Staff
The staff of The Opportunity Agenda is composed of a diverse group of professionals who, together, bring experience and expertise in the areas of communications, research, policy, advocacy, law, fundraising, and administration.
Istou Diallo
Executive Assistant, ProgramsIstou Diallo brings her justice-based intersectional background to The Opportunity Agenda where she supports both the Director of Program Management and Impact and the Vice President for Program Strategy and Impact.
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Soha Ellaithy
Vice President for Institutional AdvancementSoha Ellaithy started her career in the humanitarian sector 23 years ago when, after studying engineering, she realized that her passion lied in striving to achieve social justice. She sought a career where she can use her problem-solving skills to help vulnerable communities and advocate for equal rights for all....
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Brian Erickson
Digital Communications and Multimedia ManagerBrian Erickson brings a firm belief in the power of story to drive narrative change and create political leverage for social change. In his role, Brian combines values-based messaging best practices with documentary film and emerging media trends to produce multimedia stories that help audiences envision a more equitable and...
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Julie Fisher-Rowe
Director of Narrative and ResearchJulie Fisher-Rowe oversees the organization’s strategic framing work, translating communications research and theory into practical messaging strategies for advocates and activists. In this role, she works with groups across the country to identify opportunities to build public support for social justice issues and policies.
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Jamela Irvin
Human Resources ManagerJamela Irvin is responsible for the overall administration, coordination, and evaluation of the human resources function, and oversees organizational HR systems and the entire employee life cycle.
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Jerry James
Operations ManagerJerry brings over 15 years of experience in operations with expertise and demonstrated skill in the areas of business administration, accounting and finance, technology, human resources, and strategic planning.
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Elizabeth Johnsen
Interim Vice President of Program Strategy and ImpactA seasoned narrative and communications professional, Elizabeth Johnsen is responsible for overseeing implementation of The Opportunity Agenda's ambitious programmatic vision. With extensive experience in project and staff management, Elizabeth works to develop the organization's plan of action, design effective workflow systems, and oversee cross-team collaboration to achieve programmatic goals.
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Zeynep Kilik
Executive Assistant, Office of the PresidentZeynep Kilik supports smooth and efficient operations and communications for the President, and works closely with The Opportunity Agenda’s Board of Directors, staff, contractors, and partners.
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Tad Kroll
Senior Manager, Institutional GivingTad creates and cultivates mutually satisfying relationships between TOA and funders.
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Rahwa Mengisteab
Executive Assistant for the Chief Operations Officer and Director of FinanceRahwa Mengisteab ensures that the daily operations of the COO and Director of Finance are seamless, providing consulting on administrative issues, interdepartmental coordination, internal/external communications, project coordination, logistics/schedule management, bookkeeping, and minor accounting.
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