Hannah Thompson-Garner, JD, MA
Director of Advocacy and Mission AdvancementPrior to becoming NARN’s Director of Advocacy and Mission Advancement, Hannah was the Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs and served on the board. Hannah has experience spanning animal rights and environmental issues, with expertise in issues impacting wildlife. She is also on the Steering Committee for the Puget Sound Mobilization for Reproductive Justice.
Ashanti Bryant, MA
Administrative and Communications CoordinatorAshanti is deeply passionate about social justice and the liberation of all beings. She brings experience in operations and communications in the nonprofit sector. She values living a compassionate life that eliminates harm as much as possible. NARN speaks to her because of its focus on intersectional movements. She believes when we uplift and liberate the most harmed and exploited, we uplift all beings.
Amanda L. Elyse, JD, MS
Policy and Programs LeadAmanda’s experience in animal advocacy spans grassroots, nonprofit, and academic spaces, and it spans issues that include factory farming, fur farming, and more. She has significant experience working to end animal testing and has led national and international campaigns. She has also authored law journal articles about pathways to end animal testing. She appreciates that NARN’s intersectional, multi-faceted approach to advocacy aligns with her interest in approaching campaigns with a critical and strategic lens.
Mike Hines, Board Member
Technical Director and TreasurerMike has a background in volunteering and organizing, primarily focused on race and social justice equity, and over 25 years of experience as a director and leader in tech. He volunteered with NARN prior to becoming a board member, and he joined the board to contribute at a more fundamental level. He values NARN’s inclusive approach to animal advocacy and believes that as a society we desperately need both veganism and compassion that isn’t drawn across arbitrary lines.
Rachel Bjork, Board Member
PresidentRachel has over 25 years of experience in advocacy for animals. She brings experience in social justice, ethics, campaigning, and program management, and she has been a part of NARN for 23 years. Rachel loves being on the board of NARN because NARN centers community, inclusion, and respect for all beings as foundations of a social justice movement.
Daphne Toglia, Board Member
Social Media & Justice, Equity, Belonging DirectorDaphne’s commitment to advocating for animals comes from the understanding that protecting animals not only prevents suffering, but also strengthens the bond between humans, animals, and the environment. She joined the board of NARN because it aligns closely with her personal values: building community, fighting for justice, and recognizing the intersectionality between animal rights and other social causes.
Sonia Hitchcock, Board Member
SecretarySonia has a background in public policy and environmentalism. She believes animal advocacy is not only imperative to defending non-human animals, but is also an essential outlet for opposing all forms of suffering. The multifaceted approach of NARN’s work does just that. She is currently the Climate and Clean Air Manager at Washington Conservation Action and a Commissioner on the Seattle Women’s Commission, and she has developed her extensive background in leadership, organizing, and policy through her work with several environmental organizations.
Suzanna Litwin, Board Member
Fundraising DirectorSuzanna’s work is inspired by the Jane Goodall quote: “Speaking out on behalf of those who cannot speak for themselves is our responsibility as fellow inhabitants of this shared earth.” All creatures on the earth, in the sea, and in the skies deserve to be treated with respect, and this is a core value of NARN. She is inspired by the work and the passion she sees in NARN and is excited about working to create a world devoid of suffering. Suzanna and her husband spend much of their spare time working for climate justice and volunteering with St. Vincent de Paul.
Vinith Sudhir, Board Member
Member at LargeVinith’s commitment to animal advocacy, particularly with NARN, is driven by a profound conviction that injustice towards any sentient being must cease. He feels a strong responsibility to advocate for institutional change. He successfully led a corporate campaign to drop dairy alternative surcharges at over 30 cafes and advocated for menus with plant-based options at his previous workplace. He’s drawn to NARN because of its influential presence in the Pacific Northwest, strong connections with allied organizations and lawmakers, and impactful campaigns significantly improving animal welfare.
Carlos Gutierrez, Board Member
Advisory MemberCarlos is an animal advocate who has dedicated his life to ending factory farming. He realized his individual choice of becoming a vegan was not enough and he wanted to protect animals from injustice and torture. He believes NARN embraces difference and has an environment of friendship and respect that he hasn’t seen before. He believes that NARN’s campaigns are highly effective in promoting social change and are carried out with passion.