We are on a mission to replace political fighting with collaborative problem-solving.

Unify America leverages interactive technology and engaging experiences to reduce political polarization, teach problem-solving skills, and empower everyday Americans with opportunities to make civic change. Together, we can create an America where we harness the power of our differences, recognize our shared goals, and collaborate to solve our toughest problems. Read more about our vision.

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Our story

In 1993, Harry Nathan Gottlieb launched a pilot with a group of young reporters to use this new thing called the “World Wide Web” to launch a new kind of journalism: one focused on exploring multiple solutions to big civic problems. Given that the internet had only become available to the public a few months earlier, that initiative was, well, a little too early.

Harry went on to start two successful interactive communication companies: Jellyvision and Jackbox Games. But Harry’s dream of finding a way for Americans to directly participate in solving big problems, not by fighting each other, but by deliberating multiple solutions together never went away.

In the summer of 2019, in a deeply polarized country, Harry interviewed scores of Americans from all walks of life and discovered that we are far more united than we think. Energized by knowing that we share many of the same goals, Unify America was launched in January of 2020 to reduce contempt, teach Americans to work together and build a diverse community to find ambitious solutions and solve our biggest problems.

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How does an entrepreneur move from designing games to saving democracy? We asked Harry's teenage son, Moses, to find out.

Read a Q&A with Harry

What guides us.

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Recognize that the things we believe in and that we know may actually be wrong. Staying open to learning from the experience of others is a daily practice.

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When you’re feeling overwhelmed by the stupidity or greed of your fellow Americans, remember those same people have also engaged in acts of compassion and generosity, but that story didn’t get reported.

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Individuals and organizations can’t grow without people being honest. By doing so in a kind way, it makes it much easier to embrace truths that are sometimes hard to hear.

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Go ahead, have a snack. We’ll wait. Better yet, share some.

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Whether it’s connecting with other Americans outside one’s “bubble,” learning new skills or solving our collective problems, no matter how serious the purpose, the journey should be fascinating and fun.

Meet the team

Harry Nathan Gottlieb
Harry Nathan Gottlieb

Founder

Michelle Sobel
Michelle Sobel

President

Francine Bailey Hall
Francine Bailey Hall

Vice President of People and Legal

Abby Ferguson
Abby Ferguson

Director of Partnerships

Emilie Hogan
Emilie Hogan

Director of Strategy

Molly Ostrem
Molly Ostrem

Community Manager

Matt Byrne
Matt Byrne

Director of Deliberation Research

Ashhad Qureshi
Ashhad Qureshi

Creative & Strategic Advisor

Mark Borgions
Mark Borgions

Illustrator

Karen Hambro
Karen Hambro

Senior Software Engineer

 Morgan Lasher
Morgan Lasher

Vice President of Community and Marketing

Helena Burgueño
Helena Burgueño

Creative & Video Producer

Tom Haley
Tom Haley

Chief Creative Director

Sara Drury
Sara Drury

Executive Vice President of Deliberation

Derek Miller
Derek Miller

Front End Developer

Kylie Settlemire
Kylie Settlemire

Marketing Manager

Carol Vederman
Carol Vederman

Engagement Manager

Lori Holland
Lori Holland

Community Contractor

Joshua Chittum
Joshua Chittum

Deliberation Manager

Matthew Pollard
Matthew Pollard

Partnerships Manager

Alex Gibson
Alex Gibson

Community Manager

Brandon Ching
Brandon Ching

Director of Software Engineering

Colin Djieugoue
Colin Djieugoue

Controller

Steph Pedron
Steph Pedron

Deliberation Research Contractor

Arielle Mizrahi
Arielle Mizrahi

Partnerships Manager

Luis Lopez
Luis Lopez

Deliberation Research Contractor

Jordan Baldridge
Jordan Baldridge

Deliberation Project Contractor

Academic Advisors

Meet the members of the Unify America Academic Advisory Council who add expert perspectives from higher education to ensure rigor and thoughtfulness in our programming so even more students can access the impactful programming.

This council, composed of notable faculty and academics, works hand-in-hand with Unify America staff to strategize, provide guidance, and grow the mission of collaborative problem-solving through viewpoint diversity.

In collaboration with the Unify America team, the Academic Advisory Council helps support the impact of Unify America by:

  • Building a diverse academic community
  • Providing critical feedback to the Unify Creative and Technology teams
  • Advising the Unify Partnerships and Engagement teams

Hagar Attia

Gustavus Adolphus College

John Gastil

Penn State University

Patrick Gilbert

Lone Star College - Tomball

Jeff Holm

University of North Dakota

William Lyons

The University of Akron

Leah Murray

Weber State University

Libby Roderick

University of Alaska - Anchorage

Josh Young

Miami Dade College

join the team

Our team is growing and we’re looking for people who are:

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Problem-solvers

You are great at figuring things out and aren’t afraid to ask questions. We’re a startup, so no two days are the same. You’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get things done.

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Seeking purpose

For you, work must create meaning and impact. You want a job with other people who are driven by the mission. And you are energized by results.

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Unifiers

You have a point of view and want to hear the point of view of others. You want to make our democracy stronger through the power of different perspectives.

Does this sound like you?

View open opportunities

Diversity at Unify America

Unify America is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in all its forms and evaluate candidates without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected categories.

Most importantly, it’s critical that we represent the whole of the American ideological spectrum. There is power in our differing perspectives. You don’t get the best ideas by  listening only to the people who already agree with you. We will solve our problems more effectively with greater wisdom not by fighting each other, but deliberating together toward our shared goals.

We are committed to making sure everyone who believes in our mission can participate in our mission.