Meet Alix Gould-Werth, Chief of Programs & Strategy

For Alix Gould-Werth, the revelation came in high school history class. Learning about the New Deal, she was struck by a profound realization: “The idea that, through policy decisions, we shape the structure of society was exciting to me. I wanted to be a part of that kind of project.”  

That teenage epiphany set the course for what would become a distinguished career at the intersection of social justice advocacy and rigorous research. As Dēmos’ new Chief of Programs and Strategy, Gould-Werth brings a unique combination of deep academic rigor, high-level policy expertise, and an unwavering commitment to centering the voices of those most removed from the decision-making process and most affected by policy decisions. 

From Campus Activism to Federal Advocacy & Policy 

"No one should attempt to make policy without on-the-ground experience of the problems policy is trying to solve."

Gould-Werth’s path began with grassroots advocacy. In college, she cut her teeth on a living wage campaign, where she learned a crucial lesson: “No one should attempt to make policy without on-the-ground experience of the problems policy is trying to solve.” 

Taking that wisdom to heart, the Swarthmore College graduate sought out direct service experience after college. She provided services to New Yorkers living with serious mental illness at Fountain House – a place where members and staff work side-by-side to do the work of the organization and make sure members can meet their basic needs and live with dignity. 

But Gould-Werth also took to heart advice that she once heard from an event speaker, “if one wants to serve the movement for social justice, one should develop concrete skills.” She went on to pursue graduate training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, earning a joint Ph.D. in sociology and social work from the University of Michigan. There she “continued to develop strong relationships with people directly impacted by the problems I wanted to help solve, at the same time as I learned the technical skills that I wanted to offer in my career.” 

This combination of direct service experience and rigorous academic training would chart a career path  from organizations like the Washington Center for Equitable Growth through to her most recent role as Chief Evaluation Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor, where she led an independent office responsible for coordinating the department’s evaluation research, and served as the department’s Scientific Integrity Official. 

A Vision for Reconstruction 

Gould-Werth arrives at Dēmos during what she describes as a moment when “our country is profoundly in need of its work.” She’s drawn to Dēmos’ model, which she finds “intellectually rich.” She notes, though, that the model offers more than an intellectual exercise: “The approach cuts to the core of social problems in the United States.” 

By explicitly addressing racism, she notes, Dēmos attacks “the force that underpins our nation’s social wrongs.”

What excites her most about Dēmos is its approach to creating what she calls a “virtuous circle,” delivering "economic resources and enfranchisement that addresses the immediate needs of Black and brown people at the same time as it builds their power.” By explicitly addressing racism, she notes, Dēmos attacks “the force that underpins our nation’s social wrongs.” 

Looking ahead to Dēmos’ next 25 years, Gould-Werth envisions the organization helping to usher in “a new era for the United States.” Working in coalition with grassroots groups and building power for Black and brown communities, she hopes Dēmos will help meet this moment of regression with “a blueprint for reconstruction.” 

"It is my hope that Dēmos will help rewrite the rules so that everyone in the United States has the resources they need and the power to exercise authentic self-determination."

“It is my hope that Dēmos will help rewrite the rules so that everyone in the United States has the resources they need and the power to exercise authentic self-determination,” she says. 

With her combination of technical expertise, government experience, and deep commitment to community-centered change, Gould-Werth is strongly positioned to lead Dēmos’ programmatic work during this critical moment in our nation’s history. Her vision is clear: rigorous research and strategic advocacy in service of both the moment and the future, ensuring that the policy decisions being made now shape a society where everyone can thrive for generations to come.