Michigan United is a statewide organization of community members and institutions fighting for the dignity and potential of every person. 

Community & Lifestyle

Michigan United

Aamina Ahmed

Rima Meroueh

Nicholas Kevin O'Keefe

Elder Leslie Matthews

Holly Wilson

Evan Dillon

Daniel Caracheo

Danny Hopkins

Daniel Hopkins

Latressa Gordon

Mayra Garcia

Nigel Tann

Valencia Vanner

Karizma Avila

Yeri Kim

Sharon Luckerman

Nara G

Erik Shelley

Sanja Banozic

Em Perry

Steve James

Allye Gaietto

Sebastian James

Jill Murphy

Kathryn Mason

Mona Mansoor

Natalie Sidor

Alex Pulido

Yesenia Baldivia-Zarate

Adonis Flores

Anthony Paciorek

Lakisha Watson-Moore

Deon Davidson

In 2015 I received a first-generation woman scholarship to attend a college of my choice in Michigan from Representative Debbie Dingell. I graduated undergraduate college in three years instead of four while holding jobs and volunteer positions at the local food bank between 2016-2019. In 2017, my organization was given an award by U.S Senator Gary Peter's at the Great Lake's Award Ceremony for our work at Clean Water Action. In 2019, I published an honors thesis called, "Analysis of Food Security." I also became the youngest Relational Organizer at Michigan United in 2020, while building, leading, and training a team of 15 relational organizers in the span of nine months.

Now I hold a position as a Health Care Organizer, which was formed in 2020 as a way to support the nonpartisan vaccine rollout.

Since May of 2021 I have supported Casey Copp, the Real Recovery Now Campaign Manager in the efforts of the Build Back Better bills. I also headed the Be a Hero Campaign, which is hosted weekly by phone banks and text banks in support of a future that includes caring infrastructure with funding for care, climate, and citizenship. 

Audrey Gerard

Ken R. Whittaker

Megan O'Brien is the Organized Money Director at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Megan was previously the Executive Director at People Acting for Community Together from December 2009 to January 2019. Megan was also a Community Organizer at Direct Action and Research Training from June 2009 to November 2009.



They work with Nicole Alequin-Aviles - Deputy Executive Director, Frances Barber - Finance & Operations Director, and Kathryn Mason - Grants Manager. Megan O'Brien reports to Ken R. Whittaker, Executive Director.

Megan O'Brien

Aija Nemer-Aanerud is the current National Health Care for All Organizer at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Aija has dedicated their career to fighting for social justice, and has a proven track record of organizing students and communities to create change.

Nemer-Aanerud co-founded Student Action, a student organizing operation housed within People’s Action, in July 2015. Under their leadership, the organization grew from six campus orgs in Chicago to 35 campus orgs in eight states. As the Director of Student Action, they set the strategic direction for the organization and its staff and students across the country, facilitated team-wide goal-setting, and evaluted and reassessed plans and goals as needed.

In addition to their work with Student Action, Nemer-Aanerud also directed multi-state Get Out The Vote youth operations in 2016 and 2018, resulting in 78,000+ attempted contacts and 22,000+ conversations with voters across seven states. Aija has also fundraised $267,000 over the last two years through grassroots fundraising drives, cultivating large individual donors, and institutional partners.

Nemer-Aanerud is a skilled organizer and facilitator, having organized and facilitated multiple national convenings with groups ranging in size from five to 150. Aija has also developed curriculum and trained 300+ students in 15+ leadership development trainings across 7 states. In their role as the National Health Care for All Organizer at Michigan

Aija Nemer-Aanerud earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Chicago.

Aija Nemer-Aanerud

Laura Martin is the current executive director of PLANevada and PLANactionNV at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Laura has also previously served as an administrative assistant and secretary for the [University of Michigan-Flint](/org/university-of-michigan-flint). Laura has been instrumental in coordinating high-stakes meetings and events, creating financial and programmatic reports, and handling departmental purchases and expense reconciliation. Additionally, they have provided administrative support for the Common Read, General Education program, Emergency Operations Committee, Scholarships & Awards Committee, and University Curriculum Committee. Laura's experience and dedication to their work make their an excellent leader and administrator.

Laura Martin has a Master of Public Administration from the [University of Michigan-Flint](/org/university-of-michigan-flint) and a Bachelor of Science in Visual Art Education from the same school.

Laura Martin

Laura Martin has worked in administrative roles at the [University of Michigan-Flint](/org/university-of-michigan-flint) since 2013. Laura began as Secretary in the Department of Nursing, before moving to the Office of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs in 2018. In their current role, Laura provides administrative support to the Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, as well as the Associate Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies. Laura is responsible for maintaining calendars, scheduling meetings and events, creating reports, and handling departmental purchases and expense reconciliation. Laura also assists with academic convocation, commencement, faculty awards ceremonies, and other high-profile events. In addition to their administrative duties, Laura also provides support for the Common Read, General Education program, Emergency Operations Committee, Scholarships & Awards Committee, and University Curriculum Committee.

Laura Martin received their Master of Public Administration from the [University of Michigan-Flint](/org/university-of-michigan-flint), with a focus in Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management. Prior to that, they received their Bachelor of Science from the [University of Michigan-Flint](/org/university-of-michigan-flint) in Visual Art Education.

Aysha Boston currently has an unknown role at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Prior to that, they were a Project Manager at Mona Lisa Development from November 2019 to November 2021. Before that, they were an Engagement Coach at the Detroit Regional Chamber from June 2017 to November 2019. Electrical Connect LLC was their previous company where they worked as an electrician apprentice. The Romine Group was their employer before that, where they worked as an Alumni Success Coordinator from July 2015 to March 2017. Her first job out of college was as a College Advisor at the Michigan College Access Network from January 2015 to March 2017.

Aysha Boston has a Master of Urban Planning from [Wayne State University](/org/wayne-state-university) and a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science from Saginaw Valley State University.

Aysha Boston

Amanda Flagg is a Senior Quality Engineer at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Amanda has previously worked as a Quality Engineer at [Renew Financial](/org/renew-financial), Nike, Spot Metrix, and PreCash. Amanda has also worked as an Associate Editor at The Bear Deluxe Magazine and as a Reader & Editorial Assistant at Baker's Mark Literary Agency. Amanda began their career as an Intern at Pathways to Wellness in 2005 and also worked as a Dog Wrangler at NYC Dog Walkers in 2007.

Amanda Flagg has a BA in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from [Emerson College](/org/emerson-college) and a degree from the [School of Visual Arts](/org/school-of-visual-arts).

Amanda Flagg

David Hatch has over 20 years of experience in technology sourcing and contract negotiation. David is currently a global IT sourcing category manager at [Zimmer Biomet](/org/zimmer-biomet), a leading medical device company. In this role, David is responsible for sourcing software, consulting, and professional services for the company. David has also played a key role in [Zimmer Biomet](/org/zimmer-biomet)'s response to new privacy laws such as GDPR and California's new privacy statutes.

Prior to joining [Zimmer Biomet](/org/zimmer-biomet), David worked as a global IT sourcing manager at IBM. In this role, they were responsible for negotiating enterprise agreements with suppliers such as Oracle, Microsoft, and SAP. David also managed a team of sourcing professionals and drove annual cost reductions and avoidance for the company.

David has a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan. David is also a certified public accountant (CPA).

David Hatch received their Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School and their Bachelor of Science in Zoology from [Brigham Young University](/org/brigham-young-university). David is certified by the State Bar of Michigan in Law License.

David Hatch

Kendall Mayhew is currently working in an unknown role at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Prior to that, they worked as a Lead Analyst for Strategic Pricing & Contracts at [Stryker](/org/stryker) from January 2021 to November 2021. Kendall has also worked as a Senior Analyst for Sales Operations and Pricing at [Stryker](/org/stryker) Instruments from March 2020 to January 2021, and as a Sales Operations Analyst at [Stryker](/org/stryker) Instruments from November 2018 to March 2020. In their previous role, Kendall was responsible for filing and paying monthly sales and use, withholding, and unemployment tax, distributing weekly sales reports to salesmen nationwide, reconciling bank accounts and deposit checks, and approving business account applications. Kendall started their career as an Audit Intern at BDO from January 2018 to March 2018, where they were responsible for reconciling the company's revenues, expenses, and ensuring accuracy and completeness. Kendall then worked as a Client Associate at Merrill Lynch from September 2016 to January 2017.

Kendall Mayhew received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from [Central Michigan University](/org/central-michigan-university). Kendall majored in accounting and now works as an accountant for a large corporation.

Kendall Mayhew

Caitlin Homrich-Knieling is a passionate social justice advocate who has dedicated their career to combating racism. Caitlin currently works for [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united), though their exact role is unknown.

Homrich-Knieling first became involved in the fight against racism while they were a student at the University of Massachusetts. There, they interned for the University of Massachusetts Press, where they assisted the marketing manager and performed various clerical duties. Caitlin also established and maintained a professional relationship with an author, for whom they developed and executed a publicity plan that included press releases at various newspapers, a social media campaign, and scheduled book talks.

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Homrich-Knieling took a position as an antiracism education facilitator with Amherst Coming Together Against Racism. In this role, they engaged and educated the public in a curriculum on past and present racism in the U.S. This required public outreach, facilitating community events, public speaking, maintaining a database of members, planning educative processes for focus groups, and scheduling meetings. Caitlin also met with various community stakeholders with different perspectives to engage in dialogue, education, and problem-solving regarding the problem of racism in Amherst.

Homrich-Knieling's experience in both the public and private sectors has made their a well-rounded social justice advocate. Her commitment to fighting racism is evident in all their work, and they show no signs of

Caitlin Homrich-Knieling has a Master's Degree in Anthropology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from [Central Michigan University](/org/central-michigan-university). Caitlin also has a degree in Spanish Language and Literature from the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra.

Caitlin Homrich-Knieling

Rosemary Rivera is a financial services coordinator at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Rosemary has also worked as a writer and editor for Sprite Animation Studios and MoonBear, a creative content company.

Rosemary rivera is a journalist and public relations professional who graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA. Rosemary also attended James Monroe H.S.

Rosemary rivera

Don Carlson is a financial advisor who currently works at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Don has over seven years of experience in the industry, having worked at Regulus Financial Group and Regal Investment Advisors before joining [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Don is a highly skilled financial advisor and has helped their clients grow their assets and reach their financial goals.

Don Carlson has a Bachelor's degree in Business from [Lake Superior State University](/org/lake-superior-state-university).

Don Carlson

Matthew Covington is a Managing Director at [Alvarez & Marsal](/org/alvarez-marsal), a global professional services firm specializing in turnaround and interim management, performance improvement and business advisory services. Matthew is based in the firm's Los Angeles office.

Prior to joining [Alvarez & Marsal](/org/alvarez-marsal), Mr. Covington was a Managing Director at Conway MacKenzie, Inc., where they provided corporate restructuring, turnaround advisory and interim management services for under-performing and financially troubled businesses in a variety of industries.

Mr. Covington has advised debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, equity holders, financial sponsors and customer constituencies in aerospace/defense, energy, food processing, forest products, gaming and hospitality, grocery and retail, manufacturing, municipal, real estate and staffing industries.

Matthew Covington has a JD/MBA from the University of Chicago and an AB in Economics and English from the University of California, Berkeley. Matthew also has certification from the Turnaround Management Association in CTP and CIRA.

Matthew Covington

Divya Sundaram is a Director at Chain-Sys, where they were responsible for the delivery of risk management solutions for the GRC Practice. Divya also developed the Identity Management Practice area around Oracle tools to complement the Oracle Identity Suite solution offerings. Additionally, they implemented the ISO 9126 Software Quality Model for Cloud Based solution development.

Sundaram left Chain-Sys in 2017 to join [Allstate](/org/allstate), where they devised a Framework for IAM Services Capability Model that allows [Allstate](/org/allstate) to structure their IAM projects in a methodical, consistent and repeatable manner. The result was a process for using Data and Metrics to prioritize projects and capabilities and align them with Business Needs.

 Sundaram is currently Unknown role at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united).

Divya Sundaram has a MIS from [Roosevelt University](/org/roosevelt-university) and a BSc in Mathematics from [Michigan State University](/org/michigan-state-university). Divya also has certification from ISC2 in CCSP and CISSP. In addition, they are certified as a Computer Forensics Examiner (CCFE) and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI).

Divya Sundaram

Hillary Barbetta has been working in the medical field for several years. Hillary started out as a certified nursing assistant, then moved on to a summer undergraduate research fellowship at [Mayo Clinic](/org/mayo-clinic). After their time at [Mayo Clinic](/org/mayo-clinic), they took on an unknown role at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Hillary is dedicated to helping others and making a difference in the medical field.

Hillary Barbetta earned their bachelor's degree in biology from [Carleton College](/org/carleton-college). Hillary is currently pursuing a career in medicine.

Hillary Barbetta

Michael Fisher is a business professional with a background in finance and operations. Michael currently works for [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united), though their role is unknown. Prior to this, they worked as an intern for project44, a venture scout for [Brand Foundry Ventures](/org/brand-foundry-ventures), and a senior manager for strategy and operations at Ara Labs Inc. Michael has also worked for the Ford Motor Company and [Techstars](/org/techstars). In addition to their work experience, Fisher is also a mentor for Venture for America.

Michael Fisher has an Executive MBA from NYU Stern School of Business and a BA in International Business from Georgetown University McDonough School of Business.

Michael Fisher

Kevin is a District Executive Director at the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids. Kevin has been in this role since November 1999 and oversees the David D Hunting YMCA, Visser Family YMCA, and the Wolverine Worldwide Family YMCA. Prior to their current position, Kevin worked at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united) for an unknown role.

Kevin has a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education Teaching and Coaching from [Grand Valley State University](/org/grand-valley-state-university).

Kevin

Bartosz Kumor is a political organizer who has worked on campaigns at the local, state, and federal level. Bartosz began their career in 2006 as a sales associate at Bally Total Fitness, where they were quickly promoted to fitness coach. In 2008, they joined the Obama for America campaign as a field organizer and played a key role in the election of Barack Obama. After the election, Kumor worked on the Pennsylvania Vote 2010 campaign as a regional field director. Bartosz is currently working for [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united), though their exact role is unknown. Kumor is a dedicated organizer who has a proven track record of mobilizing voters and getting results.

Bartosz Kumor has a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a JD from Wayne State University Law School.

Bartosz Kumor

Ken Whittaker is a political and social activist who has dedicated their career to fighting for the little guy. Ken started their career as a Legislative Aide for the Michigan House of Representatives before moving on to become a Social Media Coordinator for Go Left America. Ken then became a Campaign Coordinator for the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO before taking on the role of Communications Specialist for UFCW Local 876. In 2012, they were the Deputy Campaign Manager for Taj Clayton's congressional campaign. In 2014, they returned to [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united), where they served as the Civic Engagement Fellowship Manager before being promoted to Civic Engagement Fellowship Director in 2016. Ken left [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united) in November 2016 and is currently working in an unknown role.

Ken Whittaker's educational career began with a college preparatory diploma from Detroit Renaissance High School. Ken then pursued a college/university preparatory and advanced high school/secondary diploma program.

Ken Whittaker

Ken Whittaker is the current director of civic engagement fellowships at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Ken has held this position since July 2016. Prior to that, they were the civic engagement fellowship manager at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united) from April 2014 to November 2014. From May 2013 to April 2014, they worked as a legislative aide at the Michigan House of Representatives. In August 2014, they became the social media coordinator for Go Left America, a progressive movement that advocates for democracy. Ken held this position until December 2014. In July 2012, they started working as the campaign coordinator for the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO and held this position until May 2013. Ken then became the communications specialist for UFCW Local 876 from April 2012 to July 2012. In January 2012, they started working as the deputy campaign manager for Taj Clayton for Congress and held this position until March 2012. Ken is also a co-owner of ShayKen Enterprises, LLC, which they founded in May 2009 with their partner Shayla.

Ken Whittaker's educational career includes completing a college preparatory diploma at Detroit Renaissance High School. Ken then went on to attend college and complete a college/university preparatory and advanced high school/secondary diploma program.

Bartosz Kumor is a Polish-American community organizer and political strategist. Bartosz is currently working in an unknown role at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united), a progressive advocacy organization. Prior to that, they served as the Regional Field Director for Pennsylvania Vote 2010, a statewide voter registration and education campaign. Kumor began their career in politics as a Field Organizer for Obama for America during the 2008 presidential election. Bartosz also has experience in the private sector, having worked as a Sales Associate (Fitness Coach) at Bally Total Fitness from 2006 to 2008.

Bartosz Kumor has a BA in Political Science from the University of Michigan and a law degree from Wayne State University Law School.

Casey Copp

John Keller

Susan

Joyce Ellis-McNeal

Ross Harris

Rose Mayan

Chris Brown

Nicole Alequin-Aviles

Kaniela Ing

olivialfr

Dylan Carney has been working in the customer service industry for several years. Dylan started out as a sales associate at M.R. Ducks, a small retail store in their hometown. Dylan then moved on to Annandale Plantation, where they worked as a plantation hand. After a few years, they landed a job at Wild West Boot Store, where they worked until December 2017. Dylan is currently the Field Director NH Youth Movement at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united).

Dylan Carney has an Associate of Science in Wildlife and Wildlands Science and Management from Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Dylan Carney

Stevie Vargas

Josie Pinto

Ryan Bates

Tristram Patoine

Josie Mooney

MK Kilcoyne

Naomi Runder

Bruce Gottschall

Kevin Kane

Lizeth

Mary Spaulding

Ebony DeBerry

Mike is currently working in an unknown role at [Michigan United](/org/michigan-united). Prior to this, they worked as a Mortgage Loan Officer at HomeLend USA, LLC from September 2020 to August 2021. Mike was also previously employed at Special Needs Services from January 2019 to June 2021, where they worked in Business Development. At Special Needs Services, Mike was responsible for building the startup from the ground up, developing all the LLC corporation back end State Licenses and front facing client contracts and web-content. Mike also did extensive SEO work to achieve a top 100,000 most visited site on the web in 120 days.

Mike has a Bachelor of Arts in Telecommunications & Advertising from [Michigan State University](/org/michigan-state-university).

Mike

George Kohl

Linda902

Robin Engle

Derrick Crowe

cierra

Madusa Carter

Isaac Grimm

Savanna Lyons

Esther Pew

Asha-Champagne Clark

Arique Aguilar

Tobita Chow

Beverly

Amanda Khan

Jamaica Miles

Lizeth Chacon

Alison Nihart

Sylvia Escarcega

Robert Kraig

Maria Rosa Fitzsimmons

The leadership team at Michigan United has a history of community organizing and activism. The team is made up of experienced professionals who have worked to create change in their communities through direct action and research training. The team members have also worked as executive directors at organizations like People Acting for Community Together. They are committed to creating positive change in the state of Michigan and have the education and experience to back up their efforts.

Leadership Team

Board of Directors

CEO and Executive Team

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Meet the team

Fun facts

Other teams at Michigan United

Board of Directors

CEO and Executive Team

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