Staff

Julia has roots in northern Kentucky, but now lives in south-central Kentucky. She studied the history of colonization as an undergraduate student at Ohio State University and completed a Master's in library science at the University of Kentucky. In her free time, Julia enjoys reading, cooking, gardening and whatever her toddler wants to do.

Chandra is a queer Chicanx community organizer, plant lover and pup cuddler. She is continually learning the ways in which her mind and body are valuable beyond capitalistic notions of productivity. Chandra knows that embodying collective liberation is not just an end-goal, it is a process. She empowers people to engage in that process, so that together we can realize a more just, sustainable, and loving world.

Tayna Fogle is a mother of two young men, a grandmother of eight, and a basketball player extraordinaire. In order to stand up for the issues that were important to her family, she had to bravely defend against harsh drug sentencing policies and learn to navigate bureaucratic mazes to regain her right to vote. Tayna has created Re-entry programs, trainings and ministries in many Kentucky counties. She has been a motivational speaker and community activist, Developer and past Instructor of “Steppin To A New Beat” and the Re-entry/Employment Specialist for Ex-Offenders. Tayna has empowered others for 11 years with the Kentuckians For The Commonwealth as she volunteered, worked on campaigns for the right to vote. She is a former felon that paid her debt to society.  She was the captain of a SEC championship basketball team at the University of Kentucky in 1982. She is also a former drug abuser. She spent several years in prison. She believes that her story has inspired and motivated many citizens to take part in this movement of restoring an individual’s self esteem, dignity, and self respect. 

Laura is a University of Kentucky graduate with a degree in Geography. Laura works to utilize and understand geospatial technology as a tool, one of many, with the capability to support environmental and social justice work. Laura is passionate that the technology has a power to produce beneficial data analysis, provide solutions for daily logistics management, and enhance an organization's visual engagement pathways.

Laura is a graduate of Western Kentucky University , where she majored in Phiolsophy and Public Relations. She has been a member of KFTC since 2015, having served on the Steering Committee and Economic Justice Committee, with a special interest in housing issues. She feels that engaging the arts is a critical part of our organizing strategy. She lives in Bowling Green with her husband, dog, and two cats. In her free time, Laura enjoys playing cello in a local alternative rock band.

Alexa will work with the Southern Kentucky chapter and be based in Bowling Green. Prior to joining the staff, Hatcher was involved in chapter work as an active member and as a voter empowerment organizer for the fall 2018 election cycle. Hatcher is a graduate of Western Kentucky University, where she studied sociology with a minor in citizenship and social justice and a concentration in community, environment and development. It was during her time as an undergrad that she grew extremely passionate about, and began to practice, community organizing. Hatcher also was a member of the pilot cohort of the KFTC Organizing Academy. She lives in Bowling Green, although she will always call Hart County home. Alexa has a background in food justice and gardening, but she is also deeply devoted to working against poverty and inequality.

Amy joined KFTC’s staff team in 2008. She works to build grassroots power by overseeing KFTC's communications and development work. She's originally from Letcher County and now lives in Berea with her husband, Mike, and daughters Ellie and Claire. She’s inspired by the energy and commitment of KFTC members and hopes to be like them when she grows up. Her first book, a novel for children called Callie Rose, was published in 2012.

Alicia is originally from Louisville and holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Louisville with a concentration in Non-Profit Management and a Graduate Certificate in Pan-African Studies. She has been with KFTC since January 2013, spending her first 4 years as the Jefferson County Community Organizer before transitioning into her current role in the spring of 2017. In her free time, Alicia is a volunteer leader with Outdoor Afro and enjoys outdoor activities, reading, and watching indie movies. 

Carissa joined the KFTC staff team in 2008.  She has a bachelor's degree from Ball State University and a Master's degree in Public Administration from George Mason University.  She previously worked as a grassroots organizer for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement where she focused on organizing family farmers and rural residents for economic and environmental justice.  She lives in Louisville with her husband and two children.  She enjoys spending time telling bad jokes, cooking, and playing with her family.

Ashley grew up in Salyersville, KY and moved to London in 1999 where she now lives with her partner Daniel and his two kids. She joined the KFTC staff in November 2016 as the Operations Associate and provides day-to-day operational support to the Operations Manager and Deputy Director. In her free time she enjoys reading, embroidering (poorly) and half-finishing DIY projects.

Nikita grew up in Louisville and is the New Energy and Transition Organizer with KFTC. After five years away, Nikita returned to Kentucky to work on the issues she feels most passionate about, in the place she calls home, with the organization that first sparked her interest in activism. Prior to moving back, Nikita organized for fossil fuel divestment at her university, worked at the Responsible Endowments Coalition, and completed a Fulbright research grant on climate change adaptation in the Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu. She is a 2016 graduate of the Dual BA Program between Columbia University and Sciences Po, with degrees in Human Rights and Political Science. In her spare time, Nikita enjoys writing, making Indian food, and taking pictures of her cat. She now lives in Lexington.

Jessie began with KFTC in 2013 and works as a Program Associate. She is a graduate of the University of Louisville with a degree in Communication Art & Design. She also holds a Master's Degree in Public Affairs from Indiana University, with an emphasis on sustainable development. Jessie enjoys cooking, traveling, shopping for books, and she lives in Johnson County with her dog Marley.