and has organized within the progressive movement in New York State and beyond for over a decade.
Chad Radock
Associate Organizing Director (he/him)
Chad came to Local Progress in 2017. His work has helped to pioneer our state chapter model, incorporating a mix of strong programming, leadership development, and responsiveness to members’ needs and concerns. Going forward, he will be using that experience to create a regional organizing approach to the Northeastern states. As the New York State Chapter Manager, he developed close relationships with partner organizations throughout New York State to bring progressive policy solutions to our local elected officials. In that time, the state chapter was part of several high-interest wins for progressive policy including the landmark 2019 Tenant Protection Act, the modernization of New York’s voting laws, and the commitment of the state to fully fund NY Foundation Education Aid. Chad will still supervise the work in the Empire State. A former elected School Board Member himself, Chad organized his community to oppose a dangerous temporary school option that could have put the health of more than 700 students in jeopardy. Chad also served as a high school U.S. History and World History teacher, was a member of numerous local, state, and federal electoral campaigns, and has organized within the progressive movement in New York State and beyond for over a decade.
Associate Organizing Director (he/him)
Aparna Raj
Communications Manager (she/her)
As the Communications Manager for Local Progress, Aparna develops and executes media and digital strategy to amplify Local Progress members and local policy wins, advance federal advocacy, and build the communications capacity of Local Progress members.
Prior to joining Local Progress, Aparna worked at DC Greens, a local food justice nonprofit, where she built their communications department. There, she developed and maintained the organization’s media and digital strategy, collaborated with other grassroots organizations on advocacy communications, and structured the communications program to center racial equity and people impacted by food insecurity. Aparna has also worked as a political researcher and as a consultant for pro bono nonprofit clients.
Aparna grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania and went to school at Vanderbilt University, where she studied Political Science and Economics. She lives in Washington D.C. with her dog Frank and is a community organizer around tenants rights and labor issues.
Aparna Raj
Communications Manager (she/her)
As the Communications Manager for Local Progress, Aparna develops and executes media and digital strategy to amplify Local Progress members and local policy wins, advance federal advocacy, and build the communications capacity of Local Progress members.
Prior to joining Local Progress, Aparna worked at DC Greens, a local food justice nonprofit, where she built their communications department. There, she developed and maintained the organization’s media and digital strategy, collaborated with other grassroots organizations on advocacy communications, and structured the communications program to center racial equity and people impacted by food insecurity. Aparna has also worked as a political researcher and as a consultant for pro bono nonprofit clients.
Aparna grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania and went to school at Vanderbilt University, where she studied Political Science and Economics. She lives in Washington D.C. with her dog Frank and is a community organizer around tenants rights and labor issues.
Communications Manager (she/her)
Elizabeth Roberts
Operations Manager (they/them)
Elizabeth is the Operations Manager at Local Progress. In this position, they bring their passion for systems and processes to supporting a wide range of internal infrastructure, finance, and admin efforts. Prior to LP, Elizabeth worked in operations at non-profits and non-profit serving consultancies, developing expertise in database management, business development, direct mail fundraising, compliance, and more. When not up to their knees in spreadsheets and logistics, they can be found playing with their rescue dog.
Elizabeth Roberts
Operations Manager (they/them)
Elizabeth is the Operations Manager at Local Progress. In this position, they bring their passion for systems and processes to supporting a wide range of internal infrastructure, finance, and admin efforts. Prior to LP, Elizabeth worked in operations at non-profits and non-profit serving consultancies, developing expertise in database management, business development, direct mail fundraising, compliance, and more. When not up to their knees in spreadsheets and logistics, they can be found playing with their rescue dog.
Operations Manager (they/them)
Ari Schwartz
Managing Director, Policy & Program (he/him)
Ari oversees the organization’s overall issue program and policy work, including member education, policy development, partnerships, and opportunities for collective action. He leads our team of staff developing policy, programming, and strategy across a wide range of issues. He has served in a number of roles at Local Progress since joining the team in 2017. Before joining Local Progress, Ari was lead organizer at DC Jobs With Justice, where he steered a community-labor coalition and led strategic campaigns. In that role, Ari developed and coordinated campaigns to win fair workweek protections for service workers, to strengthen D.C.’s minimum wage and paid sick leave laws, to pass wage theft and student loan fraud oversight laws, and to help workers recover tens of thousands of dollars in stolen wages. Ari grew up in Maryland, graduated from Vanderbilt University, and lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Ari Schwartz
Managing Director, Policy & Program (he/him)
Ari oversees the organization’s overall issue program and policy work, including member education, policy development, partnerships, and opportunities for collective action. He leads our team of staff developing policy, programming, and strategy across a wide range of issues. He has served in a number of roles at Local Progress since joining the team in 2017. Before joining Local Progress, Ari was lead organizer at DC Jobs With Justice, where he steered a community-labor coalition and led strategic campaigns. In that role, Ari developed and coordinated campaigns to win fair workweek protections for service workers, to strengthen D.C.’s minimum wage and paid sick leave laws, to pass wage theft and student loan fraud oversight laws, and to help workers recover tens of thousands of dollars in stolen wages. Ari grew up in Maryland, graduated from Vanderbilt University, and lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Managing Director, Policy & Program (he/him)
Kidist Teferi
HR & Operations Manager (she/her)
As the HR & Operations Manager, Kidist provides day-to-day HR support to the team. She leads the annual benefits renewal process, onboarding, implementing hiring processes, supporting annual performance evaluations, and overall HR systems. She also supports operations and planning and organizing bi-yearly staff retreats. Prior to joining Local Progress, Kidist worked at Opportunity@Work, a national nonprofit focused on skills-based hiring versus hiring with a 4 year degree requirement to provide opportunity to STARs (those Skilled Through Alternative Routes). Kidist has also worked for several start up nonprofits in the Sexual Assault Prevention sector providing Operational & Programmatic support as well as helping to create systems and processes in the Administrative, HR, and Finance Department as the organizations went through major strategic growth. Originally from Ethiopia, Kidist moved to the US at 7 years old and has called the DMV area home for the last 20+ years. When she’s not at work, Kidist enjoys fitness classes, attempting vegan recipes, and traveling.
Kidist Teferi
HR & Operations Manager (she/her)
As the HR & Operations Manager, Kidist provides day-to-day HR support to the team. She leads the annual benefits renewal process, onboarding, implementing hiring processes, supporting annual performance evaluations, and overall HR systems. She also supports operations and planning and organizing bi-yearly staff retreats. Prior to joining Local Progress, Kidist worked at Opportunity@Work, a national nonprofit focused on skills-based hiring versus hiring with a 4 year degree requirement to provide opportunity to STARs (those Skilled Through Alternative Routes). Kidist has also worked for several start up nonprofits in the Sexual Assault Prevention sector providing Operational & Programmatic support as well as helping to create systems and processes in the Administrative, HR, and Finance Department as the organizations went through major strategic growth. Originally from Ethiopia, Kidist moved to the US at 7 years old and has called the DMV area home for the last 20+ years. When she’s not at work, Kidist enjoys fitness classes, attempting vegan recipes, and traveling.
HR & Operations Manager (she/her)
Grace Thorvilson
Colorado Coordinator (she/her)
As the Colorado Coordinator, Grace Thorvilson works to grow Colorado’s membership and advance Local Progress’ initiatives through relationships with local elected and community leaders. Grace is a long-time political strategist and community organizer, working primarily in local coalitions to fight for housing justice, reimagine unjust carceral systems, and advance Colorado’s local Palestinian Liberation movement; as well as being an active member of her local Democratic Socialist of America chapter. Prior to Local Progress, Grace held a variety of positions within local and national movement spaces, including having worked as a Campaign Manager for a number of local candidates and ballot initiatives, a Campaign Representative at the Sierra Club, and as a Chief of Staff in the Colorado State House of Representatives. Grace resides in Denver with her two children and enjoys spending her free time outside with her family, riding her bike, and cheering on the Denver Nuggets.
Grace Thorvilson
Colorado Coordinator (she/her)
As the Colorado Coordinator, Grace Thorvilson works to grow Colorado’s membership and advance Local Progress’ initiatives through relationships with local elected and community leaders. Grace is a long-time political strategist and community organizer, working primarily in local coalitions to fight for housing justice, reimagine unjust carceral systems, and advance Colorado’s local Palestinian Liberation movement; as well as being an active member of her local Democratic Socialist of America chapter. Prior to Local Progress, Grace held a variety of positions within local and national movement spaces, including having worked as a Campaign Manager for a number of local candidates and ballot initiatives, a Campaign Representative at the Sierra Club, and as a Chief of Staff in the Colorado State House of Representatives. Grace resides in Denver with her two children and enjoys spending her free time outside with her family, riding her bike, and cheering on the Denver Nuggets.
Colorado Coordinator (she/her)
Michael Whitesides
Deputy Communications Director (they/them)
Michael is the Deputy Communications Director at Local Progress. Alongside the entire Communications Team, Michael works to leverage earned media to uplift local elected leaders and local policy wins on a state level and nationwide. Michael has spent the past decade in electoral organizing, working on campaigns in Georgia and New York in both local and federal races in a variety of different capacities. Before joining Local Progress, Michael worked as the Communications Director for New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif, the first Muslim woman ever elected to the New York City Council. At Council Member Hanif’s office, Michael worked to highlight the Council Member’s various legislative victories, like creating the nation’s largest curbside composting program and advocate for a dignified welcome to the unprecedented wave of asylum seekers. A Georgia native, Michael went to school at Boston University, obtaining a Bachelor’s in Political science and English, and then went on to obtain a Master’s in Political Science at New York University. Michael now lives in Brooklyn with their snake Stanley, is an active member in their local Democratic Socialist of America chapter, and enjoys running in their free time.
Michael Whitesides
Deputy Communications Director (they/them)
Michael is the Deputy Communications Director at Local Progress. Alongside the entire Communications Team, Michael works to leverage earned media to uplift local elected leaders and local policy wins on a state level and nationwide. Michael has spent the past decade in electoral organizing, working on campaigns in Georgia and New York in both local and federal races in a variety of different capacities. Before joining Local Progress, Michael worked as the Communications Director for New York City Council Member Shahana Hanif, the first Muslim woman ever elected to the New York City Council. At Council Member Hanif’s office, Michael worked to highlight the Council Member’s various legislative victories, like creating the nation’s largest curbside composting program and advocate for a dignified welcome to the unprecedented wave of asylum seekers. A Georgia native, Michael went to school at Boston University, obtaining a Bachelor’s in Political science and English, and then went on to obtain a Master’s in Political Science at New York University. Michael now lives in Brooklyn with their snake Stanley, is an active member in their local Democratic Socialist of America chapter, and enjoys running in their free time.
Deputy Communications Director (they/them)
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