Our Staff

Afnan is the Executive Assistant to the President at WCPI.  

Before working at WCPI, Afnan was a communications associate at the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW). At CLUW, Afnan primarily focused on writing about women’s leadership and political participation. She has also collaborated with various nonprofit organizations and labor unions to ensure gender equality in civic and voter education. 

Afnan received her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Hollins University and a public policy analysis certification from the London School of Economics and Political Science. 

Elsha is the Development Associate at WCPI.

Elsha previously worked at the ACLU of Maryland as a Voting Rights/Legal Intern where she fought for representative democracy in underrepresented communities. Prior to that, she interned at several nonprofit organizations including WCPI, Issue One, and ECDC. She also served as a research assistant at GW’s School of Media and Public Affairs as well as the Eurasia Center under the Atlantic Council.

Elsha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from George Washington University with a minor in journalism and mass communications.

Cindy has served as president of WCPI since January 1999.

Prior to her current position, Cindy worked on Capitol Hill for more than 17 years for four Members of Congress, including 12 years for Ambassador and former Rep. Connie Morella. During her Hill service, she focused on women’s health, and budget, tax, and appropriations issues.

Cindy received her Bachelor of Arts in political science from Colgate University.

Cynthia is the Policy Director at WCPI.

Cynthia joins WCPI with more than ten years of experience on Capitol Hill working on bipartisan issues. She previously served in the United States Senate as a longtime senior legislative aide to Senator Richard Burr. During her time in the Senate, she focused and advised on foreign affairs policy and also worked on legislative issues relating to defense, veterans affairs, and intelligence.

Cynthia received her Bachelor of Arts degree in international studies from Emory University.

Kritika is the Communications Associate at WCPI. 

Prior to joining WCPI, Kritika worked as a French language coach and video creator, and continues to create as a freelance video editor for Indian dance organizations. She also interned at various international student organizations and has a passion for multiculturalism, inclusivity, and education. In 2021, Kritika served on a task force of 12 women to research migrant detention in hotels and presented the findings to the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project for her university capstone.

Kritika received her Bachelor of Arts in international studies and linguistics, with a concentration in human rights, from the University of Washington. 

Cheryl is the Vice President of WCPI.

Cheryl previously served as Associate Director of Government Affairs for the United Negro College Fund, where she worked on higher education policy. Cheryl also served as Senior Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, where she worked on appropriations, health, and women’s issues, among other issues.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Spelman College and her law degree from American University’s Washington College of Law.