Smoking among pregnant women in Michigan is on the increase, a worrisome trend that correlates to an increase in premature births, according to a Kids Count report released today. About 21 percent of expectant women were smokers in 2014 compared to 18 percent in 2008, said the report, which was produced by the Michigan League for Public Policy. Nov 17, 2016 — MLive
Emily Jorgensen joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in July 2019. She deeply cares about the well-being of individuals and families and has a great love for Michigan. She is grateful that her position at the League enables her to combine these passions and work to help promote policies that will lead to better opportunities and security for all Michiganders.
Emily graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Applied Arts degree in Integrative Public Relations and a double minor in Journalism and Broadcasting and Cinematic Arts. She loves being an aunt and enjoys reading, writing, music, general nerdery and spending time with friends who are family and family who are friends. She may or may not be obsessed with her dog. (She is.)
Contact: ejorgensen@mlpp.org
Jacob Kaplan is currently a senior at Michigan State University studying Political Science with a minor in Peace and Justice Studies. Jacob is a part of the esteemed Michigan Government Semester Program which gives students an opportunity to get hands-on experience throughout government. As a part of the program, Jacob joined the League in January 2024 to be a spring intern. In this role he is excited to focus on a wide variety of policy issues including public transportation.
Prior to this opportunity, Jacob has interned in both the Massachusetts and Michigan House of Representatives. In these roles, he was able to learn firsthand the policy making process and he saw how important constituent correspondence was to the legislative process. Jacob is also a member of the Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Fraternity at Michigan State. Jacob is excited to bring his previous experience into his work for the League and is excited to learn as much as possible in his time with the League.
Contact: jkaplan@mlpp.org
Anne Kuhnen is the Kids Count policy director at the Michigan League for Public Policy, where her work focuses on early childhood, family economic security and youth voice. Prior to joining the Kids Count team, she served as the League’s tax policy analyst where her research focused on policies to make Michigan’s tax code more equitable for workers, families and communities. Anne began her career in education, teaching high school math and computer science at a Title I school in Kentucky and supporting a bilingual vocational program in the Netherlands. She holds a B.A. from the University of Texas, a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins, and a Master of Public Affairs from Princeton, where she concentrated in Economics and Public Policy.
Contact: annek@mlpp.org
Monique Stanton was named President and CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy in 2021.
Monique has dedicated her career to promoting social justice and advancing equity in Michigan. She is committed to addressing economic inequality, advancing racial equity, and promoting the health and well-being of Michiganders through public policy change. Previously, Monique served as President & CEO of CARE of Southeastern Michigan, one of Michigan’s largest peer recovery coaching programs.
She has also served on the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network Substance Use Disorder Policy Oversight Board, Michigan Celebrate Recovery, Great Start Collaborative Macomb, Macomb County Prisoner Re-Entry Advisory Council, Greater Area Detroit Health Council, Michigan Community Health Association Provider Alliance, Metro Affairs Coalition Public Health Task Force and the Macomb Children’s Healthcare Access Program.
She is a Leadership Detroit XXXVIII and Leadership Macomb XVII graduate. Monique has received the following recognitions: Macomb County Chamber of Commerce Foundation Athena Award Recipient 2020, Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Women in Healthcare 2020, Marygrove College Distinguished Alumni 2018, Detroit Free Press and Metro Affairs Coalition Shining Light Award 2014, and DBusiness Magazine 30 in Their Thirties Honoree 2013.
Monique received her undergraduate degree from Aquinas College and a Master of Arts in Social Justice from Marygrove College.
Ashya Smith joined the League as a Health Policy Analyst in October 2023. Her work focuses on healthcare, Medicaid, maternal and child health, and the health budget.
Previously, Smith interned for the Center for Health and Research Transformation, United States of Care and Birth Detroit. In these roles, she learned how to use policy to advocate for marginalized communities. Smith also worked on kidney policy research projects as a policy associate at Arbor Research Collaborative for Health for two years. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in international studies, focusing on global health and environment, and a Master’s of Public Health in Health Policy from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health.
Contact: asmith@mlpp.org
Mikell Frey is a communications professional with a passion for using the art of storytelling to positively impact lives. She strongly believes that positive social change can be inspired by the sharing of data-driven information coupled with the unique perspectives of people from all walks of life across Michigan, especially those who have faced extraordinary barriers.
Prior to joining the League in 2023, she served for almost 17 years in local government communications for the City of East Lansing and, prior to that, worked as a reporter and associate editor for a weekly newspaper in North Carolina. Mikell has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Auburn University, where she graduated magna cum laude, with great honors. In her free time, she loves to spend time with family, travel and get outdoors for exercise with her adopted throwback Pomeranian, Quinn.
Contact: mfrey@mlpp.org
Rachel Richards rejoined the League in December 2020 as the Fiscal Policy Director working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, she served as the Director of Legislative Affairs for the Michigan Department of Treasury, the tax policy analyst and Legislative Director for the Michigan League for Public Policy, and a policy analyst and the Appropriations Coordinator for the Democratic Caucus of the Michigan House of Representatives. She brings with her over a decade of experience in policies focused on economic opportunity, including workforce issues, tax, and state budget.
Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts in history and Spanish language and literature from Kalamazoo College and her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan. In her spare time, she bakes, reads, and enjoys bike rides and hikes at the greater Lansing area parks and trails with her husband and son.
Contact: rrichards@mlpp.org
Donald Stuckey II joined the League as the Metro Detroit Area Community Engagement Specialist in August of 2023. In this role, Donald works with organizations to connect the dots between policy and everyday life – ensuring that everyone has the skills, resources and knowledge to be an effective advocate.
Previously, Donald was a Challenge Detroit Fellow at DTE Energy where he worked on issues related to sustainability. Donald also helped to develop programs and initiatives for various Detroit-based nonprofit organizations. He also spent multiple years working on public transportation issues in Metro Detroit.
Donald has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Eastern Michigan University, a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution from Wayne State University and a Master of Public Administration & Policy from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
Contact: dstuckey@mlpp.org
Patrick Schaefer joined the League as the Economic Security Policy Analyst in July 2023. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the economic security of Michigan families and other League policy priorities.
Prior to joining the League, Patrick worked with Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan researching the financial well-being of families in the Metro Detroit area. He also brings half a decade of experience working in financial administration in the private sector. He has a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in social work with a concentration in policy and political social work from the University of Michigan.
Contact: pschaefer@mlpp.org
Alexandra Stamm joined the League in July 2023 as Education Policy Analyst. While teaching high school English in the Lansing area, Alex became inspired to find ways to improve Michigan’s public education system and enrolled in Michigan State University’s (MSU) Education Policy Program after eight years of teaching. As a doctoral student, Alex’s research focuses on serving students with behavioral health needs in schools.
Alex’s firsthand experience and love for working with Michigan’s youth is at the center of her research and advocacy efforts. Alex has a bachelor’s degree in English, psychology and secondary education from Albion College and a master’s degree in teaching and curriculum from MSU.
Contact: astamm@mlpp.org
Amari Fuller joined the League as the Grand Rapids Area Community Engagement Specialist in July 2023. In this role, she works with organizations to connect the dots between policy and everyday life – ensuring that everyone has the skills, resources and knowledge to be an effective advocate.
Previously, her work included Diversity, Equity and Inclusion experience in higher education at Hope College and in the West Michigan business community through her work at the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce. Amari has also worked in racial justice organizing and policy advocacy at nonprofits and grassroots organizations in Chicago and southeastern Michigan. She has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Hope College and a master’s degree in social work with a concentration in policy and political social work from the University of Michigan.
Contact: afuller@mlpp.org
Jordan Brooks (he/him) joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a Visual Communications Assistant in February 2023. In his role, Jordan showcases his passion for social justice and securing equality for everyone by visually communicating through different mediums. Before joining the League, Jordan held many different hats that include: Design Resident, Founder, Graphic Design Intern, and Print Specialist. Take a look at his award-winning portfolio here.
Jordan earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design with a minor in Art Photography from Michigan State University in May 2022. His philosophy is: “I create with less.” He believes the focus should be on what’s needed and not the distracting elements. Be willing to push the boundaries and be free, as that turns up the most creative solution. To detach from work, he catches up on sleep, collects all types of sneakers, and learns about art, tech, and design.
Contact: Jbrooks@mlpp.org
Jayme Vosovic joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in January of 2019 and is the Community Engagement Director. Jayme leads the League’s work with organizations around the state to connect the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is committed to partnering with stakeholders to amplify constituent voices so that all Michiganders have the opportunity to thrive.
Prior to joining the League, Jayme served as the West Michigan Regional Coordinator for U.S. Senator Gary Peters and interned with Grand Rapids Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. Jayme has worked with survivors of sexual assault, families experiencing homelessness, the Mayor’s Greening Initiative, affordable housing, and sits on the board of directors for Girls on the Run of Kent and Muskegon Counties. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Grand Valley State University and a Master in Social Work—with a macro focus—from Michigan State University.
Contact: jvosovic@mlpp.org
Renell Weathers, Michigan League for Public Policy (MLPP) Community Engagement Consultant. As community engagement consultant, Renell works with organizations throughout the state in connecting the impact of budget and tax policies to their communities. She is motivated by the belief that all children and adults deserve the opportunity to achieve their dreams regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or economic class.
Renell has recently participated in the Leadership Institute for State-Based Advocates Project with the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Prior to coming to the League, she worked as Senior District Representative for U.S. Rep. Mark Schauer where she collaborated with a diverse array of community leaders, agencies, grassroots organizations and local units of government. She also served as Constituent Relations Director and District Representative for the Office of Michigan Senate Minority Leader, has managed a nonprofit that provided programs for youth and families and operated a child care program.
In 2011, in recognition of her community service, Jackson College awarded Renell the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medal of Service Award. The King Medal of Service Award recognizes individuals in Jackson for their community service and who believe in the basic tenets of cultural and ethnic diversity, recognize the richness and strength that comes from valuing others of different groups and encourage minority group members to participate fully in our society.
Renell’s career has been devoted to improving the results for families by promoting access to economic opportunities. She attended Wayne State University and holds a bachelor of arts in management and organizational development from Spring Arbor University.
Contact: rweathers@mlpp.org
Hannah Gyani joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in June of 2022 as the Metro Detroit Community Engagement Specialist. In her role with the league, Hannah works with organizations to connect the dots between policy and everyday life – ensuring that everyone has the skills, resources, and knowledge to be an effective advocate. She is passionate about amplifying diverse voices and building equitable communities through policy change at the local, state, and federal levels.
Prior to joining the League, Hannah served in various capacities across the government and nonprofit sectors. Most recently she worked as a Program Operations Manager for Pontiac Community Foundation where she assisted in evaluating, planning, and implementing community development initiatives. Prior to that, she served as the Economic Development Director for U.S. Congresswoman Haley Stevens and as a Community Outreach Representative for U.S. Congressman Sander Levin. In her roles she was responsible for community engagement and outreach, advising on and researching grant opportunities, furthering economic development strategies, and connecting with public and private entities to advance policy recommendations.
She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Community, Policy, and Leadership, both from Wayne State University. In her spare time, you can find her listening to an audiobook or podcast at 1.5x speed, having silly conversations with her niece, or spending time with her husband, family and friends.
Contact: hgyani@mlpp.org
Megan Farnsworth joined the League’s staff in December 2022 as Executive Assistant. Megan is driven by work that is personally fulfilling, and feels honored to help support the work of an organization that pushes for more robust programming and opportunities for the residents of our state. She’s excited and motivated to gain overarching knowledge of the policies and agendas that the League supports.
Megan graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics with a Business Cognate. She first used her degree in the field of property management and later began working in the nonprofit sector. Her experience includes administrative support at a national medical board, NASW-MI, and the association for school food service directors across Michigan.
Megan is an avid reader, though lately more of her off-work hours are spent taxiing her children around to various sports events and practices. Physical fitness is important to Megan as well, as she is a runner who has completed two half marathons over the past five years. Megan also loves to cook, and bakes for fun when she gets the chance.
Contact: mfarnsworth@mlpp.org
Karen Holcomb-Merrill currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer with the League. In that capacity, Karen oversees the League’s public policy and advocacy work. Karen is an experienced coalition-builder and advocate. Prior to coming to the League, Karen was the Public Policy Consultant for Tobacco-Free Michigan, working for smoke-free laws. Before her tenure at Tobacco-Free Michigan, Karen served as the Executive Director of Common Cause in Michigan for 14 years.
Karen is a graduate of Albion College, with a degree in Political Science and an emphasis in Public Policy.
Contact: karenhm@mlpp.org
Kelli Bowers joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a Kids Count Data Analyst in September 2021. In her role with the League, Kelli works with data for the Kids Count project with the goal of improving outcomes for children and families across Michigan through data-driven advocacy.
Prior to joining the League, Kelli was a McNair scholar and has a bachelor of science degree in sociology from Grand Valley State University. She has expertise in the sociology of race and ethnicity and has a broad interest in Indigenous policy. Currently Kelli is a Master of Public Policy student at Michigan State University and is working on a capstone project pushing for data sovereignty of Indigenous populations.
Yona Isaacs (she/hers) is an Early Childhood Data Analyst for the Kids Count project. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience at the University of Michigan, she began her career as a research coordinator in pediatric psychiatry using data to understand the impacts of brain activity and genetics on children’s behavior and mental health symptoms. This work prompted an interest in exploring social determinants of health and the role of policy in promoting equitable opportunities for all children, families, and communities. She returned to the University of Michigan to complete her Masters in Social Work focused on Social Policy and Evaluation, during which she interned with the ACLU of Michigan’s policy and legislative team and assisted local nonprofit organizations in creating data and evaluation metrics. She currently serves as a coordinator for the Michigan Center for Youth Justice on a project aiming to increase placement options and enhance cultural competency within the juvenile justice system for LGBTQIA+ youth. Yona is eager to put her data skills to work at the League in support of data-driven policies that advocate for equitable access to healthcare, education, economic security, and opportunity for 0-5 year old children. In her free time, she enjoys tackling DIY house projects and trying new outdoor activities with her dog.
Contact: yisaacs@mlpp.org
Laura Ross is a former educator who is committed to social justice issues. She values the connection of research and data with lived experiences and personal stories in order to improve well-being in Michigan. She taught English and journalism in the Lansing area from 2005 to 2018 and prior to that worked in community development in Lansing’s Old Town neighborhood.
Laura has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Michigan State University with minors in journalism and history, as well as a Master of Arts in secondary education from Grand Valley State University. She loves to read, listen to podcasts and walk the trails with her husband, son and Moose (the dog).
Contact: lauramr@mlpp.org
Tillie Kucharek is the League’s graphic designer. She is responsible for design and layout of graphics and formatting publications, reports, creating charts and tables, and posting web content. She joined the League staff in 1989. She attended Kendall School of Design and received an associates degree from Lansing Community College in 1988.
contact: tkucharek@mlpp.org
Amber Bellazaire joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a policy analyst in June of 2019. Her work primarily focuses on state policy and budgets affecting Michigan’s Medicaid programs. Previously, Amber worked at the National Conference of State Legislatures tracking legislation and research related to injury and violence prevention, adolescent health, and maternal and child health. She also brings with her two years of Americorps service. As a full time volunteer, Amber had the opportunity to tutor high school students in Chelsea, Massachusetts and address issues of healthcare access and food insecurity through in-person outreach in Seattle, Washington.
Amber holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and psychology and a Master of Public Health from the University of Michigan.
Contact: abellazaire@mlpp.org
Parker James joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in August 2018 as the Kids Count Policy Analyst. He is responsible for the collection and management of data related to the Kids Count project. Prior to joining the League, Parker used data for advocacy in various positions, including as project coordinator of a health program in Southwest Michigan, graduate research assistant at The Hilltop Institute, and housing policy intern with the National League of Cities.
Parker attended the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) as a Sondheim Public Affairs Scholar, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in health administration and policy. He went on to receive a master’s degree in public policy from UMBC in 2017.
contact: pjames@mlpp.org
517.487.5436
Simon Marshall-Shah joined the Michigan League for Public Policy as a State Policy Fellow in August 2019. His work focuses on state policy as it relates to the budget, immigration, health care and other League policy priorities. Before joining the League, he worked in Washington, D.C. at the Association for Community Affiliated Plans (ACAP), providing federal policy and advocacy support to nonprofit, Medicaid health plans (Safety Net Health Plans) related to the ACA Marketplaces as well as Quality & Operations.
Prior to moving to Michigan, Simon lived in Baltimore, Maryland where he gained experience at various community-oriented nonprofits, including a health care co-op, an organization analyzing outcomes and barriers to care in a local medication-assisted treatment program and a fiscal sponsor providing operational support to over 80 grassroots programs. Simon holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies and Cognitive Science, as well as a Master of Science in Public Health in Health Policy with a certificate in Community-Based Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
Contact: smarshall-shah
Dwayne Barnes is a self-described “Scholar, gentleman and musician.” He is the founder of Social Tech, a think tank that focuses on the issues related to technology creation, consumption and its impact in urban communities.
Prior to joining the League, Dwayne was the engagement strategy and urban outreach for the Center for Michigan and Bridge magazine a nonprofit and nonpartisan think and do tank.
In 2013, Dwayne was the recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award for his work with Project: Better Man, Inc. a prostate cancer awareness, education, and prevention organization in Detroit. Mr. Barnes’ professional work is based on empowering communities to save themselves through education, entrepreneurship, the arts, and policy.
In 2017, Dwayne earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Oakland University and a BS in African American Studies from Eastern Michigan University. Dwayne is married to Doria Barnes and has two children Dwayne Barnes III and Dylan Barnes.
In addition to his educational and professional accomplishments, Dwayne is the Chair of Recruitment for New Leaders Council Detroit Chapter.
Contact: dbarnes@mlpp.org 517.487.5436
The League is proud to be partners in the following national projects:
State Priorities Partnership
Economic Analysis and Research Network
KIDS COUNT
The Working Poor Families Project
Alicia Guevara Warren joined the Michigan League for Public Policy in 2014 as the Tax Policy Analyst, and became the Kids Count in Michigan Project Director in June 2015. She oversees the project, which includes the collection and analysis of data to make informed policy recommendations to improve child well-being. Alicia has an extensive background advocating for improved outcomes for children and families through her work in the nonprofit sector with Michigan’s Children, Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, and School-Community Health Alliance of Michigan. Additionally, as Democratic Central Staff for the Michigan House of Representatives, she served as the lead analyst on issues affecting children, families, and seniors, along with immigration, women’s health, and regulatory reform. Prior to joining the League, Alicia was with the Office of Economic Development at the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Alicia holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Sociology with a specialization in law, criminology, and deviance from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor and a master’s of public affairs with a specialization in social and economic policy from the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin.
Contact: aliciagw@mlpp.org
Alex Rossman joined the League staff in 2015 as communications director. He handles writing, editing and messaging, media relations and social media for the League to help ensure our work gets the attention it deserves. Prior to joining the League, Alex worked for Democratic Central Staff for the Michigan Senate for almost ten years, serving as the deputy communications director and, previously, as press secretary and communications advisor, helping draw attention to the important legislative issues facing our state. He previously worked in communications for the Michigan Chapter of The Nature Conservancy as well.
Alex holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration and sports management from Aquinas College, where he also ran cross country and track. Alex grew up in Lansing, and used to ride his bike through Old Town where he now works.
Contact: arossman@mlpp.org
Julie Cassidy joined the League as a policy analyst in 2017. Before that, she spent 14 years working as a legislative analyst for the nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency, where she specialized in health, energy and environmental issues. Julie also has an extensive volunteer history of strategic planning and building community partnerships related to local environmental stewardship efforts. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in social relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison College and a Master of Arts in public policy, also from MSU.
Contact: jcassidy@mlpp.org
Pat Sorenson rejoined the League staff in September 2012 as a senior policy analyst working on state budget and tax policies. Prior to returning to the League, Pat was the senior director for policy and advocacy at the Early Childhood Investment Corporation; the vice president for policy at Michigan’s Children; and a senior planning and research associate at the League, serving as the organization’s first Kids Count director.
Pat has more than 30 years of experience in monitoring and analyzing state budgets and policies affecting low income families and children, including the founding and management of Michigan’s Children’s Budget Watch project. Pat received her law degree in 1986 from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and her master’s in social work from the University of Michigan in 1978. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.
Contact: psorenson@mlpp.org
Gilda Z. Jacobs has served as president & CEO of the Michigan League for Public Policy since 2011, following a 30-year career in public service at the local, county and state levels. Gilda has won numerous awards for her work, including being named as one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Michigan by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2016 and receiving the Michigan Food Bank Council’s Hunger-Free Award in 2015. In 2012, she participated in the Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in the Nonprofit Leadership Program. Gilda served in the state Senate for eight years after serving two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives where she made history as the first woman floor leader in either chamber of the Legislature. Prior to serving in the Legislature, she served as an Oakland County Commissioner and a Huntington Woods City Commissioner.
In addition to her civic leadership, Jacobs served as Development Director for JARC, a Jewish association providing residential care for persons with developmental disabilities. She also worked as a special education teacher in the Madison School District. Jacobs received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Michigan.
