Community Leads Committee

Jennifer is an award-winning design leader, developer, and public speaker with a focus on accessibility and equitable outcomes. They work for organizations dedicated to improving public services and advocate tirelessly on behalf of people with disabilities and other historically excluded groups (as one themself). On the committee, Jennifer helped shape TPG’s approach to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) and helps ensure TPG events and materials are accessible to all. They are earning a Master’s Degree in Public Administration at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Jennifer lives in the D.C. area, with a carefully tended collection of house plants.

Kriti is a project and product manager with a background in the nonprofit financial services sector. Ever since she stumbled upon the world of civic tech as an affordable housing advocate, she has been in awe of civic technologists' commitment to transforming the way government serves the public. On the committee, she contributes to TPG's programmatic events. Kriti lives in sunny San José, CA, where she enjoys reading, learning about clouds, dining al fresco, and serially picking up short-lived craft projects.


Melinda is a content designer and word nerd who delights in bringing clarity to processes and connecting people to what they need. She works with government agencies to modernize and humanize the way public services are delivered. Melinda is a founding member of TPG and a longtime contributor to the organization and its community. She lives in Beaver Island, Michigan (yep, it’s an actual island) with her partner, teenage kiddos, wonderful dogs, and an assortment of farm animals.

Rhett is a trust and safety and compliance professional who helps tech companies shape safer and happier communities. She brings previous work experience in community management to the committee and TPG, and contributes to TPG’s storytelling and member engagement strategy. Rhett lives in New York with her partner and cat, and enjoys fiction-writing and crafts.


Shira has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from New York University and works in policy at the Ontario government. She is passionate about bringing new ideas, voices, and strategic approaches into the civic tech space. She brings this passion to the committee and TPG and works to connect people, help those entering or seeking to enter civic tech, and explore solutions to difficult public challenges with other civic tech leaders. She enjoys rowing, hiking, traveling, and writing fiction in her spare time.