Welcome to Our New Team Members!
Aref Aziz
Deputy Director of Civic Engagement & Community Affairs
Aref Aziz is a seasoned public affairs professional with over a decade of experience leading integrated, multi-channel campaigns spanning media relations, traditional marketing, and advanced digital strategy. He has successfully managed efforts to secure over $15 billion in funding for education and transportation infrastructure across California, championed first-in-the-nation state policies, and advised national advocacy initiatives. In 2019, the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs (NAAPPPA) named Aref one of the Top 40 Under 40 AANHPI political operatives and public affairs professionals nationwide.
Brie Colangelo
Assistant Director of Workforce
Brie Colangelo is a public health professional with a decade of experience in federal health programs, workforce policy, and stakeholder engagement. For the past eight years, Brie worked at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) leading regional operations that focused on HIV/AIDS, Tribal Affairs, and health workforce initiatives and offered Federal Grant application technical assistance to eligible applicants and grantees. She began her career as a registered nurse and Peace Corps Volunteer in Uganda, where she developed a deep commitment to improving health outcomes through service and community-based care. Brie’s work has always centered on building strong partnerships to improve access to care and support the health workforce.