Meet the Storytelling Allies

The Storytelling Cohort Team is a dynamic and collaborative group tasked with amplifying the impact of Public Allies by harnessing the power of storytelling. This team works to document, elevate, and share the narratives of alumni and their leadership journeys, demonstrating how proximate leadership drives meaningful change in communities. Through innovative storytelling methods and a focus on values-driven narratives, the team enhances alumni engagement, shifts societal perceptions of leadership, and supports organizational goals. Learn more about them below:

Carvis C. Durr (he/him) | Public Allies Central Florida

With over eight years of leadership experience, Carvis is an innovative communicator skilled in training, mentoring, and coaching employees. He focuses on teamwork, problem-solving, and research in my operations management. As a business analyst, he excel in creating key performance indicators and utilizing tools such as Lean Six Sigma, Power BI, SQL, GIS, and Tableau for data analysis. Additionally, Carvis has a strong background in building communities and teams and a proven record of surpassing organizational objectives by leveraging his academic and professional experiences.

Carvis is a Ph.D. candidate and adjunct professor at the University of Central Florida’s School of Sociology and Statistics, holding a Bachelor’s in Public Administration and two Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Leadership/Human Resource Development. Additionally, he’s a member of the Scholar Strategy Network. You can follow him on X @IAmCarvis or check his LinkedIn profile.

Outside of Public Allies: You’ll likely find him coaching his son’s sports team clothing and working out as a personal trainer when he’s not at work. He can find peace in eating delicious food, reading/researching, and spending time with his son. He occasionally likes to sing and write music. He has music on Spotify and other music! 

Kelli Mondshein | Public Allies Central Florida

Kelli is a graduate from the University of Central Florida, earning her Bachelor of Arts in Radio-Television and Film in 2014. She has proficiencies and specializations in all aspects of digital content creation, graphic design, marketing, social media management, and web design. She used to own a digital media company, unfortunately having to shut it down as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

She also has self-taught experience with basic Tier 1 Helpdesk support for Information Technology. Kelli is passionate about storytelling and utilizing story and video to share and educate others about the issues that are happening in local and national communities to empower others to have their voice heard.

Outside of Public Allies: When Kelli is not at work, you can find her mainly at home with her fiancée and their zoo of animals (5 cats and a dog indoors and 2 outdoor cats) probably watching Netflix or playing Animal Crossing. Otherwise, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, eating, listening to music (it wasn’t a phase, mom!), going to concerts (ideally Paramore and Fletcher), video games, and traveling (when she has money).

Ozelle “Miss O” Williamson (She/Her) | Public Allies Chicago

As a graduate of Sinai Urban Health Institute’s Population Health Career Pathways program, with specialized training as a Community Health Worker (CHW) in Health Education and Behavioral Health, Ozelle has developed a strong foundation in health promotion strategies, disease prevention, and community outreach.

In 2021, her role as a COVID Educator with Chicago Commons ignited my passion for supporting communities during the pandemic. This experience paved the way for her involvement as the Parent Policy Chairperson on Chicago Commons’ Board, where she embraced the opportunity to influence policy decisions. Subsequently, Ozelle took on the role of Parent Outreach Focus Coordinator, partnering with diverse organizations across Chicagoland to enhance community outreach. With 24 years of experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and 3 years as a CHW, she remains committed to answering the call to help build stronger, healthier communities.

Outside of Public Allies: She’s a proud mom of two boys and one girl. Being a highly involved parent has always been a priority for her, and my kids ensure she always has plenty to keep her busy!

Jalen Shannon (He/Him) | Public Allies Los Angeles

Jalen is a 1st-year Public Ally in Los Angeles with a background in marketing, business, and content creation. Passionate about community building, he uses creative strategies to inspire and connect with leaders to drive meaningful change. He thrives on collaboration and believes in the power of creativity to unite people and amplify impact. His motivation lies in continuously learning and applying that knowledge to improve lives, strengthen communities, and create lasting positive change. Trust the process.

Outside of Public Allies: When he’s not doing Public Allies work, you can find Jalen at the gym, doing some content creation, or hanging out with friends. He enjoys a wide range of activities, including a night out, hiking, going to the beach, and simply outside somewhere enjoying some sun.

Dr. Justin Coger (He/Him) | Public Allies Delaware 

Justin is an economist by training and a member of the 2025 cohort of Public Allies Delaware applying my skills in the public sector. He’s passionate about studying the economics of education and intersectional inequality, public policy, and environmental economics as a means to improving well-being for the most underserved individuals in society. 

He earned his B.A. in Economics from Morehouse College and my Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. His thesis contributes to understanding two problems in the economics of education subfield using machine learning methods, econometrics, and economic theories of distribution and inequities. 

Outside of Public Allies: You’ll find him Watching Adventure Time, comedy shows and specials, and eating out too often for his budget. 

Atiya Irvin-Mitchell (She/Her) | Public Allies Pittsburgh 

Atiya is a Pittsburgh native and a Chatham University graduate with a background in journalism. She’s passionate about media and its impact on the world as well as the ways in which it reflects the world as it is. Through the years she’s had the opportunity to write about identity, mental health, tech, local government, and education. In the past she has participated in programs such as AmeriCorps and Report for America which she believes positions her well to understand the positive impact a program like Public Allies has for both its participants and the communities they serve.  

Outside of Public Allies: When she’s not at work you’ll likely find her journaling or reading.

Public Allies is dedicated to disrupting systems that impact communities, while listening, learning, and working together across differences to build the common good. Join us.