Press Release
New Bench of Fellows Bring Experience in Tech Innovation, Government Effectiveness and Economic Policy
05. 15. 2025
New fellows will inform ideas and strategies on how to deliver an economy that works for all at a critical moment for US democracy
Washington, D.C. — Economic Security Project (ESP) announced new fellows to expand the ideas and strategies in the toolbox to deliver on the promise of an economy that works for all of us. The initial cohort includes Jamie Keene, Anisha Steephen, Vaishant Sharma, and Merici Vinton, each bringing deep public sector experience, including from recent roles in the Biden administration, to the organization.
“We’re building toward a future where government delivers—consistently, effectively, and visibly—for everyone,” said Taylor Jo Isenberg, Executive Director of Economic Security Project. “That takes bold ideas—and people who know how to move them through systems. That’s what these fellows bring.”
Americans are frustrated with the status quo and are looking for solutions that meet the challenges they face in their daily lives. With backgrounds spanning government, policy innovation, and public-interest technology, the Fellows will inform and develop ideas on how to deliver on the promise of a future where we all have a chance not to just survive, but the freedom to thrive with dignity.
Jamie Keene brings experience in equity-centered governance and social policy, most recently serving as Special Assistant to the President for Equality and Opportunity at the White House. She has held key roles across federal and local government, with a focus on civil rights, economic inequality, and public benefit delivery. At ESP, Jamie will conduct interviews and original research to inform a vision for a modern, trust-based income floor.
Anisha Steephen is a nationally recognized expert in domestic economic policy and mission-driven investing, with more than 15 years of experience advancing public policies to address structural inequality. They served as the first Senior Policy Advisor for Racial Equity at the U.S. Department of the Treasury under Secretary Janet Yellen, helping to ensure that the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act delivered benefits to economically underserved people, businesses, and regions. At ESP, Anisha is conducting new research on progressive supply-side economics—exploring how public investment can be redesigned to promote equity, redistribute power, and build an inclusive, multiracial democracy. Their work examines how market-shaping policy can expand opportunity and correct structural inequality, particularly in communities historically excluded from prosperity.
Vaishant Sharma joins with a robust background in economic policy and strategic planning, most recently serving as Director of Economic Policy at the White House National Economic Council. His career spans venture philanthropy, business strategy, and federal policy design. At ESP, Vaishant will create a policy roadmap rooted in the needs of working families and inclusive economic growth. He will examine place-based investment strategies, public opinion research, and insights from fellow policymakers to develop a forward-looking vision for public institutions.
Merici Vinton is a public sector technologist who recently departed as a Senior Advisor to the IRS Commissioner and previously served in the U.S. Digital Service. She was a chief architect of IRS Direct File, the federal government’s popular free and simplified tax filing tool. She had a front-row seat as the U.S. Digital Service rapidly transformed into DOGE. Her work with ESP will focus on building people-first digital services and how to make tax credits more accessible to all those who have earned them.