Coalition for Nonprofit Equity:
Collective Action for DC Nonprofits
October 2025
The Coalition for Nonprofit Equity Welcomes Inaugural Director, Iris Jacob and Policy Director, Jeremiah Lowery
The Steering Committee for the Coalition for Nonprofit Equity (CNE) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Iris Jacob as CNE’s inaugural Director and Jeremiah Lowery as CNE’s Policy Director.
Iris is a nationally recognized social justice consultant and is also the Campaign Director for Anti-Racist DC. She has worked with numerous organizations, including the DC Public Schools, The National Lawyers Guild, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, The National Center for Transgender Equality, The American Civil Liberties Union, and Teaching for Change.
Jeremiah is a Washington, DC native with a strong history of organizing and advocating for communities in DC. Through his work to transform DC for the better, he has worked on numerous campaigns fighting for a fair economy, paid family leave, universal childcare, racial justice, and an inclusive democracy. Jeremiah brings a wealth of knowledge of the DC policy world, gained from his experience as a candidate running for office and advocating on behalf of families in the District.
“The CNE Steering Committee is excited to welcome Iris as our new Director and Jeremiah as our new Policy Director,” shares Gretchen Van der Veer PhD, CNE Steering Committee Member, and most recently Co-CEO of Fair Chance, and current Senior Advisor. Iris brings years of experience in the nonprofit sector, building networks at the grassroots level and advancing racial and economic justice through her work. Jeremiah has deep advocacy experience and will be an incredible asset to CNE’s legislative work and agenda going forward. This is a truly stellar team to drive DC’s nonprofit advocacy agenda at a time when support and advocacy for the nonprofit sector is needed more than ever.” Gretchen also shared, “We see great synergy between Iris’s other part-time work as the Campaign Director for Anti-Racist DC because, while separate movements, we are clearly related and can leverage each other’s networks and collaborate on fundraising and activities.”
As CNE’s new Director, Iris will provide visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to advance CNE’s mission of building a more equitable local nonprofit ecosystem. She will work closely with the Steering Committee, member organizations, and community partners to strengthen advocacy efforts, amplify challenges nonprofits face, elevate stories of nonprofit value to the economy and public life, deepen collaborations, and ensure CNE’s long-term sustainability and impact.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the Coalition for Nonprofit Equity,” shared Iris. “Nonprofits are irreplaceable in our city and deserve to be recognized, appreciated and advocated for. I'm very inspired by the work of the coalition and can’t wait to organize with and on behalf of DC Nonprofits.”
As CNE’s new Policy Director, Jeremiah will lead the coalition’s advocacy, research and engagement efforts to advance justice and equity within DC’s nonprofit sector. In this role, Jeremiah will focus on shaping and implementing CNE’s policy agenda with the steering committee and within our local DC government.
“I’m honored to join the Coalition for Nonprofit Equity,” shared Jeremiah. “Nonprofits play a crucial role in shaping policy and delivering essential services in our city. I look forward to advancing CNE’s mission to ensure equitable representation and sustainable support for all DC nonprofits.”
About The Coalition for Nonprofit Equity
CNE shapes equity-focused public policy and practices to support a healthy DC nonprofit sector, ensuring that organizations have the resources and capacity to provide the services all DC residents need to thrive. Through capacity-building initiatives, research, and collective action, CNE works to collaborate with funders (government and philanthropy) to prioritize racial and economic justice in their investments. dcnonprofitequity.org
About Iris Jacob
Iris Jacob (she/her) is a nationally recognized social justice consultant, organizer and facilitator who supports organizations across the US by creating transformative experiences and strategic alignment. As a DC area resident, Iris is deeply committed to hyper local organizing and working to create a region that is characterized by justice and liberation.
Currently, Iris is leading the Anti-Racist DC Campaign, which aims to bring all different sectors in DC together through shared strategies for racial justice. She is the founder of Social Justice Synergy, an organizational equity consulting firm that provides specialized support to ensure clients reach their goals of inclusion and justice. She has worked with dozens of organizations, including Black Feminist Future, The National Lawyers Guild, The Women’s March, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Amnesty International, The National Center for Transgender Equality, The American Civil Liberties Union, Teaching for Change, Oxfam, and many more. Iris is also the co-lead for the DC Trainers Network, where she creates trainings, knowledge building and skill sharing opportunities for facilitators in the DC area. In her free time, she can be found doing education organizing, interior design, hiking, and spending time with her family and friends.
About Jeremiah Lowery
Jeremiah Lowery is a Washington, DC based policy strategist and community organizer dedicated to advancing equity, social justice, and sustainable policies. With a career grounded in civic participation and collaboration, Jeremiah has worked alongside elected officials, nonprofits, and community stakeholders to translate community needs into actionable policy outcomes. His approach reflects a steadfast belief that equitable policy begins with empowering local voices and advancing collective well-being across the District. Jeremiah has led legislative and budget advocacy to strengthen housing stability, expand access to justice, and promote economic security for residents throughout the District.
In addition to his policy leadership, Jeremiah is a certified yoga instructor committed to making wellness practices accessible to all. He teaches restorative and gentle yoga at community centers, nonprofits, and libraries across DC, designing free classes that promote mindfulness, connection, and healing.
Recent News
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New CNE Director Hired!
Fall 2025
The Steering Committee for the Coalition for Nonprofit Equity (CNE) is thrilled to announce the hiring of Iris Jacob as CNE’s inaugural Director.
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14 DC Bills on House Oversight Markup Agenda (as of 9/5/25)
Learn more about the bills on the House oversight markup agenda that will potentially impact DC. -
New Amendment!
CNE worked closely with Councilmember Nadeau on an amendment to the Nonprofit Fair Compensation Act which will fix the current issues with the law to provide full and fair implementation.
Who we are
The Coalition for Nonprofit Equity
Collective action for DC nonprofits
Mission: CNE shapes equity-focused public policy and practices to support a healthy nonprofit sector and workforce that provide services all DC residents need to thrive.
Coalition members after a meeting with the Mayor
What we do
We work with the nonprofit sector, government partners, philanthropy, and other national and local allies to achieve systemic change that improves the quality of life for District residents by strengthening the advocacy and service capacity of the sector.
How we do it
We build and maintain relationships with elected officials, city administrators, local and national nonprofit, philanthropic and other allies to educate and increase the understanding of government leaders about the challenges nonprofits face. We advocate and mobilize campaigns to ensure the voice of community based nonprofits and nonprofit workers are heard. By engaging stakeholders, the Coalition increases the power of DC nonprofits, nonprofit workers, and residents.
