The Zag

Constance Luo is a NLC Houston 2019 Fellow. Her background is in community organizing, elections, local policy, leadership development, interpretation and language justice. She works with Tecolotl, a collective based in Houston that was co-founded by another NLC - Houston alumni, José Eduardo Sánchez. She credits NLC, specifically Charisse Price of NLC - Atlanta, with the opportunity to be a National Urban Fellow and study at Georgetown University with a full ride scholarship for her Master in Policy Management in 2022. She is a second generation Chinese American based in the Chicago area. For more information on Tecolotl, please visit www.tecolotl.org and follow us at @tecolotltecolotl.

2018 Silicon Valley Fellow Jessica Dickinson Goodman stops by The Zag to talk about her NLC chapter and what they are looking for in prospective applicants. We also chat about encryption and privacy. To learn more about how to get involved with the Silicon Valley chapter, follow these directions: NLC Silicon Valley upcoming meet and greets are: - Wednesday, August 30th, 5-6pm, Url: https://meet.google.com/fin-sjmh-qct - Saturday, September 2, 3-4pm, CoffeeBar, 2020 Broadway, Redwood City, CA - Monday, September 11th, 7-8pm, Url: https://meet.google.com/fin-sjmh-qct

Meghan Singh, 2017 NLC Boston Fellow is a bilingual school psychologist in practice since 2010, practicing primarily in urban settings. She is a Nationally Certified School Psychologist, and a Licensed Educational Psychologist through the MA Board of Allied Mental Health. Meghan established Singh Psychological Services in 2018 in response to increasing needs of schools and community organizations. She believes every student and family deserves an education that embraces their whole identity, and uses those assets to improve student outcomes.

Tune in to hear from 2014 NLC Augusta Fellow Elle Michell. She leads Intelligent Intentions LLC, which is a boutique consulting firm committed to transforming small business suppliers into valuable corporate risk partners. This work allows small business suppliers to scale and engage with large companies and government entities in a risk responsible manner.  If you are interested in exploring further, please schedule a discovery call with Elle here:   www.IntelligentIntentions.com/lets-talk/

Why aren't more campaigns targeting voters from the 3rd largest and fastest growing racial group in Los Angeles? Listen in as Dr. Andrew Murphy, NLC Los Angeles 2020 Fellow speaks about their recent efforts to change this, explains why engaging with Asian voters is critical, and shares research-backed insights on how to do it. Learn more about his work: Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County: Website, InstagramRecent Reports/News Coverage on Asian Voters in LA: UCLA & LMU, Pat Brown Institute, Rafu Shimpo

2023 NLC Austin Fellow Sattie Nyachwaya stops by The Zag. We talk about why she wanted to do NLC so much she drove from Dallas to Austin for every session and also about her work in public health. Don't miss it!

Richard Leong, 2019 NLC Los Angeles, talks about his work in DEI and what he's seeing as the concepts and ideas underpinning those efforts come under increased disinformation attacks. He also shares his philosophy behind LinkedIn posts and his memories of the NLC Fellowship. Check it out.

NLC Los Angeles Co-Director and 4x Zag guest MaryEllen Veliz stops by to talk about the upcoming NLC Convention in Little Rock, Arkansas. Come for the talk about why Convention is such a powerful experience and stay for her enthusiasm about her beloved San Antonio Spurs. 

NLC Houston 2021 alum, Tamira Samuel, joins The Zag to share details about her role as the National Co-Executive Director of Urban Leaders Fellowship. In her work, she helps trains early to mid-career professionals from diverse backgrounds, affiliations, and industries to make a positive impact in their communities through public policy exposure and community engagement. Tune in to hear more!

Barbara Barreno-Paschall, 2016 NLC Chicago Fellow, shares her NLC experience during a major life transition from working at a global law firm to studying public policy and later becoming a civil rights attorney. She currently serves as Vice Chair and Commissioner of the State of Illinois Human Rights Commission, appointed by Governor JB Pritzker, and discusses her work enforcing the Illinois Human Rights Act, one of the nation’s broadest civil rights laws. You can connect with Barbara on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbarreno

2016 NLC Philadelphia Fellow Jo Lin stops by to talk about her work diversifying the health care field. Tune in to hear more about how you can support a great cause. Health Career Connection: https://www.healthcareers.org/More info on becoming a HCC partner/host site: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EEoBKY24M9Fk7oy_YmsjNKK6awyDwJgL/viewBook time with Jo: https://calendly.com/jlinhcc/30min 

Natasha Baker, 2012 NLC Silicon Valley Fellow, returns to The Zag to talk about her new podcast, Natasha Explains It All, where she talks about current affairs, making the world a better place, and shares her perspective as a dual American and Brazilian citizen. Natasha Baker is a lawyer, writer, and now podcaster based in Oakland, CA. She is a staff attorney at Equal Justice Under Law, where she litigates federal class action cases to end the criminalization of poverty. Outside of work, Natasha volunteers for various progressive causes and does capoeira. links and social media:Instagram: @natasha.t.bakerWriting: www.medium.com/@natashatbakerPodcast: https://anchor.fm/natasha-t-baker

Sahil Patel, 2018 NLC Orlando, stop by The Zag to share a unique story of how he ended up in Florida as well as his work in the nonprofit world there. Don't miss it!

Zack Sheehan, 2017 NLC New Hampshire, stops by The Zag and shares about his work fighting for fair funding for schools in New Hampshire. Tune in to learn more about his advocacy efforts and how you can help the New Hampshire School Funding Fairness Project. https://fairfundingnh.org/

Jaime-Alexis Fowler, 2009 NLC Boston Fellow, returns to The Zag to talk about the challenges facing workers in this job market. She leads Empower Work, which is a national nonprofit on a mission to build healthy, equitable workplaces where people can thrive. They offer a confidential text line for workers. If you're dealing with harassment, job loss, work stress, you can connect with a trained peer counselor in minutes: 510-674-1414 or start a web chat at www.empowerwork.org. For folks who are going through a job loss, there is also a program to help you stay connected. Learn more about how you can get 3 months of cell phone coverage and support via Empower Work at www.empowerwork.org/connectionprotection. Check it out.

2023 NLC Arkansas Fellow Dara Gaines joins The Zag to talk about your current NLC experience. We also hear from her about positive signs for political organizing in the state and what it's like trying to get a PhD to the finish line. Don't miss it.

2016 NLC San Antonio Fellow MaryEllen Veliz stops by to talk about her experience serving as a NLC LEAD Facilitator for the new crop of NLC Fellows. MaryEllen also talks about what's ahead in her new role as NLC Los Angeles Co-Chapter Director. The Zag is back. Tune in.

2020 NLC Arkansas Founding Fellow Leon Jones, III reflects on his NLC experience and the political landscape in his state right now. He's working comms for Democratic candidate for Governor Chris Jones. Keep tabs on the race at: chrisforgovernor.com IG: jonesforar Twitter: jonesforAR 

2021 NLC Los Angeles Fellow Asabi Ifatunji joins The Zag to talk about how his NLC Capstone Project has evolved since it's conception last year. He takes restorative justice and community building our latest episode. Check it out.

Kyle Gracey, NLC Pittsburgh chapter founder, joins The Zag live from NLC Convention in Philly to talk about the origin story behind starting the chapter and more. We also dive into some of the things to watch for in PA politics before the midterms. Don't miss it.

Eric Brown, 2015 Nashville, joins The Zag live at NLC Convention in Philly to share more about his first published book called Weekend Reflections. He chronicles the inspiration behind it and the journey of getting it to print. Check it out and buy it from his Instagram page: @ericebrownjr. 

2021 NLC Pittsburgh Fellow Jeremy Pesner is in the early stages of writing a book. He shares details on what's motivating him to take the plunge and what he hopes to cover in his work. Check it out.

2019 NLC Boston Fellow Evan Berry stops by The Zag to talk about the power and importance of unionizing staff members in Massachusetts state house. We hear about progress with the organizing efforts and some of the challenges in the way. Don't miss it.

2020 NLC South Texas Frontera Board Member Juan Livas joins The Zag to talk about the importance of after school programs in schools and districts. Hear more about how his work in that sector has evolved during the pandemic. 

2022 NLC Frontera Fellow Jaime Andres Diez stops by The Zag to talk about political life in South Texas and what a railroad commissioner does. Don't miss it.

2022 NLC South Texas Frontera Fellow Marcella Juarez is the owner of Palo Blanco Farm & Ranch and a proponent of responsible agriculture. Tune in to hear more about her story and how it is positively impacting communities across Texas. 

2021 NLC Kentucky Fellow Missy Spears shares the story of a NLC capstone project that has come to life in the community. Tune in to hear how a community fridge has brought folks together in inspiring ways. Don't miss it.

Having been elected to the Bell Gardens City Council in November 2020, Jorgel Chavez, 2022 NLC Los Angeles Fellow, is the youngest councilmember serving throughout Los Angeles County. He stops by The Zag to talk about campaigning during Covid, priorities for his community as an elected, and what meetings are like. Check it out!

Asha Castleberry-Hernandez, 2010 NLC New York Fellow, joins The Zag to discuss her work on foreign policy with the Biden Administration. Tune in to learn some new ways to stay updated on what's happening around the world and America's approach to these geopolitical current events.

Usha Tewari, 2017 NLC Orlando, is a first-generation Indian American, passionate advocate, and congressional ambassador. She worked full time and was the sole caregiver for her mother who had Alzheimer’s disease. Usha understands what it takes to advocate for individuals, and she shares her passion and caregiving journey on social media on her own podcast. Check them out below. Instagram- @TheIndianCaregiver Podcast- The Indian Caregiver - Advocating & Caregiving in a Purple World

2021 NLC Chicago Fellow Tonyisha Harris joins The Zag to talk about climate justice and organizing youth in this country and worldwide to create the change we need. Learn more at the site below about  Action For the Climate Emergency. https://acespace.org/

Nick Guthman, 2022 NLC Los Angeles Fellow, is a progressive political organizer based in his hometown of Los Angeles. Nick consults on various projects as a Partner at Democracy Partners, a national progressive political consulting firm, including digital and social media organizing, cultural organizing & creative advocacy, policy research and communications, community outreach and coalition building and talent/staff recruitment. On this episode, Nick also shares details about Blue Future, the largest youth-led, progressive political action committee in America. Blue Future envisions a world where no matter our color or origin, our income or zip code, desire and determination are the only things getting in the way of young people’s ability to push for a transformative and progressive agenda. Learn more at: https://ourbluefuture.us/ 

Ever wondered how campaigns and progressive movement-building organizations get their data? Or what do they do with it once they have it? More importantly, how does all this strengthen our democracy, help achieve progressive electoral victories, and build power for Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, other marginalized groups, and working-class Americans? Matt Mawhinney, 2016 NLC Miami Fellow, joins The Zag to answer these questions and more. He is involved with Introduction  to Progressive Data, which is a free, 40-hour course covering some of the  foundational tools and analytical frameworks in progressive data that will help you answer the questions above and launch a career in the progressive data and technology space. Apply for the course today! The application deadline is April 10th. Learn more and apply at generationdata.org/ipd 

Rhiannon Cook, 2015 NLC Pittsburgh Fellows, returns to The Zag to share more about her latest venture: working on  Black Maternal Health through a program called Spora Mommas. The organization is a virtual doula-led maternal support service designed to center Black joy and well-being throughout the maternal journey. Check it out!

Anna Gouker, NLC Wisconsin alumni and founder of The Rage Fund, was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that requires them to use motorized wheelchairs and ventilators. In 2011 Anna earned her Master’s degree in rehabilitation psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today she serves as the Outreach Coordinator for AchieveAbilities, whose mission is to empower people to achieve their highest potential by fulfilling employment, financial and personal goals. Support her work by visiting The Rage Fund Website: jointherage.org 

2017 NLC Atlanta Fellow Brenda Lopez Romero joins The Zag to share her memories of NLC Institute and more. Brenda is Senior Assistant District Attorney for the Gwinnett Judicial Circuit leading the Justice and Community Initiative. Brenda was the first American Latina elected to the Georgia General Assembly where she sat on the Education, Retirement, and State Planning and Community Affairs committees. She is the Chairwoman for the Gwinnett County Democratic Party and is a raising star in Georgia politics. Don't miss it.

2022 NLC San Antonio Fellow Zachary Espericueta stops by to talk about his increasingly popular podcast network. Amplifying the Voices of the Alamo City through insightful interviews and candid discussions, The SA Talk series provides local happenings, candid conversations and thought-provoking discussions that are relevant to San Antonio. Guests are occasionally invited to share their insight and opinions on the matter being discussed. The Searching for San Antonio series showcases the local community by interviewing many of the wonderful small business owners, non-profit leaders, and influential people that the city has to offer. New episodes are available bi-weekly on Mondays. Find them at: Twitter/IG/Facebook: @SAPodNetwork

Activist, writer, and speaker Emily Ladau, 2021 NLC New York Fellow, joins The Zag to talk about her work as a disability advocate. Author of the book Demystifying Disability: What to Know, What to Say, and How to be an Ally, Emily talks about why it was important to her to write an approachable guide to being a thoughtful, informed ally to disabled people and to write actionable steps for what to say and do (and what not to do) to make the world a more accessible, inclusive place. Learn more about her work here:  https://emilyladau.com/book/https://www.theaccessiblestall.com/

We caught up with Ernest Levert Jr, a 2021 NLC Columbus Fellow, to learn more about what he created for his NLC Capstone project. Called the Cooperative Chess Cultural Center (4C- "the fork"), his project focuses on the art of chess making while using the wisdom of chess to protect, heal, and build community. Youth and community members  have the opportunity to not only learn and play chess, but also learn how to make their own chess equipment, while gaining exposure to community makers, artists, and leaders. Super interesting conversation. Learn more at: theroichess.org

Renée Menart, 2021 NLC San Francisco Fellow, is a passionate advocate for youth impacted by the legal system. She serves as a policy analyst at the Center on Juvenile and Criminal Justice (CJCJ), a local community-based organization whose mission is to reduce reliance on incarceration as a solution to social problems. She's also a recently published children's book author. Demetri Makes a Memory Quilt is a heartwarming children’s book that tells the story of a young boy whose mom is in prison. With the help of his family, he embarks on a creative healing process and explores ways to connect with his mom. The book was inspired by the author’s career fostering early childhood literacy and alternatives to incarceration. Grab a copy wherever you get your books.

2019 NLC Kentucky Fellow Donald Mason joins The Zag to share more about his work in cultural programming, historical preservation and community engagement. In January 2020, Donald was named the first full-time Executive Director for the Classical Music Institute, based in San Antonio, TX. He details his work during the pandemic and how important it is for all of us to reconnect with the arts and with music.

We continue our series featuring NLC alums serving as LEAD Facilitators for our new 2022 NLC Fellows. Tune in to hear more from David Rozen, 2013 NLC NY Capital District Fellow, about why he still contributes to NLC years after his fellowship.

Our series featuring NLC alumni serving as LEAD Facilitators continues as we catch up with Stephanie Moniz from NLC Rhode Island. Tune in to hear what she remembers from her LEAD experience in 2019 and how she's approaching facilitation in these strange times.

2020 NLC Maine Fellow Belle Bocal joins The Zag to talk about your upcoming LEAD Facilitation adventures. LEAD is the key training experience for the NLC Institute and kicks off this month. Tune in to hear more!

The Zag is back after the new year. Excited to feature several of our alumni who are serving as LEAD Facilitators for our new 2022 Fellows. We're joined by 2009 NLC Los Angeles Fellow Igor Treub, who shares details about how meaningful the LEAD experience is and why he's serving as a facilitator again this year.

Stephanie Castellanos, 2018 NLC LA Engaged Fellow, is an Inglewood-grown talent leader whose lifework is centered around decolonizing career development and the workplace. She's a Talent Advisor at Offor, helping company's find and keep c-level executives, and the Creator of The Purpose Hustle Network, a job board and digital community with thousands of leaders of color in social impact. She joins The Zag to share more about that role and invite folks to join her at the purpose hustle network: bit.ly/theglobalmajority and @purposehustle_ (IG). Don't miss it.

Karlo Marcelo, 2010 NLC Chicago, returns to The Zag. He shares details behind the concept of a newly created impact fund designed to support the food, health, and tourism sector. Tune in to learn more.

Excited to be joined by NLC Los Angeles Fellow Cheryl Leahy. She shares more about a just released investigation conducted by the organization she leads called Animal Outlook. In 2021, a brave Animal Outlook investigator took a hidden camera inside a North Carolina chicken hatchery owned by Case Farms that processes more than 200,000 chicks daily. Their investigation reveals the torment these fragile chicks experience and the devastating impact of viewing animals as food products. Cheryl talks about why these investigations are so important and how you can help. Don't miss it. https://animaloutlook.org/investigations/case-farms-hatchery/

2019 NLC Sacramento Fellow Michael Lemus join The Zag on our latest episode. He is the Program Outreach and Marketing Manager for the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), the largest statewide student financial aid administer  in the country. He's also the Founder/CEO of his own business and platform, Reclaiming Your Happiness with Lemus LLC. In this space he is  a life coach, strategic brand consultant, and the founder of Scholars of Color, a digital space that centers the voices of people of color in a variety of industries. Learn more at: https://www.reclaimingyourhappinesswithlemus.com

We're talking the cannabis industry today on The Zag. 2017 NLC New York Fellow Michael Zaytsev. He is the author of The Cannabis Business Book, Founder of High NY, one of the world's largest Cannabis meetup groups, and recently became a Professor at CUNY Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn where he is teaching the first ever Cannabis class at CUNY. The Cannabis Business Book - amzn.to/30dyyDQ High NY www.HighNY.com The Cannabis Business Coach Podcast - www.michaelzaytsev.com/cannabis-busi…coach-podcast