NCAAT in Action endorses Mario Benavente for Mayor of Fayetteville.

Mario Benavente won his City Council seat in 2022 by just six votes — and he’s made every one count. A proud son of a Korean mother and Peruvian father, Benavente is a lifelong Fayetteville resident who brings lived experience and bold, people-first leadership to City Hall.

As a criminal defense attorney and youth advocate, he understands what the city needs: housing that’s affordable, public services that meet people where they are, and leadership that listens. On the City Council, he helped launch Fayetteville’s Office of Community Safety, expanded first-time homebuyer assistance, pushed for youth violence prevention programs, and made public transit a city priority. He’s also been a champion for immigrant inclusion, language access, and civic engagement.

Benavente is proof that bold leadership can come from — and work for — the people. NCAAT in Action is proud to support his campaign for Mayor of Fayetteville.

Mario Benavente:

“Fayetteville is a true city of nations. We have such a diverse population, but all have shared aspirations. When we give a voice to those in our city who are not always heard, we are tapping into new potential. And that is what will take Fayetteville to the next level; thanks in no small part to support from NCAAT in Action.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Satish Garimella for Mayor of Morrisville.

Satish Garimella has lived in Morrisville for over 20 years and is currently in his third term on the Town Council, where he was unanimously elected as Mayor Pro Tem. As a senior manager in the pharmaceutical industry and a dedicated community volunteer, Satish is recognized for his ability to deliver results. Notably, he has secured millions in infrastructure funding and helped bring over 4,700 jobs to Morrisville.

A central focus of Satish’s mayoral campaign is affordable housing. He believes that no one should be priced out of the community they help to build. He supports policies that encourage mixed-income development and housing options suitable for residents across all income levels. Additionally, he has a personal and policy-driven understanding of immigrant needs, having assisted many community members in navigating visa and consular issues through his connections with U.S. and Indian officials.

With a background in engineering and public policy, Satish has demonstrated both technical expertise and a deep commitment to the community. He envisions a Morrisville where growth is equitable, housing is accessible, and every resident feels supported and heard.

Satish Garimella:

“As an immigrant, a public servant, and a proud Asian American, this recognition means more than words can express. NCAAT in Action’s work to uplift our communities and empower Asian Americans to lead is not only inspiring, it’s essential. I hope this moment reminds others in our community that your voice matters, your story belongs, and you are needed in the rooms where decisions are made.”

NCAAT in Action endorses George Griffin for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board of Education.

George Griffin is the current Chair of the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education. He is running for re-election to continue advancing equity and excellence across the district. A lifelong educator with more than 45 years of experience as a special education teacher, high school principal, state administrator, and university professor, Griffin brings a wide-ranging perspective to school leadership. He has lived in Chapel Hill since 1981, and both of his children graduated from CHCCS schools. He now proudly watches his grandchildren grow up in the district.

As board chair, Griffin helped lead efforts to secure nearly $175 million through a 2024 bond referendum for school upgrades and new buildings, and supported the shift to a 4×4 block schedule at all high schools to promote more equitable academic opportunities. He is committed to closing the racial opportunity gap, investing in classroom instruction from Pre-K to 12th grade, and ensuring that all students, especially those from historically marginalized communities, including Asian American and Pacific Islander students, have the support and resources they need to thrive. He believes public education is the foundation of a strong democracy and is ready to keep fighting for it.

George Griffin:

“I am grateful to receive this endorsement from NCAAT in Action. This is a strong public affirmation of my commitment to inclusive and equitable opportunities for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools’ students of color, especially Asian American students. During these chaotic and uncertain times, uplifting all historically marginalized communities remains more important than ever.”

NCAAT in Action endorses Riza Jenkins for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro School Board of Education.

Riza Jenkins is seeking re-election to the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) Board of Education, where she currently serves as Vice Chair. Since first being elected in 2021 with the highest number of votes, Jenkins has championed equitable policies, transparent governance, and data-informed decision-making. During her tenure, she supported the hiring of a new superintendent, helped lead the creation of the Student Success Committee to monitor student outcomes, and advocated for a more strategic approach to school infrastructure and fiscal planning. She also played a role in difficult budget decisions in 2024, demonstrating her ability to balance financial responsibility with a commitment to student and staff needs.

As a parent of three CHCCS students and a longtime volunteer in district PTAs and school improvement teams, Jenkins has nearly a decade of experience advancing community engagement and inclusive policy. She has worked to increase the diversity of parent leadership across schools, supported culturally responsive practices, and prioritized outreach to historically underrepresented groups, including AAPI families.

Professionally, she serves as Vice President of Asset Management in the clean energy industry and chairs the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee of the NC Sustainable Energy Association. Jenkins remains focused on strengthening district communication, ensuring accountability, and creating a school system where every student—regardless of background—has the tools and support to succeed.

NCAAT in Action endorses Melinda Manning for Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools Board of Education.

Melinda Manning is a candidate for the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools (CHCCS) Board of Education, running on a platform of transparency, trust, and teacher support. A proud product of North Carolina’s public schools and a triple graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, Manning brings both lived experience as a CHCCS parent and a deep understanding of the challenges facing public education.

As the parent of a Carrboro High School graduate and former chair of the school’s Improvement Team, she is committed to ensuring every child, regardless of background, has access to a safe and equitable education. Manning believes this is the right time to give back to a district that shaped her family and to help strengthen community trust in our schools.

Professionally, Manning serves as Director of the Beacon Program at UNC Hospitals, where she leads efforts to support patients experiencing intimate partner violence and trauma. This work has shaped her trauma-informed, student-centered approach to education policy.

Her experience spans K–12 and higher education, including roles as a middle school teacher through Teach for America and as an Assistant Dean at UNC-Chapel Hill. With training in law, social work, and public health, Manning brings a holistic lens to school board service, one that prioritizes student wellness, staff retention, and equity.

She has served on multiple nonprofit boards and is ready to bring her experience as an educator, advocate, and community leader to support CHCCS students, teachers, and families.

Melinda Manning: 

“I’m excited about the prospect of collaborating with NCAAT  to reach out to our district’s Asian American voters. The opportunity to connect with these vital members of our community, understand their concerns regarding the Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools, and work to address their needs is a priority for my campaign.”