MEET THE TEAM
SAPPHIRE
STRATEGIES
is a 100% women
led & Owned
DIGITAL AGENCY
ABBY HENRY
SENIOR DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER
Abby leads robust digital programs for ASPIRE and Ban Assault Weapons NOW. She has contributed to large-scale digital programs such as Speaker Pelosi’s incredibly successful leadership PAC, Ruben Gallego for Congress, and Ben Ray Luján for Senate.
Abby joined Sapphire as the company’s very first intern many years ago, and then became Sapphire’s first Election Year Fellow. She has worked for the Ohio Democratic Party, Hillary for America, and Friends of Sherrod Brown.
Abby is from and lives in Canton, Ohio. She earned her degree from American University. In her free time, she coaches high school debate and enjoys playing with her dog Sully.
ANTHONY J. ZARZYCKI
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Anthony leads email and text production for some of Sapphire’s largest clients, working to ensure quality assurance and improve deliverability. Anthony served as NextGen America’s Iowa Digital Director, using online tools to get young voters to the polls, before joining Sapphire. Anthony worked in field organizing over five years for groups like the Pennsylvania Democratic Party.
Anthony started in politics as an activist and community organizer in Centre County, Pennsylvania. He ran digital programs for the Pennsylvania Young Democrats and Front & Centre, a nonprofit promoting and expanding LGBTQ+ rights, which led a campaign to successfully ban conversion therapy among minors in several municipalities.
Anthony lives in Omaha, Nebraska and earned his degree in Astronomy and Astrophysics from Pennsylvania State University. In his spare time, he grows a variety of plants, volunteers with local refugee resettlement organizations and Habitat for Humanity, and enjoys adventures with his recently rescued terrier.
CHRISTINA MCALISTER
SENIOR DIGITAL STRATEGIST
Christina runs robust digital programs for Tony Vargas for Congress and Raja Krishnamoorthi for Congress, reaching voters through email and text programs. She has helped these congressional races raise a combined $2.1 million online.
Her involvement in politics began while attending American University in Washington, D.C. where she was chosen to follow the 2020 Presidential Election and broadcast her analysis on a local D.C. news channel.
Christina grew up in Waukesha, Wisconsin and now lives in Chicago with her crazy orange cat. She earned her degree in Journalism and Political Science from American University. In her free time, she can be found attending book clubs, playing board games, and listening to live music.
CLAIRE PAULHAC
DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER
Claire helps run a large-scale digital program for Speaker Pelosi’s incredibly successful leadership PAC. She manages a high-volume text and email calendar and facilitates acquisition programs, helping them bring in millions online.
Prior to joining Sapphire, Claire worked at LPS Campaigns where she wrote email copy, produced ad campaigns, managed social media platforms, and facilitated website updates for nonprofits and political campaigns. Additionally, Claire contributed to the digital strategy on John Hickenlooper's winning campaign for Senate, on Terry McAuliffe's Gubernatorial Campaign, and in the Virginia General Assembly.
Claire grew up in Westchester, New York and lives in Oakland, California. She earned her degree from the University of Richmond. In her free time, Claire enjoys playing her cello in a small ensemble and hiking with her dog Puck.
DALYA MEYER
DIGITAL STRATEGIST
Dalya helps manage House Majority PAC’s and Nancy Pelosi’s digital operations as they fight to take back the House for Democrats and end Mike Johnson’s Speakership.
Prior to joining Sapphire, Dalya worked at a progressive fundraising firm where she contributed to the digital strategy for a wide variety of PACs and non-profits, and helped elect Democratic candidates across the country.
Dalya is from Portland, Oregon and lives in Washington, D.C. She earned her degree in History and International Relations from Tulane University. In her free time she can be found attempting the New York Times Crossword, rewatching Gilmore Girls, or exploring new cities with friends.
DEREK EADON
DIGITAL STRATEGIST
Derek currently helps the National Democratic Training Committee gain resources for training nationwide. Before joining Sapphire, Derek assisted with digital strategy for an international labor union and raising money for refugees across the globe.
Derek began his career on the Barack Obama campaign in Iowa in 2007 and stayed with the campaign in Iowa through 2012. He owned and operated a public affairs and digital consulting firm from 2013 to 2017, and was elected Chair of the Iowa Democratic Party in 2017. Derek served as Deputy Campaign Manager for the Julian Castro for President Campaign in 2019/20.
Derek is from Elmhurst, Illinois. He attended the University of Iowa. He now lives in West Des Moines, Iowa with his wife, two children, and English Bulldog. He is a fan of comedy, music, and Chicago sports teams.
EMI MILLER
SENIOR DIGITAL STRATEGIST
Emi led email and SMS strategy at The Hub Project prior to joining Sapphire. Emi built the Hub’s national SMS program from the ground up and led an outreach program for the March On For Voting Rights in August 2021, using texts to boost attendance at Marches across the country and drive thousands of calls to elected officials. They spearheaded the Hub’s email deliverability initiatives, leading to a significant rise in audience engagement across their four years at the organization.
Emi considers themself a life-long activist, but got their start in politics while attending Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. As part of their degree, they wrote and published a first-of-its-kind study on the experiences of female state and local elected officials after assuming office, and uncovered significant, ongoing sexism and misogyny in state and local legislatures across the United States through interviews with women elected to a variety of positions.
Emi is from Durham, North Carolina, and currently lives in Washington, DC, with their fat old cat Toby Ziegpurr. In their spare time, Emi is a food and event photographer, enjoys finding the perfect items in a thrift store, and occasionally bakes.
ERIC WOLFERT
DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY
Eric ran the digital operation for iVote, helping them raise over $1.7 million online in the 2022 cycle as they defended top Democratic Secretaries of State in several pivotal swing states. In 2020, he led Joyce Elliott for Congress’ digital program, elevating her historic campaign to toss-up status thanks to raising $700,000 through email and digital ads.
Prior to joining Sapphire, Eric spent several years working in both digital fundraising and direct mail. He has both worked with some of the most progressive members of Congress and has helped flip districts that are right of center.
Eric is from the New York City area and lives in Washington, D.C. He earned a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from George Washington University. In his free time he teaches Jewish religious school and enjoys baseball and live music.
ERYN GABLE
DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER
Eryn joined Sapphire after running her own creative services firm in rural Virginia, where she managed social media accounts, digital advertising, and email marketing for her clients. Additionally, she worked as a finance director for House of Delegates and Congressional campaigns in Virginia.
Prior to starting her own firm, Eryn worked as a journalist in Washington, D.C., and Colorado, writing primarily on federal environmental and energy policy. Her writing credits include nytimes.com, Greenwire, and CQ Daily Monitor.
Eryn earned a bachelor's from Scripps College and a master's in journalism from Columbia University. She split her childhood among Illinois, Ohio, and California, and currently lives in rural Virginia. In her free time, she enjoys running the dirt roads that surround her home, spoiling her bulldog, and hiking with her husband and two children.
ISAAC BONILLA
MULTIMEDIA MANAGER
Isaac designed the Wisconsin Democratic Party’s persuasion and get-out-the-vote creative suite that flipped Wisconsin for Joe Biden. Isaac also spearheaded the massive advertising design operations for Nancy Pelosi, End Citizens United, and Ben Ray Luján. He has built Sapphire’s creative department into a world class design entity for progressive causes and campaigns. Isaac is known for his incredible eye-catching designs and animations that bring Democrats’ message to life on screen.
Before joining Sapphire Strategies, Isaac was a part of Pete Buttigieg’s Presidential Campaign, where he helped to win the Iowa caucuses by developing and designing a top-tier animated training series for organizers and volunteers.
Isaac is from Long Island, NY and lives in Orlando, FL. He earned his degree from Full Sail University. In his free time, he can be found painting or enjoying nature.
JACKIE VALENCIA
PRODUCTION STRATEGIST
Jackie diligently preserves Sapphire’s rigorous quality standards and helps enhance email deliverability while producing emails for several of Sapphire’s most prominent clients.
Previously, as a Political Technology Specialist with the Stanton for Congress campaign in Tempe, Arizona, she generated perceptive reports that empowered senior leaders to effectively oversee voter engagement, volunteer recruitment, and absentee voter turnout. Providing IT expertise, Jackie ensured network security, device management, and cybersecurity, fortifying campaign operations seamlessly. Her contributions helped to hold a Democratic seat in the most competitive congressional race in the state.
Based in Dallas, Texas, Jackie enjoys reading, crocheting, and roller skating in her free time.
JULIA AGER
PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER
Julia has raised over $350 million in grassroots gifts for Democrats and nonprofits. Her team’s digital persuasion programs helped President Joe Biden reclaim Wisconsin, Governor John Bel Edwards win re-election in Louisiana, and Senator Ben Ray Luján win in New Mexico. Her team has won numerous Reed and Pollie awards, including Best Digital Ad, Best Campaign, and Best New Firm.
Julia founded Sapphire after serving at the DCCC and the DSCC for eight years. As 2018 Chief Digital Officer of the DCCC, Julia’s team raised a historic $111 million online and spearheaded a multi-million dollar digital mobilization campaign to help Democrats win a resounding House Majority.
Julia is from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and lives in Washington D.C. She earned her degree from Rice University. In her spare time, she likes cooking and going on hikes with her husband, daughter, and dog.
MORGAN MACFARLANE
DIGITAL STRATEGIST
Morgan leads with her extensive experience in political campaigns, having managed a diverse array of electoral endeavors across the U.S., from Congressional races and statewide initiatives to local campaigns. Her strategic approach and creative insights have been crucial in securing numerous electoral victories across the country.
Previously, Morgan's career has been marked by significant roles with organizations such as Hillary for America, Mark Schauer for Governor, the Michigan Democratic Party, Communication Workers of America, and the Illinois Senate Democrats. Her efforts contributed to historic achievements, including her work to secure the largest supermajority in Illinois State history.
A Michigan native, Morgan now embraces the digital nomad lifestyle, melding her professional life with her passion for travel, language exchange, and cultural exploration. When not working, you’ll find Morgan traveling, hiking, or camping.
SEAN GANNON
DIGITAL STRATEGY MANAGER
Sean manages Nancy Pelosi for Congress and House Majority PAC, helping some of Sapphire’s largest programs raise a combined $17 million online since the start of 2022.
Prior to joining Sapphire, Sean ran winning local campaigns in conservative Eastern Washington. He was Chair of the Spokane Young Democrats and created a one-of-a-kind PAC to boost youth turnout. In 2023, Sean helped turn Spokane blue and deliver the city’s first Democratic Mayor, Council President, and Council Supermajority.
Sean is a Bay Area native and now lives in Seattle, Washington. He earned his degree from Whitman College. In his free time, Sean enjoys cooking, listening to podcasts, and rooting for all of San Francisco’s sports teams.
SHEREEN AHMAD
VICE PRESIDENT
Shereen spearheaded the massive online operation that secured Secretary Julián Castro a spot in the 2020 Presidential debates, increasing his donor base from 5,000 to 200,000 donors. Shereen transformed Speaker Pelosi’s Democratic Leadership PAC from scratch into a multi-million-dollar grossing organization. She also led the digital advertising and fundraising operations that elected New Mexico’s first Latino Senator in more than 40 years.
Shereen led social media at the DCCC before joining Sapphire, helping reach 800 million social media impressions and raise $111 million to win the House. Additionally, Shereen spent several years as a political operative in Texas, working to turn the Lone Star State blue.
Shereen is from, and lives in, Austin, Texas. She earned her degree in Political Science from the University of Texas at Austin. In her spare time she likes to travel and explore new cities around the world.