Welcoming New Board Members to UnCommon Law
UnCommon Law is proud to welcome five new members to our Board of Directors. Their backgrounds span public defense, racial justice, environmental equity, grassroots organizing, and systems transformation, all grounded in values that align with our mission. Together, these new board members expand the depth and breadth of our board at a critical time.
The new board members include:
Evlyn Andrade, who has nearly two decades of experience across the academic, government, and nonprofit sectors, consistently championing racial justice. She most recently served as Executive Director of EarthCorps, leading the organization into a new era grounded in racial equity and environmental justice.
Manuel Gomez, who is a public sector leader for the County of Los Angeles whose work reflects resilience, reform, and purpose. A Navy veteran who once faced homelessness and incarceration, he now serves as a senior executive in the nation’s largest Veterans Service Office. He is now pioneering a first-of-its-kind Justice-Involved Veteran Division.
Ebony Howard, who has nearly two decades of experience in advancing racial justice through legal and policy advocacy. Ebony is currently the Executive Director of the Wallace Center for Arts and Reconciliation and works to preserve the history of Black Americans who survived enslavement and honor their struggles and resilience.
Taylor Kohles, who is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Alameda County Public Defender’s Office, helping fulfill their mission of holistic and client-centered criminal defense. A co-founder of a statewide network for post-conviction social workers, Taylor has helped shape the field through mentorship and statewide trainings efforts.
Nicole D. Porter, who has spent her career advancing policy reforms that confront racial disparities and reduce mass incarceration. As Senior Director of Advocacy at The Sentencing Project, she leads state and local efforts to challenge felony disenfranchisement, reduce prison populations, and reimagine justice.
These leaders bring diverse expertise across law, policy, behavioral health, philanthropy, and community justice, reflecting the complexity of the systems we are working to transform. Their insights will help drive this work forward with greater clarity, purpose, and impact.
Keith Wattley
Founder & Executive Director
UnCommon Law
Learn more about the full UnCommon Law team!