Content Team
Mindy Schwartz,
Co-Content Director
Mindy’s first experiences as a political activist came in 1972, when at the age of 16 she helped organize a “Mock Political Convention” to educate teens about candidates and current issues, especially the Vietnam War. She studied political science and journalism at the George Washington University in Washington, DC, but her plans for a career in journalism were derailed by an offer to work at the White House for the National Security Council, and 4 years later, by a move to California. In California Mindy owned a small business and served as president of the San Diego Branch of the National Council of Jewish Women, a board member and president of the San Diego Coalition for Reproductive Choice and also spent 4 years as a board member of Women’s March San Diego. Mindy lives with her husband and 3 dogs in San Diego County, CA.
Joanne Marie Oyer,
Lead Copy Editor
Joanne is a freelance copy editor based in Chicago and formerly worked as a server engineer for an international marketing research corporation. She currently serves as secretary for the Heart of Lincoln Square Neighbors Association and volunteers for the Obama Foundation. Joanne grew up in a family of labor union leaders in Chicago where she learned the value of organizing to bring people together to achieve common goals. With its vision of improving people’s lives through grassroots digital activism and harnessing the impact of social media for good, DemCast appeals to Joanne’s love of writing and her background in technology. .
Rena korb,
Co-content Director
Rena Korb is a professional writer and editor. She worked at Penguin Books USA in New York City before moving into educational publishing. As a freelancer, she has written everything from children’s books to literary criticism to book reviews. She is a lifelong activist and a leader in her local Indivisible group. Rena lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family and guinea pigs, serving on the Board of her children’s school. She attended Phillips Exeter Academy and holds a BA from Barnard College and an MA from the University of Texas at Austin. In non-pandemic times, she enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee.
Fran Berg,
Twitter Lead
Fran Berg is a political consultant, activist, lobbyist, community volunteer and philanthropist. Originally from NYC, Fran has spent 35 years working in political consulting, including hundreds of national, state and local elections. She has also served on the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee, Reproductive Rights For Kentucky, the Louisville Urban League and Planned Parenthood (Louisville, KY).] Fran also founded the Kentucky Breast Cancer Alliance and co-wrote the legislation that created the Kentucky Breast Cancer Research and Education Trust Fund, which reduces breast cancer incidence and mortality in the state. Fran and her husband Don, who shares her values, have three grown children. Currently, she splits her time between Florida and Kentucky. .
DemCast Leadership
Nick Knudsen,
Co-Founder, Executive Director
Nick is a Portland, OR-based writer and activist who worked as a grassroots digital organizer during the 2018 and 2020 election cycles. He has a Masters in Policy and 15-year background in non-profit management, program administration, coalition-building & resource development. Click photo to visit Nick's Twitter Account.
Lori Coleman,
Co-Founder, Director of Strategy
Lori is an outspoken activist against racism, inequality, and corruption in government with a proven record of teaching activists to mobilize and advocate for democracy. Over the last 4 years from her home in Tennessee, Lori has pioneered new & innovative strategies in digital persuasion. Click photo to visit Lori's Twitter Account.
Jamie Carter,
Director of Partnerships
Before joining DemCast, Jamie worked as a Regional Field Director for the Utah Democratic Party and was one of the national organizers of the March for Truth. She's built an expansive network coast-to-coast through her collaborative approach & results-orientation. Click photo to visit Jamie's Twitter Account.