Team YCV

Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2013 decision in Shelby v. Holder, which stripped away key protections of the Voting Rights Act, Kate began recruiting volunteers to provide communities with accurate, localized and fact-based (nonpartisan and non-ideological) voting information. These founding volunteers saw firsthand the widespread confusion regarding new voting rules, the offices and candidates on the ballot, and the nuts and bolts — the how, when and where — of voting. Kate and her volunteers launched You Can Vote in 2014 as a permanent campaign to recruit volunteers and community leaders to educate, register and empower NC voters. Kate brings over 20 years of organizing and electoral experience to You Can Vote. Her passion for creativity and adaptability, and her dedication to using proven best practices for voter engagement have turned You Can Vote into a trusted organization providing high-quality, in-demand services and resources to NC voters and our 750+ partner organizations. Voting rules have changed each election cycle since the Shelby v. Holder decision, but Kate’s commitment to helping North Carolinians overcome obstacles to voting never waivers.

Caitlin was born and raised in Hillsborough, NC. After earning her bachelor’s in sociology at UNC Greensboro, she spent four years working for a rapid-rehousing and homelessness prevention program in New Orleans. After returning to NC, she spent three years enrolling residents in affordable, quality health coverage through the Affordable Care Act. She joined You Can Vote in 2017 as a special projects organizer, assuming the role of deputy director soon after. Caitlin loves engaging with voters throughout each election cycle, helping them register and understand the impact that offices and candidates have on the issues important to them. Caitlin is based in Durham and works statewide to ensure that voters know their voting rights and can cast their ballot in each election.

Sabina joined You Can Vote as the Program Manager in July 2026. They provide support and resources for community partners and NC Civic Fellows to educate people on their voting rights, the importance of being civically engaged, and why their vote matters. Community building means a lot to Sabina. They believe building community is a commitment to empathize, listen, and provide support. She believes community building isn’t just needed in times of need, it’s an ongoing process from the start to create a safe and equitable environment for people to live and thrive in.

Dominique has been with You Can Vote since August 2021. She works in Guilford and Forsyth counties organizing voter registration events on college campuses, managing Civic Fellows in the fall, and attending community events and festivals to register voters and educate them on their voting rights. Dominique worked a variety of jobs before joining You Can Vote, including sales for a solar energy company and managing a student-led alumni-giving sector with UNC Greensboro’s Office of Annual Giving. “I love providing useful knowledge to people in a time of confusion,” Dominique says about why she loves working for You Can Vote. “I also love that we partner with so many great nonprofits that I can refer people to who need extra help.”

Jared joined You Can Vote in March 2026 as our Western NC Campaign Manager. Based in the Charlotte area, Jared plays a vital role in expanding our efforts to reach voters and engage partners throughout WNC. Prior to joining You Can Vote, Jared earned his bachelor’s from UNC Greensboro in political science (with a pre-law concentration) and communications studies. He held numerous leadership positions on campus, including service as a team captain of Down Home NC’s relational voter turnout team. After graduation, Jared moved back to the Charlotte area, where he lives with his wife and daughter. A New York City native, Jared was born in the Bronx and lived in Harlem before moving to North Carolina in 2006. “I’m dedicated to helping people participate in our democracy,” Jared says, “as our government is meant to work for us, not just through us.”

Ron joined You Can Vote in November 2025 as Eastern NC and Latine Campaign Manager, overseeing public engagement and development of partnerships with the Latine community and the Eastern NC region. With a background in community organizing, worker co-ops, and transnational solidarity networks, he also co-founded Better Ballot NC in 2020 to champion ranked choice voting. Having seen firsthand the fragility of democracy in his native Nicaragua, Ron is driven by the conviction that being civically engaged is essential to protecting our collective future. “I would like to see North Carolina become a place where the vast majority of voters exercise their right to cast a ballot in local, state and federal elections.”

Pat Reed, Deputy Organizer for the Triangle, started with You Can Vote in 2014. “I saw an advertisement in the paper and decided to attend the first You Can Vote training,” Pat says. “I went out to register voters and have never looked back. My job of registering, educating and empowering the people of North Carolina makes me very happy. We reach all people from different walks of life who are eager to know what we do. My hometown is Louisburg, NC, but I also consider Durham home.”

Alvonia joined You Can Vote as Operations Director in March 2024. Playing a multi-faceted part for You Can Vote, Alvonia is the leader of HR, payroll, and operational strategy for our organization. With nearly three decades of leadership experience in senior care, Alvonia has worked across skilled nursing, adult day health, senior centers, and home care organizations. Her career has focused on advocating for aging populations while building strong teams and operational systems that support quality care. Today, she brings that same passion for community impact to You Can Vote, helping to educate and empower North Carolinians to participate in the democratic process. When she isn’t working, Alvonia enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and planning memorable events for friends and loved ones.

Sean joined You Can Vote as our Communications Director in August 2025. He leads our strategic communications efforts, which encompass digital engagement, media relations, branding and more. Prior to joining You Can Vote, Sean served for more than 20 years in communications roles at civil legal aid organizations in Washington, D.C., and North Carolina. A native of Fairfax County, Virginia, Sean and his wife moved in 2011 from D.C. to Durham, where they live with their two children and three black cats. “I love You Can Vote,” Sean says, “because we focus on empowering people who have been excluded from our democracy. We help give them agency over the decisions that impact their lives.”

Cherie joined You Can Vote as Communications Manager in May 2023. She serves as our in-house graphic designer, video producer, photographer, social media expert and branding guru. Originally from Hampton, Virginia, she has made Durham her home since graduating from NC Central University in 2021. Cherie first connected with You Can Vote as a college student while hosting a voter phone bank. She brings her background in outreach, marketing, and communications to help empower, register, and educate eligible NC voters.