Our team of Professional Coaches
Nick is a co-founder of PLIEF and professional leadership coach based in Los Angeles.
Nick is an Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) Certified Professional Coach and an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach. Nick also earned a certificate in Advanced Leadership Studies from American University.
Nick Guthman, ACC
Sasha is an integrative wellness coach with three years of coaching experience, supporting individuals in building sustainable practices for emotional well being, resilience, and personal growth. She received her coaching certification through Saybrook University, where she is also currently pursuing her PhD in Mind Body Medicine.
Her work integrates evidence based coaching approaches with a holistic understanding of mind body connection.
Sasha Crossman, M.A.
Kari has worked in a variety of progressive leadership roles, including as a chief of staff on Capitol Hill. In these roles she has always invested in the capacity development of her teammates and provided coaching informally.
Now her work is focused on bringing coaching to leaders seeking to make a positive difference in their communities. Kari earned her coaching certification through the One Humanity Lab at George Washington University.
Kari Moe, PhD
Fabricio is a husband, father and friend. Fabricio is a visual artist and metal-smith.
Fabricio has been a union and community organizer since 2000. Fabricio is 2024 alumni of the Center for Excellence in Public Leadership, Leadership Coaching Program.
Fabricio Rodriguez
About Us
Our journey began with a vision: a world where young people from all backgrounds have a clearer sense of purpose.
In our work, we found that many young people lack proper leadership development training when starting their careers, leading to challenges in promotions, handling tough conversations, and team projects. Leadership coaching is one way to improve these skills and support the long-term sustainability of movement-building organizations.
We firmly believe that each person has tremendous leadership potential, underscoring the importance of comprehensive leadership development early in one's career. This approach not only prevents burnout but also lays the foundation for cultivating a resilient and capable next generation of leaders.
Through conversations with hundreds of youth engagement practitioners and organizers, we have identified a demand for skill enhancement and expanded leadership potential:
First, we will support young leaders' growth in leadership coaching.
Second, we will hold space for evidence-based best practices organizations can incorporate into their work to develop better the leadership skills of young people across the United States.
We believe the combination of these programs will strengthen our movements for social justice and bring us closer to a society where all of us, regardless of race, gender, income, or zip code, can thrive.
Meet Our Board
The Progressive Leadership Initiative will be led by our Board of Directors. The Board will ensure organizational goals are met and provide financial oversight. The Board of Directors is composed of youth organizers as well as seasoned non-profit professionals.
