It has been a year full of tough fights for us here at the League. The stakes are high, and we are ready to continue meeting challenges with data-backed advocacy and our mission to create a Michigan where everyone can thrive, especially those who have previously been left out of prosperity. Sometimes the finish line feels further than it has ever been, but we are dedicated to pushing through. And in times such as these, it’s important to remind ourselves of what it is we’re fighting for and find fresh focus in gratitude. Today we carry on our Thanksgiving tradition of pausing and sharing what we’re thankful for.
Monique Stanton, President & CEO
Karen Holcomb-Merrill, Chief Operating Officer
This has been a rough year with un-ending battles at the federal level to help ensure that all Michiganders have what they need to be well and to thrive. But I am so grateful for the passionate and compassionate people I get to work with at the League. There is no one else I would rather do this hard work with. And I am so grateful for my family, especially my five grandkiddos, who all bring so much joy into my life.
Kate Powers, Chief Development Officer
In 2025, I have been given the opportunity to practice gratitude- a lot! First and foremost, I am so grateful for my new role at the League. Not only is my job new to me, but having a full time development department is new for the League as well. It is exciting to be a part of something new that will help propel the League into the future. I am also grateful for my family and to be able to spend time with them throughout the year, but also over the holiday season. I know that 2025 was tough for so many of us, on so many levels, and I am hopeful for positive change in 2026!
Amber Bellazaire, Senior Policy Analyst
Julie Cassidy, Senior Policy Analyst
I am so thankful for every single person working in their own way to protect our families, communities and democracy, from my incredible League colleagues to the regular people standing up to ICE to the millions of No Kings activists across the country. The only way out of these dark times is together!
Megan Farnsworth Executive Assistant to the President & Operations Coordinator
Mikell Frey, Writing and Messaging Specialist
I’m thankful to work with a group of smart, compassionate professionals who are meeting this moment in our nation’s history with fact-based, people-centered advocacy when so many basic human rights and needs are coming under attack. The League has not wavered in its mission in these challenging times and that makes me grateful and proud.
Amari Fuller, Grand Rapids Area Community Engagement Specialist
I am so thankful for the amazing community partners we work with who I have seen step up, speak out, and stand in the gap for our most vulnerable Michiganders in big ways this year. Your compassion, empathy and tenacity inspire me and truly make our state a better place for everyone.
Nicholas Hess, Fiscal Policy Analyst
I am thankful for the work I am able to do here at the League with so many amazing people, especially during difficult times like this. It’s so easy to feel helpless and jaded, but being here makes the work I do feel meaningful. I am thankful for the League’s community partners and the hard work they do in fighting for a more equitable Michigan. I am thankful to have an amazing support system in my life, from family to friends. I have been eating A LOT of hummus this year, so shoutout to the chickpea. Finally, I am thankful for my cats; their insatiable appetites and warm snuggles.
Emily Jorgensen, Lead Communications Coordinator
I am so grateful for coffee, music, comedy, walks and cuddles with my pup, space for creativity, the incredible work of the League and my wonderful colleagues, those fighting for justice alongside us, and most importantly, precious time with my family and friends.
Anne Kuhnen, Kids Count Policy Director
I’m thankful for the little joys: books, music, fresh bread, coffee, sidewalks, parks, and perhaps most importantly, loved ones with whom to share them. During an otherwise challenging year, I’m grateful to know so many in my community who value place, connection and collective action.
Audrey Matusz, Visual Communications Specialist
My friends, my family and the 2025 rereleases of Depeche Mode’s Black Celebration on vinyl.
Scott Preston, Senior Policy Analyst
This year I’m thankful for and inspired by all the organizers, advocates, community groups and especially the individuals that have stepped up to defend our communities from the worst immigration enforcement policies threatening our state. I am so grateful to be in a position to shape systems and policy, supported by such sharp and talented colleagues.
Rachel Richards, Fiscal Policy and Government Relations Director
Laura Ross, Communications Director
Patrick Schaefer, Economic Security Policy Analyst
Alexandra Stamm, Education Policy Analyst
As I sit in our beautiful new downtown office with Wynken, Blynken and Nod out my window, I’m reminded of how thankful I am to be a Lanstronaut. Our small city is home to some unique landmarks like our Truck Munching Bridge, Big Penny and staples of local life like summer nights cheering on our Lugnuts. We even kick off the holidays together every year at the Silver Bells parade, lighting up downtown with community spirit. I never find myself looking too hard for a good olive burger or a beautiful trail to explore with my family and walk the dogs. No matter the time of year, I’m grateful to call Lansing home.
Donald Stuckey II, Metro Detroit Area Community Engagement Specialist
Danielle Taylor-Basemore, Development Data and Stewardship Coordinator
This year, I’m grateful for new opportunities to learn and contribute, from joining the Michigan League for Public Policy in June to beginning graduate studies. I’m also thankful for the resilience and health that carried me through 2025. In a time when the political climate can feel uncertain, I’m especially appreciative for the progress and collaboration happening here in Michigan. Our state continues to show what’s possible when people come together with shared purpose.
Kelli Vanderburg, Kids Count Lead Data Analyst
I am thankful for the time I have to spend with my family and friends this holiday season. I am thankful for the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the dark, cozy days of winter, with holiday traditions new and old.
Jayme Vosovic, Community Engagement Director
Jay Cutler joined the League in March 2026 as the Kids Count Senior Data Analyst, where he collects, analyzes, and prepares data for Kids Count in Michigan.
Danielle Taylor-Basemore joined the League as the Development Data and Stewardship Coordinator in June 2025. She brings with her five years of nonprofit experience with a special focus on community engagement, data visualization and strategic programming. Prior to joining the League, Danielle served as the Business District, Safety, and Digital Manager at Jefferson East, Inc.
Scott Preston is a Senior Policy Analyst with the Michigan League for Public Policy, where he leads the organization’s immigration and criminal justice reform portfolios. In the three years prior to joining the League, Scott facilitated the Southeast Michigan Refugee Collaborative and managed a small business economic development program at Global Detroit. His work included launching Michigan’s first Refugee Film Festival and building on a trusted connector model that linked marginalized communities with crucial resources. Scott’s work at the League is informed by his background in journalism and research. He spent four years covering the Syrian refugee crisis in the Middle East for publications such as The Economist, and later worked with unaccompanied refugee minors through Samaritas. Scott holds a master’s degree in international migration and public policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Kate Powers joined the League as the Chief Development Officer in February 2025. Prior to joining the League, Kate held leadership positions at many Michigan nonprofit organizations, most recently serving as the COO and Chief Development Officer of Ele’s Place. Kate has spent the bulk of her career in fundraising, with a short stint in the state Legislature as a legislative aide to members in both chambers. Kate is a graduate of Michigan State University’s James Madison College with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Relations and has a certificate in fundraising management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Additionally, Kate served on the East Lansing Public Schools Board of Education and is a past President of the Junior League of Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and her son and saving outfit of the day and home decor ideas on Pinterest. 
Nicholas Hess joined the League as the Fiscal Policy Analyst in September of 2024. In this role, Nicholas focuses on tax policy, government revenue, and their impact on working families and racial equity, including the effects of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC). Nicholas values the role that judicious fiscal policy can play in the improvement of people’s lives and the economy, alleviating inequities along the way.
Audrey Matusz joined the League as the Visual Communications Specialist in September 2024. She supports the team with implementing social media strategies and brainstorming creative ways to talk about public policy. She brings with her nearly a decade of experience in producing digital products for evidence-based social justice initiatives. 
Jacob Kaplan 
Donald Stuckey 
Alexandra Stamm 
Amari Fuller
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. 
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
