Where do we go from here? Can American democracy be preserved? What is required beyond the boom-and-bust cycle of elections?

It is precisely at times like these that the power of community can remind us democracy is not a one-day event. Hear from organizers on the frontlines organizing Black and Latinx, youth, and white working-class communities across the country about how we build a long-term, community-driven movement for an inclusive, just multiracial democracy.  

You’ll hear about the lessons learned from the latest election cycle and how organizers are engaging communities in democratic practice for a new political landscape. Panelists will discuss the most pressing issues our communities are facing and how you can get involved.

Aklima Khondoker is a devoted voting rights attorney and impact strategist, dedicated to an inclusive democracy and restorative justice. As Chief of Programs and Strategy at Dēmos, she led transformative strategies for racial and economic equity. At The Carter Center, she advises on resilient, human rights-centered legal frameworks across the U.S. Her journey spans roles with the ACLU, All Voting is Local, and New Georgia Project, amplifying historically marginalized voices for change. Active on several advocacy and advisory boards, Aklima is committed to supporting a more just future, driven by empathy, collaboration, and sustainable change. 

Analilia Mejia is the Co-Executive Director at the Center for Popular Democracy. Analilia is a seasoned political strategist and Afro-Latina grassroots organizer focused on helping Black and Latinx working families. She previously served as the Deputy Director of the Women’s Bureau at the Department of Labor under the Biden Administration. In 2020, as the National Political Director for Bernie Sanders’ presidential campaign, Analilia boosted the campaign’s ground game and showing in key primary states through targeted state outreach and engagement campaigns. She also served as the State Director of the NJ Working Families Alliance, a state affiliate of the Working Families Party. 

Brianna Cea is the Executive Director and Founder of Generation Vote. Brianna is a frequent media commentator on youth voting issues and has been featured in Good Morning America, WNYC, NPR, Vox News, USA Today, and Ms. Magazine among other outlets. Bianna is also the current President of OCA-Asian Pacific Advocates NY and the youngest chapter President on the OCA-National Board, where she is dedicated to advancing the social, political, and economic well being of Asian Americans in New York City. Brianna previously served as a Senior Research and Program Associate at the Brennan Center for Justice where she focused on the census and redistricting.  

Erin Heaney is the Executive Director of Showing Up for Racial Justice. Erin focuses on building working-class power among white communities and voters throughout the US, focusing on the South, Appalachia, and the Rust Belt to defend and expand multi-racial democracy. As the Executive Director of SURJ, Erin expanded the organization’s focus to build working-class power among white communities and voters throughout the US, focusing on the South, Appalachia, and the Rust Belt to defend and expand multi-racial democracy. A national leader in the fight for racial justice, Erin Heaney is a child of Buffalo, NY, where she still lives. 

Merle McGee (Moderator) is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Everyday Democracy. Merle brings over 25 years’ experience in non-profit settings fighting alongside historically marginalized and excluded communities for dignity and racial, gender, and economic justice. Before joining Everyday Democracy, Merle served as Chief Equity and Engagement Officer at Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, where she led organizational transformation through community engagement initiatives. She is also co-facilitator and leader with the Anti-Racist Alliance and the co-founder of the The BIPOC Project, an antiracist collective committed to building solidarity among people of color.