President

Alison is an Executive Assistant at the Veterans Health Administration for 15 years, supporting the department’s healthcare mission to its Veterans

She has worked and volunteered in the metro DC area and Boston, MA in the fields of philanthropy development, nonprofit administration, academic administration, and arts advocacy. Her family stretches across the US and South Africa, and she pursues opportunities to deepen her understanding of DE&I - its impact on organizations and political institutions and its potential for transformation. She attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Boston University.

Secretary

Mike lives in Maryland and is the public relations specialist at the Animal Legal Defense Fund, a national organization that helps protect animals through the legal system. He previously worked at a global public relations firm where his clients ranged from Fortune 500 technology companies to startups focused on climate change, clean energy and sustainability.

He is a student of zen and has held a meditation practice for over a decade. He appreciates the healing powers of nature, interconnection, and mindful presence.

Treasurer and Dharma Holder

I am a retired tax lawyer, 83 years old, widowed, with two children and five grandchildren. I am a practicing Catholic. I started my Zen Practice in April 2009. Nowadays I devote a fair amount of my time to Joyful Mind Zendo, but I find time for other volunteer activities as well. I still maintain my active membership in the DC Bar, since I find it sometimes useful for pro bono activities.

Registrar, Newsletter, Head Monk

She is the Director of Programming at Strathmore Hall Foundation, Inc. in North Bethesda and has been working as an arts administrator at non-profit organizations in the DC metro area for 22 years. She believes in the power of the arts in bringing people together and building empathy.

Member at large, Social Committee

Karen is currently a watercolor artist, displaying her work locally in Rockville and Kensington and is passionate about the arts. She is a retired music teacher, running her own business, has worked building contemplative chants and arts in her role in churches and in contemplative organizations. She has a dedicated Zen practice.

Member at Large

Ma’Sheka is the Founder/Executive Director of A Healthier You, Inc., dedicated to offering holistic mind-body services to individuals and communities striving to cultivate a healthier version of themselves. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Master’s degree in Business Administration, with a specialization in Leadership and Organizational Change. She completed her 500-Hour Yoga Teacher Training and her passion for yoga has become an integral part of her life.

Ma’Sheka finds solace in reading, writing, hiking, communing with nature, and practicing yoga. In addition, she is a Certified Community Health Worker, Yoga Instructor, Life Coach, Sound Healer, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, and a Reiki Practitioner She offers a range of services, including private lessons, group classes, virtual sessions, and life coaching.

Bookkeeper

Olivia works in Human Resources for an IT firm in Rockville and has 2 daughters. She has a goal of practicing meditation and finding balance in work and life always.