Promoting a greater understanding of North Carolina’s history, culture, and civic life.

Jacob Brooks is the North Carolina Director for Patriotic Millionaires, a nonprofit advocating for tax fairness and higher wages. A seasoned organizer, he works at the intersection of economic opportunity and democratic participation. His leadership brings a strong commitment to civic literacy and policies that strengthen communities across the state.

Maria Donnelly is an Army spouse, policy strategist, and nationally recognized advocate for military families navigating complex public systems. She has served at the Department of Defense and leading national security think tanks and currently sits on the North Carolina Governor’s Veterans Affairs Commission and the Military Officers Association of America Currently Serving Spouse Advisory Council. Her work connects policy to lived experience, helping communities better understand the people and institutions that shape civic life in North Carolina.

Theodore Nollert serves as Director of Policy at Carolina Forward and previously held leadership roles as a UNC graduate student representative, where he helped advance data-driven improvements in student support and basic needs. He was elected to the Chapel Hill Town Council in 2023, where he works to promote civic engagement and inclusive public life. His work centers on effective local governance, strengthening public institutions, and deepening the relationship between communities and the organizations that serve them.