LEEAD Scholar 2025-26 Cohort
Cory Georgopoulos, MPP (she/her)
Cory Georgopoulos is a Senior Associate at Innovation Network supporting foundation and nonprofits in their learning and evaluation journeys. She is particularly interested in and committed to projects that advance equity and methods that center the experiences and voices of communities and people most affected by injustice. Projects that Cory has worked on and led include understanding how equity has been centered in collectives and coalitions, assessing the needs and challenges faced by communities, landscape analyses, and creating and implementing measurement frameworks. Cory received her Master of Public Policy from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from Carleton College in Minnesota. She is trained in Emergent Learning practice and principles. In her free time, Cory enjoys reading fiction, traveling, and seeking out the best food in the Twin Cities.
Dominique Pierre, MPH (she/her)
Dominique Pierre is a public health professional and Evaluator at Apex Evaluation, where she leads and supports evaluations in school-based health, behavioral health, and maternal health. She partners with organizations throughout the entire evaluation process, from developing evaluation plans and collecting data to analyzing findings and crafting stories that inform decision-making. Her work is grounded in the belief that systems of power shape access, opportunity, and health outcomes, and that evaluation can be a tool for equity and accountability. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from The College of New Jersey and a Master of Public Health in Public Health Research Methods from Columbia University.
Eric Brown, PhD, MA (he/him)
Eric Brown is a mixed-methods researcher whose work centers on community partnership, equity, and power-sharing in research and evaluation. He brings expertise in critical quantitative methods and participatory research designs to elevate underrepresented communities as co-creators in generating knowledge and driving change. Eric also partners with community-based practitioners to build their evaluation capacity and advance equity-focused initiatives. Eric is a Research Scientist at NORC at the University of Chicago. He has led studies on students’ math mindsets, investigated a national initiative to broaden STEM pathways for underrepresented students, and provided technical assistance and evaluation capacity building to AmeriCorps grantees. He also examined broadband access challenges for Indigenous students during the COVID-19 pandemic and evaluated a scholarship and college access program for first-generation college students. Eric earned his PhD in Human Development and Social Policy from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in social work from the University of Chicago.
Gladys Hairston, MA (she/her)
Gladys Hairston, MA, has worked in philanthropy in various roles since 2007. This experience includes working as a Program Officer and Director of Learning and Evaluation to build and refine grantee data collection methods to be streamlined, less burdensome, and more meaningful for learning. Over the past decade, she has worked in North Carolina and participated in various funder and evaluation collaboratives at the state, regional, and national levels. She recently designed and implemented a learning and evaluation project for a regional funder collaborative to gauge grantee organizational development progress, nonprofit sector impact, and funder-nonprofit relationships. Her primary interests include finding ways to help various funder roles, grantees, and community see themselves in making evaluations feel relevant, equitable, and useful for learning and decision-making. Gladys holds a Bachelor’s degree from The University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, VA and a Master’s degree from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.
Indra Amaro Gómez, MPH (she/her)
Indra Amaro Gómez is a Research Associate at Kaye Implementation & Evaluation (KI&E), where she transforms evaluation data into actionable insights for child welfare programs. She leads community mapping analyses and quality improvement initiatives using human-centered design principles to ensure data accessibility for diverse stakeholders. A native Spanish speaker and Indigenous Mexican Latina, she integrates cultural linguistic expertise throughout the research process, from design to dissemination. Previously, Indra promoted health literacy among immigrant mothers in Washington, D.C., and contributed to global early childhood development efforts. She is passionate about centering community voices in evaluation work and advancing equitable data practices. Indra holds an MPH in Global Health Policy from George Washington University and a certificate from the CREE Learning Series. Beyond her professional work, she volunteers with organizations supporting Idaho’s Latina/Hispanic communities and takes part in local efforts to improve wellbeing.
Keyondra Brooks, PhD, MS (she/they)
Dr. Keyondra Brooks is an independent evaluator committed to supporting systemic change initiatives that address the economic, policy, and public health needs of marginalized communities. Dr. Brooks has over five years of experience collaborating with communities, nonprofit organizations, and philanthropic organizations via strategic planning, technical assistance, evaluation, and learning activities. She has led research design, data analysis, project management, and reporting efforts for evaluations assessing the outcomes and impact of organizations’ grantmaking and capacity-building initiatives. Additionally, she has conducted a statewide survey to enhance an advocacy coalition’s understanding of the policy interests and civic engagement experiences of BIPOC voters. She earned her PhD in Community Psychology from Wichita State University and holds an MS in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Valdosta State University. As a community psychologist, Dr. Brooks is especially passionate about including community members, their histories, and their expertise throughout all stages of the evaluation process.
Marsha Wright, MPH (she/her)
Marsha Wright is a Research Associate II at Transformative Research and Evaluation (TRE), where she supports nonprofits and organizations in using data to tell powerful stories that drive impact, funding, and strategic growth. With a background in public health and a passion for culturally responsive evaluation, Marsha brings a deep commitment to equity in every project. Her journey began as a Peace Corps Health Volunteer, where her love for community-centered evaluation took root. Originally from Liberia, Marsha’s experiences growing up amid civil unrest have shaped her dedication to education, social justice, and the use of data as a tool for transformation. She is largely self-taught in data analysis and mixed methods, valuing continuous learning and the power of storytelling through research. Marsha has worked across sectors — including healthcare, K-12 education, higher ed, and nonprofits — and is excited to grow her skills and leadership through the LEEAD Program.
Oyesola Oluwafunmilayo Ayeni, PhD, MA (she/her)
Funmi Ayeni, PhD, is a bilingual, bicultural evaluator, researcher, and educator committed to justice-rooted, community-engaged evaluation. Her work is grounded in liberatory and ecological frameworks that uplift healing, resilience, and community voice. She collaborates across multidisciplinary teams and with communities to co-create evaluations that advance equity, accountability, and systems change. Funmi specializes in culturally responsive and participatory approaches, with expertise in mixed-methods, community-based evaluation. Her portfolio spans national and global work in gender equity, violence prevention, reproductive health, and access to safety and justice. She partners with nonprofits, advocacy organizations, public systems, and academic institutions to design evaluations, strengthen their capacity, and translate insights into practical applications. She holds a PhD and MA in Community Psychology from Michigan State University and a BA from Morgan State University. Currently, Funmi serves as Director of Research and Evaluation at a national nonprofit focused on preventing and addressing domestic violence and works as an independent evaluation consultant. Rooted in intersectionality and guided by principles of language and disability justice, Funmi sees evaluation as a collaborative tool for equity, transformation, and collective liberation.
Roxy Lawrence, MSW, MSP (she/her)
Roxy Lawrence, MSW, MSP, is a seasoned applied researcher and strategist currently serving as Vice President of Applied Research and Evaluation at Black Onyx Management. She brings more than a decade of experience leading research and evaluation initiatives that inform policy, transform systems, and uplift community voice. Roxy has worked across sectors, including public health, housing, philanthropy, and education—designing rigorous, participatory studies that center lived experience and produce actionable insights. Her expertise spans mixed-methods research, culturally responsive evaluation, and capacity building for mission-driven organizations. Known for her strategic thinking and deep commitment to community-rooted solutions, Roxy is often called on to lead complex initiatives that require both analytical rigor and relationship-centered leadership. She holds dual Master’s degrees in Social Work and Social Policy, and she is passionate about reimagining how data can be used to advance systems change.
Sulianie Mertus, PhD, MPH (she/her)
Dr. Sulianie Mertus is a dedicated public health researcher, evaluator, and community-centered practitioner who uses equity-driven, intersectional frameworks to guide her work. With over 12 years of experience, she advances health outcomes for underserved populations through evidence-based, community-led solutions. Her expertise includes program development, implementation, evaluation, and research, with a focus on addressing systemic barriers to health equity. She has led numerous projects that bridge research and practice, ensuring interventions are culturally responsive and sustainable. A skilled community-based participatory research (CBPR) practitioner, Dr. Mertus is committed to elevating community voices and ensuring research benefits those it studies. Her work integrates systems change theories to address complex health challenges, particularly for women and children. Her experience spans school-based health, sexual and reproductive health and justice, and other equity-focused initiatives, offering a deep understanding of how social determinants and institutional policies shape health outcomes. Dr. Mertus holds a PhD in Community Health Education from The University of North Carolina Greensboro and an MPH from La Salle University.
Sydni Warner, MS (she/her)
Sydni C. Warner, MS plays a vital role at JFM as Project Manager, leading initiatives in health equity, early childhood education, arts and history, community development, and economic development. Her tenure as an epidemiologist with an extensive research background encompassing environmental justice, HIV/STI prevention, and mental health advocacy, among other areas, equips her with a comprehensive perspective on public health challenges. This foundation informs her committed approach to fostering lasting change for marginalized communities. Sydni’s commitment to health equity is deeply rooted in her educational background. She holds a Bachelor of Science in public health sciences and a Master of Science in environmental health sciences from the University of Michigan. Beyond her professional contributions, Sydni finds joy in yoga, travel, and the comfort of reading mystery novels alongside her beloved pitbull, showcasing a balanced approach to her work and personal life.
Taylor Goulbourne, PhD, MPH (she/her)
Dr. Taylor Goulbourne is the founder and principal consultant of TMG Consulting, a research and evaluation practice that partners with mission-driven organizations to develop insight-driven solutions grounded in community and context. Her work integrates human-centered design, mixed-methods approaches, and community-based participatory research to create strategies that are both practical and impactful. She holds a PhD in Communication and an MPH, and draws on over a decade of experience working alongside communities to advance population health, wellbeing, and social impact. Taylor is especially committed to helping organizations build authentic connections that support lasting, positive change.
Veronica LaJoie, MS (she/her/ikwe)
Veronica LaJoie, MS, is an Ojibwe researcher, evaluator, artist, and public health professional with over a decade of experience collaborating with government agencies, nonprofits, and academic institutions, and over two decades serving Native communities. She currently works as a Nutrition Education Grant Manager for the State of Minnesota, applying partnership-based strategies to monitoring evaluation, needs assessments, and strategic planning. She also serves as a community advocate with the Minnesota Cancer Clinical Trials Network’s statewide Education Campaign. Previously, Veronica was an Indigenous Evaluation Specialist at a Native-led organization and served on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Evaluation Association. A hard scientist by training and a creative at heart, she integrates quantitative and qualitative methods with creativity, storytelling, and visual design. Through Maang Consulting, she is developing an evaluation practice that centers sovereignty, community, and equity through strength-based, trauma-informed approaches, guided by traditional teachings.
Yvonne Bueno, DrPH, MPH (she/her)
Yvonne Bueno is a public health researcher and evaluator committed to advancing health equity for underserved communities. As a Senior Evaluation Associate at LeCroy & Milligan Associates, she leads mixed-methods evaluations across Arizona in public health, education, youth development, focusing on chronic disease prevention, education, and advocacy. Yvonne brings 25+ years of experience in maternal and child health, including her early career as a pediatric occupational therapist. Yvonne integrates mentorship and capacity building into her practice and creates collaborative evaluation spaces that honor lived experience and cultural context. She has partnered with public health agencies, tribal nations, academic institutions, and local nonprofits to translate data into action and promote meaningful change. Yvonne thrives in multisector, team-based environments and is committed to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and building meaningful partnerships to drive equitable outcomes.
Zachariah Rabah Barghouti, MS, MA (he/e)
Zachariah Rabah Barghouti is an independent evaluator based in California. His culturally responsive and equitable evaluation practice is rooted in a commitment to collective transformation. Zac brings a liberatory and spiritual lens to his work. His background encompasses international relations, community organizing, anti-racism, and civic engagement. His practice transforms knowledge production and action-taking through participatory learning and meaning-making, accessible data visualization, strategic facilitation, and systems storytelling. Zac partners with an array of community-based, regional, national, and international organizations to design and implement collaborative and utilization-focused mixed-method evaluations. His prior evaluation projects include: advocacy, civic engagement, policy, early childhood equity, housing, financial literacy, workforce development, environmental justice, rites-of-passage, public health, higher education, systems change, and youth development. Zac holds an MS in Measurement & Evaluation and an MA in International Relations from American University. He earned a BA in International Relations from San Francisco State University.
Zimife Umeh, PhD, MA, Med (she/her)
Zimife Umeh is a Co-Director of Mentorship at the Black & Brown Collective, where she leads training and mentorship programs for emerging scholars focused on community-based violence prevention. She is also the Founder and Principal Consultant of Aziza Research & Consulting, providing mixed-methods, equity-centered research and evaluation for nonprofits, universities, and community organizations. Previously, Zimife served as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at George Washington University and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at Brown University. She received her PhD in Sociology from Duke University, where her research focused on barriers to reentry for formerly incarcerated women of color and was published in journals such as Feminist Criminology and Social Science Research. She also holds an MA from Duke University, an MEd from Chestnut Hill College, and dual Bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Africana Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and strength training.
Meet More LEEADers
Every Leaders in Equitable Evaluation and Diversity (LEEAD) cohort is composed of Scholars from a variety of backgrounds who represent multiple interests, each bringing unique perspectives creating a robust community. LEEADers are dedicated to moving the field of evaluation toward social justice through culturally responsive and equitable evaluation (CREE).