Janée Woods Weber, Executive Director
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Janée is an activist, advocate, facilitator and trainer for social justice issues, and a long-time Connecticut resident. Before joining She Leads Justice, Woods Weber served five years as the Director of Organizational Culture for the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund in Hamden, a family philanthropic organization with a focus on achieving equity in education. In that role, she helped imbue antiracist, inclusive values into the Fund’s internal organizational culture and external strategy for working with grantees and community partners. Prior, Woods Weber worked as the Program Director for five years at Everyday Democracy, a national nonprofit in Hartford that helps communities across the country create action around important issues such as food security, community prosperity, immigration, education, and undoing racism.

In 2019, Woods Weber was appointed to the Women’s Policy Committee for the Lamont-Bysiewicz gubernatorial transition, which made recommendations for numerous policies the Governor should implement to uplift women and girls across the state of Connecticut, especially women and girls of color living in poverty.

In May 2021, Woods Weber, with host Alvin Hall, won the inaugural Ambie for Best History Podcast from The Podcast Academy for their acclaimed podcast Driving the Green Book. She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors for PoliticaCT, Co-Chair for the State Committee for the Connecticut Working Families Party, on the Board of Directors for the Greater Hartford Arts Council, and with Training for Change, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit peace group. Woods Weber attended Williams College and Pace University School of Law.

Nilda Rivera, Director of Community Advocacy
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

When Nilda isn’t dancing to Spanish music, crocheting, or spending time with her seven grandchildren, she travels around the state to empower women during difficult times as the Director of Community Advocacy at She Leads Justice. “Nilda took the time to listen to me when no one else would,” said a She Leads Justice client, “and helped me feel confident to take the next step with my legal challenge.” Described as passionate, empathetic, conscious, and supportive by clients and colleagues, Nilda is most proud of all she has learned from the women she has served over the years.

Along with her support for women, Nilda is our resident “green thumb,” and keeps our plants growing with water, love, and a little encouragement. With more than 15 years of experience in community advocacy, Nilda was an instrumental part of the design and implementation of the Peer Advocacy Program. She is excited by She Leads Justice’s unique work and for the organization to expand its presence throughout the state so more young women can participate in her services.

Joshua Claudio, Fundraising Advisor  
Pronouns: They/Them/Their

Joshua has extensive fundraising experience in the New England region. From 1997 – 2000 during high school, they served as missionary working with inner city youth gangs and established three affiliated districts to serve as mission points. While in college, between 2001 – 2007 they served as VP of Missions & Asst. to the General Secretary for the domestic territory of the Hispanic Pentecostal Church in the United States. Since, they have partnered with emerging social justice organizations to expand and cultivate their resource development strategies, board stewardship, and asset building efforts. Joshua is passionate about relationship building and its force of power to transform the work and impact of a mission. Most recently, they served as Chief Development Officer at Impact Hope International in Africa, a network of faith-based boarding Schools. Throughout their career they have worked with several domestic violence organizations in Massachusetts and nationally, and strongly champions for women’s rights and needs agenda. They believe that communities, locally and globally have a social responsibility to advance and monitor women’s rights, equality, and –leadership opportunities. They are a graduate of Atlantic Union College, and Cambridge College School of Education. Joshua and their family enjoy yoga, hiking, nature photography, and cross country running. 

Tonishia A. Signore, Policy Director
Pronouns: she/her

Tonishia is a community practice MSW who graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, Connecticut. She is incredibly passionate about legislative advocacy and policy work. Tonishia’s past experience includes working in food service, health care, mental health crisis, domestic violence legal advocacy, community organizing, and legislative advocacy. She believes in taking a critical approach to evaluating the social work field and is excited to work as a macro-level practitioner. She is most excited to work on issues surrounding economic justice and women’s rights. When she is not working, Tonishia loves to cook, read, spend time outside with her dog and family, and volunteer with local community organizations.

Sue Ellen Rodriguez, Community Advocate
With 21 years of experience in the medical field, Sue is a dedicated community advocate specializing in supporting women affected by domestic violence. She holds numerous certifications across various medical specializations and has worked with diverse populations, including the elderly, incarcerated individuals, homeless people, and those battling mental illness, drug abuse, and physical disabilities. Her deep passion for helping and empowering others drives her commitment to providing essential resources, advocacy, and guidance for those in unfavorable situations. Sue always makes sure to use her years of experience in different parts of her field to help those in her personal life too. When not working, she enjoys spending time with her four children. She actively participates in their after-school activities and enjoys traveling.