Markeia Warren-Schorea is a passionate advocate, fundraiser, and leader dedicated to creating opportunities for marginalized communities. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Nonprofit Administration at Louisiana State University. With a deep commitment to disability rights and foster youth advocacy, Markeia believes in the power of storytelling, community engagement, and strategic philanthropy to drive change. 

Her professional journey is rooted in development work, where she serves as a Development Associate at ICAN, strengthening donor relationships and supporting fundraising campaigns that benefit individuals with disabilities. Previously, she worked with the Partnership for Public Service, conducting donor research, drafting fundraising materials, and assisting with corporate sponsorships. 

Beyond fundraising, Markeia has been a Member Executive Commissioner and Core Organizer for California Youth Connections, shaping policies for foster youth and mentoring young leaders. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Phi Lambda Rho, a Chicana Latina sorority that uplifts and empowers women of color. 

Born and raised in Inglewood, California, Markeia is inspired by the strong women who have shaped her, her mother Melodi Brown, aunts Michelle Wicks, Lisa Bailey, and Karlene Johnson, and her grandparents Cornelius and Jackie Schorea, who have supported her throughout her life. She is dedicated to ensuring her siblings grow up knowing they are different but still deserving of respect and dignity. 

Inspired by Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Markeia strives to embody fearless leadership and inclusive philanthropy. She lives by Waters’ powerful words:“I have a right to my anger, and I don’t want anybody telling me I shouldn’t be, that it’s not nice to be, and that something’s wrong with me because I get angry.” 

Through the Congressional Leadership Academy, she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of legislative advocacy, policy development, and the intersection of government and nonprofit work. She aims to apply this knowledge to drive systemic change, ensuring equitable funding for marginalized communities and strengthening policies that uplift youth and individuals with disabilities.