About Rank the District

 Lisa D. T. Rice (she/her) is a co-founder and chief executive officer of Grow Democracy DC. 

She was the proposer of Initiative 83  – a landmark election reform measure approved in 2024 by 73% of DC voters, with super-majority support in every ward of the District.  A political strategist and longtime advocate for political innovation, Li

 Lisa D. T. Rice (she/her) is a co-founder and chief executive officer of Grow Democracy DC. 

She was the proposer of Initiative 83  – a landmark election reform measure approved in 2024 by 73% of DC voters, with super-majority support in every ward of the District.  A political strategist and longtime advocate for political innovation, Lisa works to strengthen American democracy by expanding voter access and loosening the grip of the two-party duopoly.  As a federal campaign finance expert, she brings deep experience in political management and policy advocacy.  A dynamic keynote speaker, Lisa is widely recognized as a transformative leader and mentor. She is a native Washingtonian, a political independent, and Ward 7 resident. 

 Kenyatta Smith (she/her) is a cultural engagement strategist who brings a creative, unconventional approach to community organizing and movement building. Drawing on her background in fashion, education, and event production, she creates experiences that make civic engagement more accessible and connected to everyday life. She served as 

 Kenyatta Smith (she/her) is a cultural engagement strategist who brings a creative, unconventional approach to community organizing and movement building. Drawing on her background in fashion, education, and event production, she creates experiences that make civic engagement more accessible and connected to everyday life. She served as lead educator for DC’s Initiative 83, helping successfully pass Ranked Choice Voting and semi-open primaries. Kenyatta’s priority is to ensure that Black and Brown communities nationwide understand how to use democracy as a tool to claim their power and shape their communities.

Brian Strege (he/him) is a software engineer by training who is committed to advancing structural electoral reforms.

He was a Steering Committee member and the Data Operations Lead for Make All Votes Count DC, the organization which aimed to bring Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) and semi-open primaries to the District via Initiative 83. He now 

Brian Strege (he/him) is a software engineer by training who is committed to advancing structural electoral reforms.

He was a Steering Committee member and the Data Operations Lead for Make All Votes Count DC, the organization which aimed to bring Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) and semi-open primaries to the District via Initiative 83. He now serves as Implementation Director for the Grow Democracy DC Civic Education Fund, aiming to ensure technical correctness and to "get the details right" when it comes to DC's upcoming RCV rollout.

Brandon Bush-Thompson (he/they) is a writer, communications strategist, and digital marketing professional with a passion for community engagement and togetherness. He champions the impact that storytelling can have in empowering underserved communities.

With a bachelor’s degree from the illustrious Howard University and a master’s degree 

Brandon Bush-Thompson (he/they) is a writer, communications strategist, and digital marketing professional with a passion for community engagement and togetherness. He champions the impact that storytelling can have in empowering underserved communities.

With a bachelor’s degree from the illustrious Howard University and a master’s degree from American University, Brandon uses his expertise in strategic communications and three years of experience in the advertising and marketing industry to reach people where they are. As the Engagement Coordinator, he wants to help bring the residents of DC together through advocacy, fellowship, and education.

Ashley Chapin (she/her) is a scientist by training using her knack for communications and team building to advance ranked choice voting advocacy groups in the DMV.

She began her journey with Initiative 83 as a canvasser and eventually became the campaign’s social media manager. She now serves as the Logistics Coordinator for Rank the Dist

Ashley Chapin (she/her) is a scientist by training using her knack for communications and team building to advance ranked choice voting advocacy groups in the DMV.

She began her journey with Initiative 83 as a canvasser and eventually became the campaign’s social media manager. She now serves as the Logistics Coordinator for Rank the District. She aims to instill a sense of community and purpose in volunteers across the district as RCV educators. She believes that everyone in the district can learn how to rank their ballot, and is eager to make voters feel empowered at the voting booth.

 Derrick McNeely (he/him) is a third-generation Washingtonian and a lawyer by training. Derrick uses his legal expertise to advocate for the people of DC 

Derrick received his BA in journalism and JD from Duquesne University. While at law school, Derrick took election law and discovered ranked-choice voting. He fell in love with the system

 Derrick McNeely (he/him) is a third-generation Washingtonian and a lawyer by training. Derrick uses his legal expertise to advocate for the people of DC 

Derrick received his BA in journalism and JD from Duquesne University. While at law school, Derrick took election law and discovered ranked-choice voting. He fell in love with the system. He then started as a volunteer canvasser for Initiative 83 in 2024. Soon after, he became a Field Educator and eventually rose to Field Manager. As Field Manager, Derrick strives to ensure that all Field Educators meet the needs of the greater DC area with compassion and grace. As Field Manager Derrick strives to build a connection between the greater DMV community and the Grow Democracy team.