2025 Jordan Huerta Fellows

Shukri Abdirahman is 25 years old and a graduate of the University of Maine at Farmington with a bachelor of arts. She has experience in social justice activism and has been a fierce advocate in her community since high school. Her work is political activism and Shukri has always been passionate about youth rights and work to ensure that the youth are being heard and validated. In college, Shukri majored in anthropology, political science, and international global studies. She was a part of many organizations and clubs. She identifies as a Muslim black Somali Bantu woman. Her greatest accomplishments are organizing the largest protest in her city, co-directing a nonprofit, building a youth political education program, being on committees, and most importantly engaging in philanthropy work to promote progress in marginalized communities/groups.

Becca Bixler lives in Inwood, Iowa. She is married and has 3 young children. She attended the University of Iowa for her undergraduate degree and the University of Denver for her masters degree. She's a medical social worker, currently working as a program analyst at the VA. I also provide virtual therapy as needed. She has been in city government for 9 years, with the first 8 serving on council and the the last year as mayor. Becca is passionate about community service, health and wellness, and her friends and family.

Minnie Cotton-Diallo proudly serves as the Vice Mayor of Lathrop, California, bringing a deep passion for public service and a steadfast commitment to her community. As a lifelong resident of Lathrop, she calls herself "the voice of the people," a reflection of her dedication to addressing the needs and concerns of her constituents. Minnie has made history as the first African-American woman elected to office in the City of Lathrop and as the first African-American woman appointed to the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) in the county. In her role as Vice Chair of LAFCO, she works to promote responsible land use and sustainable growth within the region. In addition to her historic appointments, Minnie serves on the Ava Energy Board, where she advocates for sustainable and innovative energy solutions, and is an active member of the Council of Governments (COG), collaborating on regional planning and policy development. Minnie's impact extends beyond City Hall. She has worked closely with local school districts and the Lathrop Police Department to provide meaningful insights and identify solutions to issues raised by parents and community members. Her hands-on approach ensures that every voice is heard and that practical, community-centered outcomes are achieved. Above all, Minnie treasures her role as a mother. She finds immense joy and pride in watching her daughter witness the positive impact she is making within their community. Her dedication to her family and her community serves as a powerful example of leadership, compassion, and resilience. Minnie Cotton-Diallo's service is rooted in her deep understanding of Lathrop's unique challenges and opportunities. She remains a tireless advocate for progress and unity, embodying her unwavering commitment to building a better future for her beloved community.

Hong Ha Hoang is a first-generation college graduate, woman of color, educator, and elected leader serving on the Franklin-McKinley School District Board of Trustees. She is committed to ensuring community voices are included in decision-making, strengthening school safety, and expanding opportunities for students and educators. As a teacher and activities director in East Side San Jose, Hong Ha is passionate about student leadership, equity, and access to meaningful opportunities. With over a decade of experience in education, she advocates for policies that uplift marginalized voices, foster transparency, and prioritize holistic student success. She leads with collaboration, empathy, and a solutions-oriented approach, ensuring that policies are inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to the needs of students and educators. Dedicated to data-driven decision-making and community-centered leadership, she works to ensure schools are safe, well-resourced, and inclusive environments where all students can thrive. Hong Ha believes that education should empower students, educators, and families, creating pathways for lifelong success and civic engagement.

Tamiko Huey is the CalAIM Manager & HIPAA Officer for the City of Berkeley, specializing in CalAIM program design, implementation, and operations. As a public servant, she serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Pinole and is a member-at-large for the California Local Government Agency Executive Committee, where she advocates for health equity and resource allocation in California. Tamiko is the Founder and Lead Consultant at Huey Health Solutions, a public health consulting agency dedicated to empowering local municipalities in the design, development, and implementation of public health programs and policies. She holds a Master of Public Health from San Francisco State University, Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and is a certified Health Education Specialist. Tamiko is passionate about advancing policies that address health disparities, housing affordability, and social equity. With a background rooted in her multicultural, low-income upbringing, she is dedicated to fostering inclusive, people-centered policies and advocating for underserved communities.

Cassandra has dedicated her professional career to helping others. For almost twenty years, she has worked on the frontlines of the homelessness crisis, intervened to help survivors of domestic abuse, and helped formerly incarcerated women rebuild their lives. Cassandra lives in a multi-generational household in Vallejo with her partner, children and serves as the primary caregiver for her grandma, helping her to age with dignity. She serves as the Vice President of the Solano-Napa Chapter of Black Women Organized for Political Action. She previously served on the Solano County Redistricting Advisory Committee, Housing and Community Development Commission and the League of Women Voters, Solano County chapter. She holds three associate degrees from City College of San Francisco and earned a Bachelor?s Degree in Politics, Economics, Policy, and Law (PEPL) at Mills College. In January 2025, she will be sworn in as Solano County Supervisor.

Gabriela Koc was born in Venezuela to Peruvian parents and is a youth advocate, proud immigrant, and public servant. She graduated from University of Connecticut with a B.S. in Biology and a M.A. in Curriculum & Instruction with a certification in 7th-12th science. Her resume expands over various areas having experience in the classroom, private law practice, politics and state government. In 2022, after completing her time as Deputy Political Director for Governor Lamont?s campaign, she joined Treasurer Erick Russell and is currently the office Engagement Manager working on projects regarding CT Baby Bonds, vendor oversight, stakeholder engagement, and outreach. She was appointed Policy Chair, after being elected in 2023 to the Stamford Board of Education and serves on other non-profit and municipal boards and committees in the city as well. Nationally, she serves as the Eastern Vice President for Young Democrats of America where she represents 15 chapters comprised of states, commonwealths, the District of Columbia, and young Democrats abroad. In her free time, she likes to mentor first-gen students like herself and volunteering for initiatives that spread awareness on the importance of civic engagement and diverse representation in politics and government.

Janeese Lewis George is an third generation Washingtonian, experienced attorney, civil servant and community activist who is honored to serve as the DC Councilmember for Ward 4 her home word. She earned her BA in Government and Politics from St. Johns University and her Juris Doctorate from Howard University School of Law. Prior to running for office Janeese served as Assistant Attorney General as prosecutor who brought an innovative restorative justice approach to her work. Since being elected to office in 2021 Janeese has been an effective fighter for her Ward and working families in the District. Introducing innovative legislations like a Green New Deal for Social Housing and Lead Pipe Replacement and passing key Budget amendments to raise the wages for Early Childhood Educators, protect School Librarians and fund and Earned Income Tax Credit for families who need it most.

Valerie Magdaleno was born and raised in Santa Ana, CA, and is a proud product of her local public schools. She currently serves as the Community Engagement Director for Councilmember Jessie Lopez's office, working closely with constituents to address their needs and amplify their voices. Valerie holds a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master's in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach. She is also co-president of her neighborhood association, where she continues her commitment to grassroots leadership and community empowerment. Valerie was elected to the Santa Ana School Board where she is honored to represent the community that shaped her. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and participating in her local running club's Community Run Thursdays.

Dr. Jennifer Mandelbaum is a dedicated public servant, social and behavioral scientist, and public health expert. First elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives in a March 2024 special election, she represents Portsmouth and Newington, advocating for policies that support a healthy economy, community, and climate. Her commitment to public service extends beyond the State House; she serves as a Trustee of the Portsmouth Public Library and holds leadership positions for the American Public Health Association (APHA) and the Society of Behavioral Medicine (SBM). Dr. Mandelbaum?s career is built on her commitment to addressing critical public health issues through data-driven solutions. She specializes in chronic disease prevention and social determinants of health, with a focus on bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice. In her professional career, she is the Mixed Methods Research Manager at athenahealth, where she leads research to inform healthcare policy and improve outcomes.

Virinder Mann is a member of the Bordentown Board of Education, dedicated to ensuring all students have access to quality education. She advocates for policies that promote equity, mental health support, and strong community involvement. Virinder is committed to creating a supportive school environment where every student can succeed. She works closely with educators, parents, and local organizations to improve educational outcomes and foster a collaborative, transparent school system.

A lifelong Ithaca resident, is a passionate advocate for social justice, equity, and community empowerment. As a Councilmember on the City of Ithaca Common Council and Deputy Director of the Southside Community Center, she works to create policies that promote social and economic equity. Kayla has been recognized with the Kirby Edmonds Action Award for her advocacy on tenant protections, workers' rights, and peacebuilding. She has led initiatives to eliminate at-will employment, improve staffing at the city's Wastewater Treatment Plant, and champion the Ceasefire Resolution and Good Cause Eviction legislation. As Treasurer of Oji:sda', a non-profit focused on Indigenous visibility and community wellbeing, Kayla also works to protect the environment and preserve cultural vibrancy. Her deep-rooted connection to Ithaca drives her ongoing efforts to create a more just and equitable society.

Mayor Nadia Mohamed began her term in 2024, following four years as at-large council member. She has focused on expanding affordable housing, creating pathways to homeownership, advocating for police reform, and advancing climate action initiatives. In 2024, she received the Emerging Leader Award from the League of Minnesota Cities and the Centennial Under 40 Impact Award from the National League of Cities. Mohamed holds a BA in Human Resources Management and is pursuing a master's in Educational Leadership at St. Thomas University. She worked in public service focusing on DEI initiatives.

Tram T. Nguyen is a Massachusetts State Representative. She is a first-generation Vietnamese American immigrant, and the first person in her family to graduate from college and law school. She earned a Bachelor's Degree from Tufts University, a Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law, and a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School. Previously, as an attorney with Greater Boston Legal Services, she represented survivors of domestic violence, low-wage workers, veterans, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable clients. She also engaged in legislative advocacy with statewide coalitions, lawmakers, and lawmaking bodies pushing for laws that address issues of racial and economic justice and protect civil rights. She is the first Vietnamese American woman elected to public office in the Commonwealth and the highest-ranking Asian American woman in the Legislature. Currently serving in her third term, she champions legislation that addresses gender, racial, social, criminal, economic, and environmental justice.

Councilmember Scarlet Peralta is the youngest Latina to serve as mayor in Montebello's history. An immigrant from Mexico, she holds a bachelor's degree in Global Studies from UC Santa Barbara and a master's in Public Policy from UC Irvine. As a current councilmember, she has driven significant change in Montebello. She spearheaded the city's first Community Workforce Agreement, ensuring local jobs and fair wages for Montebello workers. She has also led efforts to expand affordable housing, including a partnership with the Cesar Chavez Foundation to support families impacted by domestic violence. In addition to her role on the City Council, Councilmember Peralta is a Director at a nonprofit focused on economic and workforce development, dedicated to providing communities with access to high-quality job training and career opportunities in sustainable industries. Councilmember Peralta is dedicated to paving the way for future generations of women leaders, ensuring that Montebello remains a place where all voices are heard and everyone has the chance to succeed.

Gabriela Resto is a proud Puerto Rican and lifelong resident of the town of East Windsor, CT, where she is an elected member of the Board of Education and Vice Chair of the East Windsor Democratic Town Committee. She holds a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Pharmacy and is currently finishing her Master in Public Health. She is a Health Profession Education Evaluation and Research (HPEER) Fellow specializing in Substance Use Disorder and Addiction Education at the Veterans Affairs in West Haven, CT. Outside of her fellowship, she also works as an Alumni Partner for the UConn Urban Service Track Healthcare Advocacy and Policy Interest Group and is the town lead for the East Windsor Local Prevention Council under Amplify, Inc.

Haritha is a political science, music, and biological sciences student on the Master?s in Public Policy and pre-law tracks. Elected at 19, she serves as an Alternate Commissioner on the Zoning Board of Appeals in Farmington. Haritha is the National Committeewoman for CT Young Democrats and an organizer for DesegregateCT, advocating for equitable land use policies. Passionate about advocacy, she is the Secretary of the Asian Pacific American Coalition of CT, the Ex-Officio Senator for the Asian American Cultural Center (AsACC) at UConn, and the External Chair of the AsACC Pan-Asian Council. Haritha also serves as an undergraduate representative on the UConn Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity (JEDI) Committee. Outside of her civic work, she enjoys playing alto saxophone in the UConn Marching Band, singing in UConn Choirs, and performing as a Carnatic violinist. Haritha is dedicated to social justice and aspires to shape policy through a career in public service.

Eboni-Rose Thompson is a dedicated leader, advocate, and public servant with over 15 years of experience in public policy, equity-centered program development, and community engagement. As president of the DC State Board of Education, she champions resource equity, quality education, and pathways for student success. A Washington, DC native, Eboni-Rose has successfully led initiatives that address systemic inequities, mobilize stakeholders, and create transformative opportunities for underserved communities. Her career includes managing multimillion-dollar portfolios, fostering cross-sector collaborations, and crafting impactful communication strategies. Eboni-Rose is passionate about empowering underrepresented voices, a commitment reflected in her own journey as an elected official. She is the founder of Sow and Soar, where she supports organizations in driving scalable change through advocacy, policy, and communications. Known for her empathetic leadership and results-driven approach, Eboni-Rose continues to inspire change and champion equity in education and beyond.

As a committed water quality and compliance professional, Gracie Torres became the youngest and first immigrant Latina elected to serve on Western Municipal Water District's Board of Directors, where she aims to dedicate her service on transparency, water quality and conservation, and job creation. Gracie Torres is a co-founder of IEWORKS and also serves on the Boards of the Inland SoCal United Way, Operation New Hope, Hispanic Coalition for Small Businesses, and Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice. Gracie is also the benefactor of Beca Angelita, a scholarship named after her abuelita aimed to help high school students of color interested in STEM. In 2019, Gracie was awarded an "IMPACT Award" by the Pick Group of Riverside for Civic Impact and recognized as ?35 under 35? in 2020 by Young Elected Officials Network. She was also crowned "Queen" at the 2020 MardiCrawl, a fundraiser for 2-1-1 Connect. Director Torres was also named "Women of the Year" in 2022 by the County of Riverside. Gracie is a mother of three, a longtime Riverside resident, and a proud product of Riverside Unified School District schools as well as Riverside Community College. Her passion for water quality and environmental science developed when she earned her Bachelor's degree in Chemistry/Biochemistry and a Master's in Earth and Environmental Sciences from California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB). She is currently working on a Doctorate in Public Administration at Cal Baptist University (CBU). Professionally, Gracie was an adjunct chemistry professor at CSUSB and is an environmental planner for Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District.

Sarah is a dynamic and results-oriented professional, previously serving as Commissioner and currently the CEO and Founder of SBV Strategies, an all-women consulting agency dedicated to promoting work-life balance and extensive paid family leave. With a strong emphasis on strategy and process improvement, she develops innovative operational models that enhance service and contribute to community well-being. During her recent tenure as an elected official, she championed social justice initiatives and achieved a notable 90% legislative pass rate, effectively implementing strategies to support diverse community programs. As an accomplished CEO and political campaign advisor, she achieved a distinguished 92% success rate in securing the election of candidates. Sarah excels at engaging and inspiring teams, fostering collaboration, and building consensus on critical issues. Committed to empowering others, she leverages her leadership experience to create sustainable outcomes that leave a lasting impact. Through active participation in women's leadership programs, she strives to positively influence the field, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued while promoting equity and inclusion.

Emily Zambrello is a first-term Town Councilor from Wethersfield, Connecticut. She is a Policy Analyst for Connecticut House Democrats, working with the Committees on Children, Education, and Higher Education and Employment Advancement. Emily is a board member of the State Independent Living Council and a 2022 graduate of the Partners in Policymaking disability advocacy program. She graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2015 with a B.A. in Political Science and Anthropology, and from Central Connecticut State University in 2019 with a M.S. in International Studies. Previously, she served as President of the Greater Hartford Young Democrats, Vice Chair of the Wethersfield Community Fund and member of the Historic District Commission. Emily has worked on several political campaigns for CT House Democrats and Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin's successful reelection. Her policy interests center around equal access to education, disability and LGBTQ+ rights, and historic preservation.