We are excited to announce that several Leaders of Color are running for election this November 2024! All Leaders of Color candidates are education champions and community leaders who are working to bring their expertise and passion to elected office.  

Meet our alum who are running for office in Washington, D.C. and Louisiana: 

‍Leaders of Color - Washington, D.C. Alumni for Election

‍Yolanda Anderson, running for U.S. Representative

Yolanda Anderson is a Site Coordinator with Excellence Through Opportunity’s (ETO) after school program housed in Theodore Roosevelt High School. Yolanda moved from South Carolina to Washington, D.C. in 2021 where she sought to find ways to continue her advocacy work. She became a member of the parent organization, DC PAVE, shortly upon arriving to DC. Prior to this move, she went through a 40-hour community mediation training and volunteered as a community mediator for a year learning the skills of facilitation and conflict resolving within the community. Meet Yolanda.

‍Mario Enriquez, running for Stockton, CA City Council

Mario is committed to ensuring all children have the right and ability to safely study and receive a quality education. He is dedicated to working in partnership with the local school district in order to ensure all youth in the District have the necessary tools to succeed. Learn more about Mario.

‍T. Michelle Colson, running for D.C. State Board of Education, Ward 4 

T. Michelle Colson is a proud native of Ward 4 Washingtonian and a graduate of D.C. Public Schools. T. Michelle’s experience includes serving alongside her former teachers as Director of Admissions, Administrative Officer, and Dean of Students at schools across various grade levels throughout the city. Dean Colson recently earned her Doctor of Education in the Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program from Howard University. Find out more about T. Michelle.

‍Sherice Muhammed, running for D.C. State Board of Education, Ward 7

Sheriece is deeply committed to ensuring that every student regardless of their background or the ward they live in, has access to a quality education. She believes in equitable resource distribution and support for all schools to bridge the gap between different communities. Learn more about Sherice. 

‍LaJoy Johnson, running for D.C. State Board of Education, Ward 8

LaJoy has been heavily involved in the education and policy landscape in DC for over 12 years. LaJoy is a fierce subject matter expert in education and has been a fighter for special education, schools east of the river, and children with disabilities and their families. Find out more about LaJoy. 

‍Natasha Dupee, running for ANC

A fifth-generation native Washingtonian, she is committed to creating and defending policies that increase access to a quality life. Natasha Dupee was appointed Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office on Women’s Policy and Initiatives in April 2023.  Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholar, Director Dupee is a double alumna of the George Washington University with a bachelor’s in women’s studies and a master’s in public health policy. She additionally holds a master’s in secondary education from the University of Missouri-St Louis. Meet Natasha.

‍LaDan Johnson, running for ANC

LaDan Wallace Johnson is an administrator, teacher, and highly accomplished educator with over ten years of extensive experience teaching and leading education programs. He serves as the Student Affairs Specialist for the College of Engineering and Architecture at Howard University, and he supports college and university enrollment, retention, and degree completion goals. Learn more about LaDan’s work.

‍Leaders of Color - Louisiana Alum for Election

‍Anthony Kenney, running for East Baton Rouge Metro Council, District 2

Anthony Bernard Kenney Jr. was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was formerly the Legislative Aide for Louisiana State Rep. Vanessa LaFleur and former State Rep. Ted James for Louisiana’s House of Representatives District 101. He is also a part of various community organizations such as Forum225, Bike N Vote, and the North Baton Rouge Economic Development District, where he serves as the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. Anthony is a proud HBCU graduate and alumnus of Southern University and A&M College, and recently graduated from Louisiana State University’s Manship School of Mass Communications, obtaining his Master’s in Strategic Communications and Public Affairs. Meet Anthony. 

‍L. Jameel Shaheer, running for Chesapeake School Board

L Jameel is a firm believer in the power of public education. He knows firsthand how a strong educational foundation can open doors and create opportunities. L Jameel is running for the Chesapeake School Board because he cares deeply about the future of our children and our community.His own journey through the public school system instilled in him a sense of purpose and a commitment to giving back. L Jameel aims to ensure that all students in Chesapeake have access to the resources and support they need to succeed. L Jameel has spent years working tirelessly to improve his community. From organizing local events to volunteering at schools, he has always been at the forefront of community service. His dedication has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers, and he continues to be a trusted voice for positive change. Learn more about L. Jameel.