Zaynab Abdi is a dynamic leader and advocate for social justice, recognized for her impactful work in empowering marginalized communities globally. A distinguished alumna of Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), she holds a Master of Public Administration in Development Practice (MPA-DP) and was honored with the prestigious 2023 Campbell Award for her outstanding leadership.

Passionate about advancing the rights of immigrants, refugees, and girls' education, Zaynab has dedicated her career to driving meaningful change.As a former Civic Engagement Coordinator at RISE Reviving Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment, she spearheaded initiatives to combat hate crimes against Muslim women and address the alarming rise of Islamophobia. Through her efforts, Zaynab not only advocated for the bill that addresses hate crime to pass, but she also helped secure significant funding from Hennepin County to support victims of hate, demonstrating her commitment to tangible solutions.

In her role as a Leadership Development Coordinator, Zaynab continues to empower Muslim women through a series of workshops focused on economic empowerment, mental health, and self-development. Her dedication to fostering inclusive leadership has earned her recognition, including an appointment to Governor Tim Walz's Young Women's Cabinet.

She also worked as Futures & Strategics Fellow with the UND, Human Concern USA as a Sustainable Development Associate and Interim Assistant Director at Columbia University SIPA. 

Zaynab's advocacy extends to the global stage, where she collaborates with Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai to champion girls' education. Her impactful speeches, including appearances at the United Nations, amplify the importance of education in regions where girls face systemic barriers.

A prolific author, Zaynab's work reflects her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices. Her award-winning book "Voice for Refugee" and contributions to "Our Stories Carried Us Here: Graphic Novel Anthology" and Malala's "We Are Displaced" book showcase her talent for storytelling and advocacy.

Zaynab Abdi's unwavering dedication to social justice and empowerment serves as an inspiration to all, embodying the values of leadership, compassion, and advocacy.

Ethical Culture Leader Greg Bonin is the American Ethical Union's Director of Administration & Organizational Culture and a Candidate for ministerial fellowship with the Unitarian Universalist Association. Greg specializes in institutional and organizational facilitation, bringing a praxis grounded in embodiment, humanistic interdependence, and reflective inquiry as a method for lifelong formation. Greg is especially curious about queering practices that create spaces where transformative paradigms can emerge.

Making a difference has been a goal in Trang’s many pursuits over the years. She has always felt that, if she could give something of herself to make a difference, that she ought to contribute. She started early – the Lions Club in high school, organizing Take Back the Night in college, and then campaigning for marriage equality in Alaska. She brings that drive for activism and a deep commitment for social justice to the Washington Ethical Society. 

Trang’s daughter, Jolee, and she joined WES in 2015 as a way to create community as well as work for social justice causes. Trang’s professional background as a medical provider enhances her ability to look at WES and the American Ethical Union as a whole and promote their long term health. 

In addition to her other activities at WES, she served six years as a board trustee, including two as the President. Currently, Trang serves as Chair of the AEU Board Development Committee and co-chair of the AEU Presidents Council. 

Curious and compassionate, Louise Jett (she/her) is an Ethical Humanist, media specialist, graphic designer, writer and artist. In short, she is an educator, community organizer and storyteller who strives to approach challenges with optimism and enthusiasm. An American Ethical Union certified Leader, she is truly inspired by people who are dedicated to empowering and caring for others. She has experience facilitating conversations and Restorative Justice Community Circles. Louise loves connecting with others and having fun! She enjoys thinking deeply, good conversations, reading, playing video games and spending time with her family.

Audrey Kindred directs programming for children, youth and families at ETHICAL NYC, more formally known as The New York Society for Ethical Culture. she has a masters degree in educational curriculum and instruction, with a focus on climate, education.  As an educator, community organizer, writer & artist, dancer & yogi, she has designed, administered and taught diverse curricula and practices in creativity, movement, nature exploration, writing, and ethics for a few decades, through a range of programs and organizations including:  Trilok School, Bent on Learning, The Quad Manhattan, All Sports for All People, Movement Research, School of New Resources, StreetCry Inc. etc. 

Kindred has taught adults and children of all ages and diverse needs, in explorations of ethics and arts, involving social justice, global visions, humanity, literacy, social studies and nature studies.  Over two decades of developing and leading programming for children and families through Ethical Culture grounded her teaching practices in the compelling focus of creativity and ethics.

Emily Newman is the Senior Education Coordinator at the American Humanist Association’s Center for Education. She previously worked as the Development & Communications Assistant for The Humanist Institute before it merged with the AHA. For almost ten years, Newman was the Communications Coordinator of the American Ethical Union and active with the Future of Ethical Societies and the Young Humanists International. She is currently a member of the Washington Ethical Society and Brooklyn Society for Ethical Culture. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology and creative writing as well as a Master of Arts in professional writing from Carnegie Mellon University. Throughout her career, she has enjoyed assisting nonprofits and small businesses with social media, design, event planning, website development, editing, and marketing.

Terry has been a member of the Washington Ethical Society since 1979. He earned a Ph. D. in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He taught philosophy at the University of the District of Columbia for 22 years, then served as a dean at what is now called PennWest University-Edinboro (previously known as Edinboro University of Pennsylvania) for 16 years.  He is now retired. Terry helps with the Sunday School elementary class at WES and is active in the Earth Ethics Action Team. He has been doing research on the ethical movement's foundational assumptions for the past year.