Shahidah Ali is a writer, speaker, and community advocate. She serves as the Political Action Chair for the Rhode Island Coalition of Black Women, where she works to advance civic engagement and voting rights. Shahidah is a speaker on the history and cultural significance of Black hair and has presented “The History of Black Hair” at the Massachusetts State House, Providence Public Library, and several universities across Massachusetts and Rhode Island. She is also the co-host of the podcast Little State Big Voices, where she explores culture, politics, and community issues.

Juniper (they/them) holds two Master’s degrees in English Literature with a robust background in literary and critical theory, particularly queer theory, psychoanalysis, and postsecular theory. As a scholar, their professional publications are devoted to the role of women’s labor in and beyond the arts. Outside the academy, they specialize in communications and fundraising for nonprofit organizations, political campaigns, and initiatives focused on advancing racial and gender equity. They believe that the arts are the key to social transformation and collective flourishing.

Danii (she/her) holds a Master's degree in student affairs, which she utilizes in her day-to-day work supporting marginalized college students. She is experienced in event planning, workshop facilitation, and creating spaces for learning, community building, and leadership development. She also teaches graduate students about social justice in higher education. She is driven by an unwavering conviction that it does not matter that patriarchy is the oldest oppression: there was a world before it and there will be a world after it. Though it likely won't happen within her lifetime, she strives to push the needle forward towards that future.

Liz (she/her) is a nonprofit professional with a strong commitment to community well-being, justice, and systems that support children and families. She brings experience across the nonprofit, healthcare, and public sectors, holds a Master of Public Health, and previously served as an elected town councilor and as Chair of the Rhode Island Democratic Women’s Caucus. Her experience as a foster parent deeply informs her passion for equity, reproductive rights, and trauma-informed, family-centered policy and practice.

G. (she/her) was raised in Massachusetts but has had strong ties to Rhode Island for the last 12 years. After graduating from Wheaton College, she started a career as an art and science educator at The Children’s Museum in Boston, working closely with a diverse group of community leaders in the Boston area.

G. went on to become a web designer/developer, to starting a business and is now the Director of Client Services at a mid-size manufacturing company. She enjoys connecting with people and understanding the needs of clients to help develop long term partnerships. Additionally, G. has a green belt in lean six sigma, which helps to reduce waste and steam line processes in any organization. Her greatest joy comes in spending time with family and friends playing board games, building Legos, reading, or traveling to see the world as much as possible and making human connections.

Heidi (she/her) is a retired CPA and tax attorney. She recently served as a board member and the first treasurer of Pro-choice Washington and continues to serve on the board and finance committee of New Dawn Guatemala (WA) and fundraising committee of Meadowbrook Waldorf School (RI). She has served on other nonprofit boards in WA and RI since her retirement.

Jocelyn (she/her) is an artist, activist, and cultural organizer who uses creativity as a tool for social change. She is the co-founder and director of The Womxn Project and The Womxn Project Education Fund, two Rhode Island-based organizations in coalition blending art and grassroots advocacy to advance reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equity. With a background in contemporary art and a commitment to public action, Jocelyn creates projects and campaigns that center community voices, challenge systems of oppression, and inspire collective power.

Sean (he/him) is our Jack of All Trades, and fearless leader of Operations.                                                                                           

Eliza (she/her) is a recent college graduate with a BA in Global Studies and a Certificate of Undergraduate Studies in International Nonprofits and NGOs. She also has years of experience working with children, and is passionate about human rights, social justice, and making positive change.