Ami M. Angell, PhD, LLM

FOUNDER AND CEO

Ami M. Angell, PhD, LLM created The h3 Project to creatively address the issue of homelessness and human trafficking in Washington, D.C. Through previous work with other DC homeless agencies she recognized a need that was not being met. Other positions she has held in the DCMV area include Executive Director at HER Resiliency Center and Director of Outreach with Pathways to Housing DC. Ami came to the DC area as a specialist in the education and global threat arena, particularly in the area of Anti-Human Trafficking. Prior experience includes as a counter-terrorism and human trafficking research fellow at the International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research in Singapore, as well as a Rehabilitation and Reintegration Development Advisor with USAID in Afghanistan. She has spent a substantial amount of time working in the Middle East and Asia, including 44 months in Iraq (2005–2008), 22 months in Afghanistan (2010-2012), and 24 months in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel. She also has worked and lived in Lebanon, Jordan, Qatar, Italy, Switzerland, England and Singapore. Her pastimes include traveling the world, enjoying good food, boxing, and competing in triathlon.

Alexis Johannessen M.A.

Associate Director of Outreach

Alexis Johannessen is a driven advocate who believes that all people are deserving of basic human rights. She discovered her desire to pursue a career in human rights during her time as a Program Coordinator in Metro Manila, Philippines. In Manila Alexis conducted daily outreach supporting informal communities that lacked access to basic resources, while also living in a safe house with 50 human trafficking survivors and assisting with day to day tasks. After working in that capacity for several years, Alexis then completed a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Roosevelt University. Her time at Roosevelt University inspired her to seek deeper knowledge about homelessness and human trafficking on a global scale, so she completed a Master’s in International Development from the University of Manchester. Upon graduation she moved to Washington DC and accepted a role with Pathways to Housing DC as an Encampment Outreach Specialist with the CARES Pilot Program. In that role she worked daily with those in DC’s encampments as they transitioned from homelessness to being housed. In her free time Alexis enjoys traveling, hiking, reading, practicing meditation and mindfulness, rock and mineral collecting, and spending time with her two cats. 

 

Alexis has worked with The h3 Project since March 2022.

Diamond Miles

Outreach Specialist

Diamond Miles was born and raised in Washington DC, making him a true Washingtonian. He has devoted his professional path to making Washington DC a better place for all people. In his career Diamond has worked in street outreach for seven years as a health & wellness counselor, street-based STD & STI tester, and group facilitator. In addition,  he previously  served as an advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community with the Sasha Bruce P.O.W.E.R Program. Diamond seeks to meet every individual he engages with right where they are in life by approaching them with kindness, patience, and non-judgment. Diamond hopes that one day the world can be free from individuals experiencing homelessness, and is driven to do his part in making that happen. In his free time Diamond enjoys singing, participating in theater performances, and cooking. 

 

Diamond has worked with The h3 Project since July 2020.

Mona’ Adams

Outreach Specialist

Mona’ Adams believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to live meaningful lives that bring them peace and purpose. Growing up in a military family, she has been able to travel around the world, using it as an opportunity to grow her skills of adaptability and resilience. Since moving to DC, Mona’ has participated in many community outreach events which inspired her to work for The h3 Project. She is a firm believer in mental health and finding individuals resources that best benefit them. In her free time, Mona’ enjoys spending time with family, watching/playing basketball, cooking, and participating in all things self-care

Mona’ has worked with The h3 Project since July 2023.

Jesse Champ

Peer Outreach Specialist

Jesse Champ was born in Asuncion, Paraguay. He has lived in the Washington D.C and Baltimore City area for over 30 years. Jesse takes pride in having lived experience in many of the challenges that our clients are facing. Having his own experience and knowledge to build on gives Jesse a special insight into helping individuals experiencing homelessness and substance abuse disorder. Jesse began putting his lived expertise into action while helping to end the opioid crisis in West Baltimore. He then went on to become a Certified Peer Specialist trained by the District of Columbia Department of Behavioral Health.

Family and community has always been very important to Jesse. In his time off Jesse enjoys coaching baseball for inner city elementary kids, spending time with his son, and having family time. 

Jesse has worked with The h3 Project since September 2023.