Our Team

Founder and Chief Network Weaver

Julia has more than 30 years of experience working for democratic change and conflict transformation around the world. She is best known for her ability to convene diverse coalitions and her facilitative leadership of global networks, with a special passion for narratives and creative partnerships. An organizer at heart, in her role as Chief Network Weaver, Julia is committed to bridge-building across sectors, disciplines, and cultures.

Co-Lead and Chief Organizer

Dr. Maria J. Stephan is the Co-lead & Chief Organizer at the Horizons Project, an initiative focused on strengthening connections and collective action among US pro-democracy movements and sectors. Maria is an award-winning author and organizer whose work has focused on the role of nonviolent movements advancing human rights, democracy, and peace. She co-wrote (with Erica Chenoweth) Why Civil Resistance Works: The Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict.

Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives

Tabatha has a background in community organizing, leadership development, political campaigns and facilitating dialogues to bridge domestic divides. As the Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives Tabatha cultivates and strengthens meaningful relationships and connections among activists, peacebuilders, democracy advocates, organizers, donors, academics, and policymakers working to advance a just, pluralistic, and peaceful democracy.

Director of Operations and Systems

Throughout Nilanka’s professional journey, he has always prioritized people and building strong relationships, playing the role of problem-solver and systems-designer to unlock the energies of any group or initiative. As the Director of Operations and Systems, Nilanka serves an essential role on the team because systems-level organizing requires careful attention to how we sense-make, adjust strategy, and communicate with our many partners.

Andrew brings a holistic approach to organizing—one rooted in trust, adaptability, and a belief in the power of shared values to unite unlikely allies. As a Senior Organizer with Horizons, he leads cross-sector initiatives that engage business leaders, labor unions, civic groups, veterans, and faith communities to strengthen the pro-democracy ecosystem. With a background in public policy, political strategy, and coalition-building, Andrew’s work focuses on bridging divides and building trust across movements to advance inclusive democratic action.