Co-founder, Executive Director

Mark has over 40 years of leadership in poverty and health-related initiatives. He has founded and led initiatives that have served more than 300,000 children and adults challenged by poverty, and it is with SHP’s work that he feels the potential lies for true outcomes. Honored as Washingtonian of the Year and inducted into multiple halls of fame in our nation’s capital region, Mark has received numerous regional, national, and international awards and worked with individuals and organizations in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Mark received his Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and his Masters and Doctoral degrees from American University, where he also taught for 15 years.

Associate Director

Amra is a Bosnian refugee whose early experiences of displacement, scarcity, and resilience have shaped her commitment to expanding opportunities and strengthening communities. Amra has extensive experience in communications, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. Her work has focused on building cross-sector collaborations, mobilizing action, and creating data-driven solutions to complex challenges. Amra’s research skills and experience with organizational design position her well to lead SHP forward, and she also oversees the educational efforts of the organization. Amra holds degrees from the University of Connecticut, Dartmouth College, and Syracuse University.

Director of Communications

Sam brings a rich background in communications, research, and community engagement to the Shared Humanity Project. As a mental health counselor, she has worked closely with diverse communities, many of whom have faced persistent barriers to escaping poverty. These experiences have fueled her commitment to pursuing meaningful, data-driven solutions. Sam’s work at SHP has been instrumental to the launch of our new national initiative, including her expertise in managing digital communication strategies and overseeing campaign logistics. Sam is passionate about amplifying underrepresented voices and ensuring that community-led insights inform every stage of the work.

Co-founder

Katherin has worked for many years studying the reach and effectiveness of policies that support low-income working families. She has written and taught on myriad aspects of poverty, including the impact of EITC and the challenges faced by working families seeking to rise out of poverty. Katherin’s research and professional experiences have been fundamental to the direction of The Shared Humanity Project’s efforts. Katherin received her Bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and her Masters and Doctoral degrees from Syracuse University.

Web Designer

Derek oversees all website and website-related content for The Shared Humanity Project. His dedication to helping individuals and families is equaled only by his high-level expertise in web design. Derek is a specialized expert in coding and development and is recognized today as a leading designer and trainer. Derek’s ideas have transformed The Shared Humanity Project and helped position the organization to be a source of education and critical thinking for people of all ages. Derek attended the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith for Communications.