You’re ready to
answer the call.
Now what?

Howard Garrett is an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner in Washington, DC, with deep roots in civic and democratic leadership. He is an advocate for DC families, drawing on experience in housing services and youth mentoring. Originally from Tennessee, Howard is an active New Politics Academy alum and facilitator.

Barbara Beizer is a certified Leadership and Transitions Coach and workshop facilitator based in Washington, DC. Through her coaching practice, she helps individuals and leaders build self-awareness, resilience, and the capacity for meaningful change. Her background spans organizational development at Freddie Mac, Peace Corps service in India, and facilitating post-9/11 interfaith community dialogues. She brings a deep, human-centered approach to leadership development.

Lauren McCabe is a trainer, facilitator, and public service advocate with a background in youth development, mentoring, and organizational capacity building. As Manager of Training and Capacity Building at Mass Mentoring Partnership, she designs and leads professional learning for those who serve young people. A facilitator with New Politics Academy, Lauren guides servant leaders in discerning their call to public office and civic engagement.

Tracey is an education and democracy advocate and two-time Georgia Teacher of the Year (2020–2021). With experience as a classroom teacher, interventionist, and instructional coach in Atlanta Public Schools, she has served on the Georgia School Board and partnered with nonprofits advancing equity in education. Tracey is passionate about connecting educators, communities, and policymakers to ensure inclusion and truth-telling remain central to student learning.

Aaron Shepard is an attorney and Navy Reserve JAG officer in Alexandria, VA, where he lives with his wife Kate (TFA ’07) and their three children. Aaron has spent most of his career in public service, including roles in the military, federal agencies, and as a congressional staff member. Service is a core part of Aaron’s identity and career, and having completed both Foundations and Answering the Call, he’s excited to help folks find insight in this program