About the Team

Jake A. J. Baldi

Fostering Democracy in Action, Community Engagement, and Social Justice

Jake A.J. Baldi is the Founder and CEO, a campaign director and field outreach organizer with over twelve years of experience in multiple jurisdictions. Jake was born in Connecticut, went to school in Colorado and moved to New York City (NYC) in 2013. He studied History, Education, and Behavior Modification at the University of Northern Colorado. Jake’s strong passion for fighting social inequality brought him around the country, from Denver to Berkeley, Washington D.C. to Ithaca, Philadelphia and NYC — anywhere and everywhere that the opportunity arose. Jake has led hundreds of successful campaigns for nonprofits and political candidates across these areas. In his free time, Jake likes hanging out at his home in Staten Island, walking around LaTourette Park, traveling, hiking and the outdoors, and talking sports and politics over coffee with friends and family.

Owen M. Hayden

Owen M. Hayden is the Co-Founder and Director of Field Outreach. He began in 2012 as a Face to Face Fundraiser, grew into Team Lead, and NYC Manager, building industry leading teams all along the way. He believes activism is created and supported through hard work, vision, knowledge, and dedication. The dream is being in a position to put those ideals into practice. He specializes in team building, charity knowledge, skills acquisition, and fundraising. His work in fundraising and community organizing has given him the chance to achieve his childhood dream of being able to make a tangible difference in the world. When he finds the time outside of work, Owen enjoys reading, stage combat, and spirited debates about the world.

Nicole K. Bulanchuk

Nicole K. Bulanchuk is the Director of Partnerships & Development. She is a dedicated community organizer, nonprofit leader, strategist, and progressive advocate with over a decade of experience working with nonprofits, community-based organizations, and political campaigns. She has lived and worked throughout the NYC metro area. Nicole has led dozens of successful campaigns and programs focused on uplifting diverse communities, including working families, women, Veterans, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities. As the Founder and Director of Believe New York, a grassroots nonprofit based in NYC, she has helped thousands of people access essential resources such as mental healthcare, affordable housing, domestic violence support, and food assistance. During her downtime, Nicole loves nature, travel, new experiences, and spending time with her friends, family, and beloved rescue dog.

Paul Casali served as our Political Director for years until his sudden passing this fall. A dedicated strategist and public servant, Paul worked in political campaigns and elected official roles since 1996. Over nearly three decades, he served in every campaign capacity imaginable, including campaign manager, political director, general consultant, field director, fundraiser, communications director, and volunteer coordinator. Paul played key roles in major campaigns, including the Clinton/Gore re-election in 1996, Hillary Clinton’s 2000 Senate campaign, Bill Thompson’s run for NYC Mayor in 2009, and numerous federal, state, and local races across the country. Most recently, he managed Kamillah Hanks’ 2021 and 2025 NYC Council campaigns, leading both to decisive victories. Paul also consulted for Fortune 500 companies such as American Express, Citigroup, and Ernst & Young. Paul was an invaluable part of our team. His leadership and friendship will be truly missed.