Ameratu Kamara is an Alexandria native committed to ensuring that all communities, especially those most impacted by systemic injustice, have a voice in shaping public safety policies. Ameratu is a dedicated advocate for civilian oversight, police accountability, and empowering marginalized communities.

Ameratu’s experience in police accountability is grounded in her work with New York City’s Office of the Community Liaison, where she was an inaugural member. As a community organizer, she worked directly with the youth and residents of Harlem and Manhattan—many of whom had been impacted by police abuse—to address concerns about NYPD stop-and-frisk practices. She collaborated with organizations such as the Tayshana "Chicken" Murphy Foundation, New Harlem Renaissance, CORE, and B.I.V.O. to provide training programs and information sessions on know-your-rights, alternative dispute resolution, and violence interruption. These community-led initiatives ensured that feedback from marginalized and under-resourced neighborhoods was considered by the Federal Monitor overseeing the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk reforms.

As an associate at a Brooklyn law firm, Ameratu represented individuals wrongfully arrested, detained, or abused by NYPD officers. She focused particularly on defending protesters who were targeted during the Jordan Neely protests, as well as individuals subjected to physical and mental abuse by correctional officers at Rikers Island and state correctional facilities. 

Returning to her hometown, Ameratu continues her mission to engage with her Alexandria community, bringing the same focus on empowering residents and holding law enforcement accountable. She is passionate about building bridges and a trusted dialogue between community members and police. 

In addition to her work in police accountability, Ameratu has focused on increasing government transparency and educating communities on elections and civic processes. In 2020, she teamed up with Rhode Island Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea to educate communities on voter suppression and misinformation. She also launched Virginia’s first livestream coverage of the General Assembly in 2017 to promote accessibility and transparency in state government, guaranteeing that all community members could engage with legislative decision-makers and stay informed.

Ameratu holds a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, with a focus on Forensic Crime Scene Investigation. She has been honored with the Unsung Hero Award from Roger Williams University School of Law and was named Student of the Year by the Sierra Leone Progressive Union (SLPU) for her leadership and community service.

Ashley Kollmorgen brings more than a decade of professional experience in public administration, financial services, operations, compliance, budgeting, and project coordination. Her career has focused on strengthening organizational processes, improving data accuracy, supporting complex administrative systems, and helping teams operate with greater efficiency, accountability, and consistency.

Ashley’s professional background includes experience in capital budget administration, procurement support, regulatory compliance, financial analysis, records coordination, process improvement, and executive-level administrative support. She has supported large-scale operational projects, assisted with the implementation of new systems, developed reporting tools, and helped ensure that information is managed accurately, responsibly, and in alignment with organizational goals.

Ashley earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Liberty University, with a focus in Public Administration and Data Analytics, graduating magna cum laude. She is also a member of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, Omega Nu Lambda National Honor Society, and Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business. Ashley is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration, further expanding her knowledge in leadership, organizational management, and data-informed decision-making.

In her role with the Alexandria Office of the Independent Policing Auditor, Ashley supports the office’s administrative, operational, budgetary, and analytical functions. She is committed to contributing to the office’s mission of promoting fair and equitable policing in the City of Alexandria through law enforcement accountability, transparency, and enhanced public safety.

Kim Neal, a passionate advocate for justice and a beloved public servant, passed away on December 13, 2024, at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, after a courageous battle with a long-term illness. 

Kim's radiant smile and infectious laughter were the heart of every room she entered. She possessed a rare ability to bring joy and warmth to others, leaving an indelible mark on everyone she encountered. Her dedication to making the world a better place was matched only by her kindness, unwavering belief in the potential for change, and deep commitment to the community.

A pioneer in civilian oversight of law enforcement, Kim's professional life was defined by her tireless work to build trust between police officers and the communities they serve. In December 2022, she became the inaugural Independent Policing Auditor/Director for Alexandria, Virginia, where she worked to enhance accountability and transparency within law enforcement. Her key responsibilities included overseeing investigations, monitoring police functions, and fostering positive community and law enforcement relations.

Kim's impact was felt well before her time in Alexandria. She was the first Independent Police Oversight Monitor/Director for Fort Worth, Texas, where she created a groundbreaking restorative justice mediation program. This initiative was designed to repair and transform community-police encounters, providing a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges. Earlier in her career, Kim served as the Executive Director of the Citizen Complaint Authority in Cincinnati, Ohio, overseeing independent investigations into allegations of misconduct by local police officers. In Cincinnati, she also launched the “Real Talk with CCA” program, which created a safe space for youth and law enforcement to engage in open, meaningful dialogue.

Kim was a Washington, D.C. native who held various senior roles throughout her career in law, policy, ethics, investigations, and privacy, with experience across federal, state, and local governments. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Georgetown University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Baltimore School of Law. In addition to her legal training, she was certified in compliance and ethics, as well as in civilian oversight of law enforcement. She served on the Board of Directors for the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) and was a lifelong volunteer and donor to various community and social causes.

Kim was not only a professional trailblazer, but a beloved friend, mentor, and advocate. She inspired many with her vision for a more just world and her unwavering commitment to effecting change. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, in the programs she created, and in the communities she helped heal.

Kim is survived by her loving family and a network of friends and colleagues who will miss her boundless energy, her spirit of generosity, and her commitment to making the world a better place. 

Kim Neal's life was a testament to the power of empathy, justice, and perseverance. While her presence will be deeply missed, her impact will continue to inspire others for generations to come.