Johnson, Tonika

Tonika Johnson

Tonika Johnson is a visual artist and photographer from Chicago’s South Side Englewood neighborhood. In 2010, she helped co-found Resident Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.) and is the lead co-founder of Englewood Arts Collective established in 2017. Also in 2017, she was featured in Chicago Magazine as a Chicagoan of the Year. Within her artistic practice, Tonika often explores urban segregation and documents the nuance and richness of the black community. Her work has been featured at Rootwork Gallery in Pilsen, the Chicago Cultural Center, Harold Washington Library Center and featured in the Chicago Reader. Her multimedia project titled "Folded Map" that illustrates Chicago's residential segregation while bringing residents together to have a conversation, was exhibited at Loyola University's Museum of Art in 2018. Since then she has transformed this project into an advocacy and policy-influencing tool that invites audiences to open a dialogue and question how we are all socially impacted by racial and institutional conditions that segregate the city. An excerpt of Folded Map is currently on view at the Museum of Contemporary Art as part of the exhibition titled “The Long Dream.” In 2019, she was named one of Field Foundation’s Leaders for a New Chicago and most recently, she was appointed as a member of the Cultural Advisory Council of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events by the Chicago City Council.

Garibay, Montserrat

Montserrat Garibay

Montserrat Garibay is the Secretary-Treasurer of the Texas AFL-CIO. Previously, she served as Vice President for Certified Employees with Education Austin. An activist on education and immigration issues, Garibay came to the U.S. from Mexico City as an undocumented immigrant and became a citizen 20 years later. She has been instrumental in promoting opportunities for all students, including those from immigrant families. She promoted passage of the Texas version of the DREAM Act and comprehensive immigration reform. A bilingual pre-kindergarten teacher for eight years, Garibay has strongly supported early childhood education.

Fernández, Enrique

Enrique Fernández

Enrique Fernández is a strong supporter of the labor movement in California: he is the President of the California State Council of UNITE HERE, Vice President of the California Labor Federation, and Treasurer of the South Bay AFL-CIO Labor Council. Ferndandez is a native of Uruguay, where he attended college in Montevideo and then moved to San José, California in 1983. He began his tenure in the hospitality industry as a dishwasher; over the years he rose through the ranks of UNITE HERE to become Business Manager of Local 19 in Silicon Valley and helped to transform UNITE HERE to be a leader in immigrant and worker rights. Fernandez is a leader in the community, serving in a previous role on the Downtown San José Task Force. He is a board member of Team San José and the President of Working Partnership USA. He is married to Ada Briceño, Co- President of UNITE HERE Local 11, and a proud father and grandfather.

Douglas, Kevin

Kevin Douglas

Kevin Douglas is the Director of National Programs for Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants and Refugees. Douglas joined GCIR in February 2019 and has more than 13 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He most recently worked as the Co-Director of Policy and Advocacy for United Neighborhood Houses of New York, a network of New York City’s settlement houses and community centers. While there, he led advocacy campaigns that resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in investments in community services by city and state governments. His areas of focus included immigrant opportunity, youth education and skill building, nonprofit contracting, older adult programs, and community services at large. As a consultant, he developed and led what is believed to be the first training in Saudi Arabia for the philanthropic and nonprofit community on effective advocacy techniques. Douglas was named one of New York Nonprofit Media’s 40 under 40 and a Next Generation Leader by the Human Services Council. He co-founded the giving circle 100 New Yorkers Who Care, and has served on several boards, including the New York Immigration Coalition. Douglas earned an MSW from the University of Pennsylvania and a BSW from Eastern Connecticut State University.

Dean, Jaclyn

Jaclyn Dean

Jaclyn Dean is the Policy and Government Affairs for the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum. Dean was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and is the proud daughter of Taiwanese immigrants. She earned her BA in Political Science and Sociology with a minor in Poverty, Justice, and Human Capabilities from Rice University. She worked as a campaign staffer on a state representative campaign in Houston through Annie’s List, which helps elect progressive, pro-choice women to office in Texas. She then served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Morocco, where she ran after-school programs focused on leadership and life skills with adolescent girls. Dean holds a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School of Government specializing in gender, human rights, and international and global affairs. She also interned with the Center for Health and Gender Equity (CHANGE), where she tracked US foreign policy on sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. Dean joined the team at NAPAWF in 2017, where she leads the organization's government relations and legislative affairs on policy issues in reproductive health and rights, immigrant rights, and economic justice.

Chin, Kathy Ko

Kathy Ko Chin

Kathy Ko Chin, after 11 years as President & CEO of the Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum (APIAHF), has stepped into the role of Executive Counselor to the Board. APIAHF is a national health justice organization which influences policy, mobilizes communities, and strengthens organizations to improve the health of Asian Americans (AAs), Native Hawaiians (NHs), and Pacific Islanders (PIs). Kathy, a renowned voice for the AA community, served on President Obama’s Advisory Commission on AAPIs. Her board services are many, including currently as a Trustee of The Kresge Foundation, and formerly with Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, Asian Women’s Shelter, CompassPoint, Public Health Institute and California Pan-Ethnic Health Network. 

Kavanagh, Kaye

Kaye Kavanagh

Kaye Kavanagh worked to ensure a complete count for the 2020 Census for the City and County of Denver, achieving a response rate in the top five of U.S. large cities. Her background is in survey research, data collection and analysis, program evaluation and community engagement. She has worked for nonprofits, a foundation, a state data center and the U.S. Census Bureau before arriving at the City and County of Denver. Kavanagh holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Sociology.

Wong, Tom K.

Tom K. Wong

Tom K. Wong is a senior fellow for Immigration Policy at American Progress. He recently served as an adviser to the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders under the Obama administration. Wong is also an associate professor of political science and director of the International Migration Studies minor program at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on the politics of immigration, citizenship, and migrant “illegality.” Wong’s research has been used by policymakers both in the United States and Mexico, as well as by organizations that serve immigrant communities. Wong and his work have been covered by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, NPR, ABC News/Univision, Fusion, NBC News, Yahoo News, and Univision in Mexico. He is on the board of the California Immigrant Policy Center and the New American Leaders Project. Wong also consults on campaigns and elections, specializing in mobilizing low-propensity voters of color and immigrant communities.

Vimo, Jackie

Jackie Vimo

Jackie Vimo, as an Economic Justice Policy Analyst at the National Immigration Law Center, leads NILC’s economic justice program and driver’s license policy work through the Winning in the States (WITS) initiative. In addition to working to block the Department of Homeland Security’s new “public charge” rule, Jackie oversees NILC’s anti-poverty work on issues including hunger and food insecurity, housing, and tax policy. Prior to NILC, Vimo was Director of Advocacy at the New York Immigration Coalition, leading NYIC’s work on Affordable Care Act implementation, worker rights, driver’s licenses, higher education, and language access. Vimo’s other positions include Make the Road NY and the NY AIDS Coalition. Vimo has a Political Science B.A. from Barnard College, M.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, and Ph.D. from the New School University.

Villela, Joseph

Joseph Villela

Joseph Villela has served as the Director of Policy and Advocacy for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) since 2011. Villela is a forward-thinking government relations executive with 15-year experience in advancing proposals aim at equity in community investments, educational equity, and immigrant inclusion through systems change. He joined CHIRLA as a policy advocate in 2005. A committed government relations professional and political adviser established a successful record in developing and managing legislative and budgetary campaigns to improve the lives of California’s most vulnerable. More recently, he directed the development of CHIRLA’s 13-point Golden Promise legislative agenda, of which nine initiatives became law. He graduated with B.A. in Sociology and minor in Chicana/o Studies from the University of California at Los Angeles in 2005.

Talbot, Kerri, J.D.

Kerri Talbot, J.D.

Kerri Talbot, J.D., is the Director of Federal Advocacy for the Immigration Hub. She works with non-profit organizations and Congress on policy and legislative advocacy to promote fair treatment of immigrants and refugees. She was previously a Partner at the Veng Group where she assisted non-profit organizations and businesses including the National Immigration Law Center, Deloitte, Human Rights First, and the Women’s Refugee Commission with immigration policy advocacy. Talbot previously served as Chief Counsel for U.S. Senator Robert Menendez of New Jersey for five years. She staffed the Senator on the Gang of 8 and assisted in writing the comprehensive immigration reform bill which passed the Senate in 2013. Talbot previously worked at the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the Rights Working Group, Break the Chain Campaign, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, and Physicians for Human Rights. She graduated from Harvard Law School and Tufts University.

Sumic, Nejra

Nejra Sumic

Nejra Sumic is the National Field Manager with We Are All America and the Delegate of Arizona with Refugee Congress. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Western International University, and is fluent in three languages. Sumic is a former Refugee from Bosnia and Herzegovina and has overcome a great deal of adversity. She is most passionate in empowering other refugees, helping transform policies, and organizing communities.

Nikolaus, Lisa Sherman

Lisa Sherman Nikolaus

Lisa Sherman Nikolaus is the Executive Director of the Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition. A Guatemalan-American whose family made the difficult decision to leave Guatemala and relocate to Nashville in 2001, Sherman Nikolaus has a deep commitment to fighting for an immigration system where all people can access safety, opportunity, and belonging. She joined TIRRC in October 2015 and served as Policy Director for nearly five years before stepping into the role of Executive Director. As Policy Director, Sherman Nikolaus developed a track record of success in winning policy victories through research and analysis, strategic communications, lobbying, and working with colleagues across programs to mobilize our base and develop community leaders to lead our campaigns. Victories under her leadership include defeating dozens of pieces of anti-immigrant legislation at the state legislature, convincing Governor Lee to consent to continue to welcome refugees, and pressuring the Davidson County Sheriff to terminate a rent-a-bed agreement with immigration and customs enforcement. Over the years, she’s built respect and trust with partners, lobbyists, and elected officials across political aisles. Prior to joining the TIRRC team, she worked in the international human rights field in New York, London, and Senegal. Sherman Nikolaus holds a Master’s degree in Conflict, Security, and Development from the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and is fluent in Spanish and English.

Schubiner, Lindsay

Lindsay Schubiner

Lindsay Schubiner directs Western States Center’s program to counter the dangerous ascension of white nationalism and hate violence across the country. She previously led advocacy efforts against anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim bigotry at the Center for New Community. Lindsay has served as a Congressional staffer handling housing, health, and immigration policy, and managed advocacy for sexual health and rights at American Jewish World Service. She has advocated for driver’s licenses for all DC residents, regardless of immigration status, and to stop deportations. Lindsay holds a Master of Science degree from the Harvard School of Public Health.

Sarr, Seydi

Seydi Sarr

Seydi Sarr is the founder and Director of ABISA (African Bureau for Immigration and Social Affairs), a nonprofit that helps African and Black Immigrants in Michigan and nationwide know their rights, access resources, and become socially invested and civically engaged. Seydi is a court interpreter, a Detroit Equity Action Lab fellow, a Michigan Political Leadership Program fellow and a New American Leaders fellow. Seydi curates intersectional conversations, fosters youth development, and teaches African dance. A Senegalese native, Seydi is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Social Work (BSW) and Marygrove School of Social Justice (M.A. SJ).

Reith, Mireya

Mireya Reith

Mireya Reith is founding executive of Arkansas United, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering immigrants and their communities through rights advocacy and closing service gaps. Founded in 2012, Arkansas United boasts a network of more than 200 immigrant organizers and 800 members in 17 communities across Arkansas, and operates regional Immigrant Resource Centers in Springdale and Little Rock. Reith spent the first 14 years of her career in the field of international political development, working across five continents with nonprofits and the UN to engage marginalized communities in democratic processes. Reith was the first Latina appointed to the Arkansas State Board of Education, and the youngest chairperson in state history. She also serves on the boards of directors for the Fair Immigration Reform Movement (is the current co-chair), National Partnership for New Americans, and the National Immigration Forum, and amongst her recognitions, she received the White House Cesar Chavez Champions of Change Award in 2013.

Quigley, Jennifer

Jennifer Quigley

As Director of Refugee Advocacy, Jennifer Quigley leads Human Rights First’s advocacy work to protect the rights of refugees and ensure the United States commits to refugee protection at home and abroad, including access to asylum protections and resettlement. Prior to joining Human Rights First, Quigley worked for the U.S. Campaign for Burma for nine years, including as President/Executive Director focusing on the promotion of human rights, refugees, and democratic change in U.S. Burma policy. During her tenure, Quigley has testified before Congress and been quoted in numerous print, television, and online news sources. Quigley also previously worked with the Women’s League of Burma and its thirteen member organizations on international advocacy and capacity building of women to advocate in international fora. Quigley received an M.A. in Intercultural Management from the School for International Training and a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University.

Osborn, Maggie Gunther

Maggie Gunther Osborn

Maggie Gunther Osborn currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer and Senior Vice President of United Philanthropy Forum. Known for her presentation skills, direct and sharp thinking, generosity and sense of humor, Osborn is a seasoned social sector practitioner with more that twenty-five years of experience holding positions from across the entire continuum of philanthropy and leadership. She joined the Forum in July 2016 after serving as President of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy. Before joining the Council, Osborn served as Vice President of the Florida Philanthropic Network, Grant Director for the Conn Memorial Foundation, Vice President of the Community Foundation of Tampa Bay and Chief Development Officer for The Florida Aquarium among other posts following an early career in the designer fashion industry. MGO Partners, Osborn’s consulting firm from 1998-2013, provided training and capacity building support to the social purpose sector acting as a liaison between grassroots organizations and grantmakers. Osborn holds a master's degree in leadership & philanthropy from Antioch University and a BA from Notre Dame of Maryland University, where she was a Morrissy Scholar. She is a member of the National Cathedral Racial Justice Task Force, Leadership Council of Non-Profit VOTE, Co-Chair of the Horizons Project Advisory Board, Census Legacies Advisory Committee, Racial Equity Diversity and Inclusion Committee of the Baltimore Women’s Giving Circle and serves as a mentor and resource to many.

Melaku, Nicole

Nicole Melaku

Nicole Melaku, the Executive Director of National Partnership for New Americans, brings over a decade of experience working on immigrant and refugee issues at the local, state, and national level. As Executive Director, she works to harness the collective power of NPNA’s 41 member organizations across 37 states to advance immigrant integration efforts through advocacy, organizing campaigns, and policy initiatives. Melaku is the former Executive Director of NPNA member organization, the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, and a former Board of Director and staff of NPNA. She led the expansion of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition to over 95 immigrant and refugee serving organizations and helped pass some of the country’s most notable and affirmative immigrant integration policies, led scaled naturalization and civic engagement campaigns including NPNA’s Citizenship Now!,Cities for Citizenship, and America is Home naturalization campaigns at the state and local  level. Melaku is a first generation New American whose mother and grandparents hail from Chihuahua, Mexico and who naturalized as a result of the Immigration Reform and Naturalization Act of 1986. Melaku's career trajectory draws on the strength and perseverance of her family’s own immigration story-she is an advocate, organizer, and movement leader who is dedicated to building a more inclusive and fair democracy. She is a Welcoming America White House Champion of Change (2014), a Hispanic in Philanthropy Fellow (2018-19), a Transformative Leadership for Change Fellow, a New American Leaders fellow and a former co-chair of the Fair Immigration Reform Movement. 

Labiran, Catherine

Catherine Labiran

Catherine Labiran is a New York-based, London-raised Nigerian poet, human rights advocate and researcher. Currently, Labiran is the Gender Justice Program Coordinator at the Black Alliance for Just Immigration (BAJI). At BAJI, Labiran leads BAJI’s gender-related research and advocacy initiatives. Labiran also serves in the Healthy Equity & Access under the Law (HEAL) Act Coalition, which works to expand access to healthcare for immigrant women and families. Additionally, Labiran represents BAJI on the advisory committee for National Bail Out and engages in national efforts to end the HIV epidemic in Black communities. Labiran holds a BA in Psychology from Emory University and an MA in African Studies from Yale. In 2019, Labiran was selected as a Fellow for People of African Descent by the UN's Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights. This year, she was recognized as one of the most influential people of African descent by MIPAD 100.