National Leadership Council
National Leadership Council
The National Leadership Council is a select group of students and recent alumni who provide insight, guidance, and support to the national Secular Student Alliance.

Board Member since 2025
Board Member since 2025
Board Member since 2023
Biography
Ramiro is an entrepreneur and nonprofit founder with a background at the intersection of technology, education, and community building. He has co-founded a video streaming platform and a nonprofit focused on addressing gaps in access and representation for minorities in the tech industry. Ramiro holds bachelor’s degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering, as well as a master’s degree in Computer Science from Cornell University.
Ramiro is also the founder and former president of Triangle Skeptics, an organization dedicated to building community around skepticism, critical thinking, and science communication. His own journey from religion to secularism was shaped by science and inquiry, and it continues to inform his commitment to promoting evidence-based thinking, intellectual humility, and thoughtful engagement with complex societal challenges. He is excited to bring his experience in nonprofit leadership, technology, and grassroots organizing to the Secular Student Alliance board, in support of students seeking spaces where curiosity, reason, and open inquiry are encouraged.
Outside of his professional and volunteer work, Ramiro enjoys endurance sports, including running and triathlons, which keep him grounded and remind him that progress, personal or societal, is built one deliberate step at a time.
Utah
Pennsylvania

Board Member since 2025

Asa Acosta
Nadine You, Secretary
Willie Cartwright
Washington DC
North Carolina

Nevada
Ramiro Rodriguez
Board Member since 2024
California

Owen Morgan
Biography
Owen is a prominent advocate for secular values, education, and critical thinking. Best known for his YouTube channels under the Telltale brand, Owen produces widely viewed content that explores the intersection of religion, politics, and social justice. Through his work, he has built a large and engaged audience by dissecting extremism, promoting evidence-based reasoning, and supporting the rights of marginalized communities. Owen is also the author of Was Hitler an Atheist?, a book that examines common misconceptions about secularism in history. A former Jehovah’s Witness, he brings a personal and empathetic perspective to the challenges faced by young people navigating religion in their lives. His mission aligns closely with the Secular Student Alliance’s goals of empowering secular students and fostering inclusive communities.
James Modisette, Vice Chair
Biography
James looks forward to working on the board of the SSA, where he aims to collaborate with the organization in furthering its mission of advocating for secularism and providing vital support to atheist, humanist, and other non-theist students across college and high school campuses.
James is a dedicated professional with a strong background in nonprofit management, development, and operations. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University, James leverages his academic knowledge and practical experience to drive impactful change within organizations.
James currently works as the Senior Associate of Development and Board Relations at the Data Quality Campaign (DQC) in Washington, D.C., James plays a key role in managing DQC's grant portfolio, ensuring timely submission of grants and reports, and fostering strong relationships with foundations.
Prior to joining DQC, James has gained valuable experience through his work and internships at various nonprofit organizations. At MENTOR National, he served as an AmeriCorps Development and Operations VISTA, where he played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts and facilitated educational workshops on fundraising topics.
James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Political Science and Religion from Dickinson College. When not working, James enjoys hiking, watching sports, and spending time with his friends and family.
Biography
Nadine is a dynamic individual with a diverse background and a passion for both professional excellence and community involvement. Born and raised in the vibrant state of California, Nadine made the bold move to Utah in 2020 to be closer to her cherished grandchildren.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, with a minor in History, from Arizona State University, Nadine possesses a strong educational foundation in leadership and a deep appreciation for the lessons of history.
Nadine's professional journey is nothing short of inspiring. She began her career as an Office Supervisor, but through her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, she ascended to the pinnacle of corporate success. As the former President of EXP Pharmaceutical Services Corp., she played a pivotal role in the company's growth and ultimate successful sale. Her strategic acumen and leadership abilities were instrumental in shaping the company's trajectory.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nadine is an active and engaged community member. She served as the president, umpire, and safety coordinator for Little League, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the growth and development of young athletes.
Nadine's passion extends to issues of great societal importance. She has dedicated her time and energy to working part-time for a national youth justice organization, advocating for the rights and well-being of young individuals entangled in the justice system.
A staunch advocate for the separation of church and state, particularly in educational environments, Nadine is driven by the belief that everyone should have access to a secular and unbiased education system. Her advocacy work in this area reflects her unwavering commitment to fundamental principles of democracy.
In her leisure time, Nadine indulges in her diverse set of hobbies. She finds solace in the precision of target archery, embraces the freedom of biking through picturesque landscapes, and explores the past through the pages of historical fiction.
Biography
Willie is an educator, speaker, entrepreneur, author, and advocate. Together with his wife, he co-owned a successful e-commerce business, which they sold in 2024. Before his entrepreneurial endeavors, Willie spent 17 years in corporate America—twelve of those years as a Financial Advisor, including six years in management roles.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Alabama A&M University, an Executive MBA from Troy University, and a Master of Arts in Religious Studies from Georgia State University.
In 2015, Willie made the personal decision to step away from organized religion and his Christian faith. His current research explores the rapid rise of the religiously unaffiliated—commonly referred to as “NONES”—and the broader impact of secularism on
society, with a particular focus on the African American community.
Willie has presented his research at several academic conferences, including the National American Academy of Religion (AAR) Annual Meeting (2023), the Southeast Regional AAR Conference (2024), the Conference on Religious Trauma (CORT) in 2023, and the Southeast
Philosophy of Education Society (SEPES) Conference in 2025.
An accomplished author, Willie has published four books, including From Saved to Sane: My Journey Away from Christianity and Why It Has Been Detrimental to the African American Community. In addition to his writing, Willie served as an adjunct professor in the Department of Religious Studies at Georgia State University in 2023 and 2024.
He has been featured on the Freedom From Religion Foundation podcast and has delivered talks and presentations for numerous organizations, including the Sunday Assembly of Las Vegas, the Atheist Round Table of Las Vegas, the American Humanist Association, and a local college in Nairobi, Kenya.
Board Member since 2025

Biography
Alexandrea (Asa) is the Head of E-commerce, Marketing, and Operations at a privately owned luxury retail company, where she brings a strategic lens to the intersection of fashion, technology, and operations. Asa thrives on connecting the dots to make things work better—from digital ecosystems to cross-functional teams.
Asa is excited to bring her operational and marketing expertise to the Secular Student Alliance board. She’s passionate about creating inclusive, empowering spaces for young people exploring their identities, values, and worldviews outside of religious frameworks. Asa believes that students deserve strong, supportive communities where they can think critically, advocate for secular values, and feel seen. She’s also deeply inspired by the opportunity to work alongside like-minded individuals who dedicate their time and energy to honoring and protecting these important spaces.
When she's not streamlining systems or diving into data, Asa enjoys hanging out with her family—especially her nieces and nephews.
Shakkthipratha
(she/her)
Texas A&M University
Biography
Shakkthipratha is an undergraduate student at Texas A&M University studying political science, with interests in public policy, racial and gender-based equity, and strategic communications. She has extensive experience in digital communications, nonprofit advocacy, and youth leadership through her work with organizations including the Brazos Valley Pride Community Center, the Young Democratic Socialists of America, and Period Project, where she has led campaigns, created advocacy-driven digital content, and supported fundraising efforts.
Most recently, she was involved with the Young Women’s Project in Washington, D.C., contributing to youth-led policy advocacy and organizing focused on mental health reform as part of Texas A&M University’s Public Policy Scholars Program. She has also supported academic research through the Bush School of Government and Public Service, producing data-driven analyses on political and social equity. Passionate about expanding access to education and amplifying underrepresented voices, she is excited to bring her research, storytelling, and organizing experience to the NLC.
Soren
(she/her)
Indiana High School
Biography
Soren is a junior in high school in a small, rural, predominantly Christian town in Indiana. Growing up atheist in Indiana inspired her to seek out atheist communities and support secular organizations. Soren is passionate about activism and politics. Christian nationalist efforts to erode the separation of church and state have motivated her to pursue leadership in organizations that work to preserve church-state separation. Her experiences traveling and participating in an exchange year in Germany have shown her the importance of acceptance and tolerance. She is excited to work with the SSA to organize a space for secular students to engage in political, philosophical, and religious discussions, find community, and make a difference.
Andrew
(he/him)
Rice University
Biography
Andrew is a first-year student at Rice University studying political science. He is especially interested in civic engagement, law, and the ways religion impacts politics. He also writes for the Rice Thresher as an opinions columnist and is passionate about engaging with campus in this way. He enjoys reading in his free time. In his home state of Michigan, he has worked in advocacy by canvassing for local campaigns and leading students to get involved with politics. He is looking forward to engaging with secular advocates on a nationwide level to learn from other leaders and strengthen the secular community for students across the country.
Juliette
(he/him)
Florida High School
Biography
Juliette is a junior in high school looking forward to studying chemistry in college. She is an active member of her school’s Key Club, NHS, student government, Model UN, and trivia team. Her accomplishments include induction into the LOMY Class of 37, a Best Delegate award in Model UN, and first place in the Fine Arts for Ocala student art showcase. Excited to bring a creative perspective to the NLC, Juliette looks forward to a new year of leadership and growth with the SSA.
Mary
(she/her)
Shepherd University
Biography
Mary is a junior Biology major, Art minor, pre-medical student, and campus advocate at Shepherd University. Serving as president of the Secular Student Alliance at Shepherd University (SSAS), Mary leads a welcoming space on campus for students to push for inclusivity and progress.
Throughout time as president of SSAS, Mary has collaborated with a dedicated team of students and faculty to foster a growing community of atheists, agnostics, and allies who support the separation of church and state. Mary has helped organize events that spark conversations about religious freedom, science, personal autonomy, women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and more.
As a student living and advocating in West Virginia, one of the most conservative states in America, Mary looks forward to bringing that perspective to the National Leadership Council and contributing organizing and leadership skills alongside a team of driven student leaders.
Vitha
(she/her)
Duke University
Biography
Vitha is an ex-Muslim atheist/agnostic humanist and founder of Duke University’s Secular Student Alliance chapter. She studies Psychology and Global Health and is passionate about intellectual freedom and creating supportive spaces for students of all beliefs. She is especially committed to supporting mental health, with a focus on depression for those navigating diverse identities.
Get Involved!
Interested in becoming a Board Member or part of the National Leadership Council?
Email us at organizer@secularstudents.org for information regarding upcoming board vacancies.








