Alexis Reed is an ambitious and passionate leader with proven ability in the areas of equity, community, and justice. She is a current graduate student pursuing her Master of Arts in Social Justice and Human Rights at Arizona State University, with an undergraduate degree in sociology and criminal justice pre-law from St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX. Alexis has copious strengths and experience in community-focused programming and organizing, public speaking, mentorship, and student leadership. Her primary interests focus on social justice issues relating to the advancement, empowerment, and education of marginalized communities, specifically the Black community. Alexis has participated in panels, been referenced for her advocacy story in Dave Zirin’s The Kaepernick Effect, and was selected as a 2022 Gilman Scholar to pursue her education abroad. Alexis specializes in translating large, robust issues and ideas into practical steps, whether that be for applicable policy or community-centered solutions. Within these themes, a large focus of hers has been on decolonizing education curriculum, but recently, she has been exploring how reconciliation, healing, storytelling, and mentorship can be used as tools for social transformation. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Black Graduate Student Association and is a Graduate Student Assistant for the SJHR Graduate Program.

Anastasia Benavidez is an experienced political fundraiser and is passionate about local Arizona politics. She graduated from the University of Arizona, where she was the president of the local Young Democrats chapter. An Arizona native, Anastasia has never lived anywhere else and wanted to help elect the leaders who head to Washington. For her entire professional career, she has worked on congressional campaigns across the state. Most notably, Anastasia was the Finance Director for Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari's first congressional election, where she oversaw the fundraising program that raised over $1.7 million. Bringing her extensive fundraising knowledge, Anastasia is currently a Digital Associate for Pantograph Labs. She currently lives in Glendale with her husband and corgi.

Anisah Lorenz grew up in Anchorage, Alaska and moved to Phoenix during high school. She received her Bachelor’s in Justice studies from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and recently completed her Master’s in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University. Anisah has worked at a law firm for over three years now as a legal and executive assistant. She serves as the Board Secretary for the nonprofit Reframe to Reform. In undergrad, she did an internship with Fairbanks Restorative Justice and helped clients successfully complete their program allowing the offense to be removed from their record. She has a passion for criminal justice reform. Anisah plans to continue her career focusing on systematic change within the criminal justice system.

My name is Behishta Sultani, and I currently work as a Women’s Empowerment Coordinator at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest in Phoenix, Arizona. Originally from Afghanistan, I bring years of experience supporting women, families, and refugee communities through roles in social services, security, and administration. Before moving to the U.S., I worked at the Central Bank of Afghanistan, the Office of Anti-Corruption, and with the U.S. Consulate in Mazar-e-Sharif. Since arriving in Arizona, I’ve been dedicated to helping refugee women rebuild their lives through education, community engagement, and empowerment programs. In my current role, I help coordinate classes, events, and support services for women, while also assisting with casework, outreach, and program development. I hold degrees in both Law and Economics, and I’m certified in Childcare. I speak several languages fluently, including English, Persian, Pashto, Tajiki and Uzbek, and I enjoy using my language skills to support diverse communities. I’m proud to be part of this Fellowship and look forward to connecting with others who are passionate about making a difference.

Cedric Collins is a 20-year educator with a passion for serving the community along with being founder and director of Back to Basiks, a non-profit organization that serves veterans. He is a Board member of the Kyrene School District and the Arizona Education Association. Cedric is a committed advocate for those who may feel their voices are not being heard. He loves building people to be the best version of themselves and assisting them with discovering their purpose.

Christopher Thompson serves as an AmeriCorps VISTA with The Welcome to America Project (WTAP) in Tempe, Arizona, where he develops programs that help newly arrived refugees bridge to meaningful employment. Through partnerships with Upwardly Global, Arizona@Work, and local employers, he creates pathways for clients to gain job readiness skills, certifications, and workforce connections. Beyond his service, Christopher is part of Valley Leadership’s Catalyze Class 5, expanding his civic impact and leadership network across Arizona. His background includes public administration (B.S., Northern Arizona University), campaign and volunteer coordination, and community engagement across government and nonprofit spaces. He is passionate about designing inclusive systems that empower newcomers, strengthen communities, and align compassion with measurable outcomes.

Claudia Kline is the President of the Young Democrats of Arizona, Policy Director for the Maricopa County Young Democrats, and cofounder/executive director of Rural Liberation. Born and raised in Arizona, including spending half their life in rural communities. Claudia has spent nearly a decade organizing across the state, from leading voter registration drives and mobilizing protests to testifying at the Capitol and co-writing policy in coalition spaces. Known as a connector, collaborator, and change maker, they bring both passion and compassion to every aspect of their work, always centering community in the fight for a more just and equitable Arizona. Claudia earned a bachelor’s in Ethnic Studies and a master’s in Social Justice and Community Organizing in just nine semesters, including four study abroad programs focused on global social issues. Looking ahead, Claudia plans to continue building power through policy, advocacy, and mobilization across Arizona.

Darryl Johnson is an entrepreneurial leader whose work centers on expanding access to capital, financial education, and opportunity in underserved communities. He currently serves as Executive Director of Brighter View Foundation, a nonprofit providing workforce development, vocational rehabilitation, and wraparound services for families. He is also the founder of Business Credit Works and The Cooperative Lender, initiatives that reflect his belief that credit and lending, while historically barriers, also can be solutions when applied equitably. The Cooperative Lender is built on a cooperative ownership model that allows community members to participate in three ways: as owners who share in dividends, as students who receive training to become loan brokers, and as employees hired after completing training. This approach keeps both wealth and knowledge circulating locally while creating pathways to jobs and financial literacy. Drawing on years of experience as a loan broker and financial educator, Darryl has led workshops with organizations such as SCORE and Operation HOPE, equipping entrepreneurs to strengthen credibility and access funding. Grounded in the philosophy that times of challenge create opportunity, he works to transform financial barriers into lasting prosperity for historically excluded communities.

My name is Dezerree Snyder and I am the change. I don't say this out of cockiness but out of reassurance that I was made for this. Being a voice for those in need. This journey has been a struggle, but the joy in that is the testimony that I have to help others persevere. I was born to be a leader, and wise enough to know I am not ready. With that said, I am gathering the tools that are needed to be successful. Filling my tool belt if you will.
I have three associate degrees and a BA from Arizona State University with an emphasis in criminal justice/policing. I am an active volunteer with the Arizona Coalition for Change, and a graduate of the Greater Phoenix Urban League Young Professionals at ASU. I am a mother of two young children and I plan on attending law school in August 2026. I look forward to growing and learning with you all.

Diane Mugisha is a purpose-driven professional with over a decade of experience in public health, homelessness services, and nonprofit leadership. Originally from Rwanda and a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, Diane was raised in Kenya, where her early experiences with displacement and community challenges inspired her lifelong commitment to supporting vulnerable populations and advancing social equity. Now based in Arizona, she serves as the Housing Data and Referral Specialist at Keys to Change, leveraging data to strengthen housing systems and improve service coordination for individuals experiencing homelessness. Previously, she worked as an Engagement Specialist with the City of Phoenix’s Safe Outdoor Space program, playing a key role in outreach, program development, and participant engagement initiatives. Diane earned her Master of Global Management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management, specializing in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. During her studies, she served as President of Net Impact, Graduate Consultant with the Foundation for Amazon Sustainability in Brazil, and Graduate Research Assistant, contributing to projects on sustainable development and social innovation. She was also recognized as a SHARE Fellow, an honor given to global changemakers driving meaningful impact. An active member and advocate with the UN NGO Working Group to End Homelessness, Diane collaborates with international partners to promote policies and initiatives aimed at reducing and ultimately ending homelessness worldwide. Guided by compassion, resilience, and collaboration, she continues to champion people-centered solutions that empower communities and create equitable opportunities for all.

Faviola Chavez is a passionate and experienced leader in the field of affordable housing. She currently serves as the City of Santa Fe Affordable Housing Director.  Earlier, she was the Director of Real Estate at A New Leaf in Mesa, AZ, where she played a vital role in the organization by securing financing applications and managing affordable housing assets. With over 10 years of experience, Faviola deeply understands various private, governmental, and other financing sources. Before joining A New Leaf, Faviola held the position of Senior Director of Affordable Housing at Raza Development Fund, and before then, she was a Housing Project Manager for the City of Phoenix. At Raza Development Fund, she was responsible for affordable housing lending and investing, where she grew a trusted national network of affordable housing stakeholders. At the City of Phoenix, she managed multi-housing development projects funded by HUD HOME and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) construction development projects and was able to deploy over $200 million in affordable housing projects that yielded over 4,100 affordable housing units.

Finn Dowdall is a recent graduate from Princeton University, where he studied American Politics and conducted independent research projects on constitutional political thought as well as direct democracy in the American West. In his college years, he also worked to support the procedural rights of students navigating the Honor Code process, fought to maintain inclusive dining options on campus, and competed on the Varsity Swim & Dive Team. He is passionate about leveraging state and local policymaking to expand voting rights and maximize the inclusion of underrepresented voters, and previously interned at the Maryland State Board of Elections and the Philadelphia Committee of Seventy in pursuit of this vision. Finn recently moved back home to Phoenix, and is currently working as a Policy and Legislative Research Assistant for the Arizona Attorney General’s Office.

I am a Phoenix native with a passion for driving progressive change and empowering communities. With a degree in Public Policy and Public Service from Arizona State University and an International Business Certificate earned through my studies abroad in Paris, France, I bring both a local and global perspective to my advocacy work. For years, I’ve dedicated myself to advancing the voices of marginalized communities, particularly focusing on empowering the Black community and educating constituents on policies that promote equity, justice, and progressive values. My mission is to ensure that every individual is equipped with the tools and knowledge to be a force for positive change in their own community. Outside of my professional work, I enjoy traveling, reading, kickboxing, and practicing yoga.

My name is Jacob Ingram and I reside in Vail, AZ with my wife Caylin and our children. I graduated in 2014 from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK with a B.S. in Biology. The last ten years I have worked in food safety as well as in management at a small food production company. In late 2023, I decided that I would attend law school and took the LSAT in January of 2024. I was offered a spot in the FLEX program at Seattle U and started that June in law school. I am currently a 2L at Seattle University School of Law. I am also fortunate enough to clerk for American Atheists as a part of my legal academic experience. In my role I have worked on legislation tracking, drafted model legislation, worked on legal research projects that varied from the likelihood of a federal judge to rule one way or another on a specific type of motion to potential civil rights abuses in California prisons. I am committed to progressive causes and realize that the only way to sustain a large change is to work towards several small changes all at once. My primary interests are in civil rights, environmental law, and the separation of church and state.

My name is Jennifer Arvallo and I have been employed at Fry’s Food Stores for 35 years. I started my career as a Deli clerk, advanced into management, and I am currently a bookkeeper. Throughout my time with the company, I found that the most important part of being an employee is being a union member. As a union member for the past 20 years, I have developed a strong commitment to activism by serving as a steward and advocating for my brothers and sisters. I now have the honor of serving on the UFCW 99 Board of Directors. Serving as a board member has opened my eyes to the significance of my union in community outreach and political policy. In 2024, I worked with commitment and passion with my union brothers and sisters on various electoral campaigns. Working on the campaign trail gave me the desire to learn and do more for creating change. I am excited to gain more knowledge on how to positively impact my community by participating in the LFC Leaders Fellowship. Being a Mexican American, a mother, and nana I want to lead by example by being a part of the change that creates a safer future for my loved ones and members of my community.

Kara Janssen is a visionary leader and community organizing consultant based in Arizona, specializing in criminal justice reform, reentry advocacy, and civic engagement. With almost a decade of experience in grassroots organizing, Kara brings a rare blend of empathy, strategy, and lived experience to every space she enters. From being released from prison, to leading statewide campaigns with the ACLU of Arizona, she has built trust across diverse communities and driven systemic change through storytelling and coalition building. Kara now works as a freelance consultant, training justice-impacted individuals to speak their truths, engage lawmakers, and shape policy. She was appointed to the Arizona Prison Oversight Commission and continues to design workshops, mentor emerging leaders, and advocate for prison and reentry reform. Whether she’s preparing public testimony or launching a new initiative, Kara leads with heart, resilience, and a deep commitment to dignity and justice.

Kim Beaudin is a justice-minded nonprofit professional and the middle child in a family of seven. They were born in New Jersey, raised in Michigan, and lived in LA for five years before taking the leap to move to Phoenix. In their current role with Keys to Change as the Marketing and Communications Manager, they're on the back end of the front lines of homelessness services in Maricopa County. Kim holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and Anthropology from Vassar College and an MBA from Arizona State University. Studying colonial history as an undergrad sparked Kim's passion for social justice. Identifying as a member of the queer community has sharpened their awareness of intersectionality, while being in relationship with others continues to keep them humble and curious. Kim has lived in Phoenix for nine years, working in various capacities in the nonprofit sector - from grant management to accounting to volunteer engagement. Kim considers themself a lifelong learner, on a mission to understand the world around them, asking everyone they meet - "What do you see that I don't see?" In their free time, Kim enjoys mountain biking, dancing, reading, photography, and spending time with family and friends. They are a volunteer for Phoenix Pride.

Loren Broussard, the eldest among his siblings and cousins, carries a rich ancestral heritage rooted in Sierra Leone and Portugal. Born in Nebraska and raised between the vibrant culture of New Orleans and the desert landscapes of Albuquerque, he grew up experiencing a life of contrast that shaped his well-rounded perspective on community and identity. From a young age, Loren was actively engaged in local events, youth sports, and family-driven community initiatives. His early years were marked by a strong emphasis on education, service, and participation, laying the foundation for his lifelong commitment to mentorship and leadership. After graduating from high school in New Mexico, Loren pursued higher education in Arizona, majoring in business. His career path soon branched into multiple directions, reflecting his versatile skills and deep commitment to service. He has developed professional experience in information technology, youth development and mentorship, as well as finance and insurance services. Today, Loren dedicates his work to the field of behavioral and mental health. In this role, he advocates for and supports families navigating complex challenges, ensuring they have access to vital resources. His mission is to create opportunities for youth and families where few existed before, bridging gaps and building stronger, more resilient communities.

Born and raised in rural Arizona, Maria Cisneros-Smallcanyon is a first generation, queer Xicana, National Board Certified educator, published writer and overall creative. She is a graduate of Arizona State University, where she earned a BAE in Elementary Education in 2007. Though the majority of her years in the classroom have been spent in the upper elementary grades, she currently teaches 8th grade Spanish 1. In 2023, Maria became a National Board Certified Teacher with a specialty in Early to Middle Childhood Literacy. As someone who grew up in the desert of rural Arizona, Maria feels a deep sense of responsibility to enrich the experiences and amplify the voices of the youth in her community--the same community where she grew up. She is Board member of Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE). Additionally, her poetry has been featured in an online exhibit by The Chapter House L.A., the environmental justice magazine Atmos, and the podcast As She Rises. Most recently, her work was included in El Alma Respira: Poesía y Historias de Nuestros Ancestros, an event hosted by The Sagrado Galleria.

Michelle Sambrano is a prevention strategist, facilitator, and healing-centered practitioner with extensive experience advancing community wellness at the intersection of behavioral health, education, and collective care. As Director of Prevention Programs at Southwest Behavioral & Health Services, she leads the development of programs and partnerships that strengthen protective factors and resilience across systems. She is a certified trainer in Strengthening Families Protective Factors, Healing-Centered Education, safeTALK, and multiple ACEs Consortium initiatives. She also designs and facilitates trainings on trauma-informed care, historical and generational trauma, and healing-centered community development. Michelle is a member of the Patiloni Collective, a group that integrates cultural traditions, collective healing, and community organizing to support holistic wellbeing. Her approach bridges cultural wisdom and trauma-informed practice to help communities move from awareness to intentional action. She sits on the Board of Directors of Rising Youth Theatre and is an appointed member of the City of Phoenix Mental Health Wellness, Public Health, and Safety Task Force.

Nichole Smallcanyon is Diné, from the Bitterwater clan and born for the Towering House clan. Their maternal grandfather is from the Many Goats clan, and their paternal grandfather is from the Salt clan. Originally from Navajo Mountain, Arizona, they relocated to Phoenix in the early 2000s. Nichole is committed to reclaiming and honoring diverse gender identities within their culture, therefore identifying as nádleehi, which translates to, 'one who is constantly transforming', and is a perfect match to describe Nichole's gender fludity. With a background in American Indian Studies and a strong commitment to expanding access to affordable housing, Nichole serves as a Housing Navigation Specialist for one•n•ten’s POND Housing Program. They approach their work with a strong sense of responsibility to youth, grounded in kinship, reciprocity, and hózhó.

Rupert Wolfert is a public servant, veteran, and community leader dedicated to effective governance and community service. In 2025, he was appointed a Councilmember to the inaugural Town Council for San Tan Valley, the newest and largest municipality ever to incorporate in Arizona’s history. In this role, he is helping lay the foundation for a responsive and accountable local government. Rupert currently serves as a Program Specialist and Human Resources Liaison with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Phoenix, where he provides strategic guidance on policy, labor relations, and workforce development. He previously held roles with both the Federal Emergency Management Agency, supporting disaster survivors nationwide, and the Social Security Administration, where he assisted individuals and families in navigating federal benefits programs. A U.S. Army veteran and former First Lieutenant, Rupert deployed to Afghanistan as a Human Resources Officer and earned multiple commendations for his service. He also served as Secretary for the American Federation of Government Employees Local 3694, advocating for the rights of federal employees. Rupert holds a Master of Education from Harvard University, a Master of Public Administration and Policy from American University, and a Master of Leadership and Management from ASU’s Thunderbird School of Global Management.

Sarah Adams is an activist, educator, and leader whose lifelong love for the planet taught her that humans need harmony for themselves, their communities, and the world, before we can truly steward and protect it. Honored with Arizona State University’s Excellence in Service and Advocacy Award, she is committed to advancing peacebuilding as a daily practice that strengthens families, communities, and institutions alike. Her background spans nonprofit and community-based work at home and abroad, from Standing Rock and sustainable development in Nicaragua to domestic violence advocacy in Phoenix and creating empowerment programs for refugee women in Arizona. With an MA in Social Justice and Human Rights, Sarah brings experience in women’s empowerment, migration rights, sustainability, and transformative justice. Now at the Thunderbird School of Global Management, she builds connections across cultures and helps companies adapt, advancing workplaces where people and communities can thrive.