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Local Government 101: Civic Guides
Documenter Headshots & Bios
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Hello everyone! My name is Allison (Allie) Shamilov, and I am a first-generation American from Brooklyn, NY, currently living in Bergen County, New Jersey. I’m a full-time undergraduate student at Montclair State University, majoring in Psychology with minors in Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies and Visual Arts. After graduation, I plan to pursue a dual master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) and Social Work (MSW) so I can continue serving and advocating for marginalized communities through mental health counseling, case management, and public service. I am passionate about human rights activism, and as someone who wants to pursue a career in therapy long-term, I believe that these two aspects go hand in hand. Outside of my academic and professional life, I enjoy dancing, going on runs, making art, and spending time with my friends and family.
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My name is Aaliyah Amos, and I am a proud recent graduate from Rutgers University-Newark with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a minor in Social Justice through the Honors Living Learning Community Program. Currently, I work as a Community Engagement Coordinator at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, where I continue to collaborate with my Newark community to bring accessible and free arts programming to all five wards. Thank you, Newark Documenters, for another way for me to give back to this amazing city!
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My name is Tyvonnia Braxton. I am originally from the state of Maryland. I’m new to Newark and Essex County, New Jersey. I currently work for Newark Public Library. I received my Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, and my Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Outside of work, I enjoy reading a cozy mystery or psychological thriller, traveling, and spending time with my family, volunteering in my community, and participating in pageants.
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My name is Danielle Nneji, and I am a high school student who has a strong passion for community building and connection. I strive to help non-profits carry out events and provide resources to the people while also gaining community service hours. I truly believe that whatever pathway you are going into, it is worth remembering to provide for your community to foster success in any pathway.
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Kristine Leslie (She/They) is a social artist and creative wellnesspreneur. As Chief Transformation Officer of her practice, Consult with Kristine (we/us/ours), she supports communities and organizations in creative capacity building. Kristine holds degrees in Deaf Studies, Sociology, and English-Writing and has extensive experience in the non-profit arts sector, advocacy, and education, with a focus on equity, access, inclusion, and belonging.
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Mumtaz Cooper is a Newark Documenter dedicated to amplifying community voices and ensuring government transparency. She’s passionate about law, education, and social equity, with a focus on empowering marginalized communities through advocacy and storytelling. Mumtaz brings a strong background in civic engagement, youth leadership, and humanitarian work to her role as a documenter.
Local Government 101: Civic Guides
Local Government 101: Civic Guides
About
Hello everyone! My name is Allison (Allie) Shamilov, and I am a first-generation American from Brooklyn, NY, currently living in Bergen County, New Jersey. I’m a full-time undergraduate student at Montclair State University, majoring in Psychology with minors in Gender, Sexuality, & Women’s Studies and Visual Arts. After graduation, I plan to pursue a dual master’s degree in Public Health (MPH) and Social Work (MSW) so I can continue serving and advocating for marginalized communities through mental health counseling, case management, and public service. I am passionate about human rights activism, and as someone who wants to pursue a career in therapy long-term, I believe that these two aspects go hand in hand. Outside of my academic and professional life, I enjoy dancing, going on runs, making art, and spending time with my friends and family.
My name is Aaliyah Amos, and I am a proud recent graduate from Rutgers University-Newark with a Bachelor’s in Journalism and a minor in Social Justice through the Honors Living Learning Community Program. Currently, I work as a Community Engagement Coordinator at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, where I continue to collaborate with my Newark community to bring accessible and free arts programming to all five wards. Thank you, Newark Documenters, for another way for me to give back to this amazing city!
My name is Tyvonnia Braxton. I am originally from the state of Maryland. I’m new to Newark and Essex County, New Jersey. I currently work for Newark Public Library. I received my Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) from St. John’s University in Queens, NY, and my Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus. Outside of work, I enjoy reading a cozy mystery or psychological thriller, traveling, and spending time with my family, volunteering in my community, and participating in pageants.
My name is Danielle Nneji, and I am a high school student who has a strong passion for community building and connection. I strive to help non-profits carry out events and provide resources to the people while also gaining community service hours. I truly believe that whatever pathway you are going into, it is worth remembering to provide for your community to foster success in any pathway.
Kristine Leslie (She/They) is a social artist and creative wellnesspreneur. As Chief Transformation Officer of her practice, Consult with Kristine (we/us/ours), she supports communities and organizations in creative capacity building. Kristine holds degrees in Deaf Studies, Sociology, and English-Writing and has extensive experience in the non-profit arts sector, advocacy, and education, with a focus on equity, access, inclusion, and belonging.
Mumtaz Cooper is a Newark Documenter dedicated to amplifying community voices and ensuring government transparency. She’s passionate about law, education, and social equity, with a focus on empowering marginalized communities through advocacy and storytelling. Mumtaz brings a strong background in civic engagement, youth leadership, and humanitarian work to her role as a documenter.