NATALIE AVERY, founding principal of Javera Group, has devoted her career to fostering stronger, more equitable, connected and vibrant urban neighborhoods. A Washington, D.C., native with deep roots in the city’s music and art scenes, she brings understanding and passion to the importance of people and place. In her work to find meaningful solutions to complex community problems, Natalie fosters vital and supportive communities. She spent the early part of her career working in policy, studying the impact of globalization on workers and the environment in the global south. After completing a master’s degree in international relations, she turned her attention to her own city and neighborhood. In 1997, she founded the Youth Action Research Group, a groundbreaking program for high-school students to research, write about and advocate around urban development issues in their neighborhoods. She also co-founded and helps run Radio CPR, a community radio station that has broadcast the voices, stories and music of D.C. for the last 15 years. Over the last decade, she has consulted to community and youth development clients, including the Urban Institute and Community Foundation of the National Capital Region, and served as executive director of the MidCity Business Association.
ALICE ASHE is a graphic designer with over ten years applied experience and a BA in Corporate Communications from James Madison University's School of Media Arts + Design. Also a D.C. resident, she loves collaborating with peers and neighbors on community projects. From event promotions to reports and web sites, her graphics have been helping local businesses since she moved to Mount Pleasant in 2007. Together with Natalie, she branded the annual MidCity Dog Days Sidewalk Sale and helped the MidCity Business Association form a cohesive marketing voice through vibrant advertising campaigns. She also worked on the event promotions for the HEAR Mount Pleasant Music Series, and more recently, the Make-It Mount Pleasant Craft Fair and the Lamont Park Holiday Celebration.
SELINA MUSUTA has been doing community development work in Washington, D.C. for 10 years through media organizing, event production, community research and radio production. Since 2009, Selina has organized a successful annual audio interactive installation with the DC Listening Lounge (DCLL), an audio collective in the District made up of musicians, radio producers, found-sound collectors and sound effect artists. She managed the artisans market for Make it Mount Pleasant showcasing local artists and bringing new visitors to Mount Pleasant’s commercial corridor. Selina spent several years as a radio producer for Pacifica National Radio Network and taught radio production and media literacy skills to high school and middle school age students through Radio Rootz, a DC based youth program. She is an active part of Washington, DC’s nightlife and culture scenes organizing an array of popular events featuring diverse performers. As a DJ and producer, she uses her nightlife connections and party organizing to support local philanthropy and promote more responsible and community friendly night time business practices.
JACKIE FLANAGAN, owner of Nana, joined the Javera Group in 2013 to provide expertise and mentoring to entrepreneurs and community capacity builders interested in fostering DC’s independent retail sector.
Jackie brings a wealth of hands-on experience to the challenge of creating vibrant shopping experiences and lively streets in DC neighborhoods. She began Nana in 2003, driven by a mission to share beautiful, independently made, and finely-crafted clothing with the stylish women of Washington DC. Over the years, Jackie has achieved this mission through the Nana shop, and now Nana has evolved into a wholesale line, online shopping destination, and organizer of local fashion events like trunk shows, fundraisers, and parties.
In addition to running her successful fashion line, Jackie coaches entrepreneurs and independent retailers as they navigate the many challenges involved in opening and running a successful online or brick and mortar small business.