Our Team

OUR LEADERSHIP

Director

Yasmiyn Irizarry, Ph.D.

Dr. Yasmiyn Irizarry (she/her) is an Associate Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at The University of Texas at Austin and founding director of the Numbers 4 Justice Lab at the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis. Dr. Irizarry is a quantitative sociologist, race scholar, and survey methodologist. As a leading expert in the emerging field of QuantCrit, her research focuses on the critical study of race and racism within four overlapping areas of inquiry: (1) K-16 schooling contexts; (2) categorization, identity, and ascription, (3) social attitudes, prejudice, and discrimination; and (4) justice, marginalization, and social control. Much of this work considers the complex landscape of race, ethnicity, immigration, class, and place as intersecting identities, experiences, and interactions linked to systems of power.Dr. Irizarry earned her BA from The Ohio State University and an MA and PhD in Sociology from Indiana University.

Co-Director

Tia C. Madkins, Ph.D.

Dr. Madkins is an Assistant Professor of STEM Education at The University of Texas at Austin and founding co-director of the Numbers 4 Justice Lab at the Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis. She serves as the PI for the UT Austin site of the Black epiSTEMologies project. She is an alumnus of Boston University (B.S. Biology), the University of Southern California (M.S. Ed in Science Education, California Multiple Subjects Teaching Credential), and the University of California, Berkeley (Ph.D. in Education, Learning Sciences and Human Development). Dr. Madkins’ research focuses on supporting educators to understand and implement equity-focused teaching practices to transform PK-20 STEM learning environments for minoritized learners, especially Black girls and women. Her research, teaching, and service reflect her deep commitment to learning with and from minoritized communities and centering racial equity and social justice issues.

Finance Director

Koreena Malone

Koreena Malone (she/her/hers), project manager for the Numbers 4 Justice Lab, is a versatile and accomplished professional with a unique blend of expertise in both accounting and strategic planning. With over a decade of experience in both fields, Koreena has established herself as a trusted advisor and leader. Driven by a passion for efficiency and innovation, Koreena transitioned into project management, where she discovered a natural talent for orchestrating complex initiatives. Leveraging her expertise in accounting, she has developed a unique approach to project planning and execution, ensuring that financial considerations are seamlessly integrated into every stage of the process. As a project manager, Koreena fosters collaboration and communication among cross-functional teams. Her ability to navigate challenges and adapt to changing circumstances has earned her a reputation for delivering projects on time and within budget, earning the trust and loyalty of her clients. Outside of work, Koreena is known for community organizing around important issues such as affordable housing and racial equity. She is also learning Korean and is an avid gardener.

Comms Director

Anoa J. Changa, J.D.

Anoa J. Changa (she/her) is a southern-based movement journalist and retired attorney. She previously served as a grassroots digital organizer and strategic advisor to several organizations. As a journalist, Anoa is deeply influenced by grassroots-led electoral organizing efforts. She approaches coverage through a lens that centers on impacted communities and moving beyond the status quo. Anoa follows in the footsteps of Black journalists like Ida B. Wells-Barnett, who leveraged the power of the media to uphold justice, defy white supremacy and expand access to democracy. Anoa is also the host of the podcast The Way With Anoa, tackling politics and current events through a Black progressive feminist perspective. A speaker, trainer and presenter in progressive spaces, Anoa has bylines in NewsOne, Truthout, Harper’s Bazaar, DAME Magazine, Rewire News Group and Essence.
Anoa received a B.A. in sociology and a master’s in city and regional planning from The Ohio State University. She was awarded a J.D. from West Virginia University College of Law, where she was a W.E.B Dubois fellowship recipient.