Steering Committee

Oriana Gradeles-Scislowicz's passion for writing began with short stories and poetry. Her veterinary career as an LVT uniquely blended her writing with her scientific background, resulting in over 90 published articles in veterinary journals and magazines since 2013. She earned a B.S. in Psychology (VCU) and a Masters in HR/Organizational Learning and Performance (CSU). Currently a PhD student, Oriana focuses on academic research and writing. Her other interests include film photography, the sax, and spending time with her golden, Niles.

Alicia Swain writes about feminist, queer, and political themes across multiple genres. She is the author of Steel Slides and Yellow Walls (Aug 2025), as well as over a dozen individually published pieces. She earned her MA in English from Eastern Illinois University and her BA in English from Penn State University. When she isn’t writing or reading, Alicia is often rewatching episodes of Supernatural, playing with her dog and cat, or daydreaming about houses in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  

Mark Habeeb is professor of negotiation and conflict management at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. He is the author of several scholarly works and op-eds, as well as a 12-volume series on countries and cultures for high-school students. In 2021, he published his first novel, Venice Beach (Rootstock Publishing), and has published several short stories in literary journals. He was a two-term member of the Board of Virginia Humanities (the Commonwealth's humanities council), former Vice Chair of the Board of the Dream Project, and former member of the Steering Committee of the Arlington Democratic Committee. 

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Mailie Duffin is the co-owner of Abi's Books & Brews. Unlike Keith Duffin, she is NOT a morning person! Hobbies include reading, writing, butchering foreign languages that she's trying to learn, and tormenting her loved ones. Through the cafe and the WDA Steering Committee, Mailie hopes to somehow help the local communities after the November election in any way possible -- even if only with coffee, a good book, or an animated conversation.

Keith Duffin is a writer, IT specialist, and community builder based in Richmond, VA. He co-founded Abi’s Books & Brews, a bookstore cafe focused on civic dialogue and connection. With 35+ years in tech, he volunteered 14 years as CTO for Fresh Start New Beginning, supporting reentry after incarceration or homelessness. Keith has also worked with state legislatures to help pass laws. A husband, father, and 3:30 AM riser, he runs on coffee, grit, and a deep belief in the power of stories to affect change.

Tess Leigh is an attorney dedicated to ensuring free and fair elections and honest governance. With extensive experience in political and non-profit law across various governmental branches, she understands the fragility of democracy. Her law degree, master's in international policy, and political science bachelor's inform her deep appreciation for America's 250-year democratic history, as well as the ease with which it can be lost. Having published on campaign finance and election law, Tess now writes historical mysteries set during Europe's 1920s-40s autocratic rise. Through Writers for Democratic Action, she advocates for democracy, voter turnout, and First Amendment rights.