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.
Ellen Buchman
PresidentAppointed President of The Opportunity Agenda in August 2019, Ellen brings a breadth of knowledge, expertise, experience, and relationships having worked as an organizer, advocate and communicator among leaders at local, state, national, and international levels for more than 25 years. She is an internationally-known trainer, leader, and practitioner of...
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Patrick Braddick
Director of Finance and OperationsPat Braddick oversees the finances of The Opportunity Agenda, including budgeting, forecasting, revenue activity, and payroll planning.
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Arnell Calderon
Development Associate for Institutional GivingArnell Calderon supports the Institutional Advancement team in foundation research, drafting and submitting grant reports and proposals, record keeping, and database management.
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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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Elizabeth Johnsen
Director of Program Management 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 with the VP of Program Strategy and Impact to develop the organization's plan of action, design effective workflow systems, and...
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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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