igniting the
future
2020 fellows
The 2020 Fellows embrace their stories of self, venture, and future to support the collective work of building the liberated future we deserve. This cohort sets off sparks of inspiration and liberation wherever they go.
Aarica
coleman
alison
park
irene
romulo
Johnaé
strong
kedar
reddy
manu
lewis
piper
rose
Learn more about how they're inspiring others.
Aarica coleman (SHE/HEr)
More Equitable Housing Policy | Wahpekute Territory
“Still I rise being me unapologetically.”
Aarica’s work focused on developing a local housing policy in Minnesota that can be used as a reparation measure for Black Americans, with a particular focus on housing within the economic system. Aarica is a native of the Twin Cities who works in housing policy and development in the public sector.
Alison Park (SHE/HER)
Urbanity | Munsee Lenape Territory
“Was outside looking in, turned around.”
Allison’s project Urbanity is a new social platform for urban Asian Americans who want to see, share, and rank content that reflects their communities, histories, and identities. Allison is a long-time community organizer, artist, activist, and strategist using media, communications and culture to advance social justice across movements and communities in New York City, Texas, Alaska, California, Florida and more.
IRENE ROMULO (SHE/HER)
Cicero Independiente | Kaskaskia Territory
“Speak, share, and create my truth.”
Irene’s project is focused on creating a hyperlocal space for civic engagement rooted in accessible news production by and for people of color, non-English speakers and those who are excluded from traditional media models. Originally from Chicago, Irene is an immigrant and housing activist and the co-founder of Cicero Independiente, a bilingual, local news outlet for people living in Cicero, Illinois.
Johnaé STrONG (SHE/HER)
Razing to Restore | Kaskaskia Territory
“Love and healing on the rocks.”
Johnaé’s project Razing to Restore is an online organizing training platform connecting emerging social actors to political education, organizing and restorative practices, through on-demand learning modules developed by national organizers and healers. Johnaé is an educator, organizer and writer who has been working at the intersection of social movements, healing and education for over a decade.
kedar reddy (HE/Him)
Organiz | Ohlone Territory
“A series of revolutions until martyrdom.”
Kedar created Organiz to enable progressive organizers to win on social media by making social media actions easier to coordinate and crowdsource. Kedar is an anti-caste activist, game designer, and a creative technologist. He’s passionate about building tools to help progressive organizers win.
MANU LEWIS (HE/HIM)
Lifestyle Empowerment Project | Wahpekute Territory
“It is Never Ever too late.”
Manu’s project Lifestyle Empowerment Project aims to improve the economic, family, and community status for African Americans by targeting and serving Black males who are stuck within the gang, click, and drug culture. Manu is engaged in community, lifestyle recovery and restorative justice efforts and has been recognized for his outstanding leadership, commitment, impact and volunteerism in the community.
PIPER ROSE (THEY/THEM)
Our Queer Body | Arapahoe Territory
“Hasn't it all been cathartic drag?”
Piper Rose’s project Our Queer Body is a membership-sustained, online education platform that hosts Queer educators of diverse backgrounds and experiences to share their wisdom on topics related to embodied health including self-inquiry, self-expression, self-pleasure, pleasure with others and healthy relationships. Piper Rose is an artist and entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience.