Board of Directors

I am the Founder and CEO of Golmi Partners, a corporate affairs and communications firm based in Northern Virginia. I am also the founder of Our 6 Degrees (O6D), an executive women’s networking group focused on building meaningful professional connections and leadership pipelines.

My professional background spans industries, sectors, and geographies (California, Texas, Washington, DC, and New York), but the common thread throughout my career has been messaging, stakeholder engagement, and community building. I specialize in helping

organizations translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives that inform, mobilize, and drive action.

Prior to founding Golmi Partners, I worked at a national public affairs firm (Locust Street Group) and a global research and advisory firm (Corporate Executive Board/Gartner). I also served as the Director of Community Outreach & Engagement at the National Iranian American Council, a nonprofit focused on civic engagement and diplomacy, worked for the State of Texas at the General Land Office, and began my career at a public affairs firm in Los Angeles (Cerrell Associates) focused on local issues. Across roles — whether serving on a school PTO, organizing executive women, or advising clients — my work has consistently centered on strengthening communities and activating stakeholders.

I am a lifelong Democrat, with early involvement as a Board Member of the Los Angeles County Young Democrats. Over the years, my engagement has taken many forms: campaign contributions, pro bono support to organizations working to protect democracy, encouraging my networks to support Democratic candidates, and participating in civic actions (e.g. protests) alongside my family. On a personal note, my husband and I met at the 2012 Democratic National Convention and have attended every Convention since, with the exception of the virtual year.

I bring deep experience in communications, relationship building, and strategic engagement — skills I believe are essential to re-energizing the Democratic business community in Virginia. I am eager to help DemBiz strengthen its voice.

Fatimah Dandashi is a Legislative Aide to Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell. Fatimah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government and International Politics as well as her Master’s of Public Administration from George Mason University’s Schar School of Government and Policy. Her previous experience includes serving as a Staff Aide for Fairfax County Franconia District Supervisor Rodney L. Lusk and managing field and campaign operations for Democratic candidates in Alexandria City, Arlington, and Fairfax County.

Fatimah serves as a community advocate for MOVE, the Northern Virginia Muslim business chamber, and is committed to advancing the interests of Virginia business owners through strengthening relationships with Democratic policymakers. Her passions include working to empower underserved communities to become civically engaged and active participants in emerging industries through community outreach programs and workforce development opportunities. Fatimah is a lifelong resident of Fairfax County and currently resides in Springfield, Virginia.

I am Julian Johnson, a technical leader, a veteran of the U.S. Army’s most prestigious units, and a dedicated Democratic advocate. My career is defined by a commitment to service—from the hallowed grounds of Arlington National Cemetery to the front lines of our nation’s cyber defense and the empowerment of our local communities.

My foundation in service began in the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). I continue this commitment today in the Virginia Army National Guard as the NCOIC for the Cyber Support Team (143rd Cyberwarfare Company). My leadership as the oncoming Technical Director for Shadownet 2.0 and PCTE Manager led to my selection as the NCO of the Year for the 91st Cyber Brigade.

As the CEO and Owner of Imperium Stack LLC, I bridge the gap between military discipline and private-sector innovation. I am a highly certified expert in Microsoft, AWS, IT Infrastructure, and Security+, and I am a Certified Ethical Hacker.

A resident of Hampton Roads with strong business and personal ties to Manassas, Reston, and Alexandria, I am deeply invested in Virginia’s future.

I believe in “a different kind of smart.” I have dedicated significant time to teaching tech and business skills to autistic children through the “A Different Kind of Smart” program, ensuring that the opportunities of the digital age are accessible to all learners.

I am ready to apply my unique experience in national security, small business, and grassroots organizing to serve our party and our community.

I am a partnerships and external affairs professional with more than fifteen years of experience spanning political campaigns, nonprofit leadership, and the private-sector. Most recently, I served as Director of Partnerships & External Affairs at Production Management One, where I led strategic relationship-building across corporate, community, and government stakeholders. Prior to that, I served in the Biden–Harris Administration, planning and executing high-profile domestic and international events for the President, Vice President, First Lady, and Second Gentleman.

My political experience includes senior leadership roles with the Democratic National Committee / Harris Victory Fund, where I directed national fundraising events during the 2024 cycle, and the Democratic Governors Association, where I managed multimillion-dollar budgets supporting record-breaking fundraising efforts. I also served as Executive Director of Virginia People’s PAC, an organization dedicated to diversifying Virginia’s political pipeline through recruitment, training, and strategic investment.

I studied Public and Urban Affairs at Virginia Tech, minoring in African American Studies. My professional background is complemented by engagements in nonprofit, trade, and cross-sector organizations, including the National Urban League, National Association of Realtors, and Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce. Throughout my career, I have served as an on-the-record spokesperson and have built partnerships with corporations, cultural institutions, and international entities in service of civic engagement and economic opportunity.

My commitment to Democratic values is demonstrated through sustained service to Democratic candidates, PACs, and committees at the local, state, and national levels, including presidential campaigns, U.S. Senate races, and coordinated party efforts. I bring a coalition-building mindset rooted in inclusion, equity, and results.

I am a proud Northern Virginia native living in Fairfax County. My connection to the region through residence, work, and long-term engagement, grounds my commitment to strengthening Democratic infrastructure and community leadership at the local level.

James Maloney is a resident of Alexandria, VA, and Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Tiger Hill Partners, an Alexandria-based regulatory and public affairs firm. In his professional capacity, James advises leading impact funds, technology firms, and clean energy companies on corporate reputational and federal regulatory matters. He is particularly sought out for his expertise on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues, guidance on the clean energy transition in coordination with the Biden Administration, and his work on innovative solutions to access to credit for marginalized communities.

In his personal capacity, James advises a number of non-profit entities focused on youth financial literacy and capability, effective venture philanthropy for youth-development organizations, and empowering future entrepreneurs and community leaders. He is active in both national and Virginia Democratic politics, and routinely brings together political, non-profit, and private sector leaders to address and advance economic and societal matters.

He was previously a senior member of the Capital Markets practice at the global consulting firm Edelman, where he led teams advising top investment firms. Earlier, James was Head of Public Affairs for the American Investment Council, the leading trade association for US-based investment firms. He was the Council’s principal spokesperson and served as the lead Democratic liaison during the Obama and Trump Administrations as a member of the senior leadership team. James has also led policy and communications for numerous U.S. Congressional campaigns and began his career in corporate strategy.  

He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Virginia Council on Economic Education, the Executive Board of Venture for America, and the Sustaining Board of YOUTH INC. He is an alum of the Sorensen Institute’s Political Leaders Program. 

I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Helios AI, a Tysons-based artificial intelligence company that helps businesses, farmers, and policymakers anticipate supply-chain and economic disruptions. Under my leadership, Helios AI has grown from a bootstrapped startup into a global company working with organizations such as Walmart, Coca-Cola, Libby’s, and S&P Global. Our most recent funding round was led by S&P Global Ventures, reflecting the company’s role at the forefront of data-driven economic and agricultural intelligence.

Prior to founding Helios AI, I led large-scale digital and data transformations at Boston Consulting Group, where I worked with Fortune 50 companies and government agencies on technology modernization, analytics, and public-sector innovation. I later served in executive leadership roles at Deep Labs, where I helped build and scale AI businesses focused on fraud, identity, and risk. I hold advanced training in data and AI systems and have spent my career operating at the intersection of business, technology, and public impact.

Beyond my professional work, I am deeply engaged in civic and community leadership in Virginia. I serve as Chairman of the ABRE Center, a Warrenton-based nonprofit focused on using technology to support rural Virginians in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. ABRE’s first initiative provides “Welcome Baby!” boxes to new mothers at Fauquier Medical Center, combining tangible support with access to healthcare partners and virtual communities. I am also Head of Outreach for the Fauquier County Democratic Committee and a former Vice Chair for Outreach of the Arlington County Democratic Committee. In addition, I serve on the board of Juntos por Virginia, supporting Latino civic engagement and political representation.

I have been actively involved in Democratic and progressive causes for many years, supporting Democratic candidates, committees, and mission-aligned organizations at the local and state level. I believe strongly that Democrats are better for business, workers, and long-term economic growth, particularly when innovation, inclusion, and fiscal responsibility are aligned.

I am seeking a board role with DemBiz because I believe the organization plays a critical role in connecting business leadership with Democratic values. I would bring to the board a perspective shaped by entrepreneurship, bipartisan coalition-building, and a commitment to ensuring Virginia’s economic success is broadly shared.

I’m the President and Founder of Forge Strategies, LLC, a government affairs and strategic advisory firm helping clients navigate the complexities of the federal government.  Previously I was the Vice President of Government Affairs at the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) a global trade organization representing 80 of the biggest names in the tech industry (Amazon, Google, Microsoft, etc.).  Prior to that I was an in-house lawyer and lobbyist for Intel Corporation where I served as the company’s liaison to the Senate Democratic Caucus, stood up the company’s emerging technology (AI, quantum, HPC) lobbying practice, and led its appropriations advocacy.  During my time at Intel, I was awarded the company’s highest honor, the Intel Achievement Award, for my work on tax reform legislation which saved the company approximately $2 billion.

Before working in Corporate America, I served as a Democratic political appointee in all three branches of the federal government, including service as a Senior Advisor to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker in the Obama Administration, and Counsel to three separate congressional committees (Senate Indian Affairs, Senate Energy, House Natural Resources).

I hold both a law degree and a masters degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan and a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  I am licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia and before the United States Supreme Court.  I recently graduated from the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, Political Leaders Program (PLP) 2025 cohort.  I’ve served on corporate and non-profit boards and am a NACD-certified director.

I am the Chair of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, Mount Vernon District.  I was elected to serve as a national delegate from Virginia’s 8th Congressional District to the Democratic National Convention in 2024.  During my time at Intel Corporation, I directed almost half a million dollars in donations to Democratic political candidates.  Governor Ralph Northam appointed me to the Commonwealth’s Board of Conservation and Recreation.

I live in the Hollin Hills neighborhood of Alexandria (Fairfax County) with my wife Erin, a corporate affairs executive and former U.S. diplomat, and our aussiedoodle, Ziggy.

Saddam Azlan Salim is a Bangladeshi-American and a graduate of George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government. His family immigrated to the United States in the early 2000s and has since lived in Fairfax County for over 21 years. He grew up in Northern Virginia, attended Falls Church High School and George Mason University for his BA and Masters in Public Administration. In 2022, he completed the Sorensen Institute Emerging Leaders Program at the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia. 

Saddam has worked in Federal financial management and consulting for over seven years and works for 11th Hour Service located in Falls Church, providing financial management services to Federal Government clients. He serves as Co-Virginia State Director for South Asians For America and Vice Chair of Finance for Fairfax County Democratic Committee. He volunteers his time to the Democratic caucus and where it can make community impacts. He is also a grassroots advocate for state and local issues and has been involved in numerous coalition building projects to empower others. 

During Covid, he served as Co-Chair of the Providence District Democratic Committee where dinner discussions on various topics were held and dinners were sent to participants in coordination with local family-owned businesses. He serves as Vice President of the Fairfax Young Dems and Second Vice Chair to the 8th Congressional District Committee. In his spare time, he enjoys running and continues to run at least one half-marathon a year.  

Kannan Srinivasan is a Senior Finance professional with 30 years of experience in building high performance teams and helping companies achieve and manage high growth in the customer service, insurance and retail sectors. Kannan was an early Finance team member at NEW/Asurion, a global leader in warranties on electronics, cell phones and appliances. In his 21 years with the company, Kannan built finance, analytics and operations teams. He currently leads a team of operations professionals helping to provide a best-in-class customer journey and experience. He was previously with AXA Insurance Group.

Kannan serves on the Virginia State Medicaid Board (DMAS) and the Loudoun Fiscal Impact Committee (FIC). He is a Board member of George Washington University’s Heart and Vascular Institute and is a supporter of its Annual Cardiology Mission to Honduras. He is also Treasurer of Capital IIT, an alumni association of the Indian Institute of Technology.

Kannan graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk with a Masters in Accounting and is also a Chartered Accountant (Member of AICPA).

Julie Strandlie is CEO/Principal of Strandlie Advocacy, LLC, a woman-owned small business providing federal, state, and local government and public affairs services. Ms. Strandlie first joined DemBiz in 2011 and has actively participated in events through the years. She recently completed eight years on the Fairfax County Planning Commission, representing the Mason District and serving as Parliamentarian, chair of the Schools Facilities and Housing Committees, and representative to the Economic Advisory Commission and the Affordable Housing Advisory Council. 

Over the course of her career, Strandlie has worked on Capitol Hill for large law firms (Patton Boggs), small law firms with national practices, and a variety of professional associations as legislative counsel/director including the American Bar Association and the National Employment Lawyers Association. She also had her own law practice, during which time she served as the University of Florida’s Washington Representative. Ms. Strandlie’s clients/partners have included a professional association representing IT/engineering recruiting firms, many of which are based in Virginia, the Congressional Management Foundation, and the Virginia Fair Arbitration Coalition. She has been a member of the Fairfax County Democratic Committee since 2015 and successfully managed school board and House of Delegates campaigns. 

Ms. Strandlie is a graduate of Georgetown University Law Center and the University of Florida. She is also a graduate of the University of Virginia Sorensen Institute for Political Leaders Program (PLP), Class of 2011, and the Candidate Training Program (CTP), Class of 2012. Her community involvement includes various American Bar Association committees, the Virginia Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism (appointed member and former chair) and Chair, Virginia Service Foundation. In October, the America’s Service Commission recognized Virginia’s work. She is engaged with a variety of organizations to promote civics education; in February 2022, VACivics presented Ms. Strandlie with the inaugural John Sponski Civic Champion Award.

As a 25-year entrepreneur and lifelong community advocate, I’m pleased to be considered for a board position with DemBiz. My professional journey and civic engagement have always been guided by a belief in inclusive growth, innovation, and the power of community.

I am the Co-founder and CEO of Glue Up, a leading all-in-one community CRM platform focused on membership and event management. Headquartered in Tysons with offices in 10 countries and clients in over 60, Glue Up empowers organizations to build stronger professional communities. Locally, we’re proud to serve clients such as the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), the Northern Virginia Black Chamber, the NOVA Hispanic Chamber, the NOVA Asian American Chamber, the Dulles Chamber, and the Tysons Chamber—organizations that reflect the diversity and dynamism of our region.

Beyond business, I’ve always believed that leadership means showing up for your community. I’ve coached youth lacrosse and basketball for years, and I remain actively involved in local Democratic Party initiatives. Whether it’s knocking on doors, organizing events, or mentoring young leaders, I’m committed to using my experience in the community.

Over the past two decades, I’ve founded and scaled multiple ventures, including a global community of over 50,000 entrepreneurs and more than 100 annual conferences. I also was elected to three terms on the Board of Governors of the American Chamber of Commerce in China, where I championed digital transformation, initiated a leadership program for young professionals and encouraged more cross-border collaboration.

I can bring to this board a global perspective, deep experience in technology and entrepreneurship, and a passion for building inclusive ecosystems. I believe Democratic business leaders have a unique role to play in shaping equitable economic growth, supporting small and minority-owned enterprises, and fostering innovation that uplifts all communities.

Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to serve and contribute to the mission of this organization.