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About Us

Community Organizing Alliance (COA) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization building power with Black and immigrant youth in Maine through civic education, grassroots organizing, and leadership development.

OUR VISION

We envision a Maine where Black and immigrant communities are represented in leadership, young people help shape policy, and every community has the power to build a safe, just, and thriving future.

Our Programs

OUR STORY

COA was born out of lived experience.

In 2019, when Safiya Khalid became the youngest and first Somali-born person elected to the Lewiston City Council, she saw both the possibilities and the gaps. Community members cared deeply about housing, safety, schools, and opportunity, but many felt disconnected from the systems making those decisions. Too often, Black and immigrant voices were missing from the rooms where power was held.

Lewiston is home to one of the largest African immigrant and refugee populations in the Northeast, yet that reality has not been reflected in leadership or decision-making. For many residents, especially young people, engaging with civic systems felt inaccessible, unfamiliar, or out of reach.

COA was created to change that reality. We build spaces where Black and immigrant youth can learn, organize, and lead. Through civic education, leadership development, and grassroots organizing, young people gain the tools and confidence to take action on the issues that impact their lives.

This work matters because real change happens when those closest to the challenges are leading the solutions.

COA exists to ensure that the next generation is not just included, but driving the future of Maine.

OUR TEAM

Meet the Team

Safiya Khalid, Founder and Executive Director, Headshot

Safiya Khalid

Co-Founder and Executive Director

Mohamed Khalid, Co-Founder and Chief Operation Officer

Mohamed Khalid

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer

Headshot of Reese Remington, COA's Strategic Partnerships Manager

Reese Remington

Director of Advocacy & Partnerships

Headshot of Kyle Manning, COA's Develoment Coordinator

Kyle Manning

Development Coordinator

Headshot of COA Staff Solange Oman

Solange Omon

Program Manager

Headshot of COA Staff Member Grace Wright

Grace Wright

Operations Manager

OUR TEAM

Meet the Board

Headshot of Cameron Brewer, COA Board President

Cameron Brewer

Board President

Headshot of Khadija Elbarkaoui, COA Board Secretary

Khadija Elbarkaoui

Secretary

Amanda Hatch Headshot COA Treasurer

Amanda Hatch

Treasurer

Headshot of Ruben Torres, COA Board Member

Ruben Torres

Board Member

Connect With Us

FAQ

While we focus on individuals under the age of 30, primarily from Black and immigrant communities, we are happy to accept participants of all ages and backgrounds.

No! In fact, many COA programs will compensate you through a small financial stipend.

Follow our Instagram page and check out our Linktree to stay up to date on program and volunteer opportunities.

Check out our Programs page and fill out the form to join our programs list.

Please consider donating here in order to directly support COA’s youth empowerment and engagement efforts.

No. COA is a 501(c)3 designated organization and so does not support any political party, individual or organization.