We are the Ward 7 Democrats
We, the Officers of the Ward 7 Democrats, are here to serve the Democratic residents of Ward 7. We pledge to organize, inform, and energize democrats across the Ward, and to partner with elected and community leaders to advance and advocate for policies that improve the lives of Ward 7 residents.
Tyrell M. Holcomb, Toni R. Criner, Pearlie Brown,
Victor Horton, and Ledesma Mathis
Our Purpose
The purpose of the organization is to pursue and meet the following objectives:
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Contribute to the growth and influence of the Democratic Party in Ward 7
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Increase Democratic party membership and voting participation in Ward 7
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Cooperate with the initiatives, programs, and functions of the D.C. Democratic State Committee
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Increase citizen knowledge of, and participation in, the political processes of Ward 7, the District of Columbia, and the Nation
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Establish and maintain communication with all segments of Ward 7
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Collaborate with Democratic political organizations in other wards of the District of Columbia
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Support Democratic Party nominees for public office
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Establish and maintain harmony within the organization
Our Commitments
Leadership
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Chair - Tyrell M. Holcomb
Tyrell Holcomb is an accomplished and collaborative non-profit and community leader with a proven track record of improving the well-being, outcomes, and circumstances of underserved and marginalized communities. As a dedicated Ward 7 Commissioner for 7F01, chairman of the 7F commission, and former DC State Committeeman, Tyrell has demonstrated his strong commitment to public service, using his political platform to advocate for the needs of his community while working to drive meaningful policy changes at both the local and state levels.
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With extensive expertise in fostering relationships, public affairs, advocacy, and community engagement, Tyrell has successfully built coalitions across diverse sectors to address critical issues. His experience in program execution, project management, budget oversight, and team supervision ensures that initiatives are not only effective but also sustainable, benefiting those who need it most.
Tyrell is a compelling public speaker, storyteller, and writer, able to communicate complex ideas and inspire collective action. His approach to problem-solving is characterized by a balance of creativity and pragmatism, allowing him to develop innovative solutions while remaining grounded in practical, real-world strategies. His political leadership, combined with his unwavering dedication to service, continues to make a lasting impact on his community and beyond.
Toni Reynolds-Criner, 1st Vice-Chair
While Toni proudly hails from Dallas, Texas, she has made Ward 7 (Deanwood) her home and the heart of her advocacy. As DC’s former Interim Ombudsman for Public Education and former Director of the DC Special Education Hub, Toni has consistently championed for equity, transparency, and access for all students and families across the District. A seasoned public servant, she served as the 2019-2020 DC Congressional Foster Care Delegate, where she was selected by the National Foster Youth Institute to represent and uplift the voices of over 500,000 foster youth and alumni nationwide.
Toni is a dedicated former educator with over 12 years of experience in DC Public Schools, where she held numerous leadership roles focused on student achievement, family engagement, and educational equity. She is also a proud two-time HBCU graduate of Tougaloo College and Howard University; institutions that shaped her deep commitment to justice, community, and excellence.
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She’s a proud mom to twin boys, Ethan and Elijah, and an active member of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Toni leads with heart, purpose, and integrity in everything she does. Whether she’s working locally or on a national level, her advocacy is rooted in a deep belief that strong communities are built through service, real representation, and the power of lived experience.
T.N. Tate, 2nd Vice-Chair
Takiyah “T.N.” Tate is a sought-after public servant, policy analyst, strategist, and political organizer with over a decade of leadership in non-profit, District government, youth violence prevention, workforce development, and effective community advocacy. She recently served as a Supervisory Program Manager at the DC Department of Employment Services, Office of First Source Compliance; she brings a depth of expertise in program administration, government management, and economic policy development. T.N. previously served as Communications Director for Ward 7 Councilmember, former Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Public Affairs Director, and currently Senior Legislative Advisor for At-large Councilmember Anita Bonds.
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Her political record includes two terms as an Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner and Vice Chair of ANC 7E. She also served as First Vice Chair of the Ward 7 Democrats and as an At-Large Committeewoman on the DC Democratic State Committee. T.N. now serves on the Executive Board of the Ward 7 Democrats and as an elected Add-On Member of the DC Democratic State Committee. As founding chair of the Fletcher-Johnson Community Task Force, she has spent her career advancing community visions, educational equity, expanding opportunity for our most vulnerable residents, and organizing communities across the District. A proud member of the DC Federation of Democratic Women, she is deeply committed to lifting the voices of youth, children, women and families in every Ward across DC, especially Ward 7.
Kandis Catalan, Treasurer
Kandis Catalan is a cultivator of hope who believes strong communities are built through connection, service, and collective action. A proud mother and resident of Ward 7 Kandis is deeply invested in the people, families, and future of her community.Grounded in the values of HBCU excellence, Kandis earned a B.A. in Communications from Fayetteville State University and an M.A. in Organizational Communication from Bowie State University; an educational foundation that continues to shape her approach to leadership, engagement and service.
With more than 17 years of nonprofit and District government experience, Kandis has dedicated her career to public service; specifically positive youth development, community engagement, and violence prevention. Her work has included developing programs for young people, managing multimillion-dollar community investments, building cross-sector partnerships, and advancing initiatives that empower residents to create solutions within their own communities.Beyond her professional service, Kandis is an active Girl Scout volunteer with Troop 40024 and proudly serves the District alongside her Sorors of the Federal City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. At the heart of Kandis’ service is a belief that community is something we cultivate together. She is committed to bringing that same spirit of service, connection, and collective action to strengthening Ward 7 and helping its people and communities continue to bloom.
Tiffany Brown, Sergeant-at-Arms
Tiffany L. Brown is a lifelong educator, community advocate, and dedicated public servant who works to improve the lives of children, families, and residents of Washington, DC. She brings over 25 years of experience as a special education teacher with DC Public Schools, where she gives every student access to quality education and real opportunities to succeed.
In 2015, she served four terms as an ANC, representing ANC 7B02 and championing community development, education, public safety, and equitable resources for Ward 7 residents. Tiffany currently serves as Secretary of the Washington Teachers' Union, Chairperson of the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation Scholarship Committee, and a Founding Advisory Board Member of the Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street Committee. She previously served the Ward 7 Democrats as Sergeant At Arms and 2nd Vice Chairperson.
Tiffany believes strong communities grow through service, collaboration, and empowering others.
Pearlie Brown, Recording Secretary
Pearlie Brown is a longtime D.C. resident and resolute community advocate with over 30 years of experience in media, federal service, and tenant leadership. She currently serves as Recording Secretary for the Chaplin Hope Tenants Association, where she supports residents through advocacy, education, and outreach. Pearlie has held multiple tenant association roles across Washington, D.C., and worked closely with city officials, MPD, and youth programs to uplift her community.
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At her church, she is office administrator to the ministerial staff, secretary for the nurse’s unit, visual/graphic artist for her Bible Class Teacher, and as the church photographer and historian, Pearlie is currently in the process of writing and editing the church’s first history book. ​Pearlie is also the founder of Adowa Productions, a creative outlet for her work in arts, photography, and fashion. Pearlie remains committed to building stronger, safer, and more unified neighborhoods throughout Ward 7.
Ledesma "Dez" Mathis, Correspondence Secretary
Ledesma “Dez” Mathis is a Washington, D.C. community advocate, parent advocate, and co-author committed to creating opportunities that strengthen families, empower youth, and build stronger communities.A proud DMV native and Ward 7 resident, Dez currently serves as Vice President of the Anne Beers Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), where she advocates for students and families and works to strengthen partnerships between the school, parents, community organizations, and local leaders. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that meaningful parent engagement and strong community partnerships are essential to improving outcomes for children.
Beyond her work in education and community advocacy, Dez has a passion for empowering women and girls. She is committed to promoting confidence, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity. Dez is also a co-author, using storytelling to highlight real-life experiences, resilience, hope, and the power of transformation. Her work as an author reflects her desire to inspire others and remind readers that difficult circumstances do not have to define their future.
Professionally, Dez brings extensive public-sector experience supporting executive leadership, program operations, and strategic initiatives. Across her professional career, and community work, she remains passionate about service, advocacy, education, entrepreneurship, and creating pathways for the next generation to thrive.