andrew otazo

Operating as the Miami Forward’s Communications Director, Andrew leads all traditional and social media efforts designed to induce 2020 Miami-Dade County candidates into adopting the organization’s platform. Andrew was previously employed as the Cuba Study Group’s Executive Director, where he advocated to policymakers on Capitol Hill and the federal agencies. He also influenced federal regulation writing and implementation in a very fluid political environment. Andrew guest lectured in Harvard Law School and Colombia Business School; partook in dozens of televised and print interviews; and publishing six op-eds. As QuikForce’s Miami Director, Andrew led a team that devised and implemented the company’s South Florida customer acquisition, business development, and marketing initiatives. He previously worked as a casewriter at the Harvard Business School, where he investigated companies’ business models, finances, supply chains, and operations. Utilizing his Spanish and Portuguese skills, Andrew interviewed executives throughout the U.S. and Latin America. His 17 academic publications sold over 10,000 copies to the world’s top universities and corporations. Andrew implemented U.S. foreign policy with Venezuela, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Colombia at the State Department. As Mexican President Felipe Calderón’s assistant, he facilitated the decision-making process of one of the world’s highest-level policymakers. Andrew removed 10,000 pounds of trash from South Florida’s mangroves. He also carried 30 pounds of that trash the length of the 2019 Miami Marathon. He regularly guest lectures at the University of Miami on grassroots activism. Andrew received a Proclamation from the Village of Key Biscayne for his efforts.

Ashley mayfaire

Ashley Mayfaire’s passion for community organizing and social justice issues has led to their current role in non-profit management. After experiencing firsthand the barriers that their husband, Morgan, faced during his gender transition from female to male, Ashley and Morgan co-founded TransSOCIAL, Inc. to build a network of resources and support for the Trans community. Ashley frequently speaks on educational panels and is always creating new curriculum for TransSOCIAL’s award-winning TLGBQ+ Cultural Competency Training for businesses, healthcare providers and universities, making sure that they are compliant with federal non-discrimination guidelines and creating more safe and affirming spaces for Trans people to access care and public accommodations. They utilize their platform to educate and engage the community in HIV prevention and treatment efforts through their participation in the South Florida AIDS Network as ARCH Broward Committee Chair, and have consulted for multiple research projects and reports on HIV in the Trans community. They also serve on the Board of Pride Fort Lauderdale, spearheading the creation of South Florida’s first annual Trans Pride celebration in 2018. An alumna of Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Ashley spends their free time creating art and tending to their furry and feathered children.

Ashley toussaint

Ashley Toussaint is the third child of Haitian immigrants and the first in his family to graduate from college. In 2002, he received a B.S. in Social Science Secondary Education from Wayne State College (NE) and later graduated from Nova Southeastern University (FL) with an M.S. in Educational Leadership. After teaching history and coaching track in Miami for 7 years, the ambitious educator moved to New York City and spent a decade working in New York City Public Schools. Toussaint eventually utilized his leadership skills and experience, to train teacher-candidates for New York City Teaching Fellows, as a Teacher Development Coach. Furthermore, he worked as an adjunct instructor for Exalth Youth, an organization that helps formerly incarcerated teenagers secure internships, in order to gain life skills that will help them transition back into their communities. His love for changing lives through sport and education remained important to him, which was unquestioned during this tenure as head coach for the junior varsity football team at the historic Boys and Girls High School in Brooklyn from 2016-2019; while finding time to serve as the conditioning and run coach for Black Men Run New York City. In 2017, Toussaint launched his own run company, The Running Edge, which promotes a healthy lifestyle, provides youth programs and builds stronger communities through running. And in his 18th year as an educator, Toussaint returned home to Miami, to help found KIPP: Liberty Academy, a charter school, just 3 miles from where he grew up.

audrey aradanas

Audrey Aradanas is the Youth Program Manager at Miami Homes For All – in this role, she is the Backbone Support to The HOMY Collective – Helping Our Miami-Dade Youth (HOMY). She is an advocate for unaccompanied youth experiencing homelessness. Audrey is most passionate about elevating youth voices. In 2016, she graduated from Florida International University (“FIU”) with a dual degree in Women’s and Gender Studies and International Relations. The focus of her thesis was on gender expression and how it is transferred from migrant mothers to U.S.-born daughters in coming of age celebrations. At FIU, she was the founder of several annual fundraisers and events for young women, LGBTQAI+ folks, and survivors of sexual assault. After graduating, Audrey worked as a Youth Organizer with Engage Miami, working with young adults in civic advocacy. Most recently, she was part of the 2019 Community Scholars in Affordable Housing cohort. Her focus was to provide solutions for preventing youth homelessness. In her spare time, Audrey volunteers as a member of The Florida Bar Grievance Committee 11P. She also enjoys exploring Miami with her husband and dog.

Cindy makita

Cindy Makita, born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa with a Congolese heritage, is a Career Strategist & Coach and global advocate for women. Her mantra “people are my passion and impact is my purpose” has led her to start a company called Hired Institute in which she helps people land jobs they love and reach their full potential. After moving to Miami in 2014 to pursue her BBA in International Business, she graduated Magna Cum Laude with the highest recognition as a Worlds Ahead Graduate from Florida International University. Cindy serves as a Board Member of the United Nations Association- Miami Chapter and she leads the Young Professionals Committee under UN Women USA- Miami Chapter. In January 2019, Cindy was elected as the Ambassador for the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #5 for Gender Equality in Miami, under Social Impact Movement. Cindy works to make progress towards ending violence against women, creating equal opportunities for women at all levels, and creating key strategic partnerships with relevant role-players to ensure Miami achieves this SDG sooner, in addition to advocating for women and girls on a global scale. Cindy was most recently crowned Miss African Roots USA and plans to use her title to continue her work to empower African women and girls, but more specifically women in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

dan royle

Dan Royles is an Assistant Professor of History at Florida International University, where he teaches about the ways that ordinary people have fought for extraordinary change. His forthcoming book, To Make the Wounded Whole: the Political Culture of African American AIDS Activism, examines grassroots responses to the disproportionate impact of HIV and AIDS on Black communities. He also recently served as the principal investigator for a project funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services to digitize the archives of the Virginia Key Beach Historic Park Trust, which preserves the history of Miami's former "colored only" beach. He is passionate about working with minoritized communities to preserve their histories.

Dan spent much of 2017 doing civil disobedience to protect the Affordable Care Act and stop Republican tax cuts for corporations and the super-wealthy. He has been an active member of the Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee since 2017, and has served as President of the Miami Beach Democratic Club since 2018. He also currently serves as Inter-Club Council Chair for the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, where he is working to build grassroots power to elect the next generation of progressive leaders at all levels of government.

Esi fynn-obeng

Esi Fynn-Obeng has always believed herself to be a visionary and a leader. She is a Community Organizer based in Miami who has devoted her efforts toward building sustainable black communities.

Prior to her current work with Hospitality Employees Advancement and Training Inc. (HEAT Inc.), Fynn-Obeng was an awarded student leader and activist at Florida International University. During her time at FIU, she co-founded the African Student Organization. While serving as president, she was also involved in multiple initiatives in alliance with the Black Student Union to enhance the campus life of Black students and raise awareness around campus racism. In addition, she spent time working with the Dream Defenders where she continued to rally behind these issues.

After receiving her B.A. in both Organizational Communication and Sociology at FIU, she interned shortly with UNITE HERE as a Researcher. She later joined Miami Workers Center (MWC) as a housing and healthcare organizer where she was responsible for coordinating initiatives and leading efforts to make housing and healthcare more accessible to low-income black and brown women in Liberty City. This track record is what brought Esi to HEAT Inc. where she is now working to create a pipeline of employment and access to union jobs in South Florida.

Aside from community organizing, her other areas of specialization include organizational communication, leadership development, and program management. Esi Fynn-Obeng looks forward to a life of impact and is fully committed to the fight for economic and racial justice for Black communities.

evan shields

A South Florida small business leader dedicated to economic empowerment across underserved communities, Evan is the Vice President and Head of Investor Relations for BridgeInvest. Based in Miami, BridgeInvest is one of the nation’s top private real estate lenders. He leads the company’s capital markets strategy, marketing and fund operations.

Evan previously served as a Fund Manager for R4 Capital, a leading affordable housing lender and LIHTC equity investor. With R4, he managed a $3.0 billion bond fund providing great homes to more than 22,000 very low-income families, senior citizens, and formerly homeless in 20+ states, including 1,400 families in South Florida alone. Prior to R4, Evan was an Investment Associate with Prudential, where he originated $400 million in commercial real estate loans across the East Coast, U.S.

Evan began his career as a third-generation educator, serving low-income communities across south Atlanta. As a 2012 Teach For America (“TFA”) corps member, he taught high school mathematics and was awarded the “Most Creative & Innovative Educator” award by his faculty and staff in 2014. Evan continued teaching with the KIPP charter school network in Atlanta, post-TFA.

Evan is a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, where he earned a Masters in Business Administration. He proudly co-chairs the TFA Miami-Dade Associate Board, in addition to serving on the boards of UNC Kenan-Flagler South Florida, Downtown Miami Democrats and the Miami-Dade Democratic Executive Committee (Elected Member). Evan and his wife Adolphia reside in Downtown Miami.

Giovana espejo

Giovana Espejo was born and raised in New Jersey but has called several cities home—Chapel Hill, New York City, and Venice to name a few. She attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she studied Global Studies and Art History. Giovana’s passion for fostering inclusive educational spaces has led her to work in multiple industries, including art education, international philanthropy, and youth development. Currently, Giovana serves as the South Florida Schools Manger at EVERFI a platform for creating community impact that’s customizable, measurable, inspiring, and easy. She works alongside educators, schools, and districts to bring real-world learning into the classroom and equip students with the skills they need for success–now and in the future.

Prior to her time at EVERFI she served as the Senior Program Manager of Student Services and Program Operations with The Opportunity Network in New York City. During her time at The Opportunity Network, a six-year college access and career exploration program for underrepresented NYC students, Giovana built out social emotional supports and resources for young adults as they navigated their transition to college, career, and beyond. Giovana is enjoying living in Miami and can be found reading, soaking up the sun, knitting, traveling, and trying out new restaurants!

gilbert placeres

Gilbert Placeres currently serves as the Organizing Director of Engage Miami where he aims to build the power and voice of young people locally. Since starting at Engage in 2017 as an Organizer, Gilbert has been a leader in growing Engage's voter engagement, leadership development and advocacy work with the long-term goal of building a more just, democratic and sustainable Miami. Raised between New York, NY; Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep. and Miami, he was first trained as an organizer while working with President Obama's re-election campaign in 2012 after graduating high school. He continued to hone his organizing skills while in college through other political campaigns, including working on a New York Attorney General's re-election campaign. Before joining Engage Miami, Gilbert was a Research Associate at the Public Policy Institute of California. He is currently also an active member of the Miami SquaDD of the Dream Defenders. Gilbert graduated with degrees in Political Science and Quantitative Economics from Tufts University in 2016, and is also a graduate of the Public Policy & International Affairs Summer Institute at UC Berkeley's Goldman School of Public Policy.

jackie ebert

Jackie works at Legal Services of Greater Miami as an Equal Justice Works Fellow, sponsored by the Florida Bar Foundation. Her fellowship is a partnership with Lotus House to address guests’ and previous guests' emerging legal needs in a wide range of areas such as public benefits, housing application denials, replacement of lost identity documents and special education issues. Jackie's fellowship is also focused on implementing legal strategies to resolve systemic legal issues facing the guests and partnering with shelter staff to provide them with legal training and technical assistance to help mitigate guests’ barriers to stability.

james lopez

James Lopez is an Afro-Boricua originally from Rochester, New York. As a graduate from the University of Buffalo, James first began getting involved in organizing as a college student around issues of environmental justice and policing issues in the city of Buffalo. He then worked at the Western New York Law Center where he supported their consumer debt clinic, which help changed New York state policy around predatory lending, and Community Reinvestment issues. Prior to coming to Power U, James was an organizer for VOICE-Buffalo, where he organized with residents and those formerly incarcerated in order to push policy on policing reform and alternatives to mass incarceration. He was also was a member of Just Resisting (JR), which is a collective of organizers of color in the city of Buffalo committed to developing transformational organizing in the city of Buffalo. James is an alumnus of Black Organizing for Leader and Dignity (BOLD) and is committed to assisting in the development of the young Black and Brown leadership necessary to usher in a new society where all oppressed people are liberated.

Jessica vocaturo

Jess is a passionate voting rights activist with roots across the East Coast. She grew up in the rural suburbs of Southern New Jersey and attended Bates College, a small liberal arts school in Lewiston, Maine. While at Bates, Jess studied politics and philosophy, interned for a United States Senator, and competed nationally as a member of the college’s rowing team.

After graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Jess spent her first years as a professional in the Washington, DC area – initially, as a Presales Engineer at a software company, and later, as an Organizer at the League of Women Voters of the United States (LWVUS). As Organizer, Jess mobilized and supported League affiliates in 25 states, implemented national voter registration grant programs, and worked to advance the organization’s mission to “Empower Voters. Defend Democracy.” In addition to her work at the LWVUS, Jess co-facilitated a computer class for adults through Edu-Futuro, a non-profit organization supporting Latinx and other immigrant families in Arlington, Virginia. She also served as an Assistant Coach for an all-girls high school rowing team.

Jess made the exciting move to Miami in summer 2019. She currently works at a law firm Downtown, rows at the Miami Rowing Club, and is an active member of the League of Women Voters of Miami-Dade County. With the 2020 Census and 2020 Election just around the corner, Jess is excited to take on the new year as a progressive Miamian.

john white

I am graduate of the great Bethune Cookman University. It was there I majored in criminal justice and laid the foundation for my work in the community. I was the president of debating for democracy, I volunteered at inner city schools and taught children to read. Following my time there I graduated with a MBA in Business management from St. Thomas University here in Miami, Fl. It was my time there that helped me align my personality with my goals. I started a waterless wash and wax mobile detail company with my partner Lamott Croom. I also began to lay the frame work for my 501 c3 company F2F Felon to Founder a program designed to help people with felony records obtain entrepreneurial skills to help combat the economic deficiencies many of our communities are facing. I am currently a government teacher at Booker T Washington in Miami Florida. I am also pursuing a EdD in educational Leadership from Nova South Eastern university. It is my long term goal to help solve the financial literacy problem in our community by educating our youth much earlier on many of the economic issues that have continued to plague us since the beginning of times.

Kristofer hernandez

A native of Miami, Kristofer Hernandez is an attorney at the law firm of Jones Day specializing in the areas of health care and corporate law. Kristofer is also an active member of Jones Day's Laredo Project, providing free legal services to immigrants held at remote detention centers seeking relief arising from the gender-or gang-related persecution they faced in their countries of origin, and a member of the firm's Hispanic Affinity Group. Prior to joining Jones Day, Kristofer was a fellowship attorney at the legal unit of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, helping to eradicate discrimination in the workplace. He has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Chicago, a J.D. from the Fordham University School of Law, and is an active member of the Florida and District of Columbia Bars.

Outside of work, Kristofer is member of the leadership of Downtown Democrats and the co-founder of the Miami Film Club. He is deeply passionate about politics and has worked on several political campaigns, including Tammy Duckworth's 2006 campaign for Congress, Barrack Obama's 2008 campaign for President, and David Richardson's 2018 campaign for Congress. He has also worked with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, helping to end the disenfranchisement and discrimination against people with convictions and is a frequent volunteer at Planned Parenthood.

laura aguirre

Laura Aguirre is currently a Conservation Organizer with Audubon Florida, working to strengthen political consensus around Everglades restoration and climate change policies, energize new groups of environmental advocates, and build relationships with diverse stakeholders. Before joining Audubon Florida, Laura was an organizer with Rethink Energy Florida and the Political Action Coordinator for 350 South Florida, working on grassroots campaigns to develop and mobilize local leaders to build a more equitable and resilient South Florida. 
 
Prior to her environmental work, Laura had over ten years’ experience as an educator, inspired by the belief that education gives people the tools they need to change their lives and their communities. She worked as a college applications consultant and tutor before taking a position as a high school language arts teacher. As a teacher, she worked on creating learning experiences that motivated students towards action. Laura co-founded and co-led Immaculata-La Salle’s Communications and Social Change course, guiding student groups through collaborations with local nonprofit organizations and through the design process of social media campaigns, presentations, programs, and events from the initial ideation phase to project implementation.  

Laura earned her Bachelor of Arts in English and her Master of Arts in Literature from Florida International University. Born and raised in Miami, she is deeply invested in protecting South Florida as a home for both people and wildlife. She never leaves the house without a book and is happiest outdoors, soaking in the sunshine. 

mayra cruz

Mayra is the Climate Resilience Program Manager at Catalyst Miami. She manages CLEAR (Community Leadership on the Environment, Advocacy, and Resilience) and HEAL (Housing, Equity, Advocacy, and Leadership), which provide trainings around social justice and community organizing around the issues of climate change and affordable housing, respectively. Collectively the programs have graduated over 300 leaders who are more civically engaged and advocating for resilient solutions to Miami’s most pressing problems. She also supports Catalyst’s work around disaster preparedness and advocating for equitable resilient strategies for vulnerable communities. As a member of the Miami Climate Alliance, she advocates for access to clean energy for low-wealth communities. She is passionate about addressing the social determinants of health and combating climate change from a public health perspective. Mayra graduated from Columbia University with an MPH in Environmental Health Sciences with a Certificate in Climate and Health.

sheryl saturnino

Sheryl Saturnino has nearly ten years of nonprofit experience and is currently the Senior Grants Administration Assistant at The Miami Foundation. In this role, she helps manage the Foundation's fiscal sponsorship portfolio and other initiatives with partner foundations. Previously, Sheryl managed capital campaign efforts for a church and school in Key Biscayne. She also managed grants at Lotus House, a shelter for women and children experiencing homelessness.

Sheryl earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage and worked in Austin, Texas before relocating to Miami in 2014 to obtain an M.S.Ed. in Community and Social Change from the University of Miami. She worked in UM's Office of Disability Services and was a member of the Empowerment, Power, and Social Action research team, utilizing participatory action research in collaboration with community partners to analyze and expose injustice, build social theory, and promote collective action. Sheryl was the team lead of the Miami Thrives: Community of Practice capacity-building initiative and also worked on the Community Scholars in Affordable Housing, Parent Engagement Initiative, and Social Justice Table. In 2016 Sheryl was a finalist for the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce HYPE Most Valuable Graduate Award. Sheryl is passionate about community engagement and hopes to build a more cohesive and engaged Miami. She has been involved with the Missionaries of Charity, Exchange for Change, Center for Social Change, American Lung Association, Teach for America, and Filipino Americans of Miami (FAM). Her hobbies include dancing, volleyball, running, reading and the NYT crossword puzzle.

vanessa joseph

Vanessa Joseph, is currently the City of North Miami's Elected City Clerk. In this office, she makes history as both the City's youngest and first Black female City Clerk.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Miami became Vanessa’s home when she was a toddler. Today, Vanessa is a well-respected attorney. In addition to serving the people of North Miami in her elected capacity, she is a dedicated employee of a notable non-profit organization dedicated to the needs of South Florida's immigrant population.

From the University of Miami, Vanessa earned a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a Master of Public Administration and a Juris Doctorate. Before fully launching her legal career, Vanessa spent her years as a law student working as an advocate for immigration and human rights. During that period, she fought on behalf of South Florida's immigrant community. She also advocated for veterans, persons with disabilities and individuals with HIV and AIDS.

Today, as a practicing local attorney, Vanessa continues to provide legal services to vulnerable populations. In 2017, Vanessa’s dedicated work, earned her the distinction of being named among the 20 Young Professionals Under 40, by the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce. Legacy Magazine South Florida also selected her among its 40 Under 40 in 2017.

Vanessa is a member of numerous community-based organizations, professional associations, and two boards at the county-level. Vanessa is a purposeful and fervent agent of change, and a passionate servant leader dedicated to ensuring the needs of her community are met.

william byatt

William Byatt is a senior software engineer at Kaufman Rossin. After activating into politics during the 2016 election cycle, William has been a relentless voice for progressive issues in the community and grassroots-oriented reforms within the Democratic Party. He was a founding board member of the People's Progressive Caucus of Miami-Dade, before joining the leadership of the Miami-Dade Young Democrats. In 2017 he became Treasurer of the Miami-Dade Democratic Party, and his dearest policy dream is to create a public bank in Florida.