We’ve had two more additions to the NCLR team recently! Help us welcome our new Staff Attorney, KJ Popkin, and our Director of People, Culture, and Equity, Shauna Madison!
KJ Popkin (they/them) – Staff Attorney
KJ Popkin comes to us with a breadth of experience working on social justice issue cases ranging from police brutality to abortion bans. They were led to NCLR because they believe it is “crucial to go where the need is greatest,” and are motivated to work on behalf of transgender youth.
Where do you currently reside?
Philadelphia, PA
What is your educational background?
JD, Harvard Law School, Master’s in Public Health from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, and B.A. in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard College.
Where did you work before this?
I most recently worked at Loevy and Loevy, a civil rights plaintiff-side firm, where I litigated prison conditions, wrongful convictions, and police brutality cases across the country. Before that, I was at Rights Behind Bars, where I acted as appellate counsel for pro se incarcerated plaintiffs challenging the conditions of their confinement. I began my career at Planned Parenthood’s national office, where I worked as a litigator to challenge abortion bans and Planned Parenthood Medicaid defunding efforts in federal trial and appellate courts.
What brought you to NCLR?
I believe it is crucial to go where the need is greatest. The LGBTQ community is facing an unprecedented attack, in particular our trans youth. I know that NCLR is at the forefront of the fight against transgender youth medical bans and was inspired to join the team in this important cause.
What are you most looking forward to as you start your position?
I am so privileged to work alongside such seasoned civil rights litigators and passionate colleagues. I can’t wait to learn from the NCLR team and grow as an advocate!
What issues are you most passionate about?
I am passionate about healthcare access, disability rights, and racial justice – particularly for the LGBTQ community.
Do you have any goals for 2023 personally and/or professionally?
I am hoping to learn everything there is to know about metalsmithing! And professionally, I am hoping to help enjoin some discriminatory laws.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I typically spend my time watching every classic movie on the Criterion collection, cooking up vegan meals, and fostering rescue animals.
Do you have any pets?
I have a little white and tabby-colored cat named Ashton. I was fostering him, his sister, and his mother and just couldn’t give him up for adoption because he’s my best friend!
Shauna R. Madison, Esq. (She/Her) – Director of People, Culture, and Equity
After being on NCLR’s board since 2021, Shauna saw the “magical, powerful, and life-changing” nature of NCLR and wanted to dive deeper into the organization by becoming a staff member. In her new role, she is looking forward to supporting this amazing group of individuals in every way possible, which includes creating holistic, trauma-informed, legally compliant policies and practices. Ultimately, she wants to take a creative, multi-lens approach to supporting true superheroes in this movement.
What is your educational background?
I obtained my law degree from the University of San Francisco, School of Law, and my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and African & African American Studies (double major) with a minor in Sexuality Studies from the University of California, Davis.
Where did you work before this?
Prior to joining NCLR, I was the Managing Partner at Medina Orthwein LLP – a queer-owned civil rights firm, where I was a full-time litigator, supervisor, and manager of Medina Orthwein’s human resource department. I also previously worked as an Associate Attorney at Cotchett, Pitre & McCarthy LLP as well as a Public Defender for Alameda and Contra Costa County.
What brought you to NCLR?
From 2021 to 2023, I served as one of NCLR’s Board Directors and was completely enamored at the incredible work NCLR does for LGBTQ communities across the nation. NCLR, including its amazing leadership and staff, has shown pure resilience – and brilliance – in the face of continued anti-LGBTQ legislation and ongoing hate campaigns. After seeing all of their work as a Board member, I wanted to dive deeper and be a permanent member of something magical, powerful, and life-changing.
What are you most looking forward to as you start your position?
I look forward to supporting this amazing group of individuals in every way possible, which includes creating holistic, trauma-informed, legally compliant policies and practices. Ultimately, I want to take a creative, multi-lens approach to supporting true superheroes in this movement.
What issues are you most passionate about?
Advocating on behalf of QTBIPOC communities and radical rest.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy ambitious DIY home projects, collecting art from local Black artists, and traveling with my wife. There are so many beautiful places to explore!
Do you have any pets?
Yes! Two dogs – a Pomeranian mix and a Rottweiler puppy. Their major size difference is quite the sight!