Our Leadership

Managing Director

Dr. Spencer M Dayton, DPA, DrPH

Dr. Spencer M Dayton is a distinguished historical researcher, public policy expert, and educator whose multifaceted career bridges the worlds of history, government, and advocacy. Raised in California's Central Valley in a middle-class, union household, he was instilled with the values of education, service, and advocacy from a young age. These principles have guided his work across diverse fields, from preserving the past to shaping policies for a sustainable future.

Dr. Dayton’s expertise extends to public policy, with an accomplished career in government, veterans' affairs, and public health.

He holds multiple degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Government with an emphasis in Legal Studies, a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Policy and Government, and Doctorates in Public Administration with a concentration in Law & Policy and Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology. His professional journey spans roles in private business, political office, nonprofit leadership, and the Executive Branch of the United States Government, where he works toward sustainable global solutions.

An award-winning author, Dr. Dayton has published numerous articles and books addressing critical social issues from both scholarly and practical perspectives. His accolades include honorary titles such as Nebraska Admiral and Kentucky Colonel, recognizing his contributions to public service. A dedicated advocate for veterans, Dr. Dayton has championed their healthcare, security, and housing needs, believing these are the cornerstones of individual dignity and post-service success.

As a cancer survivor and patient, Dr. Dayton draws on his personal experiences to inform his advocacy for healthcare and human rights. His work extends globally, advising nations and royal houses on policy and advocacy initiatives. Whether preserving the past or shaping the future, Dr. Spencer M Dayton exemplifies a lifelong commitment to service, education, and dignity for all.

Senior Associate

Cisco Martinez

Cisco Martinez is a distinguished policy strategist, tribal leader, and advocate dedicated to advancing governance, public policy, and community development. Rooted in a family tradition of justice and service, he has built a career committed to empowering Native American communities through policy-driven solutions, institutional reform, and strategic advocacy.

Cisco holds an Associate of Science in Administration of Justice from Sacramento City College and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, with a specialization in policy.

His academic foundation informs his approach to systemic change, integrating research, advocacy, and legislative engagement to address the critical challenges facing Indigenous populations.

A recognized leader in tribal governance, Cisco served as a Councilman for The Hammawi Band of the Pit River Tribe. His tenure has been marked by significant policy achievements, including securing $400,000 for education technology during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure continued learning opportunities for tribal youth. Additionally, he spearheaded a $1.8 million rent assistance initiative, providing vital support to tribal members facing financial insecurity. His leadership exemplifies a steadfast commitment to economic empowerment, social justice, and sustainable development within Indigenous communities.

Beyond tribal governance, Cisco has played a pivotal role in higher education as Chief Coordinator of the American Indian Student Association (AISA). In this capacity, he has developed and implemented sustainable programs that enhance Native student retention, foster mentorship, and advocate for culturally responsive institutional policies.

His policy influence extends into public health, where he has been a leading advocate for healthcare equity as a Health Justice Fellow with the Latino Coalition for a Healthy California. Cisco has championed legislative initiatives prioritizing healthcare access for low-income, undocumented, and Indigenous communities, leveraging policy advocacy, grant development, and public engagement to address systemic health disparities.

With a deep commitment to intersectional justice, institutional accountability, and community-centered policy, Cisco continues to drive transformative change. Whether advancing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) initiatives, shaping legislative outcomes, or developing student support programs, his work remains firmly rooted in the pursuit of a more just, equitable, and empowered future for Indigenous communities.

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Associate

Daryl Reed

Daryl Reed is a dedicated advocate for social equity, civic engagement, and informed political discourse. With a passion for people and a steadfast commitment to doing the right thing, she has leveraged her background in customer service and political organizing to drive meaningful change. Her work focuses on empowering communities, combatting misinformation, and fostering constructive political dialogue rooted in kindness and grace.

Daryl earned her degree in Political Science with a concentration in Constitutional Law from the University of North Texas in Denton. She began her career as an organizer for Beto O’Rourke’s gubernatorial campaign in Texas, playing a pivotal role in mobilizing record voter turnout for a state election. Following the campaign, she joined Powered by People, where she helped implement innovative voter registration and Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiatives ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Her expertise in data analysis and volunteer coordination contributed to historic engagement among young voters aged 18-24.

With a deep appreciation for both people and data-driven strategy, Daryl continues to dedicate her career to advancing voter participation and advocating for marginalized communities, including women, minorities, the LGBTQ+ community, and animal rights. She is currently preparing for the LSAT as she sets her sights on a legal career, furthering her mission to champion justice and drive systemic change.

Associate

Jared McCreary

Jared McCreary is a powerful change agent who has won political campaigns and influenced public policy across the United States. He started his career at University of California Riverside and Riverside Community College as an advocate for education funding and access, building a coalition of California Community Colleges, Public Universities and Private Universities under the moniker Inland Action Coalition to fight for education funding within the CA State Budget. He was a Speaker at the 2011 "Making Cents" conference, focusing on organizing around the CA state budget.

Since then, he has changed public policy in CA, Michigan, Ohio, and Arizona. He served as the state Coordinator for Californians for SSI, advocating for policies related to SSI, and the aging, disabilities, and hunger communities, and worked on dozens of political campaigns ranging from local school district facilities bonds to state constitutional changes to flipping presidential swing states from red to blue. He has also served as VP of Training at a state level PAC focused on getting millennial democrats elected to down-ballot races, and as a presenter at training conferences hosted by GAIN, UCSA and Generation Change, on topics ranging from Conquering Imposter Syndrome to Fundraising for Political Campaigns, to the history of Art in Social and Political Movements.

He has a passion for writing and communications, music, community theater, and historical and cultural events.