National Convening Program Books 2016 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 64

YEO Bios
NADEEM MAZEN City Councilor
Cambridge, Massachusetts

Nadeem Mazen is an educator, entrepreneur, and community organizer. He was elected to the
Cambridge City Council in 2013 after an energetic grassroots campaign. In his first term, he has
made city government more accessible to the public and built coalitions for solving Cambridge’s
most pressing issues. He has also focused on social justice issues and greater equity for all
members of our community. Mazen first arrived in Cambridge to study engineering at MIT. After
graduation, he founded two small community-oriented businesses in Central Square: Nimblebot,
a creative agency, and danger!awesome, a makerspace that brings creative expression and tools
to the masses. He is a natural collaborator and problem-solver, dedicated to bringing fresh,
progressive voices into community leadership. Over the past two years, Mazen has organized a
team of volunteers and community organizers who are proving that a truly progressive Cambridge
is possible.

BRANDON L. MCGEE State Representative
Hartford, Connecticut

State Representative Brandon McGee, Jr. is serving his second term and represents parts of
Windsor and Hartford. McGee holds a BA in political science from Alabama State University
and a master’s of science in management and organizational leadership from Albertus Magnus
College. He is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Emergent Leaders Network, and in
2009 he became the youngest recipient of the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials
Community Award. He was the Youth and College Division NAAACP president for the state
of Alabama from 2004-2006, through which he became acquainted with Rosa Parks, who he
considers a friend and mentor. McGee serves the community in various capacities, including with
the Northeast Neighborhood Revitalization Zone, NAACP of Greater Hartford, and Alpha Phi
Alpha Fraternity Inc. McGee is a deacon and member of the board of directors of the Citadel of
Love Church. He lives in Hartford with his wife. @Rep