Announcing Emma Mehrabi as Chief of Staff and McKayla Eskilson as Development Director of Congressional Progressive Caucus Center


Friends,

We are delighted to welcome Emma Mehrabi as the new Chief of Staff and McKayla Eskilson as the new Development Director of the Congressional Progressive Caucus Center (CPC Center) and Progressive Caucus Action Fund (PCAF)!

“In 2022 we all witnessed the power of progressive policies to lift up families and working people and to create a better nation for all of us, but there is more work to be done,” said executive director Gohar Sedighi. “The CPC Center’s work to educate stakeholders and the public and PCAF’s efforts to fight for meaningful policy change will play a key role in that success going forward. I’m excited for the leadership and expertise Emma and McKayla bring to the outstanding teams at the CPC Center and PCAF, and I know their contributions will go a long way in advancing the policies that make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

Emma Mehrabi brings over 12 years of experience fighting for people centered policies through her work in Congress and the progressive movement.  Before joining the CPC Center and PCAF, Emma served as the Director of Federal Policy for the Children’s Defense Fund. She also spent seven years on Capitol Hill working to pass legislation to advance racial and gender justice and improve the lives of children and families. 

Emma also helped start the first ever national coalition focused on expanding and implementing a fully inclusive child allowance. As a committed social worker, she has years of experience in case management, group and individual therapy, and community-focused programs. Emma received a Master of Social Work concentrating in policy and nonprofit management from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

“I’m thrilled to join a team that’s dedicated to making sure that our communities' voices are heard and their basic needs are met,” said Emma Mehrabi. “People-led policy, equitable systems, and inclusive government are needed now more than ever.”

This week the CPC Center and Progressive Caucus Action Fund also welcomed McKayla Eskilson as the new Development Director. McKayla brings significant expertise in nonprofit fundraising, operational strategy, and project management.

Previously McKayla served as Senior Manager of Foundation Relations at Equal Justice Works, where she helped expand funding to increase access to justice in underserved communities. Prior to that, she spent several years managing the grants portfolio and general operations for the American Immigration Council’s Immigration Justice Campaign. 

“I am honored to join a team with such a deep commitment to racial, economic, and social justice,” said McKayla Eskilson. “There are great opportunities to build new partnerships to further CPC Center and PCAF’s efforts to create a government that works for all people, and I look forward to playing a key part in helping to meet this important mission.”

Please join us in welcoming Emma and McKayla!

Hamid Bendaas