Massachusetts Staff

Christian has spent most of her professional career advancing causes that empower the next generation of leaders and defend our nation's most vulnerable citizens. Her passion for social justice work comes from a deep rooted belief in inclusiveness, acceptance, and the power of ordinary citizens to shape the world around them.

Sam Castañeda Holdren’s passion for justice began at a young age: in grade school, he formed a group to advocate for environmental justice; in middle school, he stood up for the local tribal community, calling out the racial injustice; and through high school, he advocated for students’ rights, challenging administrative decisions by petitioning the school board and using the power of the pen as editor of his weekly high school newspaper to expose issues.

Maura graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in 2010, where she received her BA in Political Science with a concentration in Peace and Conflict. While at Holy Cross Maura volunteered with various non-profits and local political campaigns and interned at the Boston office of the late Senator Kennedy. Following graduation, Maura served as the Campaign Manager for State Senator Harriette Chandler’s 2010 re-election bid, and later as the Legislative Aide for State Senator Michael Moore.

A native of Berkeley California, Sam’s interest in education took hold as a student in Berkeley Public Schools where he witnessed firsthand the disparity in public education based on what school you were assigned. As an undergraduate at Bates College, Sam served as a Middle School Special Education and English tutor for America Reads and the Social Action Coordinator for Bates College Hillel. Sam became the first of his family to graduate from college earning a degree in American Cultural Studies in 2009. Sam has spent the last two years developing leaders across Massachusetts and organizing for electoral justice, most recently as a Lead Organizer with MassVOTE, working to increase voter education and participation in underrepresented communities.