Partnership for Southern Equity starts off the new year with new team members.

As PSE starts a new year, we welcome another group of talented individuals to our team who will support our work to advance racial equity. Their appointments are noted below.

Alayne Hightower

Associate, Just Growth

Alayne Hightower joins our Just Growth team with a background in the diverse public sector, entrepreneurship and corporate experience. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public policy. Alayne is a long-time advocate for social change. She is passionate about collaborating for the success of marginalized communities and is drawn to roles that possess a strong sense of mission.

Kaiya Murphy

Associate, Just Energy

A native of Baltimore, Kaiya Murphy has spent almost a decade working in various community driven spaces in the Metro Atlanta area. She obtained a bachelor’s degree in international development from Spelman College. She also has a master’s degree in sustainable energy and environmental management from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Kaiya says through both experiences, she was able to engage with multiple domestic and international communities on both direct and indirect levels.  

Monet Wright

Senior Graphic Designer, Communications

Born and raised in the Washington, D.C. area, Monet joins our Communications team with over eight years of design experience. She says design is beautiful, but responsive. Monet is an analytical thinker and researcher who is team-oriented. She facilitates ideation exercises and leverages a unique blend of graphic design, user experience principles, and photography.

Allyson Kemp

Data Analyst, Data, Research, Innovation and Policy Team

Our new Data Analyst, Allyson Kemp is from Savannah, GA. She graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a minor in Spanish. Outside of work, Allyson enjoys spending time with her dogs, cats, horse, and goats.  

Shanda Laws

Manager, Just Energy

Shanda Laws combines several years of experience in business leadership and development, sustainability, and climate change with a targeted focus on equitable energy justice and sustainable living. As the new Just Energy Manager, she will collaborate with the PSE Circles: the Just Energy Circle, Energy Efficiency for All (EFFA), Neighbor to Neighbor, and funding opportunities, just to name a few. Shanda is also a REALTOR®, Associate Broker and owner of a boutique Real Estate company with a focus on providing affordable, equitable and sustainable housing solutions.

Throughout her career in both the private and public sectors, she has overseen and managed multiple projects, and most recently had the opportunity to manage multiple federal entitlement grants over $4 million that included environmental reviews, Section 3 and Davis-Bacon requirements, and compliance. In 2018, Shanda had the opportunity to become a local leader with the Climate Reality Project, after receiving personal training from former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.

Shanda holds several professional certifications and designations, including a GREEN Designation from the National Association of REALTORS®, EcoDistricts Associate Professional (AP), Environmental, Social, & Governance (ESG) Certified, and OSHA 30 Certified. Shanda also serves as a board member on several professional associations in the Greater Atlanta area.

Danielle Jackson

Project Coordinator, YES! for Equity

Danielle Jackson originates from Atlanta, Georgia, and holds a passion for health promotion through community-based programs. Her interest in public health began when she worked at Grady Hospital with a Produce Prescription Program. Currently, she is expanding her interest to include more advocacy efforts around health equity. Danielle holds a bachelor’s degree in nutrition science and a master’s degree in public health, both from Georgia State University. She enjoys POUND Fitness, horseback riding, and a good book.