William Forchion

Djeli

Director, Producer, Poet, Clown, Acrobat, Stuntman, Father, Friend, Minister, Coach, Writer, Spirit guide, Teacher and Shaman all in one package. He is fueled by his desire to inspire, educate, entertain and innovate. William strives to generate connections that promote emotional, spiritual, and mental growth. In 2017 William was selected to be a U.S. State Department cultural exchange Ambassador for the Arts making two trips to Turkmenistan. 2019 & 2020  William served as summer camp Director at Circus Smirkus in Greensboro, VT. In 2020 William coordinated the Healing Arts program for the Clemmons Family Farm of Charlotte, VT. William finds great joy facilitating “Healing Heart” workshops using art as healing tool. William, the proud father of 3 beautiful children, has called Brattleboro, VT home since 1998. He is grateful for his position as Djeli with Team Wichie.

Gillian Lucero-Love

Social Media Co-Coordinator

Gillian is a Peruvian transnational adoptee who grew up near Windham county and is a Social Media Co-Coordinator for Team Wichie. As a Latina whose community is of the utmost importance to her, she dedicates much of her personal and work life to advocating for racial and social justice with an emphasis on community building. Gillian also serves as a an adult ally and mentor to youth in the community through her role as a coordinator of Youth 4 Change, the youth program of The Root Social Justice Center. It is through The Root that she met Wichie and began to witness the respect and dedication he has towards elevating his community through collaborative leadership. 

Mark Saperstein

Treasurer

​Mark lives in Boston, MA, and serves as Treasurer for Team Wichie. Born and raised in Waterville, ME, he moved to Boston for law school and has lived there ever since. Prior to law school, he worked for U.S. Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell. His law practice was focused on representing elderly and disabled individuals. He currently serves as Board President for Hyde Square Task Force, a youth development non-profit in Boston. This is where he first met Wichie in 2007, when Wichie was a youth leader and excellent salsa dancer!

Izzy Snyder

Social Media Co-Coordinator

Izzy lives in Guilford, VT and is Co-Coordinator on Team Wichie. She is a college student studying computer science and studio art, and hopes to one day be a teacher or videogame developer. In addition to her academic focuses, Izzy is regularly involved with Lost River Racial Justice, Resource Generation, the Root Social Justice Center, and Migrant Justice, and she has spent dozens of hours phone banking for progressive political candidates. She loves connecting people to the resources they need and ways to get involved politically, and is excited to translate those skills to the social media for Wichie’s campaign.

Casey Haynes

Event Coordinator

On a cross-country road trip to 'find himself,' Casey ended up finding Vermont and has been in Brattleboro ever since. Casey's background spans the non-profit gamut, from arts to social services and now to community and economic development. He currently splits his time between small business consulting, managing an organization for young professionals, and casting spells in whatever nerdy video-, card-, or role-playing game that has his attention.

Abby Mnookin

Outreach Coordinator

Abby lives in Brattleboro, VT with her family and is the Outreach Coordinator for Team Wichie. Since meeting Wichie in 2018, she's had the pleasure of working with him on Brattleboro’s Community Safety Review process, Solidarity Friday rallies, taking action for racial justice, Selectboard meetings, Out in the Open events for LGBTQ+ rights, community farm work days, and chalking in support of Planned Parenthood, and she's excited to help bring his voice to the State House. Abby is a queer parent, outdoor educator, birth doula, and community organizer for social and climate justice, most recently with 350VT.

Ann Schroeder

Policy Strategist

Ann lives in Dummerston, VT and is the policy strategist for Team Wichie. She is a retired librarian who seems to have taken up researching legislation. She is also Chair of the Windham NAACP Criminal Justice Committee and one of the organizers of Windham No Mas Polimigra. She and her partner Rick do as many outdoor activities as possible, with favorites being jogging, snowshoeing, kayaking, and biking. 

Jillian Williams

Graphic Designer

Jillian is a resident of Newfane, VT and is the Graphic Designer for Team Wichie! She is a freelance designer and marketing consultant. Jillian has worked at both for-profit and non-profit organizations in publishing, human services, and education. Hailing from Georgia, Jillian moved to Vermont with her husband in 2017, and recently welcomed their first child. Today, she is a full-time SAHP, and her most recent accomplishments include reciting every word of "Cat in the Hat" and figuring out how to keep the wheels going 'round and 'round. 

Sarah Lang

Fundraising Coordinator

Sarah is a resident of Brattleboro, VT and is the Fundraiser for Team Wichie! She works in economic development and has a passion for community and people. Sarah met Wichie when he first moved to town and is really excited to be a part of his campaign. Sarah also serves on the Brattleboro Planning Commission and is part of the Windham County NAACP. In her free time, she plays with her dogs Rodeo and Millie, feeds her chickens (the Cleveland Gals) and works on the house with her husband, Jon.

Adriana Negron

Campaign Manager

Adriana is a Puerto Rican resident of Brattleboro VT and the Event Coordinator for Team Wichie. She has vast experience in political, cultural and community organization. As a young person she volunteered for aid awareness for Fundación SIDA de Puerto Rico a grassroots organization that worked with human rights and health issues concerning LGBTQ communities. She advocated and functioned as a spokesperson for children of LGBTQ families and LGBTQ family rights. She helped found the progressive Caucus of Tampa Bay and ensured minorities were not left out of the progressive agenda. She’s worked and volunteered in multiple progressive political campaigns acting as a liaison to the Latinx community. She conceptualized and delivered multiple art installation pieces across Puerto Rico in protest of its colonial status. Most days, Adriana is enjoying the company of her husband and their four children.

Gemma Seymour

Data Specialist

Gemma is a multidisciplinary professional with over 25 years experience in technology consulting and support in a diverse array of environments, from small firms to large enterprises, in both the public and private sectors. She incorporates into her work her experience from a life-long participation in the performing, fine, musical, and graphic arts, and brings to every aspect of her life a history of independent activism with a particular focus on economic and social justice for LGBT people of color. Gemma has been a frequent visitor to Vermont in her life for recreation, and has now been a Vermont resident since 2014.