SJ Howell, Executive Director

Over the last few years, Howell has worked on a successful campaign to pass Medicaid expansion, managed three cycles of civic engagement with low-income women, and served on a ballot initiative campaign committees on several diverse issues. Before coming to MWV, Howell worked as a field organizer at the Western States Center, a regional social justice non-profit, in Portland. While not working, Howell brings their community organizer skills to outdoor recreation, enjoying a stiff drink, and parenthood.  

 

Alice Boyer, Deputy Director

Alice has worked in the Montana political and nonprofit space since graduating from the University of Montana with a bachelor’s in philosophy in 2019. In her spare time, Alice enjoys cuddling with her dog, basking in the sun with friends, learning to bead and play guitar, and playing videogames.

 

 

Julia Maxon, Program Director

Julia has spent the last few years organizing around reproductive health care access and rights as well as LGBTQ+ rights and graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Community Health. In their spare time, Julia enjoys being in community, making art, writing, scheming, and spending time outside!

 

 

Nicole Gomez, Justice Initiative Director

Nicole has spent the past several years working with and advocating for incarcerated youth in Montana. When not working, you can find her reading, writing fiction, playing with her dog, or at the Roxy.

 

Tirza Asbell, Advocacy Director

Tirza has spent nearly a decade working with, advocating for, and organizing Montanans in the social justice space. When not working, she enjoys crafts of all kinds, hanging out with her dog and partner in nature, and discovering new music.

 

 

 

   

Han Pate, Community Organizer 

Han is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation. Han began organizing their junior year of high school with Planned Parenthood, and later in the year, Montana Women Vote. This led to years of working on diverse issue advocacy campaigns, including advocating for the Six Mill Levy and expanding youth civic engagement programming in rural Montana. Han is glad to be back in their hometown and with Montana Women Vote and looks forward to sustainable, holistic, and intentional organizing efforts in north-central Montana. When not at work, Han can be found spending time with their dad & dog Oliver, playing video games, or practicing the violin.