Civil Rights Experts 2025

Lorena Tambini is a democracy defender and public educator who helps Americans make sense of political chaos with clarity and emotional grounding. As the founder of Take Back Democracy News, she translates complex legal, political, and national security developments into accessible, fact-checked explanations for audiences overwhelmed by misinformation and cognitive overload. Her expertise includes disinformation analysis, political psychology, authoritarian threat patterns, voter behavior, media literacy, and narrative warfare. Lorena exposes how propaganda shapes public perception, how fear-based messaging influences democratic participation, and how trauma and stress distort civic decision making. She created the Fresh Start Roadmap and a civic psychology quiz that identifies news fatigue, public stress patterns, and vulnerability to manipulation. Journalists rely on Lorena for insights on extremist narratives, political persuasion tactics, democratic backsliding, and the emotional impact of political crises. She connects high-level democratic threats to the lived experiences of everyday Americans, offering nuanced, people-first analysis grounded in both expertise and lived reality.

Jacqueline Twillie is a leadership strategist and negotiation expert who empowers underrepresented leaders, including women, to command their worth, lead authentically, and achieve results. Born near Louisiana’s bayou and now based in Brooklyn, she blends Southern warmth with urban grit, guiding professionals through complex corporate landscapes. Her philosophy: leaders should shape their environments rather than simply adapt. Through her consultancy, ZeroGap, Jacqueline conducts masterclasses, workshops, and coaching sessions that transform hesitant conversations into strategic opportunities. Her proven negotiation frameworks enable clients to speak up confidently, secure fair value, and step into roles that once seemed out of reach. Drawing on research and real-world application, her guidance resonates with emerging professionals and seasoned executives alike. Addressing the challenges historically excluded leaders face, Jacqueline encourages authenticity and fosters inclusive workplace cultures. Media outlets and publishers find her insights authoritative yet accessible—complete with data, examples, and practical strategies. She’s an ideal source on topics like pay equity, closing leadership gaps, and building resilient, people-centered organizations. Influenced by her own journey, Jacqueline learned perseverance in Louisiana and honed strategic skills in Brooklyn’s competitive climate. She helps others transcend obstacles, discover strengths, and redefine what it means to have a seat at the table. For professionals eager to level up, publishers seeking expert content, and media needing credible thought leadership on equity, negotiation, and inclusive leadership, Jacqueline Twillie stands ready. She equips leaders to embrace their power, negotiate what they deserve, and shape organizations for a more equitable future. Working with Jacqueline means tapping into expertise that yields lasting impact.

Dr. Robinson is an executive coach and organizational consultant that focuses on transformational culture change to build thriving workplaces and institutions. During her tenure at Gallup, she consulted with and coached managers, leaders, and chief executives across industries, including Fortune 500, Big Tech, nonprofit, entertainment and media, FedGov, defense, healthcare, higher education, and biotech. She cohosted 3 seasons of Gallup’s “CliftonStrengths Podcast” on the topics of workplace wellbeing, leadership, engagement, and strengths-based development. She was most recently a guest on the “Unstoppable Mindset” podcast and the “Mental Selling” podcast, among others. Dr. Robinson is a member and contributor of Forbes Coaches Council and was a contributing editor to Gallup’s Wallstreet Journal Bestseller, “Wellbeing at Work: How to Build Thriving and Resilient Teams.” She has been featured in MSN as one of ten trailblazing women revolutionizing their fields. She received a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology from the University of Oklahoma, a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, a master’s degree in criminology, law and society from the University of California - Irvine, and a doctorate degree in international psychology with an emphasis in organizations and systems from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. She is PCC certified with the International Coaching Federation, CliftonStrengths certified with Gallup, Inc., Builder Profile 10 trained with Gallup, Inc., and Hogan Assessments certified through Pixonality.

Eric Epstein is a former senior federal agency counsel with more than three decades of experience drafting, implementing, and defending major federal legislation and regulations. Before retiring from federal service, he served as Senior Policy Counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, where he was a principal advisor to executive leadership, the Attorney General, and White House officials on complex regulatory, legislative, and national enforcement matters. Over a 32-year career, he drafted and helped implement major federal firearms and explosives regulations and legislation, including the firearms trafficking provisions of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and ATF’s “Ghost Gun Rule,” which was later upheld by the United States Supreme Court. He spent 15 years in the field working alongside ATF agents and investigators on criminal and regulatory cases, providing firsthand operational insight into how federal laws are enforced in practice. He also represented ATF before industry leaders at trade conferences and executive meetings, giving him direct experience with how federal regulatory policy affects manufacturers, importers, retailers, and other regulated entities. Throughout his career, he authored dozens of federal regulations and rulings, advised members of Congress on statutory language, and worked closely with the U.S. Solicitor General in Supreme Court litigation. His work shaped administrative records, national enforcement policy, and compliance strategy across regulated industries. He is a recipient of the Distinguished Presidential Rank Award, the highest honor for career federal employees, as well as the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award. Mr. Epstein is the founder and CEO of Commentari, an AI-based platform that helps individuals and organizations analyze legislation and agency rulemakings and draft substantive public comments grounded in the Administrative Procedure Act. His work focuses on regulatory and legislative strategy, public comment impact, and litigation risk in federal policymaking. He provides commentary on federal rulemaking, legislative drafting, administrative law, regulatory litigation risk, firearms and explosives legislation and regulation, and how federal agencies develop, defend, and enforce major policy decisions. He is available to provide clear and practical insight into complex regulatory and legislative developments. He is based in the Washington, D.C. area.

Tracy Sanders Rucker, Esq., is a nationally recognized employment, education, and immigration law attorney, bestselling author, and continuing legal education (CLE) presenter. Founder of Natural Hair and the Law and the Attorney Tracy Sanders Foundation, she is a leading voice on hair texture discrimination, workplace culture, and post-DEI compliance in schools and businesses. Her work has been featured by ABC, MSNBC, TLC, Essence, Avvo, and the Los Angeles Sentinel, and she has spoken at Yale University, Arizona State University, Loyola Law School, Arizona State University, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and other higher education institutions. She has authored bestsellers, including Natural Hair in the Workplace: What Are Your Rights?, The CROWN Act Handbook, and Wearing Our Crowns — each recognized in national media and ranked #1 in key legal categories on Amazon Kindle. Her advocacy has earned honors from U.S. Congress members, Netflix, eBay, Benedict College Women’s Business Center, and the Los Angeles Lakers Women’s Business Awards. She also hosts the Legal Talk With Tracy Sanders podcast and earned degrees from Syracuse University College of Law, the University of South Carolina, and Cornell University’s Women’s Entrepreneurship program. See: https://smb.americanpress.com/article/Attorney-Tracy-Sanders-Launches-Insightful-New-Book-on-Hair-Texture-Discrimination-in-Workplaces-and-Schools?storyId=683ff0e944ed71000866c89f http://int.cerifilegaledge.com/program_guide/search_results.jsf?courseTopicType=1&provider=32008108&requireCourseNumber=false&accredStatus=%5B%5D&format=On+Demand.Live.Live+Conference https://lexvid.com/cle-speakers/tracy-sanders-rucker https://www.lawline.com/lawyer/tracy-sanders-rucker

Christopher Zoukis, JD, MBA, is a nationally recognized federal prison expert. He serves as Managing Director at Elizabeth Franklin-Best P.C. and Zoukis Consulting Group, where his federal criminal defense practice focuses on federal appeals, post-conviction relief, compassionate release, clemency, and Bureau of Prisons policy matters. Mr. Zoukis is the author of six books on federal criminal defense and prison policy, including The Habeas Citebook: Ineffective Assistance of Counsel (Prison Legal News Publishing, 3rd ed. forthcoming 2025), Federal Criminal Defendant’s Handbook (Middle Street Publishing, forthcoming 2025), Directory of Federal Prisons (2020), Federal Prison Handbook (2017), Prison Education Guide (2017), and College for Convicts (2014). His Federal Prison Handbook received numerous awards, including the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards Gold Medal, the Next Generation Indie Book Award, and the Chanticleer Book Awards Instructional & Insightful Nonfiction Award. College for Convicts received the Eric Hoffer Book Award’s Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking book of the year. Mr. Zoukis earned his Juris Doctor from the University of California, Davis School of Law, where he served as Articles Editor of the UC Davis Law Review and received both the Witkin Award and Reynoso Award for Academic Excellence. He also holds an MBA and a BA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Adams State University. Major media outlets regularly seek his expertise. He has been quoted in CNN, Fox News, ABC News, Associated Press, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Bloomberg Law, and Vice News, among others. He has contributed articles to the Huffington Post, New York Daily News, Prison Legal News, and Criminal Legal News. Mr. Zoukis’s Prison Law Blog was named a Top Law Blawg by the American Bar Association, and he was a finalist for the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Award. He has assisted hundreds of clients with federal prison preparation, in-prison advocacy, and reentry matters, and is considered a leading voice on federal prison policy nationwide. Learn more about Chris at https://federalcriminaldefenseattorney.com/about/christopher-zoukis-federal-prison-consultant/

A former award-winning math and computer science teacher, Angira has led RedefinED Atlanta initiatives expanding high-quality public school access for thousands of Metro Atlanta students since 2017. Her work centers on increasing opportunity, improving student outcomes, and strengthening local school systems. In this role, she sets the strategic vision, oversees partnerships and grantmaking, and drives initiatives that strengthen public schools, develop exceptional school-level talent, and support transformational leadership. Before joining RedefinED Atlanta as a founding staff member, Angira served as Director of Finance and Director of Talent Initiatives at YES Prep Public Schools in Houston. She was previously a high school math and computer science teacher in the Houston Independent School District, where she earned a United States Congressional Recognition for her contributions to STEM education. Angira began her career as a financial analyst at Morgan Stanley. Topic expertise: - General K-12 public education landscape including importance of school quality, student equity, community conditions, and etc. - School district facility/redistricting changes - Research informed student-centered decision making/implementation to district initiatives - Student enrollments decline and district planning - Student achievement data (NAEP, Milestones, CCRPI) and subgroup (race, gender, special needs) learning gaps - Learning recovery strategies - STEM equity and access - Innovative public K-12 school models, e.g., workforce development related schools - School board leadership and governance

I’m Theresa White, a Career Clarity Expert and 5x Certified Career Coach dedicated to helping professionals find purpose and direction in their careers. With a background in HR and a deep commitment to empowering others, I’ve guided hundreds of professionals to uncover fulfilling and impactful career paths. My work is more than just career coaching; I’m a clarity strategist, known for using my unique insights and proven methods to unlock the potential within my clients. Through my proprietary Career Clarity Formula, I deliver rapid, transformative results for clients who are tired of feeling stuck and uncertain about their professional futures. My approach combines practical tools, like the Sparketype® Assessment, with research-backed techniques to help people uncover their true strengths and aspirations. These “aha moments” are the core of my work, and they’re what allow my clients to move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Through y program, I've transformed career coaching into a results-driven journey that brings clarity and purpose, while reducing the time traditionally spent on finding direction. This approach has empowered my clients to find careers they love, often with improvements in income, work-life balance, and overall satisfaction. As a leading voice in career clarity and career change, my work has been recognized by clients and industry leaders alike. I’ve seen firsthand the transformative effect that career clarity can have, especially for professionals in corporate roles who feel disconnected from their work. Helping them achieve a renewed sense of purpose and motivation has become a central focus of my work, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of what I do. If you’re a journalist covering career development, employee engagement, or women’s professional empowerment, my perspective might be of interest to your audience. I’m passionate about reshaping the field of career coaching with actionable, purpose-driven strategies that tap into people’s potential. Through my programs, speaking engagements, and client success stories, I’m redefining career clarity as a pathway to true fulfillment, purpose, and long-lasting success. I would be honored to share my insights and success stories with your audience, offering a fresh take on how people can achieve meaningful, sustainable career change.

I am a publicist, coder, music industry executive and TV Producer with a track record of securing premier media placements and managing high-stakes narratives. At Popularity PR, I help high-profile individuals and corporations across the entertainment, legal, and political sectors navigate the modern media landscape. With an entrepreneurial background that includes building AI-driven intellectual property tools and navigating complex civil litigation, I offer a multifaceted perspective on how business, law, and culture collide. Available for expert commentary on: Public Relations (crisis comms, brand strategy), Entertainment (industry, celebrity narratives), Law (litigation strategy, IP protection), and Entrepreneurship (tech development, startups). Personal Interests: Music, binge-watching Netflix, and diving into complex legal strategy.

Ray Johnson is a retired FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, attorney, and educator whose career spans the courtroom, the classroom, and the command post. Over nearly 30 years in state and federal law enforcement, he has led complex criminal investigations, commanded SWAT operations, overseen national shooting‑incident reviews, and managed critical incidents and mass‑casualty events across the United States. Johnson is a veteran member of the Southern Nevada law enforcement community, with deep senior‑level experience coordinating federal, state, and local responses to both crises and major planned events. He has delivered high‑impact training on active shooter behavior, ethics, and leadership to thousands of public‑safety leaders and is frequently called in after major incidents to help agencies navigate culture, accountability, and public trust. As Division Counsel in multiple FBI field offices, Johnson provided legal oversight on investigations, ethics, and compliance and helped shape the FBI’s Domestic Investigations and Operations Guide. Internationally, he has mediated between Ukrainian anti‑corruption agencies and advised on governance and rule‑of‑law issues during Operation Enduring Freedom, earning recognition from the U.S. Ambassador for advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives. Now an adjunct faculty member at UNLV’s Boyd School of Law, he focuses on how law, leadership, and policy perform under real‑world pressure. His research and writing center on use of force, investigative accountability, organizational ethics, and the intersection of policing, immigration, and civil rights. He regularly helps journalists and the public make sense of complex law‑enforcement issues. He is coauthoring two forthcoming Criminal Investigation and Criminology texts as well as a companion leadership playbook for front‑line leaders working in high‑pressure, high‑visibility environments. Johnson’s honors include multiple high‑level executive leadership awards from the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, as well as recognition from U.S. diplomatic leadership for international anti‑corruption work. He continues to consult with courts, law‑enforcement agencies, and organizations on use of force, crisis leadership, and organizational culture under scrutiny.

Erin Herman is a globally respected leadership strategist and keynote speaker whose work sits at the intersection of change, human-centered leadership, and performance at scale. Over the course of two decades, she has advised Fortune 500 executive teams and global institutions on how to lead through uncertainty with courage, empathy, and clarity—often in moments where the stakes could not be higher. Her leadership experience includes senior roles with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the United Nations, where she helped shape global corporate partnership strategies in service of the world’s most vulnerable populations. While working within the United Nations system through UNICEF, Erin co-created the Learning Passport in partnership with Microsoft and Cambridge University—an online and mobile education platform designed to deliver continuous access to quality learning for children affected by conflict, displacement, and crisis. The platform has since reached learners in more than 40 countries and was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the 100 Best Inventions and ranked by the Project Management Institute as the third most influential project in the world. Erin also played a central role in securing one of the largest philanthropic commitments ever made to a children’s hospital: a $300 million, 10-year partnership that continues to drive life-saving impact at scale. Today, Erin is known for translating extraordinary global experience into clear, grounded insight for leaders navigating complexity in the modern workplace. She is the creator of the CEG Method™ (Courage, Empathy, Growth Mindset) and the 4Cs Methodology™ (Conviction, Courage, Clarity, Confidence), frameworks trusted by organizations seeking sustainable change without burnout or performative leadership. A sought-after voice on women’s leadership, organizational culture, and decision-making under pressure, Erin is recognized for her ability to cut through noise with intelligence, warmth, and precision—delivering perspective that is both deeply human and powerfully actionable.

New York admitted attorney who began his legal career at a New York City District Attorney's Office and later built a government-facing career working across local, state, and federal partners. He served as Deputy Director of Government Relations at a national nonprofit, coordinating across more than 35 internal teams and external stakeholders to build an outreach strategy that helped take pilot programs from early-stage concepts to city and statewide scale. He brings a practical, implementation-focused approach that connects law, policy, and government process to operational execution. He is also a contributor on WBUR (NPR)'s investigative podcast Beyond All Repair, which won the 2025 Ambie for Best True Crime Podcast and was named among Vulture's best podcasts of 2024.

I am a sociologist with more than 25 years of experience studying and teaching about social/economic inequality, social trends, and the structures that shape everyday life in the United States. I am a Full Professor of Sociology at Maryville University, where my commentary and analysis has appeared in a variety of media venues, such as Newsweek (Print and Online), Forbes, The Washington Post, and Scripps News. I have also shared my expertise with international media outlets as well like Metro UK, Arab News, The Hindustan Times, and The Daily Star (UK). Additionally, I have written columns for The Hill, The International Business Times, and The Crime Report. I translate complex social scientific research into clear, accessible language for the public to digest. Alongside my media work, I have published papers in my research roles in peer-reviewed journals and presented at professional conferences. My research has impacted legal policy at the state and national level regarding the state of Public Defense Systems. I am commitment to making sociology relevant and approachable for diverse audiences, what we in the discipline call " Public Sociology." At my core, I believe sociology is a powerful tool for understanding and changing the world we live in. I am available for media interviews, expert commentary, or bylined analysis on issues related to inequality, crime, and the broader social dynamics shaping American life.

Strategic, data-driven DEI thought leader providing collaborative leadership, facilitation, and implementation of key initiatives to advance the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy throughout the entire employee life cycle. Outstanding consultative partner leveraging DEI technology solutions, business acumen, critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to operate strategically to drive results in dynamic and ambiguous environments with influence. Experience in multiple corporate industries, government, academia, and the non-profit sector. With master’s degrees in both Criminal Justice and Psychology, along with a Diversity Management Certificate from Cornell University, I have a powerful understanding both of the work that needs to be done around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and of how our brains function, which allows me to support leaders and entrepreneurs in shifting their perspectives and practices. I know that by embracing D, E & I, we grow impact and revenue, and fulfill our commitment to truly changing the world.

Elizabeth (Liz) Ngonzi is a human-centered AI innovator, executive advisor, and educator who designs AI-powered decision environments and platforms that strengthen human judgment, leadership, and accountability. She works with boards, executive teams, and institutions to move AI from experimentation into accountable, system-level adoption that improves decision quality, governance, and strategic clarity. Liz is the Originator, Editor-in-Chief, and Founding Platform Architect of AI for Humanity: Human-Centered Strategies for Innovation and Impact, an AI-powered platform and living anthology developed with the American Society for Artificial Intelligence (ASFAI). She also serves on ASFAI’s Board of Directors and is the Founding Chair of its Ethics & Responsible AI Committee. Through AI for Humanity, she convenes and synthesizes contributions from 40+ authors, using her 1+1+AI=10™ methodology and SHINE™ storytelling framework to model ethical, human-guided AI in practice and translate complex conversations into clear, values-aligned insight for leaders responsible for governance, workforce transformation, and innovation. An Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU’s Center for Global Affairs, Liz designs and teaches the AI for Impact professional learning series, which helps cross-sector practitioners build practical, ethical AI use cases and custom agents. Her teaching integrates real-world experimentation with tools such as ChatGPT, Canva, AskHumans, NotebookLM, and Liz Ngonzi GPT ∞ — Human-Centered AI Guide, showing how AI can amplify human judgment, accountability, and public communication. Since 2023, her AI-focused leadership initiatives have reached more than 12,000 professionals across six continents. Her applied work spans Cornell Tech, the Mensa Foundation, and collaborations with global institutions exploring AI, democracy, and language. She is an inaugural member of the Gamma Gambassador Council and was selected for the inaugural Perplexity AI Business Fellowship, joining a global cohort of leaders exploring AI’s evolving role in business strategy. At Davos 2026, Liz launched AI for Humanity @ Davos, using the platform to deliver live synthesis of conversations on AI, governance, and workforce change. She has 25+ years of cross-sector experience across technology, business, education, and social impact and works selectively with boards, executive teams, and institutions seeking clear, accountable, and human-centered approaches to AI.

Aarti began her career as a teacher and a juvenile defender before serving as an executive director and a leader on political campaigns and leading key policy and charter school initiatives at both the Georgia Charter Schools Association and the Georgia Department of Education. Topic expertise: • K–12 education policy and legislation; impact on schools/districts • Georgia’s Quality Basic Education (QBE) funding • Impact of federal education policy shifts (especially on Georgia schools) • Charter school policy and accountability • School district flexibility and innovation • Charter school authorization

Jasmine is a career expert with a background in nonprofit management and significant experience as a hiring manager and leader. She focuses on helping job seekers improve their professional resumes to highlight their unique skills and experience. Jasmine holds a B.S. in biochemistry and PhD in neuropharmacology and offers six years of specialized experience helping candidates navigate the complexities of today’s online job market, with a strong focus on resume optimization and effective self-presentation. She has had her work featured on LiveCareer’s resume builder and in these online publications: Fast Company, CNBC, Fortune, and more.

My passion is being the best at what I do as an HR extraordinaire. I am a dedicated and innovative human resources executive with close to 20 years of experience designing and executing human resources strategies with expertise in implementing personnel and industrial security programs in various industries including healthcare, the federal government, and non-for-profit.Whether it’s managing my company’s Human Resources department or leading administration, I put passion into everything I do. I consider myself a team player who always Gets The Job Done, is not afraid to ask questions, and is always ready to jump in and get my hands dirty.Specialties: Operations management, training and development, employee relations, compensation & benefits design, harassment and EEO compliance, policy design & administration, facility program related to national security

Carole Lieberman, M.D., M.P.H. is a Board Certified Psychiatrist (Clinical and Forensic), known worldwide as America's Psychiatrist and The Terrorist Therapist®. She's a 3x Emmy Honored Media Psychiatrist, Bestselling/Award-winning author of 4 books: 2 on terrorism and 2 on relationships. Featured on top media outlets-including: FOX, CNN, Newsmax, Today, GMA, Court TV, ABC, NBC, CBS. Trained at NYU-Bellevue (Chief Resident), Anna Freud's London Clinic, UCLA-NIMH fellowship award recipient to receive Masters in Public Health, Testified before Congress several times re: violence, drugs, alcohol in media. www.terroristtherapist.com www.expertwitnessforensicpsychiatrist.com www.drcarole.com

Neisha Christine Himes is an award-winning activist and motivational speaker dedicated to ending domestic violence. A survivor of a five-year abusive relationship, she turned her pain into purpose, using spoken word poetry to raise awareness and empower others. In 2016, she founded the G.R.O.W. (Girls Recognizing Our Worth) Foundation, a nonprofit committed to supporting survivors as they heal and rebuild their lives. Her advocacy led her to roles as a Victim Advocate for the Norfolk Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and Domestic Violence Outreach Liaison for the Newport News Police Department, where she played a pivotal role in inspiring and establishing the department’s first Domestic Violence Unit. Now, Neisha continues her work as a Trauma Liaison Educator within a prominent healthcare system, helping to reshape how medical professionals provide trauma-informed care to victims of violence. Through Neisha Christine Consulting, LLC, she develops and facilitates educational workshops, professional training programs, and public awareness initiatives, partnering with organizations to improve violence prevention efforts and survivor support services. Known for her innovative advocacy, she creates strategic campaigns, community initiatives, and collaborations that challenge perceptions and inspire change. Her dedication has earned widespread recognition, including the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s “Voices in Action - Survivor Activist” Award, DomesticShelters.Org’s “Survivor of the Year” Award, and a feature in a national awareness PSA by The Allstate Foundation. Neisha’s unwavering commitment to amplifying survivor voices and transforming systems is embodied in her motto: “I will not shut up!”