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Kenrick Thomas – I was born and raised in Long Island and I lived there until age 20 when I moved to Port St. Lucie, FL. I enrolled at Indian River State College where I received an Associates of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations in 2013. Shortly after, I attended Ashford University and received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications and Master of Science in Mass Communications – Global Strategic Communications from Florida International University.

I’ve worked in the mass communications industry for 8 years. I was a Radio Personality for WFLM 104.5 FM and I worked as a News Reporter and Anchor for WQCS 88.9 FM, an NPR affiliate. I transitioned to a Communications and Marketing Coordinator role for Volunteers in Medicine Clinic in 2015, a non-profit organization that provides free comprehensive medical services for the uninsured in Martin County, FL. My last position was Director of Marketing and Communications for the United Way of St. Lucie County.

Samra Stoner – My name is Samra Stoner and I’m originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and have lived in Grand Rapids, MI for the past 15 years. My passion and commitment to social justice was initially sparked when I was a junior in high school. I participated in a Christian leadership program (Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders United) where I learned about mass incarceration, and I was so convicted and angered on the inside that I made it the topic of my high school senior project. I was able to participate in a silent demonstration to raise awareness about mass incarceration in my community. For the last five years, I have done a lot of research on systemic racism and inequality in America. My passion for social justice led me to pursue a social work degree at Goshen College.

In Grand Rapids, I worked with “high at risk” youth for two consecutive summers in high school, where I helped tutor middle school students in mathematics. My first year of college at Cornerstone University, I volunteered as a mentor for the Grand Rapids Initiative for Leaders United. I volunteered at a Boys and Girls Club as a part of my social work internship at Goshen College. I also interned at Ryan’s Place, a grieving center, where I worked with K-12 youth in schools as a part of my senior social work placement. I hope to work with children, youth, and families in underserved communities in the near future.