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.
Tad Kroll
Development Manager, Institutional GivingTad Kroll is responsible for researching and writing proposals, updates, reports, and other materials to funders. He works to help create and cultivate mutually satisfying relationships with foundation and individual funders through well-crafted and engaging materials and events. He also works with program staff to help improve tracking and evaluation...
Get To know Tad
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.
Get To know Rahwa
Porshéa Patterson-Hurst
Research ManagerPorshéa Patterson-Hurst is responsible for envisioning and managing major research initiatives from start to finish. She uses insights from colleagues and partners within The Opportunity Agenda network to identify opportunities and strategies for groundbreaking research, having it disseminated, interpreted, and uplifted.
Get To know Porshéa
Sunee Kate Quirante
Social Media StrategistSunee Kate Quirante brings experience in community organizing and digital media production. In her role, Sunee Kate publicizes The Opportunity Agenda’s vision and values by developing content and managing accounts that speak to the organization’s worldview.
Get To know Sunee Kate
Sughey Ramirez
Cultural StrategistSughey Ramirez brings extensive experience translating language and culture for social change to her Cultural Strategies role at The Opportunity Agenda. A creative at heart, Sughey has long been interested in the way “unconventional” allies inform and catalyze social movements.
Get To know Sughey
J. Rachel Reyes
Director of Strategic Communications and Network EngagementAn attorney by training, Rachel oversees TOA's external communications efforts to expand the organization's reach, raise its profile and visibility, increase constituent engagement, and deepen relationships across multiple communities.
Get To know J. Rachel
Chrystian Rodriguez
Training and Partner Engagement ManagerChrystian Rodriguez is responsible for advancing The Opportunity Agenda’s mission to provide quality training, systems, and support to aid our partners in designing effective media communications strategies. Chrystian also manages collaborations and coordination of The Opportunity Agenda’s organizational partnerships around the country.
Get To know Chrystian
Charlie Sherman
Narrative StrategistCharlie Sherman works closely with colleagues to create and coordinate The Opportunity Agenda's suite of narrative strategy and messaging tools, develop ways for those tools to be accessible to intended audiences, and assess their efficacy. He helps advise staff and partners on how research and narrative insights can shape their...
Get To know Charlie
Dr. Tia Smith
Research ManagerDr. Tia Smith is an experienced researcher and communications professional. She has served as a communications consultant for civil rights organizations and corporations. Tia has collaborated and consulted on many research projects, conferences, films, and academic papers.
Get To know Dr. Tia
Kate Starks
Executive Assistant for Institutional AdvancementKate Starks brings her legal, educational, and arts backgrounds to The Opportunity Agenda where she supports the VP of Institutional Advancement, as well as the development and communications teams.
Get To know Kate
