Our Origin
When I ran for public office in 2014, I went door-to-door seeking support in the neighborhood where I grew up. A number of residents asked me: “Why are you asking for my vote? My voice doesn’t matter.” It hurt my heart to hear that.
That’s when I decided to start a nonprofit to help low income people of color realize that all voices matter and that together, we can improve public policies that affect our living conditions. And so, with a small group of dedicated volunteers, I founded Our Voices Matter.
- William Jawando
Our Core Beliefs
Through dialogue leading to collective action, disaffected individuals realize their ability to bring about positive social change
By fostering emerging local leaders, we strengthen marginalized communities
Advocacy strategy and tactics are best understood through participation in an actual issue advocacy campaign
By working in coalition with like-minded stakeholder groups, we leverage each other's strengths, maximize impact, and amplify underrepresented voices
Our Board of Directors
William Jawando
Will is the President of our Board of Directors. He is a public policy attorney, community leader, and public servant who has been working for over a decade on education policy and on issues impacting children and families in government and the private sector.
Michele Jawando
Michele is the Treasurer of our Board of Directors. She is a public policy attorney, wife, mother and "change agent." She has worked at national and local non-profits and the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. Committed to service, Michele is a believer in the possibility of greatness in all of our communities.
Crystal Ruiz
Crystal is the Secretary of our Board of Directors. She is a public policy analyst, mother and community organizer. As a life long Maryland resident, she understands the changing needs of the community and the state. She is committed to making sure that all people feel like their voices are heard.
Our Leadership Team
Sterling Crockett
With nearly 30 years experience as an inspirational agent of change, Sterling has provided transformative leadership to numerous enterprises in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors, helping them grow and flourish.
Jon Randall
Jon brings to our organization more than 20 years of experience at the national, state and local level as a grassroots organizer, policy advocate, tactician, trainer, facilitator, and nonprofit leader.
Our Fellows
Fellows at OVM sharpen their skills while sharing their expertise with our interns.
LATASHA PENNANT
Throughout my life I have always enjoyed working and connecting with people. As a fellow at Our Voices Matter, I have unique opportunity to collaborate with students and professional at various stages in their career on important community related issues. My professional background includes 20 years of service in the United States Coast Guard as a marine inspector, emergency response planner and maritime safety and security officer. Upon retirement from the Coast Guard, I followed my passion for working with students and communities and am pursing a degree in school counseling from Loyola University Maryland. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, traveling and Zumba.
Our Interns
Interns at OVM strengthen their leadership and organizing skills by spearheading projects.
ANYE ANGWAFO
I'm taking a leave from my English and Media studies at Brown University this semester so I’m looking forward to working with my community through Our Voices Matter, as well as volunteering for Democracy at Work's Baltimore chapter. While back at home, I’m hoping to use my experience in media production to work with other visual artist in developing thought-providing, communal based art. I can’t wait to share the talents of those around me and shine a light on what we can do.
CLAIRE DOYLE
I graduated from Georgetown University May of 2017 with a degree in Culture and Politics. As a college student, I interned at the World Food Programme and the World Policy Institute, and spent a summer conducting research on sustainable agriculture and development in Bolivia. Although issues in international development continue to interest me, I have also started to invest time in local justice work. During my recent year of service with AmeriCorps in Oregon, I was inspired and energized by the community-driven efforts I witnessed around me. Now back in the DC are, I am excited to learn from and support OVM’s efforts to promote social justice and organizing in Maryland.
CHRISTIAN ROBLES
I’m a senior at School Without Walls High School who is also enrolled as a sophomore at The George Washington University. I plan to major in Political Science and minor in International Relations. I am involved in my school’s Youth and Government club (while serving as the Youth Mayor for the DC city program), Newspaper club, and Model United Nations club. Outside of school, I enjoy binge watching Netflix after finally choosing something to watch (favorite show: Parks and Rec) and following the daily news. As an intern at OVM, I hope to inspire my local community to take action on the issues that matter the most to them.
JASMINE MENDEZ-PAREDES
I am a junior at Montgomery Blair High School. I am also Editor-in-Chief of La Esquina Latina which is a subdivision of Silver Chips, my school’s newspaper. I am also a part of the Minorities Scholars Program in school. After high school I plan to major in Political Science hoping to keep on working in the Journalism field and maintaining my contact with the latino community. Through OVM I know I can create an impact and achieve social justice for my community.
AROHA MACKAY
I am originally from Amsterdam. I am currently taking a gap year and residing in DC to pursue my interest in politics, civic engagement and social justice. I plan to attain a degree in Political Science and then go onto law school. At OVM I want to learn more about grassroots organizing and the pursuit of social justice through an American perspective. Through OVM I hope to help local communities achieve progress in the issues that matter most to them.