Laura Fagen
Co-Chair
Laura Fagen (she/her) serves as Co-Chair of YNPNdc. She currently works as the Associate Director of Digital Communications and Marketing at the Land Trust Alliance, the national leader for land trusts in policy, standards, education and training. Laura joined YNPNdc in October 2020 as the Director of Communications. A native Kansan and proud Jayhawk, she holds a Masters of Digital Content Strategy, and bachelors degrees in strategic communications and theatre, respectively, from the University of Kansas. In her free time, Laura enjoys live theatre, cooking and baking, reading, kayaking, travel, and spending time with her cats.
Preston Ross
Co-Chair
Preston James Ross (he/him) serves as the Co-Chair at YNPNdc. Preston James Ross is the co-chair of YNPNdc and currently serves as the Chief of Staff & Policy Advisor for the Office of Council Member Edward Burroughs III (District 8). A dedicated public sector professional, Preston is passionate about American politics, political economies, and implementing pragmatic and progressive public policies to uplift underserved communities. He is an LGBTQ+ advocate, pro-Black ally, environmentalist, and disruptor of the status quo, contributing to his community through intentional and impactful Board service. Preston’s expertise includes public administration, operations, strategic execution, and project management. Originally from Dallas, Texas, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Canisius College. In his spare time, Preston enjoys concerts, hosting dinner parties, and spending time with his cat, Zemiria.
Elizabeth Fries
Secretary
Elizabeth Fries (she/her) serves as Secretary of YNPNdc. She currently works as Senior Manager of Affiliate Launches at Rebuilding Together, a national housing nonprofit dedicated to repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives after disaster. Elizabeth joined YNPNdc in July 2023. A native Marylander and proud Buckeye, she holds a Masters of Social Work and Masters of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, and a bachelors degree in Social Work, from the Ohio State University. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys painting, trivia, and traveling — she’s currently working toward a goal of hitting all 50 states by 30!
William Hurd
Treasurer
Will Hurd (he/him) serves as Treasurer of YNPNdc. He currently works as Senior Director of Strategic Services for Integral, a company that provides data and strategic insights to nonprofits. He previously worked in seniors roles on political campaigns across the country. In his free time, Will enjoys biking around the DMV, exploring restaurants with his wife, and trying to keep his cat out of trouble.
Benjamin Brown
Director of Mentorship
Benjamin Brown (he/his) serves as the Director of Mentorship at YNPNdc. Benjamin is a seasoned nonprofit professional based in Washington, DC with a robust background in recruitment, operations, and program management. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Religion from Wittenberg University, Benjamin brings a unique blend of analytical and empathetic skills to his work. Currently a Recruiter at Careers In Nonprofits, Benjamin excels in sourcing, evaluating, and managing candidates, particularly within the nonprofit sector. His commitment to racial equity was evident as a member of the Racial Equity Advisory Committee working with Senior Leadership and colleagues to center racial equity as a priority within our organization and by extension our program initiatives. Benjamin has worked in additional program and operations roles with nonprofit and faith-based organizations across Washington, DC. An active community member, Benjamin has volunteered as Board President and Board Member at Luther Place Memorial Church and contributed to the Development Team at DC Abortion Fund. Benjamin is dedicated to enhancing nonprofit operations and supporting community-focused initiatives.
Mae Diaz Cabrol
Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Mae Diaz Cabrol (she/her) serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at YNPNdc. Mae Diaz Cabrol is an experienced operations manager and diversity advocate based in Washington, D.C. Currently, she is the Operations Manager at the National Skills Coalition, where she focuses on HR, finance, and facilities management.
Prior to her role at NSC, Mae managed projects at the Capital Innovation Lab, focusing on regenerative capital relationships and democratic access to capital. She also contributed significantly to diversity initiatives in Buenos Aires with R.E.D. Corporate Network for Diversity and served as a Diversity & Inclusion Consultant at MJS Consultants, working with notable clients like Santander Bank and Danone.
She holds an MBA in Sustainable Innovation from the University of Vermont and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Data Science from Universidad Torcuato Di Tella. Fluent in English and Spanish, Mae enjoys embroidery and reading in her free time.
Adam Hall
Director of Learning Programs
Adam Hall (he/him) serves as the Director of Learning Programs at YNPNdc. Adam serves as Director of Learning Programs at YNPNdc. He currently works as Head of Operations for AIESEC in the United States, an international NGO developing leadership potential in young people through international internships and volunteer opportunities. He earned his Bachelor’s degrees in International Relations and Japanese from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2018. Outside of work, he enjoys running, hiking, and exploring the DMV with his dog Bailey.
Leslie Jefferson
Director of Fundraising
Leslie Jefferson (she/her) serves as the Director of Fundraising at YNPNdc. Leslie serves as an Account Executive at HIT Strategies on the Research Investment Team and as the Nonprofit Strategist for The Black Mill, aiding Black and Brown-led organizations in securing equitable philanthropic funding. She is also an Adjunct Faculty Lecturer at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, teaching courses on Nonprofit Leadership, Social Innovation, and Fundraising. Previously, Leslie was the Development Officer for Brookings Metro at The Brookings Institution, where she fundraised for place-based policy research and co-led the Brookings in Color affinity group. Leslie holds a B.S. in Anthropology from Lincoln University, an M.Ed. from Kaplan University, and a graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from the University of Maryland. She was recently accepted into the 2024 cohort of the Professional Doctorate in Philanthropic Leadership at Indiana University, focusing her research on increasing representation in U.S. philanthropy.
Sharlene Juste
Director of Membership
Sharlene Juste (she/her) serves as the Director of Membership at YNPNdc. Sharlene is a proud New York City native turned Washingtonian and Northeastern University alumna (Go Huskies!). She has fostered culturally aware and sustainable student communities across major global cities, including Boston, London, and currently, the nation’s capital. Sharlene is currently Associate Director of Student Services & Recruitment for the College of Social Science & Humanities at Northeastern University’s Arlington campus. She has previously held student affairs and program support roles at New York University – Washington, DC and The George Washington University. Sharlene’s global perspective is underscored by her study and work experience in five countries across five continents.
Sharlene is excited to serve the YNPNdc membership, bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and a passion for cultivating meaningful connections. As a leader, learner, and adventurer, she thrives on pushing boundaries and inspiring others to embrace the opportunities that come with a global mindset.
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Billy Kennedy
Director of Networking Programs
Billy (he/him) serves as the Director of Networking at YNPNdc. He currently works as the Senior Operations Associate at Spark Point Fundraising, a consulting firm that serves nonprofits across the country. Billy joined YNPNdc in 2021 as a social media volunteer. He has also served on the board of the Greenbelt Farmers Market. A lifelong Marylander, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Government & Politics from the University of Maryland. In his free time, Billy enjoys reading, traveling, weightlifting, and exploring the DC cultural scene.
Anthony Sartori
Director-at-Large
Anthony Sartori (he/him) serves as a Director at Large for YNPNdc. In March 2020, Anthony founded Evolving Minds, a mental health nonprofit with the mission to create a culture of care. Anthony has developed innovative workplace mental health programs that center social connection, community, and organizational culture; essential ingredients of a healthy workplace. He has trained over 1,500 program graduates across industries, from nonprofits, to public education, philanthropy, retail, government, and universities. Anthony is a national professional speaker with Active Minds, one of the country’s leading mental health nonprofits, and with Weave: The Social Fabric Project by the Aspen Institute. Anthony has been honored by the Maryland Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism, awarded the Baltimore Weaver Award by the Aspen Institute, received the Rising Terp Alumni Excellence Award by the University of Maryland, and was showcased in the Change the World Exhibit by the Do Good Institute. Anthony holds a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Maryland.