Free Speech For People is excited to welcome Amira Mattar, as our new Counsel, and Lisa Chang as our new Director of Development.

Prior to joining the staff of Free Speech For People, Amira served as Staff Attorney for Manhattan Legal Services, where she challenged displacement of low-income communities and advocated for safe housing conditions. She served as the Michael Ratner Justice Fellow at Palestine Legal prior to Manhattan Legal Services, where she challenged surveillance and suppression of Palestine human rights advocates.

“Free Speech For People has been pivotal in the struggle to make our government a meaningful democracy. I am honored to now have a hand in this work.” said Amira Mattar, upon joining the FSFP team.

Lisa joins the team with over 13 years of experience raising funds and building partnerships on behalf of institutions that advance social and political progress for people who face systemic inequities. She has also consulted organizations in change management and facilitates group workshops and leadership development in racial equity. Previously, Lisa served on the Board of Directors at The Mockingbird Society, The League of Women Voters (LWV) of Seattle-King County, LWV of Washington State, and as Vice President of LWV Education Fund of Seattle-King County.

“I am humbled and honored to join Free Speech For People, an organization that is on the front lines to defend our Constitution and the rights of every person to engage in our democracy.” said Lisa Chang, upon joining the team.

“We are very excited to welcome Amira and Lisa to Free Speech For People. Amira and Lisa bring incredible skills to their respective positions and an enormous dedication to the fight for our democracy. Free Speech For People is now all the stronger with Amira and Lisa on board, as we continue our path-breaking work across the country,” says John Bonifaz, President of Free Speech For People.

Welcome Amira and Lisa! We are thrilled to have you on our team!