Staff

Lakota Holder is a proud enrolled member of the Tlingit & Haida tribe of Alaska. Born in Denver, CO, and raised in the Bay Area, Lakota is a second-generation relocation Native and a mother of two. Her dedication to community is evident in her work coordinating cultural performances through community and educational programs, and her active participation on committees for Bay Area Pow Wows. Inspired by the impactful work of nonprofits from a young age, Lakota brings a wealth of learned skills and a deep commitment to her role at Peace Development Fund. 

Alexis grew up just a few streets from our Amherst office. She is an alumna of Stoneleigh-Burnham and holds a degree in International Relations from Bradford College, complemented by a Paralegal certification from Northeastern University. After decades in the insurance industry and as a paralegal, Alexis sought a career change, enthusiastically joining PDF as a temporary employee. As the great-granddaughter of a Suffragist and the daughter of an LGBTQ activist, Alexis is proud to continue her family's legacy of contributing to progressive social movements. 

Ian is a graduate of Amherst College, where he majored in Political Science and Computer Science. Originally from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Ian's upbringing across various Latin American countries instilled in him a profound desire to assist those less fortunate. This passion led him to volunteer and work in the non-profit sector throughout his college career, a commitment he is excited to continue and deepen with the Peace Development Fund. 

Allistair is responsible for guiding PDF's strategy and overall direction. He brings nearly 15 years of extensive experience supporting social justice efforts as a funder, community organizer, fundraiser, capacity builder, and networker. Allistair's background includes a significant tenure at Common Counsel Foundation as the Director of Strategy and Asset Building, where he notably helped grow the Native Voice Rising fund tenfold and developed its participatory grantmaking model. His previous roles also include positions at Justice Funders, Philanthropy Massachusetts, Interaction Institute for Social Change, and Asian American Resource Workshop. Allistair resides in Berkeley, CA, with his wife and young daughter. 

Jessa brings seven years of experience in managing campaigns, leading coalitions, and designing programs focused on creating a more just and equitable world. At PDF, she oversees the fiscal sponsorship program and community organizing grantmaking. Her prior work notably involved strengthening tenant organizing infrastructure in Los Angeles, CA, through targeted grants and administering public funds for tenant education. Jessa's significant achievement includes collaborating with lawyers and organizers to establish Stay Housed L.A., one of the country's largest eviction defense and prevention programs. She is eager to build relationships with organizers, donors, and philanthropy professionals throughout New England and beyond. 

Sophia plays a key role in coordinating communications and events and provides essential assistance with the Community Organizing Grant cycle and De Colores Rapid Response Fund. She holds a bachelor's degree in Latino studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, as well as an associate's degree in the same field of study from Holyoke Community College. With prior experience working in MA’s Puerto Rican cultural district, she has contributed to numerous arts and cultural initiatives within her community.  

Lora brings more than two decades of experience in grassroots organizing and community outreach to her role as Director of Advancement and Communications. She previously served as the founding Executive Director of Leadership Pioneer Valley, where she was instrumental in building the organization and its leadership development programs. Lora has advocated for community leadership and environmental causes at local, regional, statewide, and national levels. Before LPV, she was the founding Executive Director of the MA League of Environmental Voters and worked for the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and National Audubon Society in Washington D.C., where she developed successful youth and grassroots training programs.