MOEEP Board of Directors
Rabbi Daniel Bogard
Daniel Bogard is a rabbi at Central Reform Congregation (where he grew up), an activist in the Missouri Legislature, and a lecturer at Eden Theological Seminary. He is the proud parent of three kids, and a partner to Karen Kriger Bogard. Daniel is a Senior Rabbinic Fellow of the Shalom Hartman Institute, and a graduate of Parkway North High School. He is deeply honored to be a part of the MOEEP board.
Michael Harmon-Fields (he/him) is a dedicated advocate for equity in education, policy, and social justice. He serves as a board member and Communications Coordinator for the Missouri Equity Education Partnership (MOEEP), where he leads strategic communications and advocates for inclusive education policies. With a background in public policy and LGBTQIA+ advocacy, he brings over five years of experience supporting policy initiatives, outreach efforts, and organizational strategy.
Michael holds a Master of Public Administration and Policy from American University and a B.A. in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University. Now a JD candidate at Ohio Northern University, he plans to focus on Civil Rights and Public Policy Law to further his commitment to advancing equity and justice.
Michael Harmon-Fields, MPAP
Jewel Kelly
As the eldest of 18 brother and sisters from the same parents, Jewel thanks God and his parents that he learned from an early age how to care for and motivate others. After completing a master’s degree in business administration, Jewel served a decade in the United States Air Force as a Logistics Officer, then worked over a dozen years as an operations manager for a healthcare manufacturer. In 2016, Jewel became a licensed real estate agent and started his own real estate business with his wife Caren. They have three daughters.
In 2018, Jewel went back to school, and graduated with a Master of Legal Studies degree from Washington University in Saint Louis, School of Law. Jewel is also the co-founder of the non-profit organization called “A Fighting Chance Foundation” which focuses on increasing mental health awareness. He was also appointed to the Board of Directors for Aging Ahead, an agency supporting individuals through the journey of aging.
Spencer Toder
Spencer Toder is an entrepreneur and activist residing in St. Louis County. Formerly a U.S. Senate candidate, Spencer is now the CEO and Co-Founder of Constituent Connection, a data and software service that aims to empower organizations and candidates to organize and make impactful change. Spencer and his wife, Courtney, are blessed to be raising two wonderful children, Avery and Rozzie and are deeply committed to ensuring they are part of an equitable future.
Zebrina Looney
As a devoted wife of 25 years and mother of four with over 40 years of residence in St Charles County, Zebrina brings a deep connection to our community. In addition to nurturing her family, she proudly serves as a business owner and holds the esteemed position of President at our local NAACP chapter. Her commitment extends beyond professional realms; she actively volunteers for numerous organizations countywide, and she is honored to contribute her insights as a board member with the Missouri Equity for Education Partnership . Together, these roles reflect her dedication to fostering positive change and equity in our community.
Teona McGhaw
Teona McGhaw, is a mom and grandma first. She is knowledgeable of health, education, legal, and social issues as they relate to residents of Missouri. As an above the knee amputee, Teona knows first-hand how important access to quality healthcare is, especially to marginalized communities. She is an advocate for women’s rights and equal educational opportunity for all.
Teona has served as a member of The National Women’s Political Caucus for over 10 years, becoming the first African American to serve as NWPC Missouri President. Her roles over the years include NWPC-St. Louis By-Law Committee Chair and VP of Diversity for the Missouri Women's Political Caucus. In 2019 she formed and became National Co-Chair for NWPC-IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Activities Committee. Her hobbies include spending time doing Tik Toks with her three grandchildren Izaiah, Alaia, and Tru. Her greatest accomplishment are her three sons Trevion, Alphonse IV, and Tyrion.
Mya Walker
Mya Walker was born and raised in St. Charles, Missouri. She now lives in Washington D.C. and and is a proud graduate of Howard University with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology with a minor in political science. Mya has been with MoEEP from the beginning, as her passions for children and social justice align with the organization's values. She knows first hand that Missouri's education system is struggling, and is determined to help improve it for future generations. Mya has attended the ACLU National Advocacy Institute, taught at the African American Policy Forum's Critical Race Theory Summer School, and has nearly a decade of experience in childcare.
Hopey Fink
Hopey Fink is an attorney in the Education Justice Program at Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, where she works on systemic issues affecting education equity utilizing a racial justice lens and a community lawyering approach. Originally from Indiana, Hopey had her first brush with education advocacy in high school when her public school district faced funding cuts, and her passion for access to learning for all students grew when she taught for several years in the Ft. Belknap reservation community in Montana. Hopey came to Missouri for law school at Washington University in St. Louis and has made St. Louis home with her partner Ben. Hopey is honored to support MOEEP’s mission as a member of its board.
Amber Benge, Ed.D.
Ken Susman is a dedicated educator with nearly two decades of experience serving in various roles across multiple schools. His deep commitment to fostering equitable education and a better future for all students has been a driving force throughout his career. As a founding member of the Missouri Equity Education Partnership (MOEEP), Ken has led the organization's candidate scoring efforts from the beginning, ensuring transparency and accountability in education policy.
A devoted father of two, Ken is passionate about creating a more just and inclusive world for future generations. His work with MOEEP reflects his belief that every child deserves access to quality education and a supportive learning environment. With a steadfast commitment to equity and a heart for advocacy, Ken continues to be a vital voice in shaping the future of education in Missouri.
We are currently seeking one additional Board Members
An individual with accounting expertise, specifically with 501(c)3 and 501(c)4 knowledge
To apply, please complete this form.
Dr. Amber Benge is an educator, advocate, and leader with an unwavering commitment to equity and justice. She holds a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership and Development from the University of Dayton, a Master’s Degree from Louisiana State University, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Dallas. Additionally, she is certified in Human Rights Consulting by the United States Institute of Diplomacy and Human Rights. Dr. Benge began her career as a middle school science teacher, where her passion for creating inclusive learning environments first took shape. She now serves as the Co-Executive Director of the Missouri Equity Education Partnership, leading efforts to advance educational equity throughout the state.
Beyond education, Dr. Benge has played a pivotal role in political and social activism. She served as campaign manager for Ray Hartmann’s congressional run in Missouri’s 2nd District, overseeing a nearly $1 million budget and demonstrating her expertise in strategic planning. A longtime advocate for gun control, she organized the 2022 March for Our Lives in response to the tragedies in Uvalde and Buffalo, drawing from her own experience as a mass shooting survivor. She also champions LGBTQIA+ rights, working with organizations like PROMO-Missouri, and is a steadfast supporter of reproductive freedom. Her leadership has gained national recognition, with appearances on Democracy Now and The Dirt Road Democrat with Jess Piper. Honored as a Missouri state delegate for President Biden in both 2020 and 2024, she was also awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award’s Lifetime Achievement distinction in 2024. Guided by her motto, “People over party,” Dr. Benge remains dedicated to fostering a more inclusive and just society.
Ken Susman
Additional Board Members Bio’s will be coming soon!