Spotlight
MAP’s Investment in New Talent
For nearly two decades, MAP has worked to create a thriving, inclusive, and equitable America. Through groundbreaking research, innovative communications and strong partnerships, MAP’s work advances equality and opportunity for all. And as the fight has evolved, so have we — boosting our capacity and strengthening our knowledge base to meet the moment — and we are not going to stop.
MAP continues to be a place where brilliant people come to do exceptional work that powers movements. With that in mind, we are excited to highlight our talented new 2025 staff members, including our most recent addition, Kellan Baker.
Kellan Baker (he/him) is MAP’s Senior Advisor for Health Policy, providing deep expertise across MAP’s programs in the areas of public health and healthcare policy, health equity, and LGBTQ+ population health. A health services researcher with over 20 years of experience, Kellan received his PhD in health policy and management from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he was a Health Policy Research Scholar and a Centennial Scholar; an MPH and MA from The George Washington University; and a BA with high honors from Swarthmore College. Kellan also holds appointments as affiliate faculty in the Departments of Health Policy and Management at The George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
Previously Kellan was the Executive Director of the Institute for Health Research and Policy at Whitman-Walker. He co-chairs the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) and has served on numerous other advisory boards and councils, including the NIH National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities and the Sexual and Gender Minority Research Working Group of the NIH Council of Councils. Kellan is also an appointed consumer representative to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and has worked with the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) on multiple major consensus studies and other initiatives related to LGBTQI+ health, genomics, precision medicine, and data collection policy, including service as a member of the 2022 NASEM consensus study committee that developed standards for the collection of sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation data by the National Institutes of Health.
Inspired by the belief that health equity is a core social justice issue, Kellan will continue his personal mission to improve the policies and practices that affect the lives of LGBTQ+ people and other communities experiencing health disparities. In collaboration with MAP’s team of policy, data, and messaging experts, Kellan will work to advance evidence-based public policy that addresses discrimination and other barriers to high-quality health care, affordable health insurance coverage, and safe and healthy environments.
“At a moment when access to health care is under siege and transgender communities are facing unprecedented attacks, Dr. Baker’s expertise, thought leadership, and deep collaborations across policy, advocacy, research, and community are needed more than ever.”
— Naomi Goldberg, MAP’s Executive Director
Caroline Medina (they/them) is MAP’s new Senior Advisor for Data Policy and Strategy, charged with strengthening the ethical and responsible collection, governance, and protection of data on sexual orientation and gender identity. Through strategic advocacy, coalition-building, and research initiatives, their work supports evidence-based policymaking and intersectional research that benefits LGBTQI+ communities and advances equity.
Caroline brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the MAP team, previously serving as Director of Policy at the Institute for Health Research and Policy at Whitman-Walker, and as Director of LGBTQI+ Policy at the Center for American Progress. Caroline holds a Master of Public Administration from the London School of Economics and Political Science, with a concentration in social and economic policy, and a BA from Amherst College.
Addie Shrodes (they/she) is MAP’s new Messaging Research Manager, supporting MAP’s messaging program and the development and implementation of training efforts to promote application of effective research-based messaging within the LGBTQ and allied movements.
An experienced research and advocacy leader, Addie has a strong track record developing programs, messaging, and initiatives that advance progressive change in state and local government, philanthropy, and education. Prior to joining MAP, Addie served in Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s administration, leading public affairs for the Illinois Department of Human Rights.
Addie holds a PhD in Learning Sciences (School of Education and Social Policy) and a graduate certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Northwestern University, a MA in English from the University of California–Los Angeles, and a BA in English from the University of Michigan.
Shawna Kemppainen (they/them) is MAP’s Director of Philanthropy, responsible for building strong community relationships and cultivating the funding necessary to support MAP’s mission and programs.
Beginning their nonprofit experience in 2003, by 2010 Shawna became the executive director of Inside Out Youth Services, an LGBTQ youth center in Colorado. From there they spent 13 years as CEO of The Place, a service-based organization for unhoused youth and young adults.
Shawna holds a BA in English and Journalism from Arizona State University, Cronkite School of Journalism and Communication.
Interested in joining MAP’s talented team?
We’re currently seeking a Finance and Administration Director to join our fully remote team. Learn more here via our website.
To apply, send a cover letter and resume to jobs@mapresearch.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, but must be received by September 5, 2025 to be considered.
