Meet The Strategists Behind The Movement

Makeda McLune began her career in the entertainment industry, working with Luther “Uncle Luke” Campbell and Luke Records on films addressing local government issues in Black and brown communities, the Rock the Vote tour in Florida, and racial profiling. She also launched The McLune Group LLC, specializing in strategy, community advocacy, fundraising training, and workforce development. A 2x breast cancer survivor, she advocates on health disparities, pay inequality, wealth building, small business, and affordable housing. She serves as President of the Miami-Dade Democratic Black Caucus, is a proud Jamerican and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and holds a degree in International Relations with a minor in Political Science from Florida International University.

Millie Ayala Raphael has over 25 years of experience building and leading collaborative teams across advocacy, political campaigns, and not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. She has founded healthcare, voter advocacy, political, and grassroots volunteer organizations that continue to thrive today, and specializes in data-based strategic plans and communication stories that drive purposeful action. She sits on several boards, including a youth-oriented Political Action Committee, and has been a leader of the Florida Grassroots Coalition, Women's March, and RiseUp! She holds a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's in Business from Florida International University, is a proud Puerto Rican-American, and is fluent in Spanish.

Christopher Smith is a National Democratic Strategist, author, and cast member on the Disney+ show Encore. He is sought after by high-profile candidates, nonprofits, and elected leaders for targeted strategy, progressive oversight, and crisis management. He has worked dozens of local, state, and national campaigns across all 50 states and U.S. territories as manager, senior advisor, and general consultant — including deputy campaign manager for Stacey Abrams for Governor, Senior Advisor for Field Strategy for Andrew Gillum for Governor, and deputy national field director for Senator Bernie Sanders' presidential bid. He also led Mississippi Democrat Travis Childers to one of the largest upsets in U.S. history.