The Race Equity Research Leadership Collective has been formed under the direction of local and regional social justice, race and equity leaders. Members of our steering committee contribute their insights and talents to shaping the research, leadership and advocacy efforts of the REcollective, providing support, guidance and oversight of progress.
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nIA BUCKLEY, LMSW
Executive Director of The Race Equity Leadership and Research Collective
Nia Buckley (she/her) is the Executive Director of the RE Collective. It is her passion and purpose to dismantle anti-black and racist practices, policies, and systems. Nia is deeply committed to anti-racist change work, and utilizes her experiences to drive work that centers BIPOC communities and challenges the norms of white supremacy. Nia is a disabled veteran of the United States Air Force and has worked for Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), Arizona's Medicaid agency. There, she advocated for culturally diverse behavioral healthcare policies within AHCCCS, addressing and eliminating barriers to mental health access for members of the Black community. As a mental health advocate and someone who navigates the behavioral health system personally and professionally, she also is certified in Mental Health First Aid. While at the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Arizona, she helped end the stigma of mental illness, creating a safe, supportive space for Black folx experiencing mental illness. Race though a social construct, has always been a topic of conversation at a young age having a Black mother and white father. Growing up biracial in a predominately Black community, she was immersed in Black history and the beauty of being Black. Through this upbringing and then entering the military, it was a culture shock for her to enter an environment of majority-white men and anti-Black practices. While navigating the military institution, she found herself in predominantly white spaces with people who were overtly and covertly racist. With these experiences, Nia is determined to advocate and lead change in racial equity within the rooms and organizations she occupies. Nia holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Houston’s Graduate College of Social Work. |
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Brandon mackCommunity Activist and Sociologist
Brandon is a community activist and sociologist dedicated to issues related to the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality. He has conducted research on effemiphobia, the negativity related to effeminate gay men. His work has been featured in a GLAAD Media Award winning article and he has presented his work at national conferences such as the National LGBTQ+ Task Force: Creating Change and NBJC's Out on the Hill. He is a lead organizer with Black Lives Matter: Houston. Screening Committee Chair of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus. He is also on Mayor Turner's LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. |
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KENNEDY HENDERSON, MSWMacro Social Worker
Kennedy is a graduating Master of Social Work Student at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW). She is currently interning with Full Circle Strategies and was given the opportunity to participate in the first cohort of the RE Collective’s Ukombozi Fellowship through her internship. She works as a graduate assistant for the GCSW Office of Admissions and Student Affairs and is one of the founding members of a GCSW BIPOC support space, Radical Connections (RadCo). Kennedy is a Southeast Michigan native who moved to Houston in August 2020. She is looking forward to exploring Houston after she graduates in May 2022 and enjoys baking and playing with her dog Cece in her spare time. |
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LAILA KHALILIDirector of Capacity Building, Houton In Action
Laila Khalili is an experienced facilitator, organizer and relationship builder who finds deep joy working in the service of others. She received a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Houston, and currently serves as the Director of Capacity Building at Houston in Action, where she oversees training, coaching and capacity building efforts for member organizations. She has a decade of experience working on issues related to reproductive justice, community development, public policy and civic engagement. She was a member of the inaugural Ukombozi Fellowship cohort and is excited to continue working with her community to advance a culture of racial justice. When she's not getting into good trouble, Laila spends her time with her partner and two rescue dogs. |