Jorge Damian de la Paz
Director of Policy for the Office of the Mayor, Miami-Dade County

Jorge Damian de la Paz has a background in affordable housing, public interest technology, and community development. Before joining the County, he oversaw affordable housing initiatives at the University of Miami’s Office of Civic and Community Engagement and created online tools focused on regional housing issues. Jorge also served as a policy analyst at Miami Homes for All, managing successful advocacy efforts at the city and county level. In addition, as a winner of the Knight Cities Challenge, he helped create free software that tracks public meetings across various cities to increase in-person engagement.

Veronica Ayala Flores
Program Manager, Philadelphia Citizens Planning Institute

Verónica firmly believes in everyone's ability to participate in a greater conversation; one that affects the way we live, and the pursuit to improve it. For over a decade, in both volunteer and professional capacities, they have been facilitating collaborations, organizing, developing strategies, leading creative initiatives, and building the skills of leaders to advance social transformation. Previously to the Citizens Planning Institute, Verónica worked at Philadelphia LISC, where they facilitated the Community Connectors program and  co-facilitated the Experience Eastern North tour program.

Michael Roman
Community Partnerships & Strategy Manager/LGBTQ+ Liaison, City of Miami

Michael Roman plays an important role in managing initiatives and creating strategies that have resulted in innovative approaches to community development projects that promote social change and healthier neighborhoods. Michael oversees Community Partnerships, Policy & Strategic Development, Health Initiatives, and is also Liaison for the City of Miami’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board.

He currently sits on the Board of Directors for SAVE. He is also a Maven Leadership Collective Alumni and Coach, investing in creative social impact leaders who are queer and trans people of color and allies. Additionally, His previous position with the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute’s Office of Communications and Public Liaison has provided him with extensive experience in public health communications, program development and management, and public engagement. Michael graduated from Florida International University with a BS in Mass Communications.

Camilo Mejia
Directory of Policy & Advocacy, Catalyst Miami

Camilo Mejia’s background as a peace and immigrant rights activist is what originally led him to Catalyst Miami, where he currently serves as Director of Policy and Advocacy, and where his work revolves around community-led policy and engagement initiatives designed to build collective power and achieve collective gains, with a special focus on housing, climate, financial and health equity. Camilo has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's in conflict resolution. He lives in Coconut Grove with his daughter.