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James Rasza

CO-FOUNDER, CEO, WORKER-OWNER

James hails from Gray, Maine. He is one of the founders and current CEO of Democracy Brewing. His extensive experience in economic justice organizing includes working for workers’ centers, labor unions, and a climate organization. He has coordinated campaigns bringing together labor, community, faith, racial justice, student, climate, and immigrant groups. James's worker cooperative experience includes interning for the US Federation of Worker Cooperatives as well as working for Equal Exchange, one of the largest worker-coop businesses in the United States. He also has years of experience in the service and brewing industry. He has a bachelor’s degree in Community Studies and Economic Justice from the University of California, Santa Cruz.

Miguel Zambrano

EXECUTIVE CHEF, GENERAL MANAGER, WORKER-OWNER

Miguel started his culinary adventure in Anzoátegui, Venezuela. He went to culinary school for 3 years, gaining several culinary degrees during his schooling. He then spent his time mastering pizza at Papa John's, before moving to the US and joining the team at Democracy. He started as a dishwasher, and in several short months, he grew through each role to hold the position of Sous Chef, and is currently Executive Chef & General Manager. Miguel is a true team player, and is always looking to learn from his team.

Cathleen Klem

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER

Cathleen started with Democracy Brewing in July, 2023 as a server after returning from spending a year living abroad in Sydney, Australia and has since worked her way up to Hospitality Manager. She has over ten years of experience in the food service industry having worked as a barista, hostess, server, cocktail bartender, and bar supervisor. Cathleen is an alumna of Keene State College where she earned degrees in Political Science and Genocide Studies. She is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive work environment for staff, and an incredible dining experience for guests.

Kat Cleary

EVENT/MARKETING COORDINATOR

Kat grew up just outside of Boston, in Canton, Massachusetts, and currently calls South Boston home. With a diverse background in events, she has experience ranging from planning her own film festival to assisting in large-scale charity events and catering. Kat is deeply passionate about expanding our event bookings and enhancing our existing offerings, such as our weekly comedy night and monthly storytelling show. She revels in the social aspect of her position and excels in perfecting the details for each unique event. 

Mike Nickerson

FRONT OF HOUSE MANAGER, WORKER-OWNER

Mike grew up in the south shore of Mass. and has worked in the service industry for over 10 years. He’s a big fan of pubs and breweries, and believes nothing is more beautiful than a perfectly poured Guinness. He went to school at Boston University where he completed his bachelor’s degree in Classical Languages. He’s been with Democracy Brewing since 2022, going from bartender to Hospitality Manager and is on the board of Owners as President. He strives to provide excellent guest service and quality (bad) jokes. When he’s not working on the bar or the floor, you can usually find him at the bar.

Fernando Zambrano

HEAD CHEF, WORKER-OWNER

Ruben Alvarez

SOUS CHEF, WORKER-OWNER