2021 Multi-Sector Cohort
Sarun Chan, Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia
My name is Sarun Chan and I am the Executive Director at the Cambodian Association of Greater Philadelphia. From witnessing, experiencing, and living my life in under resourced and poverty stricken neighborhoods, it has inspired me to further my life’s work to help bring visibility to the under-represented and bridge resource gaps to improve the quality of life for the underserved. Serving diverse communities has enriched my spirit as an individual and I continue to grow and translate these experiences to make an impact in our homes, community, and environment.
Wei Chen, Asian Americans United
My name is Wei Chen, I go by he/him/his. I am a Chinese immigrant. I work at Asian Americans United for 8 years, my responsibility is work with Chinese immigrants and youth, fight for equitable space in Spiritually, physically, politically.
Christi Clark, The Organizing Center
I am the Director of The Organizing Center, a training and coaching hub for organizers to build the skills to run a successful campaign, bring power back to the people and create change. For 20 years before founding The Organizing Center I built strong unions, won policy changes that decriminalized black and brown high school youth, and led a campaign that won $100M for affordable housing in Philly.
Eric Edi, AFRICOM
Over 15 years, Teaching, conducting research in Social Sciences, and Organizing Black immigrant communities have defined my experience as Black immigrant in Philadelphia PA. I am the Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director of the Coalition of African and Caribbean Communities (AFRICOM) in Philadelphia, an organization that advocates and organizes to empower African and Caribbean immigrants and give them a sense of belonging and self-sufficiency.
Sara Joseph, Philadelphia Bail Fund
I am the Support Coordinator at the Philadelphia Bail Fund, which is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ending the system of cash bail. We recognize that individuals who we have bailed out of custody are often in need of additional services upon their release into the community. My role is to facilitate connections to fundamental resources such as employment, housing and drug and alcohol treatment.
Heather Lewis, Reuniting Family Bail Fund
I am a seasoned nonprofit professional who is committed to empowering vulnerable people; in particularly, people of color who come in contact with any facet of the legal system. The Reuniting Family Bail Fund enables people to fight their cases free from pre-trial detention while serving as the platform for community empowerment, judge accountability and system wide reform.
Michaela Manzieri, The New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia
I work as the Communications and Development Coordinator at The New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia– an organization that builds community across faith, ethnicity, and class to end injustices against immigrants regardless of immigration status, express radical welcome for all, and ensure that values of dignity, justice, and hospitality are lived out in practice and upheld in policy. Originally from Miami, Florida, I am a first generation Latinx of parents from Cuba and Brazil, and yearn to bridge the socio-environmental nexus through community-driven outlets that promote design, equity and education.
I am the Communications and Development Coordinator at New Sanctuary Movement of Philadelphia. Originally from Miami, Florida, I am a first generation U.S. citizen of Cuban and Brazilian parents. I have a passion and tact for the socio-environmental nexus, and I aspire to work on community-driven outlets that promote education, design and equity.
Ariel Morales, Renters United
I am the tenant organizer at Renters United Philadelphia, an organization being built within the Public Interest Law Center. We are renters building power for safe, stable and quality homes in Philadelphia. I come to this project with 7 years of organizing and political training experience in working class organizations.
Cesali Morales, Norris Square Neighborhood Project
Cesali Morales is an artist and communications strategist working on efforts toward self-determination and post-capitalist futures. Currently, she’s the Business Manager for the Norris Square Neighborhood Project in Kensington – Its gardens, green spaces, and cultural practices are pathways for unity and wellness, centering Puerto Rican culture.
Elizabeth Okero, Urban Creators
I am the Director of Operation for Urban Creators at Life Do Grow Farm in North Philadelphia. I have spent the last year fighting food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic giving out 1,500 meals per week made with fresh produce grown on our farm by black and brown farmers. Since 2010 we have used food, art, and education as tools to nurture resilience and self-determination in our neighborhood. Now, we are supporting the emergence of a new generation of Urban Creators, organizers, artists, growers, and local businesses who are working to build equity and collective liberation in our communities.
Oni Richard, African Family Health Organization (AFAHO)
I currently serve as the Executive Director of the African Family Health Organization (AFAHO) where I am responsible for leading the development, implementation and management of health, education and human service programs for African and Caribbean immigrants and refugees in the greater Philadelphia area. An immigrant from Liberia, West Africa, I am passionate about pursuing equity in health and education. Luckily, my work allows me to fulfill my passion daily!
Megan Storm, 215 People’s Alliance Education Fund
I am advocating for food sovereignty with 215 People’s Alliance Education Fund, a multi-racial collaborative fighting for equity and justice through engagement, education, and organizing of labor groups and communities. As part of our response to COVID-19, I support our survival projects with the People’s Kitchen and Comité de Trabajadorxs.