In order to provide the best and safest experience possible, we\’ve decided to reschedule the start date and opening retreat to take place on October 2nd-3rd. Participants are being accepted on a rolling basis, so apply soon to secure a spot!

Meet the Facilitators

OJIUGO UZOMA, LEADERSHIP CIRCLE CO-FACILITATOR

Ojiugo is a community organizer with over 16 years experience building power in disenfranchised communities. She became politicized at Washington University, where in addition to leading anti-war efforts, she co-founded the Student Worker Alliance (SWA). Along with numerous labor victories, she coordinated media and coalition support during a momentous 19-day sit-in of the admissions office that culminated the SWA’s living wage campaign. The historic action was successful in gaining a $1.5 million increase in wages and free access to a university health clinic for campus service workers. Since then, she’s worked at SEIU Local 32BJ, managing strategic research campaigns, in education advocacy with the Industrial Areas Foundation and most recently building economic and political power among African immigrants in New York City. She is an active member of the advisory board of Queer Detainee Empowerment Project and has taken leadership in advancing diversity initiatives in the organization.

Ojiugo has been a volunteer leader with the Malcolm X Grassroots Movement (MXGM) and the Peoples’ Self Defense Campaign, overseeing Cop Watch patrols and training programs. Ojiugo was also a leader within the New Afrikan Women’s Caucus (NAWC), where she helped establish sexism and accountability protocols and advance LGBTQIA issues throughout MXGM nationally.

Ojiugo has been a fellow in the first cohort of the Bailey-Sullivan Leadership Institute Fellowship at the Black Alliance for Educational Options and a 2017 Immigrant Civic Leadership Fellow with Coro New York. She graduated with a degree in International and Area Studies with a focus on Africa from Washington University in St. Louis. She enjoys writing short fiction and social/political commentary.

KYLAH GUION, WON PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Kylah (they/she) is a non-binary organizer from North Carolina. Kylah’s advocacy and organizing background include reproductive justice, gender equity, economic inequality, government accountability, and labor organizing. Before coming to WON, Kylah worked as the CEEP NC Assistant State Director where she helped students across the state develop campus-specific campaigns and strategies to civically engage their colleges. Kylah has held a number of community organizing roles and fellowships with organizations Generation Progress, Friends Committee on National Legislation, Black University and Common Cause over the last 6 six years. Organizing for better conditions is their passion work, and Kylah is excited to bring nuanced perspectives, experiences, and practices to WON while learning and growing as much as possible.