Marina Rojas (she/her) was born on occupied Duwamish land and grew up on occupied Puyallup land, where she currently still lives. As a member of Sage Leaders’ Political Leadership Council, she looks forward to utilizing her experiences to collaborate on endorsements that prioritize people over profits. 

Marina is deeply rooted in Federal Way, having grown up there before returning to serve five years in its public education system. Her journey through a season of unemployment, substitute teaching, food service work, and caregiving for her aging grandparents has deepened her insight into some of the struggles facing working-class families today. 

Having experienced being both union-represented and unrepresented while working in education, Marina understands the frustration of being called “essential” in name but treated as disposable in practice. This fuels her passion for organizing with fellow workers toward more protections.

As a driven and ambitious individual, Gloria Mbabazi is poised to make a lasting impact in her community and beyond. With a clear vision for her future, Gloria is dedicated to developing the skills, knowledge, and expertise necessary to become a respected and influential leader. 

With a strong foundation in Criminal Justice, Gloria has established a solid understanding of law and justice. Her passion for creating safe communities drives her to continually seek out opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. Throughout her journey, Gloria has been guided by a commitment to justice and integrity. Her dedication to these values has earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and mentors, who recognize her potential for leadership and her ability to inspire and motivate others. 

Maura Kizito is a Community Healer, Development Director and Youth Coordinator at Wakulima USA. She loves farming and growing her own food as a vegetarian and an excellent chef. Maura is creature of mother nature, that is why she is very dedicated to empowering young adults and youths in her community in healing practices like providing access to farming opportunities, promotion of culturally relevant foods to increase wellness, physical and mental health for all immigrants and community members. Wakulima fosters wellness across all groups, significantly impacting the lives of the youth and the broader community.

Aside from loving her job, Maura loves traveling and experiencing new adventures. She is an Arts Commissioner of the City of Fife and a Podcaster. “Arts is also a part of me, theatre, poetry and photography. I love reading intellectual books. The world is my home.”

Briseldy Hernandez-Ramos is a writer who emphasizes Creative Nonfiction. She is a first-generation college student attending the University of Washington, where she is pursuing a career in publishing and social work. After graduating from high school, Briseldy received her high school diploma and an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from Wenatchee Valley College.

In addition to her writing, she is a literary journal editor, global scholar, intern for Rural People’s Voice, and member of several organizations that focus on sustainability activism. 

Heather Sheppard (she/her) is a multiracial cis woman in recovery, and a social worker from Vancouver, Washington. She is currently employed as the Equity and Collaborative Impact Project Manager at SWACH. She is a Portland State University MSW alum and a graduate of the first cohort of Vancouver Community Leadership Institute. This is the second year Heather is participating in the Political Leadership Council and she is thrilled to be a part of such an important process!

Heather has come into the field with varied lenses of lived experience and social identities, which drives her passion for change and empathy for those navigating their own struggles and barriers. Heather is honored to serve on the inaugural Community Advisory Team alongside fellow advocates with the passion and drive to facilitate change for our communities and beyond. In her day job, she manages the policy/advocacy program and is passionate about perusing policy reform and increasing systemic access for those communities that are most impacted and underinvested in. She centers community voice at the core of her work and is committed to amplifying community voices to advocate for equitable policy change. 

Outside of Heather’s passion for social justice, she enjoys the outdoors, being in community, traveling, eating delicious food, and fitness. She has three children: one anxiously energetic Pit Bull, and two twin kitties. 

Denis Maronga is an award-winning event performer, producer, and community advocate based in Seattle, Washington. Originally from Kenya, Denis is the Founder, President, and CEO of the Kicheko Project, a nonprofit organization committed to improving the health and well-being of African and marginalized communities in Shoreline and King County. Through his leadership and passion for community empowerment, Denis continues to make a significant impact, advocating for positive change and support for underserved populations.

Denis is a Community Leadership Institute alum, and his advocacy work includes serving as Co-Chair of the Civil Engagement of the Washington State Coalition of African Community Leaders. He has collaborated with influential organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, and various arts institutions to promote equal representation in the arts and support minority communities. His notable events include Seattle’s historic Black Love celebration, the Cajun Festival, and the Refugee and Immigrant Festival. 

Duana Ricks-Johnson (she/her) is a Colville/ Lakes Tribal Member, proud Disabled US Navy Veteran, Single Parent of four children. She is a DV/SA and Trafficking Survivor. Duana is a twin that grew up in foster care in Washington, her children are also DV Survivors resulting in related moves that caused homelessness numerous times. 

It has been her passion to speak to the MMIWP and Housing disparities BIPOC face here in Washington State. Doing this work with MMIWP Advocacy and Housing Justice has been incredibly healing in her journey from Victim to Survivor. “It is paramount that I actively work to bridge the gap for those who need aid in Vancouver, Washington as well as all Washington state communities just to start... as this is a nationwide problem.”

Duana is a member of five local Boards and participate in BIPOC Leadership/ Advocacy groups in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR areas giving her the skills and opportunity to raise her voice and make connections that will help make our communities safer and a more equitable place for all the underserved #redwarriorwoman  

Vinod Sharma (he/him) was born in India and moved to Washington in 2006 and it’s been his home for 17 years now. As an Engineering graduate, he started working for Boeing and currently working with Microsoft as Senior Program Manager. He has worked with NGOs in India and USA for the education of underprivileged children and as an activist for people experiencing homelessness. He has also been part of the National Alliance for People movement and various political campaigns.