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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DOZIE OHERIFounder/CEO, Choose to DO, Inc.
Dozie is the Founder/CEO of Choose to DO, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides mental health resources to predominately black youth in under resourced communities. Our mission is to focus on the physical and mental benefits of positive thinking. I established Choose to DO, Inc. to build healthier relationships between nonprofits and the communities they serve and to positively impact youth. |
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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. |
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REY L., JR.Rey L., Jr. is a lover and fierce protector of Black peoples and cultures organizing at the intersections of radical Black scholarship, action and strategy. As a former teacher, Rey believes fervently in the guiding principles of shared power, cultural knowledge, and community action for the liberation of all peoples.
Rey is a proud alumnus of Morehouse College and holds his Master of Arts degree from New York University. |