Addisu Demissie is a Founding Principal of 50+1 Strategies with over 15 years of professional experience in political advocacy and campaign strategy.

Benjamin Branch has over 18 years of legislative, political and public policy expertise. He is the former Executive Director of the Congressional Black Caucus PAC where he was responsible for developing and implementing the CBCPAC’s fundraising strategy and outreach while overseeing daily operations.

Christopher James, currently serving as East Orange Council President, is a champion for people and a government enthusiast. Chris’ political and governmental interest began in his early childhood at his mother’s side as she worked tirelessly, selflessly, and courageously for the late Congressman Donald M. Payne, Sr. It was from his mother that he learned the meaning of public service.

Chuck Rocha began his political career in the woods of East Texas at United Rubber Workers Local 746. By 22, Chuck had become the youngest officer of the 1,200 person local. At 29, he was hired to be the youngest, first person of color and last rank-and-file National Political director of the United Steelworkers of America. Chuck is credited for building out one of the top national labor political departments in the country.

DeJuana L. Thompson is the creator of “Woke Vote” a program specifically designed to engage, mobilize and turnout an unprecedented percentage of African American millennial and faith based voters in Alabama.

Frankie Miranda is the President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation (HF), the nation’s premier Latino non-profit membership organization. He is a well-respected leader with critical knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing the Latino community in the 21st century.

Gabrielle founded The Highland Project in October 2020, an organization focused on building and sustaining a pipeline of Black women leading communities, institutions, and systems, resulting in the creation of multi-generational wealth in their communities.

Jonae Wartel is an organizer, trainer and innovative leader with over a decade of experience empowering communities and inspiring change. She currently serves as VP of Advocacy and Elections at More than a Vote, a coalition of black professional athletes fighting black voter suppression through advocacy, education and mobilization.

Judith is currently the Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter of the 35th Legislative District.

Leonard “LB” Brooks brings over two decades of experience in music & entertainment business strategy, artist development, artist management, publishing, marketing, A&R and operations.

Marisa Rivera is the President of Mpowerment Works, a consulting firm designed to impact global change by empowering people and communities.

With more than 15 years of management, advocacy, and communications experience, Naomi N. Shelton is the chief executive officer of the National Charter Collaborative (NCC), a nonprofit organization focused on increasing the diversity and performance of the nation’s charter school sector by supporting the success of single-site schools led by leaders of color. NCC’s network includes more than 450 charter school leaders of color representing 25 states and the District of Columbia.

Regina Montoya is a Harvard-trained attorney who has been nationally recognized as one of the top lawyers in the country, and she is a former award-winning television commentator. She is currently working on a book about the importance of incorporating Latinos into the economic, political and social fabric of America, and she is a frequent public speaker on a wide range of issues including healthcare, poverty, diversity and children.

Scot X. Esdaile is a member of the National Board of Directors and is President of the Connecticut State Conference of NAACP Branches.

Terrence Patterson is a native Memphian who currently serves as CEO of the Memphis Education Fund and is the past President and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission.

With five decades of business, government, civic involvement and legislative affairs experience, Tonio Burgos brings unique insight and a comprehensive understanding of how to get results on behalf of clients.