Blog
Meet New HFJ Staff: Ewan Scotto, Duaba Unenra, and Elizabeth Zalanga
Earlier this month, we welcomed Duaba Unenra, Ewan Scotto, and Elizabeth Zalanga to our team.
Ewan Scotto is our new Communications Associate. They are a Giving Project Program alum who has spent the last three years co-leading communications strategies with grantee partner Reclaim the Block. They most recently worked as a patient advocate at Annex Teen Clinic. They use digital organizing tools that mobilize supporters to move money out of policing and into community-led safety efforts. Director of Network and Narrative Venessa Fuentes explains, “I’m excited for Ewan to share their digital organizing strengths and engage our community even more deeply.”
Program Officer, Black Movement Ecosystem Duaba Unenra brings 15 years of organizational development and community organizing experience to his new role. Most recently, he coached and collaborated with leaders of BIPOC organizations across the globe. “Duaba’s grounding in and commitment to Black-led organizing will support and uplift the critical liberation work happening in local movement spaces,” says Program Director Allison Johnson Heist. Duaba will design and facilitate the Black Seed Fellowship: a leadership development opportunity for Black organizers who are building power with and for their communities. He will also co-facilitate future Giving Projects that support community-led, cross-race, and cross-class grantmaking.
Executive Assistant Elizabeth Zalanga is an accomplished policy advocate, legislative assistant, board leader, and youth activist who has also worked with nonprofits dedicated to advancing social justice. “When I first met Elizabeth, I knew she’d be an asset to the Headwaters team,” says President Maria De La Cruz. “She is a brilliant organizer who shows up for communities that are often overlooked by racist systems. I know she’ll show up just as strong for the Headwaters community of grantee partners, donors, and volunteers.”