Vanessa’s biggest passion is deepening her understanding of people power and the collective strength of human connection and care. Her story begins in South Carolina, where she started strengthening her community through youth organizing and advocacy work with various nonprofits in the region. She earned her degree in International Business from the University of San… Continue reading Vanessa Louis-Jean
Team Member Category: National
Mackenzie Ferguson
As a child, Mackenzie was homeschooled, attended private school in England for two years, finished high school at a US charter school, and earned a BA in History from Angelo State University. This variety of educational experiences gave her an appreciation for different pedagogical approaches and the power of project-based learning. She is excited to… Continue reading Mackenzie Ferguson
Franci Bell
Franci Bell joins Generation Citizen with more than two decades of experience as a school leader and consultant committed to expanding opportunity for young people. A former Head of School at The Cooper School in Charleston, she has led school redesign efforts, built SEL and project-based learning programs, and coached educators and leaders across schools… Continue reading Franci Bell
Crystal Floyd
Jessica Stadther
As the Development Manager, Jessica serves as the lead creator of content and events for major donors, as well as the lead grant writer on major institutional grants in key markets. Additionally, Jessica maintains the operational systems that support grant writing, tracking of grant applications, provides strategic thought partnership to Regional Executive Directors, and develops… Continue reading Jessica Stadther
Sarah Kelly
Sarah joins GC with more than 15 years of experience leading fundraising, communications and strategy for education and youth development nonprofits. A former high school English teacher in New York City, she has spent her career since leaving the classroom securing funding to support teachers and students in historically underserved communities in Boston, NYC and across the… Continue reading Sarah Kelly
Patsy Lakeram
Patsy Lakeram is a seasoned professional with over seven years of experience in employee relations and talent management, dedicated to creating supportive, inclusive workplaces where employees thrive. Her expertise includes enhancing engagement initiatives, optimizing talent and HR systems to improve retention and satisfaction, and developing strategic policies that foster fairness and inclusivity. Through Patsy’s work,… Continue reading Patsy Lakeram
Andrew Wilkes
Andrew Wilkes serves as Generation Citizen’s Chief Policy & Advocacy Officer, where he leads GC’s thought leadership, coalition building, and policy initiatives as a part of the national leadership team. Andrew comes to this role with nearly ten years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and community organizing, particularly among congregations and community-based organizations. Prior… Continue reading Andrew Wilkes
Audrey Suwarno
Audrey serves as Generation Citizen’s Associate, Development where she coordinates development and fundraising processes and systems as the organization expands and strengthens its fundraising base. Her responsibilities are centered around supporting individual and institutional fundraising across sites in collaboration with the National Development Team and local fundraisers. Prior to GC, Audrey held the position of… Continue reading Audrey Suwarno
Shaneeza Sudeen
Shaneeza serves as Generation Citizen’s Director, Finance, where she works on the financial goals of the organization. Prior to joining GC, she worked at New Visions for Public Schools, where she spent 3+ years in budget management and reporting for the organization as well as their network of charter schools. Shaneeza has spent most of… Continue reading Shaneeza Sudeen