We, the People, Count! Collaborating for a Healthier North Carolina

Director of Partnership, NC Counts Coalition | She/They

Angeline oversees NC Counts’ capacity-building efforts with member organizations and supports programming related to Census 365, health equity, and redistricting. Angeline previously served as the executive director for El Pueblo and co-founded their 501c4 affiliated organization. Prior to working with El Pueblo, Angeline served in different capacities for women’s and immigrant workers’ organizing in the southeast and beyond. Angeline’s roots are in Cuba, upstate New York, and South Carolina and they have lived in Raleigh since 2012. Angeline holds a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of South Carolina-Columbia.

Executive Director, Alabama Values | She/Her

Anneshia Hardy, a native of Montgomery, is a scholar-activist, social entrepreneur and brand strategist with a passion for communications, research, community engagement, and tackling social issues. She has provided narrative/messaging training and strategies for pro-democracy organizations around the country including the Obama Foundation, and NAACP. She has a decade of professional experience in providing strategic marketing communications, branding, and audience research/engagement solutions in nonprofit and for profit spaces. When she’s in her element, you will find her developing culturally-relevant content that ignites discourse and closes the knowledge gap around social issues.

Commissioner At-Large, Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners | He/Him

Arthur represents all of Mecklenburg County’s 1.2 million residents. He was first elected as commissioner in 2022, after retiring as a senior vice president for McGraw-Hill Education and previously serving 17 years on the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, including as Chairman from 1997 to 2002. For 20 years, Arthur worked as a litigation paralegal at Legal Services of Southern Piedmont. Arthur served his country in the US Army and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Arthur has served as a trustee at numerous community-serving institutions. Arthur earned a Bachelor of Science in liberal studies from the University of the State of New York at Albany. He is a Charlotte native and married to Alicia Elston Griffin. They have two adult children and three grandchildren.

Deputy Director, You Can Vote (YCV) | She/Her

Caitlin Metzguer is the deputy director of You Can Vote (YCV), an organization that works year-round to educate, register, and empower North Carolina voters. Caitlin has worked with YCV since 2017, where she supports the YCV team structure, organizes the partnership engagement strategy, and guides the communication strategy to increase their impact and effectiveness. Caitlin was born and raised in Hillsborough, NC, and graduated from UNC Greensboro. She lives in Durham now.

Office Leader, Client Accounting and Advisory Service Line, Clifton Larson Allen LLP | She/Her

Carrie is the Office Leader for CLA’s Client Accounting and Advisory Service Line (CAAS) in Charlotte. She and her team specialize in providing accounting and back-office solutions for small to medium sized organizations, including nonprofits. Whether it is outsourcing accounting processes or assisting with technology improvements, Carrie is passionate about helping organizations improve and grow their understanding of both their operational and financial positions. Carrie is a Certified Public Accountant, licensed in North Carolina, and has served as an executive finance leader across multiple industries for over 25 years.

Vice President for Public Policy and Advocacy, North Carolina Center for Nonprofits | He/Him

David has been with the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits since 2007, leading the Center’s public policy and advocacy work and providing non-answers (and occasional useful information) about legal compliance, trends in the nonprofit sector, and advocacy to hundreds of nonprofits. He has served on boards of a variety of local and national nonprofits. David is a graduate of Duke University and the William and Mary School of Law. Before returning to North Carolina to work for the Center, David spent seven years as an attorney with a Washington, D.C. law firm serving the nonprofit community. He lives in Raleigh with his wife and three children, the oldest of whom describes her dad as “weathered.”

At-large Representative, Charlotte City Council | She/Her

Council Member Ajmera was the first Asian-American and youngest woman to be elected to Charlotte City Council. Council Member Ajmera went from cleaning hotel rooms to putting herself through college to managing multimillion-dollar budgets as an accountant, a career she left to serve on the Charlotte City Council. She supported the adoption of the Strategic Energy Action Plan, the city’s framework to transition to a low carbon future. She played an integral role in securing funding and neighborhood support for the St. John’s Place affordable housing development. She has been named one of Longleaf Politics’ 54 Top Young Political Stars in NC, one of the 50 most influential women in Mecklenburg County by the Mecklenburg Times, and one of Charlotte Business Journal’s 40 under 40.

Board Chair, NC Counts Coalition | She/Her

Dr. Shepard is Senior Manager at TNTP, where she implements strategic talent and workforce priorities to transform children’s educational outcomes. Prior to TNTP, she worked as a Partnership Specialist with the US Census Bureau, establishing agreements with governments, non-profits, and businesses to increase counting of minority groups, children, and veterans. She also served the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing counseling and employment services to disabled veterans. Dr. Shepard is originally from Trelawny, Jamaica, but called Queens, New York home for many years. She served in the US Air Force, deploying numerous times. She holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Southern California, a Master in Education, Guidance and Counseling from Bowie State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Queens College.

Post Doctoral Fellow, CIRCLE at Tufts University | She/Her

Dr. Anderson received her Ph.D. from the Curriculum and Instruction-Urban Education program at UNC-Charlotte and is the creator of the Black Girls Film Camp. Dr. Anderson also serves as a Program Fellow for New America and an advisor for the American Library Association (ALA) Media Literacy in Libraries for Adult Audiences initiative. From 2020 to 2023, Dr. Anderson was the Project Manager for the National Association of Media Literacy Education’s Cyber Citizenship Initiative. She has been a consultant for media literacy education with national organizations such as the Women’s Sports Foundation and 9 Story Media Group. Dr. Anderson’s book, Power Lines: Connecting with Teens in Urban Communities Through Media Literacy, was published in August 2022 by ALA New Editions with co-author Kelly Czarnecki.

Executive Director, Quality Comprehensive Health Center | He/Him

With more than 18 years in the non-profit sector, Dr. Ra’Shawn Flournoy has employed unconventional methods that have greatly benefited numerous businesses and non-profit organizations across the country. His passion for making a positive impact on the lives of others has led him to establish eleven social enterprises as a determined Entrepreneur. Despite his notable accomplishments, he continues to stay connected to his origins at the Quality Comprehensive Health Center, where his expertise has allowed him to bring innovative and effective solutions to generate positive outcomes and sustainable growth. Dr. Flournoy’s dedication to making a difference is evident in his continued commitment to the Quality Comprehensive Health Center, where he ensures that the center provides high-quality and comprehensive healthcare services to the community.

Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer, U.S. Census Bureau | He/Him

Dr. Ron Jarmin has been the U.S. Census Bureau’s deputy director and chief operating officer since January 2019, previously serving as acting director from January 2021 to January 2022. Since 1992, he has held various roles within the agency, including chief economist and chief of the Center for Economic Studies. Jarmin led the 2017 Economic Census team, transitioning to 100 percent Internet data collection and optimizing enterprise investments to reduce costs. His efforts are pivotal in providing crucial economic data. Holding a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Oregon, Jarmin’s expertise spans industrial organization, entrepreneurship, and statistical methodologies. Recognized as a fellow of the American Statistical Association, his extensive research contributes to advancing economic and social measurements within the federal statistical system.

Social Justice Singer | She/Her

Jessica Maria Moreno is a singer and activist from Gaston, North Carolina. In addition to her music and creative work, she serves as a Community Organizer for the Tenant Organizing Resource Center at Action NC. She recently received a grant from ASC to support a recording of protest music written for tenants who experience housing insecurity due to rising rents and unethical housing practices. She is on Instagram @jessicamaria_canta.

Principal, CLA Charlotte, Clifton Larson Allen LLP | She/Her

Jordan is a principal with CLA and specializes in assurance services for nonprofit clients. She believes the audit is a window into the organization’s operations and loves discovering additional ways CLA can assist the organization. In her over 13 years with CLA she has worked almost exclusively with nonprofit organizations. She is also the Growth Network Industry Leader for the nonprofit industry for the southeast region of CLA. She views this role as a connector….connecting nonprofit clients or prospects to the right resource within CLA to address their needs. Jordan is a Certified Public Accountant licensed in the state of North Carolina and attending college at the University of North Carolina Charlotte.

Kiesha received a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Seton Hall University in 1997 and a master’s in Asian Studies also from Seton Hall University in 2000. For over a decade, Kiesha served in various roles in the field of Information Technology Project Management and Auditing. In 2010, Kiesha left corporate life to focus on mental wellness and her family. Kiesha teaches full time and has created and led numerous yoga programs and retreats. In 2016, Kiesha was appointed as Co-Director of the Yoga Retreat for Women of Color to carry its 25 year legacy. In addition to teaching and leading programs for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte and CorePower Yoga, Kiesha runs her own studio and yoga school, iamyoga, since 2017.

Operations and Communications Coordinator, North Carolina Network of Grantmakers | She/Her

Kiara Moore joined the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers as the Operations and Communications Coordinator in April 2023. Prior to joining NCNG, she worked closely with the John M. Belk Endowment as an Impact fellow and later as their Social Media Specialist working to support the JMBE team as they make postsecondary education more accessible and equitable to all North Carolinians. She has also worked with NASA supporting the Office of Small Business Programs as a communications and social media marketer. Kiara obtained her master and bachelor degrees in Business Administration from UNC Pembroke. Kiara enjoys competing and riding in equestrian events, playing comfy farming video games, and trying her best to be a polyglot.

Director of Civic Engagement, NC Counts Coalition | He/Him

Kyle joined NC Counts after an extensive career in higher education and law. He received his undergraduate degree in business and English from Fisk University. He received an M.A. in political science from the University of Chicago. Kyle believes in the transformative nature of justice and education and enjoys using his privilege to empower others. He currently lives in Durham with his brilliant daughters, and is a lover of books, jazz, and hip-hop.

Founder & Strategic Outcome Facilitator, Talking Sheets, Enterprises, LLC | She/Her

Working within arenas that promote and facilitate equity for underserved populations, L’Monique King is an unapologetically Black lesbian womanist with an adept skill for advocacy, education, public health administration, DEI training and just about anything that requires her to run her mouth. With a dream of using language to foster positive change, she frequently relies upon her oratory and literary talents. Ms. King is also an author and staff writer for QNotes News, the LGBT paper of the Carolinas. Most recently, an entrepreneurial spirit led to her founding Talking Sheets Enterprises, LLC, which allows her to actively participate in reshaping our world in a way wherein no one is othered and everyone is respected. This is done through DEI training, presentations and guest speaker engagements.

At La Casa de la Cultura we have the purpose of promoting and strengthening pride in our roots, traditions and ancestry, everything that defines us as individuals of a particular region or country. The doors are open so that any culture, tradition or customs are promoted and that it is known where we come from and those things that are part of our identity. Our mission is to create cultural spaces through artistic and folkloric manifestations, in a multiethnic environment. The purpose is to generate connections based on creativity, empathy, respect, equity, and tolerance.

CEO, HOLLA! Community Development Corporation | He/Him

Leon Gatewood is the 11th of 14 children born to Rev. & Mrs. Wade H. Gatewood of Wadesboro, NC. He graduated from Bowman High School then studied Biology at Livingstone College and Fisk University. In 1981, he received a Bachelor of Science degree from Livingstone. Gatewood retired from Anson County Government after serving 20 years as the Anson County Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant Superintendent. In 2005, Gatewood founded the grassroots non-profit, HOLLA! (Helping Our Loved ones Learn and Achieve) to address low-achievement in the local school system. In 2011, The HOLLA! Resource and Community Development Center, an 8400 sq. ft. structure equipped with a ballroom, literary café, commercial kitchen, regulation tennis court, media center and office spaces was developed to further serve the community.

Organizing Director, Democracy NC | He/Him

Marques was raised in Eastern North Carolina and has been volunteering to serve the community from his youth onward. Volunteering, advocating, organizing, and serving on issues as diverse as religion, education, workers rights, social justice and civil rights, Marques has ties with organizations and leaders throughout the region.

Senior Program Director for Census & Data Equity, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights & The Leadership Conference Education Fund | She/Her

Meeta Anand leads the Leadership Conference’s efforts related to proposed race and ethnicity standards and increased data disaggregation for communities of color. Prior to this role, she served as New York Immigration Coalition’s Census 2020 Senior Fellow where she convened New York Counts 2020. Meeta spent over 10 years as an associate in the project and asset finance group at White & Case. Prior to that, she worked at the Court of International Trade, Banco Santander and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. She received a J.D. from Harvard Law School, an M.A from The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University, and a B.A. from Tufts University in Political Science and Economics, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa.

Program Director, North Carolina Network of Grantmakers

Megan Bostic joined the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers as Program Director in June 2022. In this role, she works with members to develop learning community meetings, member-wide education programs, and an annual meeting and conference. Prior to joining NCNG, Megan served as Program Manager at Arts Access, Inc, working to make the arts accessible to kids and adults with disabilities in NC and as a high school visual art teacher. She earned her master’s degree in Art & Design from NC State University and earned her B.F.A. in Art Education from East Carolina University. In her free time, Megan enjoys reading with her neighborhood book club, attempting to garden, hanging out with her backyard chickens, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

Program Director, North Carolina Network of Grantmakers

Megan Bostic joined the North Carolina Network of Grantmakers as Program Director in June 2022. In this role, she works with members to develop learning community meetings, member-wide education programs, and an annual meeting and conference. Prior to joining NCNG, Megan served as Program Manager at Arts Access, Inc, working to make the arts accessible to kids and adults with disabilities in NC and as a high school visual art teacher. She earned her master’s degree in Art & Design from NC State University and earned her B.F.A. in Art Education from East Carolina University. In her free time, Megan enjoys reading with her neighborhood book club, attempting to garden, hanging out with her backyard chickens, and doing jigsaw puzzles.

State Director, North Carolina State Office, Rural Development | He/Him

Reginald Speight was born in Pitt County, NC. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 1985 with a degree in Economics. Reginald has 20+ years of nonprofit management experience, 15 of those years as Chief Executive Officer. He served 9 years in various leadership roles including Economic Development Director, District Director, and Acting Chief of Staff, in the Office of Congressman G. K. Butterfield. Reginald currently serves as the USDA State Director for Rural Development by appointment of President Joe Biden. He is responsible for the supervision of staff and general oversight of the Rural Housing Services, Rural Business Services, and Community Facilities programs. Reginald’s career has been dedicated to the promotion of equity, inclusion, and economic mobility.

Community Health Program Coordinator, FaithHealth, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist | She/Her

Ms. Angela Brown has been employed with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist for 25 years, where she served for 18 years as Senior Physical and Occupational Therapist Assistant and now is Program Coordinator in the FaithHealth Division. Angela manages partnerships and programs with faith communities and community based organizations to create equitable healthcare access and culturally appropriate health education. Angela has served and continues to serve on many committees and nonprofit boards. Ms. Brown has been an ordained minister for 24 years in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, where she presently serves as the Pastor of Shouse TrueVine CME Church. Angela’s mission is to build bridges and improve the communities, the places in which the people live, care for their families, work, play and worship.

Director of Recovery of Resiliency, NC Counts Coalition | She/Her

Shalondra joined NC Counts with over 10 years of hands-on experience in equity initiatives and capacity building. She served the US Census Bureau as a Partnership Specialist for the 2020 Census and has worked with national nonprofit organizations and universities including the states of Michigan and North Carolina in program development and marketing. Shalondra focuses on educating and serving others through equity work. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Wayne State University. She also holds a Juris Doctorate, Master of Library Science and MBA. Shalondra works on the motto to “think globally and act locally.”

Head of Education and Political Engagement, North Carolina Asian Americans Together | She/Her

Shruti was born in India, but immigrated to the US at a young age and grew up in the Midwest. She attended the University of Michigan, where she studied Mathematics and Art History and received her MS in Management from NC State. She has been an active volunteer in the Triangle community since moving to North Carolina in 1993. After the 2016 election, Shruti was inspired to become more involved in voter outreach and engagement specifically in the Asian community. As a mother of three young adults, Shruti enjoys cooking and sharing Indian food and culture.

Executive Director, NC Counts Coalition | She/Her

Stacey is the founding Executive Director of NC Counts, an attorney, and a member of the NC State Bar. She earned her JD from NC Central University and a certificate in constitutional law and civil rights. Following law school, Stacey opened Carless Law, where she utilized her life experiences, legal knowledge and passion for justice to advocate for her clients. Under Stacey’s leadership, NC Counts is building a robust civic engagement program that connects census to redistricting and voting as well as addressing digital and health inequities exacerbated by COVID-19. Stacey is a 2023 recipient of NCCU’s 40 under 40 award. Stacey is a first-generation American, the daughter of Jamaican immigrants, and enjoys Zumba and spending time with family in her spare time.

Principal, CLA Charlotte, Clifton Larson Allen LLP | She/Her

Stephanie McDonald is a Principal in the Global Advisory Consulting and operating as a CFO in the Global Outsourcing at CLA. She has over 14 years of experience, 6 of which were in assurance serving global and private sector clients. As a Global Advisor, she supports businesses in the Retail, Technology, Professional Services, and Entertainment Industries. She has served as a board member of a nonprofit organization and held other leadership roles within various community organizations. She has been a member of CLA Emerging Retail Leaders, Global Services Leaders, and DEI groups. She is a coach, mentor, and advocate for associates and seniors within the firm.

Director of Communications and Outreach, NC Counts Coalition | She/Her

Tracy J. Mosley is the Director of Communications and Outreach at NC Counts Coalition. Tracy’s expertise is leveraging media relations to amplify the organization’s presence and impact. With nearly two decades of experience in media relations, Tracy understands how to work within the complexities and nuances of various communication channels, platforms, and environments. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and a Master’s degree in Public Administration, both from North Carolina Central University. She is also a Youth Mental Health First Aid Instructor.