Shakya Cherry-Donaldson
Founder and Executive Director

A community organizer, constituency mobilizer and movement builder, Shakya’s mission and ministry is to build the “beloved community.” She has worked on issue-based and candidate campaigns in 13 states including as Statewide Deputy Field Director for Stacey Abrams 2018 gubernatorial run in Georgia. Since she founded 1000 Women Strong in 2020, Shakya has cultivated the grassroots and political power of Black women and their allies through year-round field and relational organizing across the country, empowering them to have an impact on the issues that affect their lives.

Lilli Jackson
Chief Program Officer

With more than a decade of strategic partnership building, community engagement and project management, Lilli’s specialty is fostering strong relationships and creating networks of changemakers. At 1000 Women Strong, she analyzes cultural, social and demographic data to develop unique programming and drive civic engagement in key states across the country. She is formerly the partnerships and technology manager for Fair Count Inc., the Georgia Democratic Party’s deputy field director for national volunteers and regional field director for the historic Stacey Abrams campaign in 2018.

Aja Gaddie
National Outreach Director

With more than a decade of political organizing experience, Aja is a dynamic connector of people and experiences. Passionate about community, she leads 1000 Women Strong's organizing and outreach work, finding Black women in their respective spaces and amplifying their collective power. She has organized for the Energy Justice Network, the For our Future Fund, Emanuel Pleitez's Los Angeles mayoral campaign and President Obama's Organizing for America post-election organization. Aja was previously the finance assistant for the Gainey for Mayor campaign in Pittsburgh, director of the Nashville and Pittsburgh field offices for the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign, and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's Innovation & Technology Program Manager.

Tania Johns
National Organizing Director

A strategic leader with expertise in community engagement, research and organizing, Tania mobilizes Black women across the South and Midwest for 1K Women Strong. She leads efforts that have, so far, resulted in more than 50,000 doors knocked, thousands of calls made and historic wins during the last election cycle. Previous accomplishments include securing more than half a billion dollars for public education in Montgomery through a successful school levy campaign, helping establish the Office of Violence Prevention and shaping the city’s response to COVID-19. Tania also served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Montgomery’s first African-American mayor, led efforts to rename a street for Civil Rights Attorney Fred Gray and partnered with organizations like Amazon to provide resources for domestic violence victims. In her free time, Tania enjoys hiking, camping and finding natural inspiration.

Jennifer Smiley
State Director, Georgia

With a deep background in community and field organizing, Jennifer leads 1K Women Strong's work to build grassroots power in Georgia. As a native of Stewart County in rural Georgia, her mission is to make a difference in the lives of those in our southern rural communities. Jennifer has shared her skills, expertise and lessons on national stages like Netroots Nation, educating industry leaders and the next generation of organizers on how rural communities can build power for the long haul.

Joi Donaldson
Digital Media Manager

As a results-driven digital manager, Joi is passionate about fostering community engagement and amplifying diverse voices through social media and streaming platforms. Her work at 1K Women Strong uplifts the work of the entire organization, as well as its related partnerships and events. She is particularly focused on strategic content creation and influencer partnerships, working to foster growth and impact across networks and followings. She brings more than a decade of of experience in designing impactful digital marketing campaigns, optimizing brand visibility and driving meaningful growth to the organization.

Dr. Brisha Brichelle
National Outreach Coordinator

With more than 15 years of experience in community engagement and advocacy, Brisha is dedicated to amplifying the voices of women and addressing critical issues such as pay equity, mental wellness and civic participation. At 1K Women Strong, she organizes impactful events and facilitates Black women caucuses, fostering space for dialogue and action. Previous work includes founding GYRL... Yes You Can, a 501(c)3 organization focused on empowering young girls in underserved communities. Her personal experiences with loss and the challenges of motherhood inform her advocacy, driving her commitment to create supportive networks for women and families. Brisha’s vision is to inspire the next generation of leaders and to create pathways for equitable opportunities in every community. Her unwavering dedication to uplifting others makes her a powerful advocate for change.