Speakers & Performers

Speakers

(last updated 6/27/2019)

 

 

Sindy Marisol Benavides is a Honduran-American immigrant who has experienced the American Dream and now devotes her career to public service, ensuring that countless young people, women, and immigrants have the same opportunity. She is currently Chief Executive Officer for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the oldest Hispanic civil rights organization in the country. 

Power Lunch Speaker

Natalie Baumeister

Justice Girl Up, Justice High School | nataliebaumeister10@gmail.com

Ms. Baumeister recently graduated from Justice High School, where she was President of Justice Girl Up. She brought menstrual products into her school’s bathrooms and advocated for menstrual equity on Capitol Hill. She will attend the University of Virginia in the Fall.

Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy

Senator George Barker

Virginia State Senate, D39

Born in Eldorado, Illinois, on August 24, 1951; educated at Harvard College (A.B., Economics and Public Health); Harvard University (M.S., Health Policy and Management); Executive Director, Greater Prince William Community Health Center; married to Jane Bianchi Barker; Presbyterian; member: Fairfax Presbyterian Church, elder; Member of the Senate: 2008-Present.

Lobbying Like a Pro: Secrets to Strategy, Organizing and Communication that will Transform Your Ideas into Law

Congressman Don Beyer represents Virginia’s 8thCongressional district  and serves on the House Ways & Means Committee. Beyer was President Obama’s Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, 2009-2013.  He also served as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, 1990 -1998. 

BADASS Breakfast:

Samantha Biggio

Managing Partner, Antrim Grace Solutions
sam@antrimgrace.com 

Sam has spent her career working for nonprofits like AmeriCorps, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Southern Environmental Law Center, among others. Sam holds a JD from the University of Richmond and a BA from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Where Technology and Politics Intersect

Star Bobatoon is an accomplished attorney, award-winning speaker, master story-teller, and presentation coach. Using her diverse background, Star empowers her clients to use their stories, experiences, and expertise to build credibility and connection.

What’s Your Story?  Using Your Story to Increase Your Impact: 

Rebecca H. Borton, CFP®

Associate Client Advisor, Concentric Private Wealthrborton@concentricpw.com

Rebecca Borton helps badass progressive women align their financial behaviors with their values so they can be the change they wish to see in the world.

Your Money, Your Power

Luisa Boyarski, PhD is the Associate Director of Georgetown University’s Center for Public & Nonprofit Leadership. She develops the Center’s executive education programs and leads its research. She also facilitates the Virginia Grassroots Coalition. 

Sustaining the Resistance Movement – Developing Priorities and Strategies:

Senator Jennifer Boysko

Senator, Virginia General Assembly, 33rd District | district33@senate.virginia.gov

Senator Boysko currently serves as a member of the Transportation Committee, the Rehabilitation & Social Services Committee, and the General Laws & Technology Committee. Senator Boysko also serves on the Substance Abuse Services Council and on the Board of Trustees of the Frontier Culture Museum. In 2019 Boysko, passed a bill that lowered the tax on menstrual supplies and diapers to 1.5%. She is committed to continuing the fight for menstrual equity. 

Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy

Paid Family and Medical Leave: What it is and Why We Need It

Marlee Breakstone

Domestic Outreach Association, Catholics for Choice | mbreakstone@catholicsforchoice.org

Marlee Breakstone promotes and strengthens prochoice Catholic advocacy on the local, state and national level, focusing on outreach, recruitment, and engagement of grassroots activists. Emphasizing CFC’s voice as the leading expert on progressive Catholicism and reproductive health and rights, Ms. Breakstone builds and sustains relationships with and offers educational resources to progressive prochoice Catholic individuals and groups throughout the United States. 

ProChoice and Proud! Session 2

Evelyn BruMar

PWCDC Brentsville Chairwoman | evelynibrumar@outlook.com

BruMar is a Latinx Lesbian who moved into Prince William County 6 years ago. Recognizing that her elected officials were “homophobic racists,” she helped flip every House of Delegates seat in her district. BruMar got LGBTQ Pride Month passed in PWC, and helped with the 060 non-discrimination policy to protect LGBTQ staff and students.

Passing LGBTQ affirming policy in our schools

Larry Buc fundraises and trains others to fundraise for progressive candidates.  His training enables candidates to spend more time canvassing and less dialing for dollars.  Buc’s work also helps to send out happy canvassers with water and snacks.

Fundraising Where Nobody Says “No” – The power of peer-to-peer email fundraising

Leslie Danks Burke

President and Founder, Trailblazers PAC
info@trailblazerspac.com 

Leslie Danks Burke is a lawyer, public advocate, former candidate, and founder of the national, nonpartisan Trailblazers PAC, which revolutionizes politics by challenging leaders of any party to act better than our broken money in politics system.

Front Porch Politics: Campaign Model

Front Porch Politics: Grassroots Fundraising 101:

Dina Butcher, 78, her band of non-partisan Bad Ass Grandmas, and 54% of voters, passed a constitutional ethics measure. Butcher, a grandmother of 5 and a private investigator was previously an appointee in several Republican administrations.
BADASS Breakfast: 

Dina Butcher, 78, her band of non-partisan B.A.Gs and 54% of voters, passed a constitutional ethics measure. Butcher, grandmother of 5, a private investigator was previously an appointee in several Republican administrations.

Virginians for Fair Redistricting “Taking Back Our Voice”: 
BADASS Breakfast

Theresa Caldwell is Chair of the Petersburg, VA, Wellness Consortium. She also leads workshops on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) with the Petersburg Health Department/Crater Health District (VA Department of Health), and Integration Solutions. She is a Certified Trauma Professional, Certified Listening Professional, Certified Group Fitness Instructor and volunteer member of the Richmond region’s Fitness Warriors program run by Sports Backers. 

Listening: The Activist’s Superpower:

Stair Calhoun woke the day our current president was elected. She founded NoVA and has not stopped organizing since.

Morning Speaker:

Brian Cannon

Executive Director, OneVirginia2021brian.cannon@onevirginia2021.org

Brian Cannon became the Executive Director of OneVirginia2021 in 2015. He brings over a decade of experience in non-profit leadership, community building, fundraising, and bipartisan advocacy for state policy issues.

Virginians for Fair Redistricting. Taking Back Our Voice

Lydia Kearney Carlis, PhD

Principal Photographer, C-Suite Pics®. Lydia@csuitepics.com

Dr. Lydia Kearney Carlis is a Washington, DC-based educational researcher and photographer. With photography, Lydia helps women leaders, especially leaders of color, use portrait art to show up as their best selves in the global marketplace.

Up-Leveling Your Personal, Campaign, and Organization’s Branding: 

Sr. Simone Campbell, SSS

Executive Director, NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice | scampbell@networklobby.org

Sister Simone Campbell is the Executive Director of NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice and leader of Nuns on the Bus. She has led six cross-country tours to mend the gaps in income and wealth inequality.

The Shocking Truth of Income Inequality:

Karen Campblin

Co-Chair, Green New Deal VA / VSC NAACP | ecjva2018naacp@gmail.com

Karen Campblin is the Co-chair for the Green New Deal, VA. Karen provides resources and support to local communities to address environmental injustices, promote efforts to improve quality of life, and advocate for transformative changes.

Intersectional Justice: Bringing Economic, Environmental, & Social Justice through the Green New Deal:  

Robert Campeau

Account Manager, CrowdpacRobert@crowdpac.com

Robert is a veteran campaign staffer and political operative with years of experience working with candidates and causes to raise money and bring about change in their communities, both here in Virginia and across the country.

Grassroots fundraising 102: How to host a successful fundraising event:

Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy 

House of Delegates, 2nd District

Delegate Jennifer Carroll Foy currently represents the Second House District, housing parts of Prince William and Stafford County. She was the first public defender to ever serve in the Virginia General Assembly and now devotes her time as an attorney advocate representing abused and neglected children in court. Delegate Carroll Foy was also a foster mother for eight years. Because she believes so strongly that no child should be without a nurturing home, she started the Foundation for Foster and Orphan Children, a nonprofit committed to building better futures for orphan and foster children. Additionally, the Delegate was one of the first African-American women to graduate from Virginia Military Institute.

ERA Call to Action!
Paid Family and Medical Leave: What it is and Why We Need It

Niambi Carter, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Howard University | Niambi.Carter@Howard.edu

Dr. Carter is a faculty member in the Department of Political Science where she studies race and ethnic politics in the US.  Her book American While Black: African Americans, Immigration, and the Limits of Citizenship is forthcoming.

A Conversation about Racism in Everyday Life Workshop: 

Frank Cervarich

Regional Organizing Coordinator, Swing Left | fcervarich@swingleft.org

Frank Cervarich is the Regional Organizing Coordinator with Swing Left for the DMV. He has served in this position since 2018. He is excited to flip the state houses in Virginia this Fall!

Taking Back Power: 

BADASS Breakfast: 

North Dakotans passed an initiated Constitutional measure for seven transparency and accountability policies, despite national corporate opposition. “BadAss Grandma,” Dr. Chaffee (university president, governance consultant), helped lead the Article XIV miracle.

Virginians for Fair Redistricting “Taking Back Our Voice”: Sat., June 29th at TBA

Victoria R. Clark

Managing Attorney, Clark Law, PLLC
vrclark@clarklawdc.com 

Victoria R. Clark, Esq., is a DC-based attorney who advises clients on how to avoid legal issues. She helps clients navigate investigations and litigation, especially those caused by ethical or criminal misconduct. 

 

Don’t Let This Be You: How to Avoid Career-Ending Ethical Mistakes:

Erica Reynolds Clayton

Founder, Postcards & Politics and Founder, TEAM TRAN | ericareynoldsclayton@gmail.com

Reynolds Clayton holds a PhD in Rhetoric and Composition, specializing in US politics. Her work includes: ERA lobbying, community organizing, facilitating 10,000 postcards for the 2018 midterms, and promoting Delegate Kathy Tran’s re-election bid.

Presenter, Meet the 2019 House of Delegates & Senate Candidates: 

Rev. Joshua G. Cole is a community activist, advocate, President of the Stafford County NAACP, and a host of other local endeavors. He is the Democratic Candidate for the 28th House District.

Fundraising Where Nobody Says “No” – The power of peer-to-peer email fundraising :

Nightvid Cole has helped write articles for NYRA on young people’s rights in schools, and on youth rights in general. He believes that a just society should not limit civil rights to adults.

Liberating Our Youth:

Becky is the Leadership Coordinator of LWCC, working with leaders of small groups to keep things organized, develop projects, and move toward the goal of getting Democrats elected in Chesterfield County and beyond. 

Grassroots Activism Speed Dating with LWCC: 

Brian Conner is the current President of the National Youth Rights Association. He has led workshops on youth rights and given two TEDx talks: one on education reform and another on youth rights.

Liberating Our Youth:

Joyce Connery

Board Member of the Defense Nuclear Facility Safety Board
Joy@conneryshaw.com 

Joyce Connery is a nuclear policy expert with extensive foreign policy experience, three tours at the National Security Council, and a Peace Corps stint. She’s a gender champion in her field and works on bipartisan policy dialogue across subject matters.

Leading in Your Community:

After the 2016 election, Tara joined LWCC because she wanted to be more involved and in 2017 became one of the leads for the Environmental Advocacy Group. They have been active in fighting against the MVP and ACP Pipelines and recently drove a large support campaign for the Coal Ash clean-up bill passed this year. 

Grassroots Activism Speed Dating with LWCC:

PhD Rutgers, political science; Peace Corps, Ecuador; transportation researcher and lobbyist; 15 years canvassing – doing and teaching – for VA Federal, State, local candidates; Fairfax Dems 2008 Volunteer of the Year for canvassing.

Canvassing: Best way to reach Voters:

Andrea Cubelo-McKay is the founder of Embark Center for Self-Directed Education, a non-compulsory educational community for teens where, through intrinsic motivation, they can discover their passions and focus on their needs and goals.

Liberating Our Youth:

After a successful career as an attorney, Donna earned an MA in History, focusing on women’s history. Donna is a leader of Fauquier Indivisible and teaches History at Germanna Community College.

Not Mission Impossible: Growing Grassroots Activism in Red and Purple Counties:

Timothy Cywinski

Communications Coordinator, Sierra Club Virginia Chapter | tim.cywinski@gmail.com

Tim Cywinski is an advocacy professional with 4 years of experience lobbying the VA General Assembly on policy related to college affordability and economic justice. Tim presents strategic communications and advocacy trainings to civically engaged people across Virginia and teaches Political Communications to aspiring candidates from underserved backgrounds.

Strategic Advocacy for Everyday People:

China Dickerson

National Political Director, Forward Majority
chinadickerson@gmail.com

China Dickerson has worked in the areas of federal government, community organizing, and electoral politics for over a decade. Currently, Ms. Dickerson works to elect Democrats into state legislative offices across the country.

A Conversation About Race in Everyday Life:

Heidi Drauschak

Managing Partner, Antrim Grace Solutions
Heidi@antrimgrace.com 

Heidi has extensive experience in the government sector, including work at the White House, the Virginia Attorney General’s Office, and on the campaign trail. Heidi holds a JD/MBA from University of Richmond.

Where Technology and Politics Intersect: 

Scott Emery

Zero Carbon Virginia/Citizens’ Climate Lobby| nscott.emery@gmail.com

A Professional Engineer, Scott has been a Citizens’ Climate Lobby volunteer since 2018 and is a founding member of Zero Carbon Virginia. He has lobbied both Congress and Virginia’s General Assembly on clean energy policy.

Using Your Grassroots Power: How to Lobby your Elected Representatives:

Katie Fahey

Executive Director, Voters Not Politicians/The Peoplekatie@thepeople.org

Katie Fahey served as the founder and executive director of Voters Not Politicians – the nonpartisan campaign to end gerrymandering in Michigan, and now as executive director of The People – an effort to bridge political divides nation wide

Virginians for Fair Redistricting. Taking Back Our Voice (Breakouts #1: 11:00-12:15pm)

Fatima is a headshot photographer who absolutely loves his job and everything that comes with it. He appreciates the people he meets, the places he goes, the hours he keeps, and the spontaneity in every shoot.

Candidate Headshots:

Jennifer Finkle is an instructor and black belt in Krav Maga. When not kicking friends in the groin, Jennifer works as an RN in behavioral health, enjoys time with her dog, and watches classic movies.

Women’s Safety:

Lynn Fletcher

31st. Street Swing Left | lynn@lynnfletchermediation.com

Lynn Fletcher is a family law attorney, mediator, and collaborative attorney in private practice in Falls Church, Virginia. Lynn is on the leadership team of 31st Street Swing Left and helped the group in raising over $1 million in 2018 for Blue Wave House and Senate candidates.

Raising Serious Money for Progressive Candidates:

Tara is a champion for women and working families. She has been organizing in Virginia since Obama’s 2008 campaign. She currently serves as the Campaign Director for the Women Effect Fund as they kick off their Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy in Virginia. As Director of the Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, Tara is working to build momentum for policies that help Virginians make ends meet and be there for their families when they need to be.
Parade of Power
Paid Family and Medical Leave: What it is and Why We Need It
Kristi is the Community Coordinator of LWCC, working with leaders of local political groups to collaborate, plan large events, and help campaigns connect with volunteers in their area in order to get Democrats elected throughout central Virginia.

Grassroots Activism Speed Dating with LWCC: 

Jen Golobic

jennifergolobic@gmail.com

Jen Golobic is an English teacher at Justice High School in Fairfax County. Since 2016, she has sponsored a chapter of Girl Up Club, an organization through the United Nations that focuses on empowering girls around the word.

Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy: 

Joshua has been a volunteer for Citizens’ Climate Lobby for three years. He currently works as a program manager for a nonprofit that administers a number of international educational, professional, and cultural exchange programs.

Using Your Grassroots Power: How to Lobby your Elected Representatives: 

Audra Grassia

Sr. Director of Campaigns , ACRONYM  | audra@anotheracronym.org

Audra has worked on political campaigns from the local and state to the federal level. Her experience encompasses working for causes ranging from EMILY’s List to Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. As ACRONYM’s Sr. Director of Campaigns, she leads our state legislative work.

Digital Organizing: Amplifying Your Message:

Julie Greenberg

31st St. Swing Left 

Julie Greenberg has canvassed for years, but has found the “persuasion canvassing” approach she’s learned while canvassing with 31st St. Swing Left newly compelling. She credits canvassing with whatever sanity she still has left at this point!  

Take Your Canvassing Up a Notch:

Leah Greenberg

Co-Executive Director, Indivisible

Leah Greenberg is a co-Founder and co-Executive Director of the Indivisible Project. She most recently served as Policy Director for the Tom Perriello for Governor of Virginia campaign.  

BADASS Breakfast:

Delegate Elizabeth Guzman

Virginia House of Delegates, District 31 |
Elizabeth@ElizabethGuzmanForVirginia.Com & DeleGuzman@House.Virginia.Gov

The first Hispanic female immigrant elected to the Virginia General Assembly in 400 years, Guzman is a proud mother, social worker, union member, and Chair of the Freshman Caucus who fights for the working class.

Intersectional Justice: Bringing Economic, Environmental, & Social Justice through the Green New Deal: Date and Time TBA

Ibby Han

Student Power Network |  ihan@newvirginiamajority.org

Ibby Han is the Director of the Virginia Student Power Network, a multi-issue grassroots network of young organizers from universities across Virginia who build power for democratic, diverse, and accessible education.

Taking Back Power:

Tee Marie Hanible

Author – The Warrior Code

Recently retired from the U.S. Marines after nearly two decades of service, Tee Marie Hanible became the first female military expert on “American Grit.” She founded Operation Heroes Connect, an organization that partners service members and veterans as mentors for at-risk youth. In 2012, she was featured in the Newsweek magazine “Heroes Edition.” She was the National Veteran’s Chair for the Women’s March and is currently an Executive Board member of the DC chapter. The Warrior Code is her first book
POWER Jam: Telling Our Story Stage. Sat., June 29th at 9:00pm

Mary Hartnett

Co-Author – My Own Words

Mary Hartnett has been at Georgetown Law since 1998, first as Executive Director of the Women’s Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program (WLPPFP), and now as an Adjunct Professor of Law and Advisory Board Member of WLPPFP.  Professor Hartnett is co-author, with Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Wendy W. Williams, of My Own Words (Simon & Schuster, 2016) and together with Professor Williams is one of Justice Ginsburg’s authorized biographers.
POWER Jam: Telling Our Story Stage. Sat., June 29th at 8:15pm

Lori Harrison-Kahan

Author – The Superwoman and Other Writings by Miriam Michelson
https://www.loriharrisonkahan.com/ harrislo@bc.edu

Lori Harrison-Kahan is associate professor of the practice of English at Boston College. She is also the author of The White Negress: Literature, Minstrelsy, and the Black-Jewish Imaginary.
POWER Jam: Telling Our Story Stage. Sat., June 29th at 8:15pm

Holly Hazard

Holly Hazard is an animal protection, education, and women’s rights advocate. She formerly served as Legislative Director for Virginia Delegate Kaye Kory and as Senior Vice President at The Humane Society of the United States where she oversaw the Society’s Companion Animal, Equine, Wildlife and Animal Rescue Departments. Holly has lobbied extensively at the local, state, and federal level. She is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leaders and Candidate Training program and is a current student with Emerge Virginia.
Lobbying Like a Pro: Secrets to Strategy, Organizing and Communication that will Transform Your Ideas into Law

Megan Hondl

Campaign Director, Virginia House Democratic Caucusmegan@vahousedems.org 

Before coming to Virginia, Megan spent the last few years working for the Wisconsin House Caucus where she managed two races, worked as the Candidate Fundraising Manager, and then became the Deputy Political Director.  

Taking Back Power:

Lorie Hood is board certified in Forensic Traumatology, Emergency Crisis Response, and Domestic Violence. She is the Creator of The High Stakes Performance Method; Founder-The Hood Group; CEO-Responders First; Founder of FutureSafe.

High Stakes Performance: How Women of Power Must Navigate, Negotiate and Speak Differently to be Heard: Sat., June 29th at TBA

POWER Jam – Atrium Stage: 

Senator Janet Howell

Virginia State Senator, D32| senhowell@gmail.com

Senator Howell is the longest-serving woman legislator. She serves on key committees: Finance, Courts of Justice, Education and Health, Privileges and Elections and Rules. She is the first and only woman to serve as a Senate budget conferee.

Go LOCAL Rally

Esther Iverem

Creator, Producer, and Host on On the Ground, Pacifica Radio estheriverem.com | iverem@seeingblack.com

Esther Iverem is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, producer, and curator. Her diverse body of work, which includes a show on Pacifica Radio, four books, two digital media projects and several visual art exhibits, is about social justice and human existence.

A Conversation about Racism in Everyday Life Workshop:

A life-long advocate, Julie helps women win state-level elections as Chair of Virginia’s List. Professionally, Julie leads iLead Strategies, helping leaders create more resilient organizations, joy in their lives ,and impact in the world. Sought after for her perspective on leadership, politics, and women, Julie is a frequent commentator who has appeared in or on CBS, NBC, Vanity Fair, and Sirius XM.

Leading in Your Community:

Amina Gilyard James

Founder & Principal Consultant, Influence by AG |agilyard@gmail.com

Dr. James is an author, trainer, and coach with a passion for helping individuals and organizations realize their full potential. She has over a decade of experience working in federal government and non-profit organizations.

We’re here. What’s next? Moving from Representation to Storytelling in the Political Space:

Chonya Davis Johnson is a seasoned policy advisor serving Congresswoman Joyce Beatty of Ohio’s 3rd Congressional District in the United States Congress. She handles key policy issues in Health, Education, Labor, Immigration, and International Affairs. A fighter and champion for ordinary citizens and organizations, Chonya has fought diligently to get constituents a second chance to plead their case before federal, state, and local agencies.

Working on the Hill:

Barbara Jones is passionate about authentically connecting with individuals to advocate for the issues they support. Whether as a founder of the first Network NoVA Women’s Summit, the New Activist Center for the Virginia Civic Engagement Table or staffing legislators, Barbara is focused on building grassroots engagement for progressive causes.

Go LOCAL Rally:

Krysta Jones is founder and CEO of Vote Lead Impact which prepares Blacks for political leadership. She hosts a local TV show and is a graduate of the Sorensen Institute and the Women’s Campaign School at Yale.

POWER Lunch:

Marilyn Karp

Founding Member, Indivisible Nova West| marilynkarp@gmail.com

Grandma Resistance/Marilyn Karp is a street fighter from the Bronx. Karp is a Founding Member of Indivisible Nova West, helped get Medicaid Expansion passed, and is the Founder of the Wall of Resistance Campaign.

Wall of Resistance: Be the Change:

BADASS Breakfast

Sarah Karush

Fairfax County Chapter Leader, Citizens’ Climate Lobbyskarush@outlook.com

Sarah has been volunteering with Citizens’ Climate Lobby since 2016. She works as a writer and editor for a nonprofit research organization and is a former reporter for The Associated Press.

Using Your Grassroots Power: How to Lobby your Elected Representatives :

Mark Keam

Virginia House of Delegates | info@MarkKeam.com

Mark Keam was first elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 2009, but has over three decades of political experiences, including serving as Chief Counsel to U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Dick Durbin and chairing Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign in Fairfax County.

Go Local Rally: 

Amy Kossoff is one of the Founding Members of 31st St. Swing Left. See her in the 31st St. Persuasion Canvassing video! She believes that effective canvassing can be productive, rewarding, and even fun!

Take Your Canvassing Up a Notch:

Debra Fried Levin is a fundraiser and co-leader of NOPE Neighbors based in DC, working to defend our democracy. NOPE has raised over $300,000 for VA House of Delegates candidates and Congressional candidates all through peer-to-peer email fundraising.

Fundraising Where Nobody Says “No” – The power of peer-to-peer email fundraising:

Nicole Pugar Lawter

Director of Government Affairs, Williams Mullen

Nicole Pugar Lawter is the Director of Government Affairs at Williams Mullen. As a member of the firm’s Government Relations practice group, Nicole represents clients before Virginia’s legislative and executive branches of government including state agencies and boards.

Lobbying Like a Pro: Secrets to Strategy, Organizing and Communication that will Transform Your Ideas into Law:

JoAnn Loulan 

Local Majority | joann@localmajority.org 

JoAnn started Local Majority in January 2017. A political activist for over 40 years, she has raised money for multiple candidates. She believes that research work is crucial for candidates who want to have their policies known.

States the Path to Progressive and Inclusive Democracy:

Taylor Lustig

Author – Yes She Can: 10 Stories of Hope & Change from Young Female Staffers of the Obama White House.  

Taylor served in the White House from age twenty-two to age twenty-six, most recently as a Policy Advisor for the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, part of the Domestic Policy Council. Her work focused on community engagement and domestic and international policy issues of concern to the faith community, interfaith dialogue, and church-state policy. She previously served as a Policy Assistant in the same office. After the White House, Taylor moved over to the Department of Labor, where she served as a political appointee in the Secretary’s Office of Public Engagement until the end of the Obama Administration.
POWER Jam. Telling Our Story Stage

Priscilla Martinez

Community Activist | priscillamtz@gmail.com

Over the past 25+ years, Priscilla’s activism has focused on civic engagement, interfaith relationships, the environment, and social justice. Her expertise includes bringing differing groups together and elevating marginalized voices.

Power Lunch:

Jane M. Materna

Reproductive Justice Advocate | jane@orgcapacity.com 

Jane is a NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia Board Member, the 2018 Virginia Assembly Session Women’s Healthcare Caucus Coordinator, and Founding Member of Network NOVA. Materna takes on women’s reproductive justice as THE lynchpin progressive issue.

Pro-Choice Proud! Session 1 Date and Time TBA
Pro-Choice Proud! Session 2

Erin Matson

Co-Founder/Co-Director, Reproaction | erin@reproaction.org

Erin Matson is Co-Founder and Co-Director of Reproaction, a direct action group formed to increase access to abortion and advance reproductive justice.

Pro-Choice Proud! Session 2:

Jennifer McClellan

Virginia Senate| ngiste@jennifermcclellan.com

Jennifer McClellan is a Virginia State Senator, representing the 9th District in Greater Richmond. In the Senate she serves on the Agriculture, Conservation & Natural Resources, Local Government, and Transportation Committees. Jennifer chairs the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission, and serves on the Virginia Indian Commemorative Commission and the Task Force on the Preservation of the History of Former Enslaved African Americans. She Co-Chairs the Capital Region Caucus, serves as Vice Chair of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, and is a member of the Rural Caucus and Women’s Health Care Caucus.

Power Lunch:

Charlotte McConnell is a parentless parent with MS. She joined Equality Loudoun in May 2017. She was named LEA’s 2017-2018 Friend of Education for her work at the Loudoun School Board. Charlotte identifies as queer.

Passing LGBTQ Affirming Policy in Our Schools:

McWorter has worked on campaigns ranging from a variety of topics from predatory lending, to Medicaid expansion, to environmental justice, and climate change. In addition, she teaches Women’s Gender, and Sexualities Studies and Environmental Studies programs at the University of Richmond. Her most recent book is entitled Racism and Sexual Oppression in Anglo-American: A Genealogy.

A Conversation about Racism in Everyday Life Workshop:

Joan Michelson

Journalist, Entrepreneur, Advocate for Women, Coach | Forbes, Green Connections Radio podcast | joan@greenconnectionsradio.com

Joan is an award-winning business leader, journalist, speaker, coach and advocate for women. Her work appears in Forbes, HuffPost, TheAtlantic.com, and many media. Her great-great aunt was a reporter who kept the suffrage cause in the headlines.
POWER Jam. Telling Our Story Stage

Patricia Miller

Author – Bringing Down The Colonel: A Sex Scandal of the Gilded Age, and the “Powerless” Woman Who Took on Washington 

Patricia Miller is an award-winning author and journalist whose fascination with the untold stories of women led her on a 10-year journey to unearth the story of the Breckinridge–Pollard scandal. Her work on the interplay of politics and sexual morality has appeared in The Atlantic, Salon, The Nation, Huffington Post, and Ms. Magazine. She received a master’s degree in journalism from New York University and lives outside of Washington, DC, with her husband and dog.
POWER Jam. Telling Our Story Stage. Sat., June 29th at 8:15pm

Liana E. Montecinos, Esq.

Executive Director, United for Social Justice & Immigration Attorney, Benach Collopy LLPlmontecinos@benachcollopy.com

Montecinos is a Honduran asylee who entered the US on foot at the age of 11. She is now an immigration attorney and an Executive Director of a non-profit through which she protects the human and civil rights of the most vulnerable immigrants and helps first-generation high school students access higher education.

Parade of Power:

Julie Morrill conducts safety workshops for women and girls around the world. Her teaching is based in Krav Maga, an effective form self-defense. When not teaching, Julie enjoys trail running in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Women’s Safety:

Jessica Mott

VA Blue Wave 2019

Jessica Mott leads the VA Blue Wave 2019 fundraiser, a grassroots coalition effort to flip the General Assembly by supporting 20 Delegate districts and 6 State Senate districts. She is also a member of the Women of Action (WofA) Executive Committee.

Fundraising Where Nobody Says “No” – The power of peer-to-peer email fundraising:

Suzanne Nadeau

Master Canvasser, Indivisible NovaWest

Nadeau has been a member of Indivisible NovaWest since 2017. She is the recipient of the 2018 Liberal Lady Award presented by the Prince William County Democratic Committee and is a Flip Flop Queen.

Wall of Resistance. Be the Change:

Stephanie Nash

Virginia Advocacy Director, Whole Woman’s Health Alliance | Stephanie@shiftstigma.org

Stephanie A. Nash is the Virginia Advocacy Director for Whole Woman’s Health Alliance, where she is committed to the work of strategically eradicating the stigma around abortion through education, community engagement, and partnerships.

Pro-Choice and Proud! Session 2:

Ms. Neville is the daughter of Jo Ann and Melvin Neville; the mother of Amir Nehemiah. She is a proud graduate of Virginia State University! Ms. Neville comes from a strong line of Kings and Queens and is her ancestors’ wildest dreams!

Be Fearless: 

Emily Ocasio

Poet | 8th Grade Student, The New School of Northern Virginia | ocasio.emi@gmail.com

Emily Ocasio is a 14 year-old eighth grader at The New School of Northern Virginia. She loves slam poetry, theatre, psychology research, math, and political activism including women’s rights, animal rights, and Puerto Rico aid.

Morning Speaker:

Atima Omara is an award-winning political strategist, advocate, and the founder and president of Omara Strategy Group — a D.C. metro based progressive consulting firm supporting candidates and organizations that share her goal of achieving a more reflective democracy for women, people of color, and LGBTQ communities.

Taking Back Power

Whitney Petrilli is the Co-Chair of the Fauquier County Democratic Committee. She works with organizations focused on healthcare, the environment, and education on development and fundraising. Clients include the Rainforest Trust and Planned Parenthood.

Not Mission Impossible: Growing Grassroots Activism in Red and Purple Counties

Mali Phonpadith is the CEO of the SOAR Community Network, Co-Founder of the SOAR Community Nebula, #1 International Best Selling Author, TEDx Speaker, Community Builder and Podcaster.

Sparking Real Change through Conscious Leadership:

Mary Pence

31st St. Swing Left | marypence58@gmail.com

Mary Pence is a Family Law attorney and heads up the fundraising component of 31st Street Swing Left. 31st Street raised over $1million for Blue Wave House and Senate candidates in 2018.

Raising Serious Money for Progressive Candidates:

Andrea Ramos

Training Manager, ACRONYM  | andrea@anotheracronym.org

Andrea has been involved in community and electoral organizing since her college days. As ACRONYM’s Training Manager, she builds infrastructure across the progressive movement via their training curriculum which shares best practices on how to incorporate digital tactics into campaigning.

Digital Organizing: Amplifying Your Message: 

Delegate Sam Rasoul

Delegate, HD11 and The Impact Centerdelsrasoul@house.virginia.gov

Sam Rasoul represents the 11th District in the Virginia House of Delegates. It is the honor of his lifetime to represent Roanoke and the Commonwealth.

Leading with New Power:

Intersectional Justice: Bringing Economic, Environmental, & Social Justice through the Green New Deal:

Idea Networker/Advocate/Speaker/Moderator/Facilitator/TV Host – Fairfax,VA

Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy

Robert Rigby has been an educator for 35 years. He has advocated for the concerns of LGBTQ staff, students, and family members in Northern Virginia since 2000, creating social events and pushing change.

Passing LGBTQ Affirming Policy in Our Schools: Date and Time TBA

Jess Morales Rocketto.

Supermajority jess@domesticworkers.org 

Jess Morales Rocketto is a co-founder of Supermajority, a multiracial, intergenerational community that fights for gender equity and promotes women’s activism, training and mobilizing. She is also Political Director of the National Domestic Workers Alliance.

Power Lunch:

Alan is long-time digital and social media strategist and thought leader. He leads the Digital and Social Media Strategy Practice at turner4D, is Director of Digital Research at Lake Research Partners, and is a Professor of Digital Politics.

Social Advocacy and Organizing: Date and Time TBA

Lyzz Schwegler

Co-Founder, Director of Communications, Sister District ProjectLyzz@sisterdistrict.com

Lyzz is one of the Co-Founders of Sister District and is responsible for developing and executing the organization’s communications and marketing strategy, along with overseeing Sister District’s tech development and digital engagement.

Parade of Power

Marni Sclaroff

marnisclaroff.com | marni@marnisclaroff.com

Marni Sclaroff is a yoga and meditation teacher, spirit guide, and wellness advocate with over twenty years of experience in the healing arts. She leads workshops, retreats, online courses, and mentoring programs.

Your Rhythms of Thriving- Self-Care for Activists:

Gelila Sebhatu

Founder, Arlington Huddle Action Network (AHAN) | arlingtonhuddle@gmail.com

Ms. Sebhatu is a passionate activist who fights for equality. She is also a grassroots organizer for local VA candidates who support progressive causes.

A Conversation about Racism in Everyday Life Workshop: 

Holly Seibold

Founder and Executive Director, BRAWSholly@braws.org

Since January 2015, Holly and her team have distributed over two million period products and undergarments to women and girls in crisis. Prior to launching Bringing Aid to Women’s Shelters (BRAWS), Holly was a classroom educator and small business owner specializing in STEM education.
Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy:
POWER Jam: Telling Our Story Stage.

Samantha Seiple

Author – Louisa on the Front Lines: Louisa May Alcott in the Civil War

Samantha Seiple is the author of Lincoln’s Spymaster: America’s First Private Eye and Ghosts in the Fog: The Untold Story of Alaska’s WWII Invasion. With degrees in English, journalism, and library and information science, Seiple lives and works in Asheville, North Carolina.
POWER Jam. Telling Our Story Stage, 8:15pm

Briana Sewell

Northern Virginia Organizer, Virginia Campaign for a Family Friendly Economybriana@familyfriendlyeconomyva.org

Briana is the Northern Virginia Organizer for the Virginia Campaign for a Family Friendly Economy, the primary financial sponsor of the Women’s Summit. Previously, Briana served as the Prince William County District Director for Congressman Gerry Connolly (VA-11).

Parade of Power/Meet the Candidates

Jim Shelton started actively canvassing for Obama in primary states in 2008. He urges that conversational approaches while canvassing which prove most effective are similar to conversations we have in our everyday lives.

Take Your Canvassing Up a Notch:

Ellie Smeal

President, Feminist Majority esmeal@feminist.org

Ellie Smeal is the current President and Co-Founder of the Feminist Majority and the Feminist Majority Foundation, leading efforts for the economic, political, and social equality and empowerment of women worldwide for over four decades. She has led the drive to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment since 1977 as the President of the National Organization of Women.

BADASS Breakfast:

Diann is an organizer with Peninsula Indivisible, a grassroots organization on the VA Peninsula which works to get progressives elected, resists objectionable policies, hosts educational events, and works to help the disenfranchised.

Parade of Power

Sarah is a member of the Rising Organizers training team. She lives in Bowie, Maryland, and organizes with Mass Liberation/Life after Release for state’s attorney and police accountability in Prince George’s County.

Becoming the Activist You Want to Be

Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger

U.S. House of Representatives – CD7 

U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger represents Virginia’s 7th District. Representative Spanberger began her career first serving as a federal agent with the US Postal Inspection Service and then serving as a CIA case officer.

Friday Night Speaker:

Miggy Strano

Fauquier Indivisible 

Miggy’s activism focus is voter education, voter registration, and community outreach through local volunteerism. She has worked in the tech industry for more than 30 years.

Not Mission Impossible: Growing Grassroots Activism in Red and Purple Counties:

Catina Franklin Sweedy is a Program Advisor at Embark Center for Self-Directed Education in Leesburg, Virginia, where she supports teens in navigating their own unique educational paths.

Liberating Our Youth:

Symons is a progressive and climate grassroots activist based in Northern VA. She has been active in the anti-pipelines movement and advocating for clean energy solutions in VA. Symons’ background is in environmental economics, development, and international relations.
Parade of Power
Chantelle is a Co-Director of the Rising Organizers training team. At her day job, she’s a paralegal at a civil rights legal non-profit, and advocates for community-focused lawyering.

Becoming the Activist You Want to Be

Tanden is the President and CEO of the Center for American Progress and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. Before joining CAP and CAP Action, she worked as a key member of the health reform team of former President Barack Obama, where she helped to develop and pass the Affordable Care Act. She also managed all domestic policy initiatives during Obama’s first presidential campaign and has served in several leadership roles for former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Tanden is focused on building the grassroots opposition to Donald Trump’s agenda, and on developing an alternative agenda that will expand opportunity for all Americans.

BADASS Breakfast:

Fariha Tasneem

Student, Justice High School | ftasneem28@gmail.com

Tasneem has been involved with the club Girl Up at Justice High School for more than two years. She has facilitated many exciting activities geared towards menstrual equity for all women!

Menstrual Equity: Practical Action to Public Policy:

Pastor Michelle C. Thomas

President, NAACP Loudoun Branch | president@naacploudoun.org

A “force of nature”.  Her trailblazing work is paving the way for Equality & Justice from the Church, LCPS, Boards & Commissions, to advising Virginia’s top three elected officials amid the February leadership crisis.

Power Lunch: Shaking the Table Panel

Amy Towne is first in her name, mother of two, wife to one, a Retail Manager for 20 years, LWCC Group Leader, CCDC Magisterial Chair, believer in working to elect more Democrats, and a smasher of the patriarchy.

Grassroots Activism Speed Dating with LWCC 

Kimberly Anne Tucker

Senior Regional Organizer, Indivisible |Kimberly@Indivisible.org

Kimberly is a former school administrator, adjunct instructor at Old Dominion University, and a Democratic nominee for the 81st House District.

Taking Back Power: 

Galina Varchena

Policy Director, NARAL Pro Choice Virginiagalina@naralva.org

Galina leads NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia’s General Assembly and local government policy work, as well as fostering relationships with partner organizations and local communities. She has a deep drive to promote social justice in all its forms, especially with respect to women’s reproductive freedom.

Pro-Choice Proud! Session 1:

Since she joined NOW in 1989, Toni has served in leadership positions at all levels of the organization. Toni became President in 2017 and remains devoted to grassroots activism at the local level.
BADASS Breakfast Speaker: 

Senator Mark Warner

Senior Senator from Virginia

Senator Warner was elected to the US Senate in November 2008 and reelected to a second term in November 2014. He serves on the Senate Finance, Banking, Budget, and Rules Committees as well as the Select Committee on Intelligence, where he is the Vice Chairman. During his time in the Senate, Senator Warner has established himself as a bipartisan leader who has worked with Republicans and Democrats alike to cut red tape, increase government performance and accountability, and promote private sector innovation and job creation.

Main Stage: Saturday Morning: 

Delegate Vivian Watts

Virginia House of Delegates |vwatts@erols.com

Vivian Watts is the longest-serving woman in the 400-year history of the House of Delegates, representing Annandale and Springfield since 1996. She served as the Secretary of Transportation and Public Safety from 1986-1990.

Go LOCAL Rally:

Katherine White

Program Director, Network NoVA |KatherineNetworkNoVA@gmail.com

Katherine White is a feminist trailblazer and a proud Ohio State Buckeye alumna. She is the Co-Founder of Network NoVA which serves to connect and network with like-minded individuals in order to reclaim and protect democratic values of equality, justice, and human rights. Katherine is dedicated and passionate about empowering women and girls through education, collaboration, and partnership.

Taking Back Power:

Pat Widener

Indivisiblenovawest | patwidener571@gmail.com

Activist Pat Widener is a member of Indivisible Nova West.  She has varied political experiences including: writing postcards, organizing buses to Richmond and Haymarket Day, marketing and publicizing events, serving as her precinct voting captain, driving canvassers, and donating money to Democratic candidates.

Wall of Resistance. Be the Change:

Tina Williams

FCPS School Counselor and President of AFT Local 2401 – Fairfax County Federation of Teachers union | Twilliams@fcft.org

Williams has worked as a school counselor in the Fairfax County Public Schools since 2001. President of FCFT for 2 years, advocate for professional educators, public education, and our youth, she is also the proud mother of two FCPS graduates and an avid wellness enthusiast.

Parade of Power: Sat., June 29th at 9:00am

Vangie Williams, a problem solver by profession, is fighting for healthcare, education, economic opportunity and equal rights for all in CD1. Her win will make her the first woman of color to represent Virginia in Congress.

BADASS Breakfast:

Carolyn Woodard is a Founder and Leader of Moms Demand Action Fauquier County. She is a community leader in Fauquier Indivisible and 4H. She has a degree in Nonprofit Management and is mom to two.
Inviting in Stakeholders: Moms Demand Action Case Study

Not Mission Impossible: Growing Grassroots Activism in Red and Purple Counties

Kim Drew Wright is an author and activist. She founded Liberal Women of Chesterfield County & Beyond. The Strangeness of Men is her debut collection of fiction. She promotes awareness of PANS – Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.

Grassroots Activism Speed Dating with LWCC: 

Performers

Tammarrah Addison

Educator, Creativity Coach, Poetess | tammarrah.addison@gmail.com

Tammarrah Addison is an educator, creativity coach and poetess. She has released two spoken word albums: Unbossed Unapologetic Vol 1: Superwoman and TEMERITY: Unbossed

POWER Jam – Atrium Stage

Chris Anderson

Singer/Songwriter, http://chris-anderson.info | chris.anderson.songs@gmail.com

Chris Anderson writes progressive songs with wit and wisdom. Her song about gerrymandering, “Just Change The Boundary,” is heard in the documentary GerryRIGGED, Turning Democracy on Its Head, and won GOLD in the 2018 Mid-Atlantic Song Contest.

Go LOCAL Rally: Fri. night, June 28th

Batalá Washington’s mission is to empower women through drumming and expose people to Brazil’s dynamic Afro­ Bahian culture and Samba Reggae music.
Joining Batalá is free of charge to all women regardless of race, religion, income, sexual orientation or musical experience.
Parade of Power. 9:00am

 

 

Lorie Hood is board certified in Forensic Traumatology, Emergency Crisis Response, and Domestic Violence. She is the Creator of The High Stakes Performance Method; Founder-The Hood Group; CEO-Responders First; Founder of FutureSafe.High Stakes 

POWER Jam – Atrium Stage : Sat. Night, June 29th at TBA

 

 

Hyla Matthews

Comedian

Before moving to DC in 2009, Hyla performed stand-up comedy and improv all over Los Angeles, and acted in films and commercials. She trained and performed with Second City LA, and was a member of the Groundlings Sunday Company sketch troupe. She was a regular “round table” guest on the E! talk show Chelsea Lately and has performed on tour opening for Chelsea Handler, including a 2009 show at D.C.’s Warner Theatre. She performs locally in DC at Sully’s, Chinese Disco, Emissary, and many others. She graduated with a BA in drama from Bennington college.

POWER Jam: Sat. night, June 29th

Tina V

Warrior Woman Awakening the Warrior, Embracing the Queen | tinav@warriorwoman.us

Founder of Warrior Woman-Personal Growth and Development for Women-Awakening the Warrior, Embracing the Queen! A game changer, challenging the status quo to inspire, and present Communities and Individuals with the mindset to create their best life ever! 

Go LOCAL Rally: Fri. night, June 28th
POWER Jam: Sat. night, June 29th

Our Sponsors

Supporters

Amy Angel, Jessie Clark, Erica Clayton, Ken Collins, Joyce Connery, Francesca Costantino, Jan Cranston, Mary De la Fe, Danielle Denhardt, Donna Dickinson, Leslie Emery, Debra Fried, Karen Gatz, Catherine Gruber, Johanna Gusman, Karen Harrison, Elizabeth Hull, Catherina Hurlburt, Bill Johnson-Miles, Priscilla Johnson-Miles, Herschel Kanter, Marilyn Karp, Alec Kohut, Celest Land, Annette Lang, Kim Lockhart, Kathleen Marmet, Andrea Miller, Natalie Miller-Moore, Ibrahim Moiz, Nancy Najarian, Maureen O’Donnell,Peggy Pridemore, Catherine Read, Lynn Riggs, Bonnie Rollins, Andria Thomas, Martha Trunk, Julie Waters, Laura Welch, Kenneth Wheeler, Terese White & Sumi Yi .

Network NoVA

Our mission is to connect with others in Northern Virginia and beyond for the purpose of promoting the democratic values of equality, justice, and human rights by creating opportunities for political engagement and civic participation to educate, engage, and empower voters, candidates, and elected officials. We strive to strengthen partnerships and build broad coalitions to continue the progress of winning back electoral power for the democratic party. We do not endorse candidates in the primary process unless the candidate is unopposed.

Women’s Summit 2019