We are excited to announce our newest staff members, Community Relations Manager, Sadie Cannon and Chief of Staff Michael Soto.
Sadie Cannon is a recent Tulane University graduate, where she majored in Political Science with a minor in Classical Studies. She served as a Jewish leader on campus as a member of Tulane Hillel. Previously, she worked as an Advance and Briefings Intern for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and as a Congressional District Intern for U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ). Sadie will be working on many projects, including outreach and development. We are so happy she has joined our team!
Michael S.C. Soto is a political strategist and non-profit executive with nearly 30 years of professional experience. He has worked at the intersection of politics and the rights of marginalized communities for most of his professional life – with most of that time dedicated to LGBTQ civil rights and equality. Michael is a long-time and influential leader in the U.S. LGBTQ+ movement.
He is a graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies and a Master of Science in Justice Studies. Michael is currently a PhD student in Justice Studies at ASU, where his studies focus on pluralism as the antidote to political polarization and extremism. He believes to his core that justice is a lifelong process and hopes to make some meaningful contribution to creating a more just society during his lifetime.
As a transgender man, he knows that discrimination, violence, and hate harm not only individuals and marginalized communities, but our entire nation. After October 7th, Michael felt it was vital to step up as an ally for Jewish people, in particular to help build bridges and understanding between LGBTQ and Jewish Americans. He has learned so much from Sara and her work at NYSN and is thrilled to be joining the team!