
Our Team
The Organizing Accelerator partners the nation-leading civil rights work of the NAACP with Groundwork Project’s unique model of supporting hyperlocal organizing in historically excluded and civically under-resourced regions across the country. With a deep commitment to identifying, supporting, and equipping talented emerging organizers who may otherwise lack access to traditional training programs and leadership institutes, The Organizing Accelerator seeks to build a diverse, inclusive, and representative bench of organizers for today and future generations.
Derrick Johnson
President and CEO, NAACP
He/him
The NAACP, led by President & CEO Derrick Johnson, is the home of grassroots activism for civil rights and social justice with more than 2,200 units across the nation powered by well over 2 million activists. The NAACP legacy is long, its work consistent: to build Black political, social, and economic power to end racial injustice.
Joe Kennedy
Founder, Groundwork Project
He/him
Groundwork Project, founded by Joe Kennedy, invests in community organizers, advocates, and activists working year-round in places traditionally under-resourced, excluded, and ignored. GWP invests in hyperlocal efforts that build sustainable political infrastructure, engage and educate voters, and build power for the underrepresented and disenfranchised.
Tracey Lewis
Senior Advisor, The Organizing Accelerator
She/her
The effort will be led by Tracey Lewis, a senior advisor to Groundwork Project, in partnership with the Groundwork and NAACP teams. Tracey is a career organizer who started out as a volunteer and has worked on issue advocacy and electoral campaigns at every level, including five presidential races and has organized in seventeen different states across the country, from New Hampshire to South Dakota to Mississippi.
Ian Karby
Partnerships & Impact Director
He/him
Ian Karby is the owner and founder of Karby Connections, a consulting firm focused on health and wellness programming, community education, curriculum development, mentorship and project management for public health initiatives. Ian is a trained Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer and health educator. Ian’s passion for guiding others to meet their long-term health and wellness goals led him to graduate school where he received a doctorate of physical therapy and increased his knowledge and understanding of the resilience of the human body, mind and spirit. In medical health clinics, Ian found his passion was rooted in building relationships, educating his patients and clients, advocating for their individual wellbeing and connecting them to resources within their own communities to support their wellness journey. In 2021, Ian expanded his business to not only work with individuals but to provide groups and organizations with health and wellness programming, curriculum development, project management, and growing collaborative partnerships. Now, broader community connection lies in the heart of Ian’s mission as he connects health and wellness providers, healers, and educators to each other and with diverse communities in order to defeat misinformation and help grow an educated and healthy public.
Errin Davis
Fellows Cohort Director
She/her
Errin Davis is the Chief Operations Officer. Her career spans various roles supporting elected officials, including Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, and State Senator Liz Miranda. Davis's professional journey also includes contributions to the Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, Boston Public Schools Office of Equity, Strategy & Opportunity Gaps, and Emerge Massachusetts. In 2024, she was honored in Salem State's 40 under 40 Alumni and was 1 of 50 to receive recognition for her contributions to the Massachusetts Caribbean Community. In 2025, Errin has also been honored with the City on a Hill 30 Year’s of Legacy Alumni Award.
Thanh Nguyen
Fellows Cohort Coordinator
She/her
Thanh Nguyen is the Junior Partner of The Davis System, LLC. She is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a B.A. in political science and economics. She has worked on a number of political campaigns and has worked within offices in the Massachusetts State House and U.S. House of Representatives. During her time at The Davis System, she has managed clients like Committee to Elect Liz Miranda, The Organizing Accelerator, Empath Mobility Pathways, Boston Children’s Chorus, and Salem State University.
Anthony Davis Jr
In-Person Programming Director
He/him
Anthony Davis Jr. is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Davis System, LLC. Recently named to Boston Magazine’s 150 Most Influential Bostonians, Davis has served as a political strategist and organizer with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and with several political campaigns. Before starting The Davis System, Davis had the privilege of working on campaigns for several well-respected politicians, including Senator Elizabeth Warren; Senator Doug Jones; Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Congressman Joe Kennedy, Governor Maura Healey, Mayor Michelle Wu, Candidate Ben Jealous, and Candidate Mike Espy.
Julie
Koskey
Career Sustainability Mentor
She/her
Julie Koskey is a Clinical Specialist Physical Therapist at Mass General Brigham: Newton-Wellesley Hospital. With a passion for education and professional growth, Julie enjoys fostering the next generation of physical therapists while maintaining an active clinical practice. She also serves as the Co-Chair of the hospital’s Ethics Committee. Beyond her clinical work, Julie holds a faculty appointment at the MGH Institute of Health Professions as an Adjunct Instructor. A dedicated mentor, she has helped shape the careers of students and staff. Her commitment to professional development goes beyond traditional teaching—she nurtures confidence, cultivates critical thinking, and empowers individuals to achieve their fullest potential in the field of healthcare. Julie earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Simmons University and holds a combined BS/MS in Physical Therapy from Boston University. She lives in Arlington, MA, with her wife and two children.
Sofia Greco-Byrne
2025 Cohort Mentor
she/her
Sofia has served in a wide range of roles within the U.S. federal government, advocacy organizations, NGOs, philanthropy, and electoral campaigns. She has led teams through complex logistical and security problem-solving, orchestrated major high-stakes public appearances for senior public officials, crafted public and stakeholder engagement plans, and supported the development of messaging strategy on both the international and domestic stage. Most recently, Sofia served as the Director of Scheduling and Advance for the U.S. Attorney General at the Department of Justice. Before that, she served as Engagement Advisor to the Second Gentleman at the White House and as Special Advisor to the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Housing & Urban Development. With a passion for forming strong and effective working relationships and improving collaboration across diverse teams, Sofia enjoys joining forces with people tackling hard problems in service of improving lives around the world.
Ebenezer Abolarin
2025 Cohort Mentor
He/him
Ebenezer is the Executive Director for the Georgia House Democratic Caucus. He is a native of Mableton, GA, and a first-generation African American who received his Bachelor’s in Political Science at the University of West Georgia. Ebenezer first started his political career in the Georgia House Democratic Caucus under Minority Leader Stacey Abrams and since then has worked across the South in grassroots organizing. Some of his political highlights include Warnock for Georgia Senatorial campaign, Elizabeth Warren’s Presidential primary campaign in South Carolina, Kennedy for Massachusetts Senatorial Campaign, Walt Maddox's Gubernatorial race in Alabama, and Doug Jones’ 2017 Alabama Special Senate campaign. He has a passion for working families issues and a desire for a unified Africa! Ebenezer was first accepted to be a 2023 Organizer Accelerator Mentor and uses the mentorship to build networks and bring about progressive structural change to Georgia and the world. Ebenezer looks forward to sharing his experience and skills as a mentor with the 2025 Organizing Accelerator cohort. When he is not immersed in the world of Politics, Ebenezer loves to go to church and watch movies with his wife, baby boy Micaiah, and dog Bailey.
Quiane “Q” Turner
2025 Cohort Mentor
She/Her
Quiane “Q” Turner is an Atlanta native, The Organizing Accelerator alum, and incoming law student at Georgia State University College of Law. She currently serves as Chief of Staff to State Representative Mekyah McQueen, where she supports policy strategy, legislative planning, and community engagement. Q’s passions focus on addressing police brutality, advancing civil rights, and promoting social justice. With a background in grassroots organizing and public service, she is committed to using law and policy to create a more equitable country.
Jarret Luter
2025 Cohort Mentor
He/him
Jarret Luter is a graduate of the Southern University and A&M College, where he currently works as a professor of history. He serves as the NAACP Baton Rouge (LA) branch's Political Action Chair, where he actively participates in voter registration drives and hosts local candidate forums.
Lauren Brazile
2025 Cohort Mentor
She/her
Lauren Brazile is known for her community leadership, advocacy, service, and project management. With experience managing logistics for some of the largest festivals in America, managing some of the top talent in Los Angeles, aiding in the growth of over 200 small businesses, educating youth and providing resources to our homeless community, Lauren aims to create a lasting impact and a ‘safe space community.’ We Grow LA is Lauren’s passion project with a mission to do just that, GROW LA! Along with curating the Slauson Headquarters Community Center, Lauren also launched the South LA Gardening Project and Ground Zero Project to provide education and resources for underserved communities. From managing logistics for Taste of Soul and Leimert Park Juneteenth Festival to rebranding and scaling small businesses, Lauren strives to grow and empower Los Angeles communities from every angle. With an unwavering focus on the youth, Lauren recently built curriculum that has been administered across six schools within the Los Angeles and Inglewood Unified School Districts to ensure that students are equipped with the knowledge and experience they need to succeed. What sets Lauren apart is her dedication to finding permanent solutions. She consistently exceeds expectations, setting high standards for herself and inspiring others to strive for excellence. Her relentless work ethic, coupled with her passion for continuous improvement, drives her to deliver exceptional results and achieve outstanding outcomes. Lauren's qualities make her an influential force, empowering individuals and organizations to reach new heights of success.
NAACP & Groundwork Project Advisors
Emily Kaufman
Executive Director, Groundwork Project
She/her
Emily is a political strategist, storyteller, and team leader with a deep resume of communications experience across highly-contested federal races, state government, and Capitol Hill. From national prime-time addresses to viral digital moments, she specializes in developing simple, persuasive narratives that cut through the noise.
Amber Thomas
Senior Vice President, Operations Effectiveness and Improvements, NAACP
She/her
Amber Thomas is the Senior Vice President of Operations Effectiveness and Improvements. She leads the NAACP operations team while focusing on internal policies and procedures. She also leads the team of holistic project management, helping to push the Association's projects forward through internal partnerships.
Charles Taylor
Southern Organizing Advisor, Gorundwork Project
He/him
Charles V. Taylor Jr. is executive director of the Mississippi State Conference NAACP and principal at Peyton Strategies, a political data firm in Mississippi, which specializes in data collection and management. Taylor provides consulting services for nonprofits and progressive candidates from federal to local districts. With a background in community organizing, political direction and canvassing, he possesses a unique perspective, intuitive insight and sound judgment of political analytics. Taylor served as a state organizer in 2012 for the Mississippi State Conference NAACP “This is My Vote” campaign, which registered more than 29,000 Black voters in the state. He was a field director and campaign coordinator for the Better Schools, Better Jobs ballot initiative to fully fund education, also known as Initiative 42. Taylor is also a member of Freedom Side, a national collective of social justice community organizers. He consults as a data manager for One Voice Inc., a nonprofit that seeks to build a progressive civic infrastructure in the American South. He also serves as the Southern Organizing Advisor to Groundwork Project, founded by Former Congressman Joe Kennedy.
T’Erica Hudson
Operations Project Manager, Effectiveness and Improvements, NAACP
She/her
T’Erica Hudson leads with a Spirit of Excellence. She is a compassionate thought leader committed to developing emerging leaders, cultivating community, and pursuing service. T’Erica is a native of Chicago, IL, and a Southerner by education earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Jackson State University and an M.A. in Higher Education/Student Personnel from The University of Mississippi. T’Erica currently serves as a Project Manager of Operational Effectiveness and Improvements for The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). In this role, she is primarily responsible for developing and executing comprehensive project plans that include scope, objectives, and timelines. T’Erica ensures project goals are achieved and accurately assessed.
Julia Hoffman
National Development Advisor, The Organizing Accelerator; Senior Advisor, Groundwork Project
She/her
Julia provides political fundraising strategy to candidates and elected officials who are building districtwide, statewide, and nationwide reputations as they seek to become the next generation of inspiring and dedicated public servants. Julia has experience advising and leading fundraising teams for nonprofits, political committees, several members of the Massachusetts Congressional delegation, as well as U.S. Senate and House campaigns across the country. In 2012, Julia directed record-breaking fundraising efforts for Congressman Joe Kennedy III campaign for Congress, and continued to envision and execute Rep. Kennedy’s fundraising strategy through five election cycles. Julia also served as a part of the fundraising team for Forward Majority, an organization focused on flipping state legislatures in states with Republican trifectas, with the goal of dismantling the systematic disenfranchisement of Democrats through gerrymandering and voter suppression. Julia is passionate about leveling the playing field to enable women to run for and win elected office. She helped spearhead the creation of a powerful political giving group in Massachusetts, which supports women candidates and elected officials, and educates women donors on the importance and impact of their political giving.
Pen Christian
Director of Communication, Groundwork Project
They/them
Pen has focused their career in digital communications and organizing at social justice nonprofit organizations. Before Groundwork Project, they worked as the Senior Strategist of Communications and Digital Organizing at Planned Parenthood Pennsylvania Advocates. Pen has an MA in Women’s and Gender Studies from The Graduate Center at the City University of New York, as well as a BA in Cultural Anthropology and a BA in Gender & Activism from Indiana University of Indianapolis. In their free time, you can find them watching reality TV shows and cooking dinner with their wife, and hanging out with their two cats, Poopy and Turkey.
J’Shawna Smith-Hayes
Program Officer, Groundwork Project
She/her
J’Shawna Smith-Hayes is an Oklahoma native that has worked in Oil & Gas for over 15 years, and 12 of those years have been in management. Over the past 2.5 years, before getting more involved in being an advocate in the community, she also served as Chief Financial Officer at All Nations Champions Church. J’Shawna is focused on bettering the community and giving back through her non-profit called The H.O.P.E Foundation (Helping Others Persevere in Excellence), founded in 2022. The H.O.P.E Foundation aims to enhance the community, supporting our youth, providing clean laundry, meals, scholarships, and education to our less fortunate and rural communities. The H.O.P.E Scholarship Fund was birthed out of wanting to provide resources to high school students that want to attend college or a trade school but may not have the resources to do so, which will be awarded each year to a high school senior that is in a rural community. The H.O.P.E Foundation, in 2022 launched a campaign in the state of Oklahoma, called Vote For Change, alongside co-founder Julius Jones and the Julius Jones Institute. VFC’s purpose and focus is voter engagement, education and registration in our local communities, high schools, and colleges. J’Shawna is also an entrepreneur creating her own dry cleaning & laundry pickup and delivery service, Pure Dry Cleaning & Laundry, established in 1999. Her business and non-profit have had the opportunity to establish partnership with Socks of Love & Laundry Love of Oklahoma over the past two years. Raising money and providing free laundry 3 times a year for families in need. In 2022, collectively J’Shawna was able to raise over $15,000 toward scholarships, free laundry, free food, and sponsorship to help with the vision and mission of each organization. Also partnering with the Julius Jones Institute & the Julius Jones Coalition in the endeavor of bringing about change in our state. She also serves as the Voting Coordinator for the Julius Jones Coalition. Specializing in business management, J’Shawna can use that experience not only in the corporate world or the board room, but also in her non-profit, community and within her own business. By focusing on the community, using the skills she has acquired, not only in ministry, but she has also been able to put her master’s degree, in business management, earned at Southern Nazarene University to good use. J’Shawna may spend her days working relentless hours at being an entrepreneur, mom, grandmother, advocate, sister, friend, and community organizer, but it’s the love that she has for her sons, the people, and the desire of wanting a better way of life for so many, that gets her up in the morning. When J’Shawna is not working and giving back she enjoys traveling, shooting basketball, thrifting and spending time with family and friends. She is an ambassador for 988 Oklahoma, Oklahoma’s new Mental Health Lifeline and an influencer for Goodwill Oklahoma. Her hope and desire are to inspire others to simply go and do the same. Lend a hand where a hand is needed, show love where love is needed and give hope where hope is needed.