Mark Gavin, Sr. (he/him) - Mark serves as BEL AF’s Director of Outreach & Senior Strategist where he focuses on direct engagement with Black Ohioans. With over 15 years of electoral experience, Mark has managed 3 successful local ballot initiatives in Central and Southern Ohio while having a hand in countless other issue and candidate races over the years.

Jasmine Henderson (she/her)- serves as BEL’s AF Outreach Coordinator for the Dayton area. Jasmine has been a relational community organizer, political strategist and policy organizer for over a decade focusing on reproductive, democracy, environmental, medical, housing, racial and criminal justice. She has organized national, state and local campaigns in various progressive initiative that center and tell the stories of Black Americans.

Dion Mensah (they/them) - serves as BEL AF’s Outreach Coordinator for the Columbus area. They have worked with a number of local and statewide nonprofits across multiple fields, including reproductive justice, housing, and youth advocacy. As a lead organizer with the Black Queer and Intersectional Collective since 2020, they have supported numerous grassroots campaigns to resist state violence and work toward liberation of Black LGBTQIA+ folks through direct action, education, and creating safe spaces to uplift marginalized + voices.

SeMia Bray serves as BEL’s AF Executive Director. She is a strategic business consultant and recognized thought leader dedicated to fostering cross-sector knowledge exchange and driving meaningful dialogues that inspire leaders toward innovative thinking. SeMia serves as co-director of the Black Environmental Leaders Association alongside David Wilson and carries forward the legacy of Jaqueline E Gillon. Her influential work at the intersection of environmental justice, climate change, and democracy has positioned her as a valued contributor to various committees, task forces, and coalitions. SeMia’s affiliations also include the League of Women Voters and the Sierra Club Ohio, and she actively contributes to the Ohio Climate Justice Fund. SeMia Bray is a catalyst for change, leveraging her expertise to shape a more equitable and sustainable future where environmental justice, climate change, democracy, and social equity converge