Meet the Equality NC Board

Laura is a legislative assistant in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where she supports policy development, constituent services, and progressive legislative advocacy. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Affairs. In her free time, Laura also works as an AEMT.

Michael is a lifelong North Carolinian who now lives in Raleigh. He is an advocate who believes we can talk and chew gum at the same time: we can work towards a better future while also making practical changes now.

He volunteers his time working to end domestic violence in North Carolina and serves as the Treasurer for North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence. He also advocates for fair and affordable housing.

Professionally, Michael holds a degree in Business Administration from UNC Chapel Hill and has previously held two financial services licenses. After working as a financial analyst at a large financial institution, he was a legislative staff member in the North Carolina General Assembly where he developed expertise on sexual assault and domestic violence policy and managed multiple violence prevention bills which became law. Michael is currently in his third year of law school at UNC Chapel Hill and will join a law firm in Chapel Hill after passing the Bar.

Marie is an associate at the research firm Jones Mandel. She has worked on several campaigns in a variety of roles, from organizing to finance.

Carrie is an advocate and ally who was already an active member of the ENC PAC board prior to joining the C4 board of directors. Carrie is the Vice President of Legal at Veranex, Inc., a global company working in the medical technology space. Carrie majored in psychology with minors in criminal justice and German, she received her master’s in psychology, and then her law degree. Carrie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading a good book, and volunteering for organizations making an impact and difference in our communities.

Zach is Chief Operating Officer for Global Banking and Markets Operations at Bank of America. Zach’s responsibilities include management of business operations activities including business planning, people management, location, and resource strategy as well as financial and expense management. Zach has been with Bank of America for 16 years. Prior to Bank of America, Zach held numerous positions in technology, including product management, solution design, and custom application development utilizing satellite networks for delivery of video content. Zach is Six Sigma Green Belt Certified and graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Zach manages Diversity and Inclusion for GBAM Operations and sits on the Global Technology and Operations Diversity and Inclusion Council. Zach is also Ambassador Coordinator for the LGBT+ Pride Ally Program across the firm. Zach is based in Charlotte, NC where he lives with his husband and two children.

Daniel is a CPA/Attorney. After 20 years working in corporate jobs and large accounting firms, Daniel has come back to his hometown to work with his family, to help small businesses and individuals with their tax and finance needs, and to be closer to the communities he cares about, especially in these trying times. Daniel believes in the power of collaboration, is passionate about individual empowerment, and advocating for the underrepresented. Daniel is also a Karaoke fanatic.

Monique is a strategy maven who excels at motivating teams that are stuck; finding unique and creative paths out of problems; applying the right technology to get maximum effect. With a special ability to transform challenges into opportunities, she has spent over two decades helping businesses and organizations communicate with clarity and purpose. She and her wife co-founded Velasquez Digital Media Communications LLC, a firm dedicated to crafting compelling videos, communication strategies, and campaigns that serve North Carolina’s governments and nonprofits. Her work has consistently informed and empowered communities, amplifying voices that matter. She is a certified Hello Seven Business and Mindset Coach, focused on guiding LGBTQ and BIPOC entrepreneurs in creating sustainable, scalable businesses with strong seven-figure foundations. Monique is more than just a communications expert—she’s a catalyst for growth, impact, and lasting success.

Collins advises and litigates on behalf of public and private educational institutions and school boards on an array of education law issues, including special education and disability issues, civil rights laws, and tort claims. He also represents businesses in a variety of industries to resolve disputes, litigating in state and federal court when necessary. He has a particular focus on diversity and civil rights issues, including issues related to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, and religion.

Italo is originally from Lima, Peru and moved to Hampstead, NC at 9 years old. He is a graduate from the North Carolina Central University School of Law and UNC-Asheville. Italo is the former Chair of the Durham Mayor's Hispanic-Latino Committee and began his service with ENC as a member of the Political Action Committee in 2019.