Our Team
Akasha Lawrence Spence, CEO
Ami Goswami, Associate
Michelle Hicks, Associate
Akasha is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Her work serves as an incubator for economic justice, the creation of economic sovereignty and liberation in frontline communities.
She is the CEO & Principal Strategist at Fifth Element Community Development and Consulting—fortifying strategically underserved communities through decision making power in public policy and the built environment.
Ami is a strategic thinker, problem solver, and creative individual. With 14 years of experience in public education, Ami is now focused on supporting the education workforce, community engagement strategy, and cultural curation. Her approach to work emphasizes flexibility, adaptability, and iterative development, promoting a culture of innovation and problem-solving.
Michelle Hicks (she/her) is an Associate at Fifth Element and is an experienced policy strategist & community organizer with 5+ years of experience. She is passionate about creating radical access to resources and movements through civic engagement, community organizing, and democracy reform.