CO-FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Laura Chen helped found Civic Synergy in 2021. She is a recent graduate from the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she studied chemical engineering. With experience ranging from the scale of molecules to the scale of communities through engineering and urban planning research, tutoring and teaching assistance in experiential learning environments, and project work across nonprofits, start-ups, local governments, and most recently philanthropy, she is deeply interested in improving the ways that our existing systems and structures work together to influence our daily lives, and what we can do better. Laura has been inspired by the hope and passion she has seen amongst her peers through Civic Synergy and is a strong believer in collaborative problem-solving towards better, more equitable outcomes for all. Outside of work, she loves being active and outdoors, discovering new music, and spending time with loved ones.

PROGRAMS DIRECTOR & UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Emily Danzinger is a current junior at the University of Miami triple-majoring in Political Science, International Studies, and Communication Studies. Following her participation in the Spring 2022 ‘Data Privacy and Security’ cohort, she shifted her academic focus to understanding and overcoming the multi-faceted beast that is political partisanship in America, and time and time again is moved by each passing cohort as they are able to overcome their partisan differences and prove that bipartisan change is possible. In Spring 2023, she worked to establish a partnership with the University of Miami’s newly-endowed George P. Hanley Democracy Center and officially piloted the first in-person Civic Synergy program. Outside of Civic Synergy, Emily enjoys watching 90s sitcoms and spending time with her friends.

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Richard Estrella is a proud first-gen, LGBTIQIA+ member, mental health advocate, and iskolar ng bayan. He finished his Master of Public Administration in Economic Policy Management at Columbia University in the City of New York where he also served as the Class of 2023 President. In New York, he became part of the NYSERDA's Clean Energy Internship Program for the Empire Clean Cities organization. He finished his undergraduate at the College of Business Administration, University of the Philippines Diliman. Most of his 12-year professional career was spent on marketing and general management, serving roles such as CEO, global and regional brand director across multinational companies.

PARTNERSHIPS & ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Mady Jenkins is a junior Political Science and Pre Law major at the University of Arkansas. She was a program participant in the Fall 2022 “Strengthening Our Republic” cohort with Civic Synergy. She has been on the leadership team since January 2023 working on the partnerships and programs team, and recently, she transitioned to piloting the alumni engagement team. She has ambitions to work in public office or with the State Department and she is dedicated to the depolarization of American politics, specifically, amongst our future leaders.