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The RD is your ultimate ally, supporting and championing women of color and allies at every stage of their journey in public office—both elected or appointed. From the exhilaration of election night (win or lose!) to transitioning out of office, we’ve got you covered. With transformative group coaching, hands-on intensive training, rejuvenating fellowships, and thriving cohort-based communities, the RD equips trailblazing leaders with the tools, connections, and resilience to stand strong on the frontlines of our democracy. Together, we’re shaping a brighter, more inclusive future!
OUR TEAM
Raquel
Founder & Senior Executive Officer
Raquel is a visionary leader, coach, and advocate reshaping what power and leadership look like for BIPOC womxn. As the founder of the Restorative Democracy Project, recent Open Society Foundations Leadership in Government Fellow and former City Council Member, she is redefining leadership from sacrifice to abundance. With deep roots in social work, politics, and DEIB, she empowers powerhouse womxn in social justice and public service to expand their impact, reclaim their joy, and lead with unapologetic purpose, vision, and resilience.
Neema Rimber
Strategy & Operations Director
Neema is a builder of systems that don’t just work—but create lasting impact. Rooted in a deep commitment to equity, she has worked with organizations like the Spring Activator, Mastercard Foundation, BMW Foundation and now the Restorative Democracy Project to expand access to capital, leadership opportunities, and strategic support for women and BIPOC changemakers. At her core, Neema believes that true progress happens when operations are designed with intention, transparency, and the unwavering belief that everyone deserves a seat at the table.
OUR RESEARCH TEAM
Karla Magaña
Researcher
Karla Magaña is a joint Ph.D. candidate in Public Policy and Political Science at the University of Michigan and a Ford Foundation Predoctoral Fellow. She specializes in the racialization of the United States bureaucracy, with a specific focus on federal agencies and the rulemaking process. Her broader research interests include race and ethnicity politics and representation in the United States institutions.
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Paulina Trujillo
Researcher
Paulina Trujillo, a proud Floridian with Puerto Rican and Panamanian roots, is a dedicated advocate for reproductive justice and inclusive policymaking. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and Gender Studies from the University of Florida and worked in the Florida Senate and Congress, opposing restrictive laws and championing reproductive rights. As UF Planned Parenthood’s Political Director, she helped organize Florida’s 2024 Amendment 4 campaign. Now pursuing an MPP at the Ford School, she focuses on social policy and empowering women of color in public leadership.
Karis Rivers
Researcher
Karis Rivers is a Political Science senior at the University of Michigan with a passion for research on the carceral state and education. Committed to equity and systemic change, she plans to pursue a doctorate in Political Science to deepen her impact in these fields. With a sharp analytical mindset and dedication to justice, Karis seeks to explore how policy shapes lives and communities, striving to drive meaningful reform through scholarship and advocacy.
Dr. Mara Cecilia Ostfeld
Professor
Dr. Mara Cecilia Ostfeld is an associate research professor at the Ford School of Public Policy and research director at the Center for Racial Justice at the University of Michigan. An expert in public opinion, race, and media, she leads groundbreaking survey research, including the Detroit Metro Area Communities Study and the Puerto Rico Public Opinion Lab. Her work is widely published and funded, and she serves as an election analyst for NBC and Telemundo
Melynda Price
Professor
Melynda Price is the Director of the Institute for Research on Women and Gender and a Professor at the University of Michigan. A leading scholar on race, law, gender, and citizenship, she co-leads the Mellon-funded Monument Workshop. Previously, she held prestigious chairs at the University of Kentucky and was a fellow at Princeton and LSE. Author of At the Cross (Oxford, 2015), she holds a Ph.D. in Political Science and a J.D. from Texas Law
About The Founder
Raquel is a cat lover, DIYer, sun riser & coach for womxn of color & allies in the government & social justice sectors.
She made history in 2013, becoming the first-ever Latina elected to the Detroit City Council. She served for eight years before founding the Restorative Democracy Project, a program supporting womxn of color throughout their lifecycle in public office, from election night (win or lose) through their transition out of office.
Raquel is a born & bred Detroiter, with over 20 years of experience in the non-profit & political sectors. She holds a Masters of Social Work, and is trained in action learning, neuro-emotional literacy & self-compassion practices.
For 10 years, Raquel has trained with New American Leaders, coaching new Americans & BIPOC communities to run for office. She is an Open Society Foundation Leadership in Government Fellow, BMW Foundation Responsible Leader & a German Marshall Fund Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network alum.
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Do you offer other services besides the LEVEL UP Accelerator?Yes! The Restorative Democracy offers facilitation, consulting and other custom services. Please email us to discuss further: contact@restorativedemocracy.org
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Are your services only for womxn of color?No. All self-identified LGBTQIAP2S+ women/womxn are welcome to participate. It’s invaluable for womxn of color to have safe spaces where we can show up as our full selves. If this aligns with your values and you support this, then we’d love to have you!
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How can coaching benefit me?Raquel holds a Master in Social Work and is trained in Action Learning, neuro-emotional literacy, and self-compassion techniques. The combination of these techniques and her personal experience as a former elected form the framework for all of the Restorative Democracy’s programming - making it one of a kind. If you want to build a more fulfilling, joyful life, then coaching can help you get there. Regardless of what your dreams and wishes are, a good coach will support you in reaching them, so you can live your life the way you’ve been yearning to.
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Who will lead the LEVEL UP Accelerator?The founder and Senior Executive Officer is the main facilitator for the accelerator program. Insert Bio OR: Raquel’s entire career has been dedicated to fighting for equity, access and inclusion for historically marginalized communities, so that everyone has the freedom and resources to pursue their rights to “life, liberty and happiness”. As a double-minority, Raquel has lived experience and understands the challenges that womxn of color and marginalized peoples navigate in our society. In addition, she served as a local elected official for 8 years and has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit and government sectors.
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I don’t live in the USA, can I still participate?YES! We are building a global movement and would love to have you!
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I have another question not listed here.Email us at: contact@restorativedemocracy.org
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What is coaching?The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership. See: https://coachingfederation.org/about. Coaches don’t fix your problems for you, because they believe you are the expert in your own life. Coaches use powerful questions, deep listening and reflection to hold space for you to connect with your inner wisdom, natural strengths and your values to guide you on your own unique path. Here’s a few helpful articles to learn more about how coaching can benefit you individually, 6 Ways An Executive Coach Can Make You More Successful and your team, 5 Ways Organizations Can Get the Most out of an Executive Coach.
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Do you only work with people in nonprofits and government in formal leadership roles?No. As a former elected official and social worker, RCL often works with people in mid to senior level positions in these sectors; however, we have worked with many folks in other sectors, i.e. people going through life transitions, folks feeling stuck. If you’re interested in working together then please book a complimentary call so we can see if we’re a good fit.
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