Our Leadership Team
The Shared Humanity Project team brings over 50 years of combined experience, including extensive on-the-ground initiatives that have produced measurable results. We are dedicated to using our resources to end poverty in the U.S. and will continue scaling our efforts nationally until it is eradicated.
Dr. Mark Bergel
Executive Director
Dr. Mark Bergel, co-founder of The Shared Humanity Project, has nearly 40 years of leadership in the university and nonprofit sectors, creating programs that have impacted 300,000+ people in poverty. Honored as Washingtonian of the Year and inducted into multiple Halls of Fame, he consults globally on innovative poverty solutions, emphasizing community-driven approaches. His perspectives differ from mainstream approaches to poverty, believing that the solutions lie not with government or even nonprofits but with individuals and groups in every sector — and especially with people in the communities where opportunities are most needed.
Sharron L. Todd
Deputy Director
Sharron Todd, a U.S. Army veteran and marketing communications leader, has a diverse background spanning finance, entrepreneurship, and the arts. She has championed initiatives supporting veterans, underrepresented founders, and social impact causes. A passionate storyteller, Sharron’s award-winning filmmaking and writing amplify voices and address global challenges, reflecting her commitment to driving meaningful change and fostering community connections.
Board Members
Dr. Mark Bergel, President
Mark is a co-founder of The Shared Humanity Project. Mark has led efforts at both the university and grassroots levels, creating programs and services that have served more than 300,000 children and adults living in poverty.
Pamela Loprest, Vice President
Pam is a Senior Fellow and Labor Economist at the Income and Benefits Policy Center at The Urban Institute. Her research focuses on policies to enhance the economic well-being of disadvantaged persons through work.
Dr. Katherin Ross Phillips, Treasurer & SHP Co-Founder
Katherin is a co-founder of The Shared Humanity Project. She worked for many years studying the reach and effectiveness of policies that support low-income working families.
Polly Poffenroth
Polly is a mental health counselor who has extensive experience working with adolescents and adults in diverse settings. She holds a Masters of Arts degree in Community Counseling and a Masters of Science degree in Health Education and Promotion.
Lisa Stranksy, Member
Lisa has been a top producer in the Washington area residential real estate market for the last 20 years and was recognized by the Wall Street Journal and Real Trends as one of the top 1000 agents in the country. Lisa earned a Bachelors from Miami University and a Masters from American University and has been instrumental in the development of multiple nonprofit organizations focusing on poverty eradication.