Who We Are -

The Matriots is a nonpartisan political action committee based in Columbus, Ohio. Our members are women and men: Democrats, Republicans, and independents; Ohioans and out-of-staters.

The Matriots was founded after six central Ohio women participated in the Women’s March on Washington in January 2017: Mindy Coffey, Sally Crane Cox, Rebecca Ibel, April Zimmerman Katz, Cathe Kobacker, and Sharon Steele. These Marchers came away from the event inspired to create a force that worked to elect more women to public office in Ohio to support economic justice for women and address our country’s political stalemate. That force is The Matriots.

Our mission

To elect more Ohio women to public office who will promote a healthy economy in which women can thrive and prosper.

Team

Elissa Schneider, political consultant

In 2018 The Matriots hired Elissa as our first executive director and she held that role through two election cycles. In 2020, after starting her own consulting firm, Elissa continues to guide and manage The Matriots political strategy and endorsement process.

Elissa joined The Matriots with more than a decade of non-profit fundraising experience, most recently serving in key roles with the Mid-Ohio Foodbank and Columbus State Community College. Prior to this, she worked as a political fundraiser in Ohio and Michigan. She is the emeritus board chair for Transit Columbus and is a city of Columbus commission appointee with the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and holds an MBA from Franklin University. Elissa is an Ohioan, born and raised in Oregon, Ohio.

Shiloh Todorov, development/finance director

Shiloh Todorov joins The Matriots with over a decade of nonprofit experience. Shiloh previously served as the Executive Director of the German Village Society and as the Marketing/PR Director for The Wellington School. Prior to her career in nonprofit and development, Shiloh was a journalist most recently serving as a Managing Editor for KETV.COM. Shiloh was born and raised in rural Nebraska and holds a Masters in Broadcast and Public Policy from American University. She is a dedicated and passionate community leader and we know she will help The Matriots reach our long term organizational goals!

Brigin Anthony, administrative coordinator

Brigin Anthony joined The Matriots in August. Brigin previously worked at the Columbus Partnership focused on the smart city initiative, Smart Columbus. While there, Brigin served as the administrative coordinator and office manager for the Experience Center. Prior to her time with Smart Columbus, Brigin studied political science at Otterbein University and spent a semester in London, England studying philosophy. Brigin was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio.