MCPD Commissioners

Anwar Baroudi is an Oakland resident whose transit and disability advocacy stems from his own experience with low vision (achromatopsia). Growing up in Mississippi without the ability to drive or bike before coming to the Bay and experiencing walkability and transit for the first time has shaped his view on what an accessible city can and should be. Alongside his work on the Commission, he advocates for better conditions for pedestrians and peoples with disability as President of the non-profit Transport Oakland, and is also an active member with Traffic Violence Rapid Response. In his free time, you can often find him taking any opportunity to go swing dancing, taking long walks, or cooking with friends.

Benjamin Bartu (he/him) is the Disabled Ecologies Lab Manager at UC Berkeley, where he researches the creation of disability in human and nonhuman bodies at USEPA superfund sites. Before working at the UC, he taught high school English at Oakland’s Mentoring Academy, and earned his Master’s Degree in Human Rights, Gender, and Public Policy at Columbia University. He immigrated to Oakland in 2006 and has called the East Bay home ever since.

Fatimah Aure joined MCPD for the second time in 2022 and is The Kelsey’s Director of Field Building & Capacity. With a communications degree from Northwestern University and a Public Policy Masters from UC Berkeley, managing meaningful nonprofit programming is her sweet spot. She leads the efforts to grow the field of leaders, advocates and champions of disability-forward housing solutions. She dreams of a day when affordable, accessible and inclusive housing is a given for any new developments. She is fueled by The Kelsey’s commitment to a co-led movement by people with and without disabilities. She uses a cane for balance and coordination stemming from a neurological movement condition. Born and raised in San Francisco, now an Oakland resident with her husband Seth and dog Duke Ellington. When she is not working, she loves to travel, bake and adhere to a strict skincare routine.

Before The Kelsey, Fatimah managed programming at IGNITE (Young Women Empowered through Politics), Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center (Local Small Business Ownership) and Okta (Corporate Social Responsibility).

Raven Foote, originally from Los Angeles, has embraced the Bay Area as her home since 2018. With a wealth of experience as a Probate Examiner at the Alameda County Superior Court, she specializes in meticulously reviewing Conservatorship cases, dedicated to safeguarding the rights of individuals with mental and physical disabilities. Raven's passion extends beyond her professional role, as she actively advocates for the civil liberties of those from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Outside the courtroom, she finds joy in exploring the world alongside her loved ones, embracing the enriching experiences of travel.

Lauren Reed (she/her) is a Bay Area native and proud Oakland resident. Her experience with disability began more recently after she developed several chronic health issues over the course of the pandemic. With severe energy limitations, she saw just how many layers of obstacles stood in the way of simply living a healthy life for most disabled people. Now, with energy levels higher and more stable, she has committed her time to connecting with and advocating for her disabled community. Lauren has a particular interest in building community and social engagement among disabled Oaklanders; if you'd like to learn more about the monthly gathering for disabled and chronically ill folks she hosts in Oakland, you can email EBSpoonie@gmail.com.

With a bachelor's in Political Science from UC Berkeley and an MBA from UCLA, Lauren has explored a diverse set of roles in political and electoral advocacy, technology, local government, and more. Currently, she is the Program Manager for a non-partisan, non-profit coalition of groups, the Resilient Elections Network, that provides expert support to chronically underfunded elections offices around the country. While her professional experience has been focused on electoral races, she is excited to use her advocacy experience to show up for her disabled neighbors.

Julia "Jia" Wilson (She/Her) is an Oakland-based landscape designer passionate about universal design and accessibility. She has over a decade of experience in accessible design and working with individuals with various disabilities.  After interning with the Center for Independent Living's Residential Access Program, Jia became even more interested in creating a more accessible East Bay that truly serves the residents and community. She hopes to serve Oaklanders with and without disabilities and create a city that's welcoming to all. When Jia isn't working or serving on the commission, you can find her playing with her dog or dancing.