|
Monique Bryant (she,her / Black)Interim Executive Director
|
|
Alicia Jones McLeod (she,her / Black)Managing Director
Ms. Jones McLeod comes to Challenging Racism from the Ellicott City Partnership where she led a “Main Street” organization responsible for marketing the area as a destination for shopping and dining. Prior to that she founded the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, which continues to raise the profile of black-owned businesses. Her tenure at each of her employers has been marked by the implementation of innovative ideas designed to raise the organization’s profile and draw new supporters to the work. Ms Jones McLeod is a resident of Pikesville, Maryland and brings deep relationships on the Maryland side of the river to Challenging Racism’s work. She has a B.S. in Marketing from Kean University, New Jersey, and is in a Masters of Public Administration program at the University of Delaware with a concentration in non-profit management. She and her partner are the parents of three children, Richard (27), Alyssa (21) and Amanda (20). |
|
Dawn Kyser (she,her / White)Facilitation Coordinator
Dawn Kyser has been involved in the work of Challenging Racism for more than 15 years. She was Lead Curriculum Writer and Facilitator for the Arlington County Discussions on Race and Equity Project begun in 2020, and Team Lead for the Montgomery County Thrive 2050 discussions about historic inequity in housing. As a teacher in the Arlington Public Schools, she was in the first cohort of trained facilitators moderating Courageous Conversation for teachers and staff in schools across the county. Since 2015, Dawn has facilitated Challenging Racism classes including the first CR Faith based group. She has been a facilitator and resource lead in Challenging Racism Teacher Education for Ford’s Theatre’s production of Twelve Angry Men 2018 and Fences in 2019. Dawn is a co-parent of four grown children, all of whom attended Arlington schools. She is a musician, artist, and Thrive Ambassador for Kaiser Permanente. She lives in Arlington with her husband and the fearless hound Hawthorne. |
|
Christine Purka (she,her / White)Grants and Contracts Coordinator
Christine Albee Purka officially joined Challenging Racism in May 2021 after her experience as a Learning How alumni in 2017 and then serving 3 years as a volunteer for the Development Committee. Previously she enjoyed a 25-year career in international development consulting and is now committed to addressing inequities and injustices in the US. In 2016 Christine moved to the DC area after living and working across various cultures for 15 years in South East Asia. The shocking events in Charlottesville and the 2016 election propelled her into the complex domestic issues of racial equity and voter protection. She is deeply committed to dismantling policies and programs of institutional racism that cause inequity and disparities in our communities. Christine brings her experience to Challenging Racism in writing proposals and grants and helping to expand our organization into new regions and sectors. Christine resides in Arlington with her husband and their two teenage boys. |
|
Alyssa McLeod (she,her / Black)Intern
Alyssa McLeod is currently attending Hollins University as a history major and Gender and Women's study minor. She resides in Baltimore, Maryland, identifies as a Black woman and uses she/her pronouns. She is a recipient of the Batten Full Tuition Scholarship, Smith Book Award, Hobbie Grant Award, and the Longfellow Prize. She has previously interned for Ellicott City Partnership and the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce as well as engaging in work study at the Hollins University Business Office. |