Shelby talton
Shelby, is a government affairs professional with a proven track record in legislative policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic advocacy. She began her public service career on Capitol Hill in the office of Congressman Marc Veasey, where she advanced to Legislative Assistant and managed a diverse policy portfolio, including health care, immigration, education, and veterans affairs.
Shelby later served in the White House’s Office of Management and Budget on the legislative affairs team, supporting interagency policy coordination and congressional outreach. She now brings her expertise to Truist, where she works on the legislative relations team, driving strategic policy initiatives and strengthening relationships across the public sector.
Shelby is passionate about creating meaningful policy solutions and remains committed to advancing equity, opportunity, and effective governance at the intersection of the public and private sectors.
johna mitchell
Johna, is a dynamic digital strategist and creative storyteller known for transforming ideas into impactful, audience-driven content. With over 10 years of experience across political communications, digital media, and production, she brings a results-focused approach to growing platforms, increasing engagement, and amplifying influential voices.
Throughout her career working in both leadership and personal offices in Congress, Johna has developed and executed innovative digital strategies that connect policy to people. Her work has helped shape national conversations, strengthen online communities, and significantly increase follower growth and engagement across multiple platforms. She is recognized for her ability to translate complex issues into compelling, accessible content that resonates with diverse audiences.
With a strong foundation in production, Johna continues to maintain a hands-on role in creative development, from concept ideation and scripting to filming and content execution. Her production experience allows her to think beyond traditional social media strategy, bringing storytelling, visual direction, and audience experience together to create content that is both engaging and impactful. Whether developing digital campaigns, producing video content, or supporting live and virtual events, Johna blends strategy with creativity to deliver polished and meaningful results.
In addition to her political communications experience, Johna has supported social media strategy and creative content development for Zion Church’s Landover and Anywhere campuses, helping strengthen digital engagement and expand online reach through storytelling and production-driven content.
A proud North Carolina native and graduate of Saint Augustine’s University, Johna earned her bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and Broadcast Journalism. Her creativity, strategic mindset, and continued involvement in production make her a versatile communications professional with a proven track record of increasing followers, strengthening engagement, and delivering impactful messaging across platforms.
Taylor Johnigan
Taylor, is a charismatic leader, dedicated student, and passionate advocate for community empowerment. A proud student at the University of North Texas, Taylor balances her academic pursuits with an impactful career in public service, demonstrating perseverance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to civic engagement.
Beginning her professional journey as an intern for Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33), where she gained firsthand insight into legislative processes and constituent services. This formative experience strengthened her passion for public service and prepared her for increasingly impactful roles on Capitol Hill. She went on to serve as a Staff Assistant in the office of Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-00), where she honed her skills in legislative support, constituent relations, and office operations—all while leaving a lasting impression through her southern charm and professionalism.
Currently, Taylor serves as a Operations and Outreach Coordinator at the Congressional Black Caucus PAC (CBC PAC). In this role, she uplifts the Members of the Congressional Black Caucus by advancing their priorities and connecting emerging leaders to public service opportunities.
Taylor’s story is one of ambition paired with purpose. Whether in the classroom, on Capitol Hill, or in her community, she continues to create meaningful change, build lasting connections, and inspire others to engage in the democratic process.
Karissa Hylton
Karissa, is a passionate advocate for positive change, a dedicated public servant, and a lifelong learner committed to making an impact at every level. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of effective communication and public policy, she has dedicated her career to shaping narratives that inform, inspire, and drive action.
Karissa began her journey in public service as an intern in the office of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), where she gained firsthand experience working within the heart of legislative decision-making.
Currently, Karissa serves as the Deputy Press and Digital Secretary in the office of Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), where she plays a crucial role in shaping and disseminating the senator’s message. In this role, she manages press relations, oversees digital content creation, and ensures that Senator Sanders’ outreach remains effective and impactful.
With a keen eye for storytelling and a commitment to progressive change, Karissa continues to build a career centered on advocacy, media, and governance. Whether amplifying policy initiatives, crafting compelling digital content, or engaging with the press, she remains dedicated to fostering a more informed and engaged public.
Driven by a vision of a more just and equitable world, Karissa is always seeking new opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful change.
Karrington Knight
Karrington, serves in the Office of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett as a legislative correspondent and staff assistant, where she works on foreign affairs, labor, transportation/infrastructure, science and technology, and the environment.
She recently completed her Master's degree in International Affairs with a concentration in Democracy Studies from the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University in Washington D.C. She earned her Bachelor's degree in International Studies with minors in Spanish and Film & Media Studies from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN.
Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Karrington was selected as a recipient of the prestigious Donald M. Payne International Fellowship, which fully funded her graduate education and provided a direct pipeline to a career with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as a Foreign Service Officer. During this fellowship,
Karrington had the opportunity to work in Lusaka, Zambia at the USAID Mission, focusing her work on democracy, governance, and human rights projects in the country. Her policy interests include defending women’s rights and advocating for the inclusion and empowerment of Indigenous communities in global affairs.
She has held meaningful roles in public policy and international finance, including working in the office of Congressman Troy Carter, where she conducted research for legislative initiatives and engaged directly with constituents. She also contributed to global anti-corruption efforts through her work with Transparency International, where she helped catalog corruption cases, drafted policy language, and curated elements of the organization’s International Anti-Corruption Conference.
While her transition to USAID has been postponed, Karrington remains committed to a career in international development and public service. She is an member of several professional and civic organizations, including the Black Women’s Congressional Alliance, Congressional Black Associates, and the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She also proudly serves on the First Tee National Alumni Advisory Council and enjoys traveling and playing golf.
Aaliyah Tabor
Aaliyah, is a government operations professional with experience in both the White House and the Hill. A graduate of the University of North Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and a minor in Mandarin Chinese, she brings both operational expertise and a global perspective to her work.
She began her career in public service with the Mayor’s Office of International & Immigrant Affairs in Atlanta, gaining experience in local government and community engagement. She then joined the district office of Congresswoman Lucy McBath (GA-07), supporting constituent services and office operations. She later transitioned to the Biden-Harris Administration, where she managed communications, and assisted with facilities and administrative functions across the Executive Office of the President Complex.
Following her time at the White House, Aaliyah returned to Capitol Hill as a Staff Assistant for the House Committee on Homeland Security Minority. There, she supported committee operations across multiple subcommittees, contributed to the preparation of materials for congressional hearings, and managed the committee’s internship program.
Across her roles, she has remained grounded in service, focused on keeping operations running smoothly and ensuring that government work serves both people and communities effectively, with an awareness of global implications.
Lydia Grizzell
Lydia, is a public affairs professional, policy strategist, and civic leader with experience across local, state, and federal government. A graduate of Millsaps College and current President of the Young Democrats of Mississippi, she is committed to advancing civic engagement, strengthening democratic institutions, and developing policies that foster inclusion, opportunity, and effective governance.
Throughout her career, Lydia has worked at the intersection of public policy, government operations, and stakeholder engagement. She previously served as Deputy Clerk of Council for the City of Jackson, supporting legislative processes and municipal governance. At the federal level, she contributed to policy and oversight efforts with the United States House Committee on Homeland Security and the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol, gaining experience in congressional operations, public policy, and government accountability.
Following the successful completion of a Tier 5 background investigation, Lydia served on the White House Operations Management Team, supporting the daily functions of the Executive Office of the President and helping ensure the effective administration of one of the nation's most complex institutions.
In the private sector, Lydia worked in government relations at Alpine Group, where she supported advocacy and strategic engagement efforts before Congress and federal agencies. Her experience navigating both public and private sector environments has strengthened her ability to build partnerships, translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies, and connect diverse stakeholders around shared goals.
Lydia also played a leadership role during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, contributing to one of the country's largest civic and political gatherings. Across each stage of her career, she has remained focused on creating pathways for participation, fostering collaborative leadership, and advancing policies that produce more equitable, innovative, and effective outcomes for the communities and institutions they serve.