CAHSD
OUR LEADERSHIP
CAHSD
OUR LEADERSHIP
Working to expand and promote the organization, the California High School Democrats Executive Board is made up of an elected state Chair and Vice Chair along with members appointed at the Chair's discretion.
Working to expand and promote the organization, the California High School Democrats Executive Board is made up of an elected state Chair and Vice Chair along with members appointed at the Chair's discretion.
Working to expand and promote the organization, the California High School Democrats Executive Board is made up of an elected state Chair and Vice Chair along with members appointed at the Chair's discretion.
DELILAH YEN
STATEWIDE CHAIR
Delilah Yen (dyen@cahsdems.org) is a senior at Granada Hills Charter and excited to be this year's Statewide Chair for the California High School Democrats! In school, Deilah is a captain for her MUN team, president of her GirlUp Chapter, and president of her school's National Art Honors Society! Delilah is passionate about immigration rights, reproductive freedoms, civic engagement, and racial representation and equity. She expresses these passions through her involvement in organizations such as UNA-USA, CHIRLA, and IgniteHER. She also enjoys exploring the intersections between art and advocacy! Delilah looks forward to helping youth take action and project their voiced through CAHSD throughout the 2026-2027 term!
DELILAH YEN
STATEWIDE CHAIR
Delilah Yen (dyen@cahsdems.org) is a senior at Granada Hills Charter and excited to be this year's Statewide Chair for the California High School Democrats! In school, Deilah is a captain for her MUN team, president of her GirlUp Chapter, and president of her school's National Art Honors Society! Delilah is passionate about immigration rights, reproductive freedoms, civic engagement, and racial representation and equity. She expresses these passions through her involvement in organizations such as UNA-USA, CHIRLA, and IgniteHER. She also enjoys exploring the intersections between art and advocacy! Delilah looks forward to helping youth take action and project their voiced through CAHSD throughout the 2026-2027 term!
DELILAH YEN
STATEWIDE CHAIR
Delilah Yen (dyen@cahsdems.org) is a senior at Granada Hills Charter and excited to be this year's Statewide Chair for the California High School Democrats! In school, Deilah is a captain for her MUN team, president of her GirlUp Chapter, and president of her school's National Art Honors Society! Delilah is passionate about immigration rights, reproductive freedoms, civic engagement, and racial representation and equity. She expresses these passions through her involvement in organizations such as UNA-USA, CHIRLA, and IgniteHER. She also enjoys exploring the intersections between art and advocacy! Delilah looks forward to helping youth take action and project their voiced through CAHSD throughout the 2026-2027 term!
ETHAN TY
VICE CHAIR
Ethan Ty (ety@cahsdems.org), a senior at Carlmont High School and a progressive youth leader, serves as the Statewide Vice Chair of the California High School Democrats. Prior to his election, he served as the Bay Area Regional Director, supported 11 chapters, led a regional cabinet, and organized youth engagement efforts across one of California's most active regions. Outside of CAHSD, Ethan previously interned for the U.S. Library of Congress, Agarwal for CA-17, and is currently VP of Carlmont Mock Trial, and the president of his school’s networking club. Specifically in the political realm, he is interested in clean energy funding, regulating large tech companies and AI ethics, and public education funding. In his free time, Ethan enjoys watching TV shows, listening to music, playing guitar & violin, and drinking coffee. For the 2026-27 term, Ethan is elated to continue building CAHSD and advocating for California youth-led politics.
ETHAN TY
VICE CHAIR
Ethan Ty (ety@cahsdems.org), a senior at Carlmont High School and a progressive youth leader, serves as the Statewide Vice Chair of the California High School Democrats. Prior to his election, he served as the Bay Area Regional Director, supported 11 chapters, led a regional cabinet, and organized youth engagement efforts across one of California's most active regions. Outside of CAHSD, Ethan previously interned for the U.S. Library of Congress, Agarwal for CA-17, and is currently VP of Carlmont Mock Trial, and the president of his school’s networking club. Specifically in the political realm, he is interested in clean energy funding, regulating large tech companies and AI ethics, and public education funding. In his free time, Ethan enjoys watching TV shows, listening to music, playing guitar & violin, and drinking coffee. For the 2026-27 term, Ethan is elated to continue building CAHSD and advocating for California youth-led politics.
ETHAN TY
VICE CHAIR
Ethan Ty (ety@cahsdems.org), a senior at Carlmont High School and a progressive youth leader, serves as the Statewide Vice Chair of the California High School Democrats. Prior to his election, he served as the Bay Area Regional Director, supported 11 chapters, led a regional cabinet, and organized youth engagement efforts across one of California's most active regions. Outside of CAHSD, Ethan previously interned for the U.S. Library of Congress, Agarwal for CA-17, and is currently VP of Carlmont Mock Trial, and the president of his school’s networking club. Specifically in the political realm, he is interested in clean energy funding, regulating large tech companies and AI ethics, and public education funding. In his free time, Ethan enjoys watching TV shows, listening to music, playing guitar & violin, and drinking coffee. For the 2026-27 term, Ethan is elated to continue building CAHSD and advocating for California youth-led politics.
MADDY CHANG
CHIEF OF STAFF
Maddy Chang (willow43223@gmail.com) is a senior at Lynbrook High School and the current Chief of Staff of the California High School Democrats. Based in the Bay Area, she previously served as Deputy Policy Director and has been actively involved with CAHSD since her sophomore year. Beyond CAHSD, Maddy serves as the Youth Representative on her county's Democratic Central Committee and as the sole youth member of her city's Sustainability Commission, where she advocates for youth engagement in local government and environmental policy. She is passionate about civic education, voter engagement, and empowering young people to participate in the democratic process. Maddy is excited to continue advancing student-led advocacy and expanding opportunities for youth voices across California through her work with CAHSD.
MADDY CHANG
CHIEF OF STAFF
Maddy Chang (willow43223@gmail.com) is a senior at Lynbrook High School and the current Chief of Staff of the California High School Democrats. Based in the Bay Area, she previously served as Deputy Policy Director and has been actively involved with CAHSD since her sophomore year. Beyond CAHSD, Maddy serves as the Youth Representative on her county's Democratic Central Committee and as the sole youth member of her city's Sustainability Commission, where she advocates for youth engagement in local government and environmental policy. She is passionate about civic education, voter engagement, and empowering young people to participate in the democratic process. Maddy is excited to continue advancing student-led advocacy and expanding opportunities for youth voices across California through her work with CAHSD.
MADDY CHANG
CHIEF OF STAFF
Maddy Chang (willow43223@gmail.com) is a senior at Lynbrook High School and the current Chief of Staff of the California High School Democrats. Based in the Bay Area, she previously served as Deputy Policy Director and has been actively involved with CAHSD since her sophomore year. Beyond CAHSD, Maddy serves as the Youth Representative on her county's Democratic Central Committee and as the sole youth member of her city's Sustainability Commission, where she advocates for youth engagement in local government and environmental policy. She is passionate about civic education, voter engagement, and empowering young people to participate in the democratic process. Maddy is excited to continue advancing student-led advocacy and expanding opportunities for youth voices across California through her work with CAHSD.
ANIKA BHASIN
LOCAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Anika Bhasin (anikabhasin2010@gmail.com) is a junior at Dougherty Valley High School in the Bay Area passionate about student advocacy and youth civic engagement. She is excited to serve as Local Affairs Director for the California High School Democrats because she believes in the power of grassroots organizing and wants to empower chapters from the ground up. Reaffirming this passion, she is the founder of Bridge to Equity, where she has empowered over 530 youth in advocacy and public speaking curriculum and has been featured twice on local news. She has also served as the Vice President of California Association of Student Councils Region 4 for the past two years, where she has hosted numerous conferences for Bay Area students and has connected them to local legislators as well. Additionally, she currently serves as an intern for her Vice Mayor, where she leads campaigning and textbanking efforts to engage city constituents. A passionate public speaker, Anika is the Secretary and Public Relations Officer of her school's Model United Nations club, where she has led over 150 youth and has organized a conference for 300+ delegates, as well as the captain of Extemporaneous Speech for her school's debate club. In her free time, you can catch her hanging out with friends, going for walks, or trying out new food spots!
ANIKA BHASIN
LOCAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Anika Bhasin (anikabhasin2010@gmail.com) is a junior at Dougherty Valley High School in the Bay Area passionate about student advocacy and youth civic engagement. She is excited to serve as Local Affairs Director for the California High School Democrats because she believes in the power of grassroots organizing and wants to empower chapters from the ground up. Reaffirming this passion, she is the founder of Bridge to Equity, where she has empowered over 530 youth in advocacy and public speaking curriculum and has been featured twice on local news. She has also served as the Vice President of California Association of Student Councils Region 4 for the past two years, where she has hosted numerous conferences for Bay Area students and has connected them to local legislators as well. Additionally, she currently serves as an intern for her Vice Mayor, where she leads campaigning and textbanking efforts to engage city constituents. A passionate public speaker, Anika is the Secretary and Public Relations Officer of her school's Model United Nations club, where she has led over 150 youth and has organized a conference for 300+ delegates, as well as the captain of Extemporaneous Speech for her school's debate club. In her free time, you can catch her hanging out with friends, going for walks, or trying out new food spots!
ANIKA BHASIN
LOCAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR
Anika Bhasin (anikabhasin2010@gmail.com) is a junior at Dougherty Valley High School in the Bay Area passionate about student advocacy and youth civic engagement. She is excited to serve as Local Affairs Director for the California High School Democrats because she believes in the power of grassroots organizing and wants to empower chapters from the ground up. Reaffirming this passion, she is the founder of Bridge to Equity, where she has empowered over 530 youth in advocacy and public speaking curriculum and has been featured twice on local news. She has also served as the Vice President of California Association of Student Councils Region 4 for the past two years, where she has hosted numerous conferences for Bay Area students and has connected them to local legislators as well. Additionally, she currently serves as an intern for her Vice Mayor, where she leads campaigning and textbanking efforts to engage city constituents. A passionate public speaker, Anika is the Secretary and Public Relations Officer of her school's Model United Nations club, where she has led over 150 youth and has organized a conference for 300+ delegates, as well as the captain of Extemporaneous Speech for her school's debate club. In her free time, you can catch her hanging out with friends, going for walks, or trying out new food spots!
EURI KIM
POLICY DIRECTOR
Euri Kim (eurikim23@gmail.com), a senior at Arnold O. Beckman High School, is a student advocate dedicated to building systems that work for—and with—young people. She serves as State President of the California Association of Student Councils, the state-recognized body training student leaders since 1947, where she designed a statewide fellowship equipping student board members—particularly from underrepresented districts—to challenge inequitable decision-making, funded by a grant from the California Department of Education. She has presented to the State Board of Education, spoken before the Assembly Committee on Education, and testified for several bills expanding access to higher education. She authored AB 2248 (Hoover), state legislation requiring schools to proactively notify every student of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment options to close access gaps driven by race, income, and school context—and she continues to lead its legislative strategy alongside Asm. Hoover's office. A 2025 National YoungArts Awardee in Writing and a Top 6 statewide finalist for California's Student Board Member position, Euri spends her free time writing, hanging out with friends, and cafe-hopping. She's endlessly excited to keep building the future we all want to see with CAHSD.
EURI KIM
POLICY DIRECTOR
Euri Kim (eurikim23@gmail.com), a senior at Arnold O. Beckman High School, is a student advocate dedicated to building systems that work for—and with—young people. She serves as State President of the California Association of Student Councils, the state-recognized body training student leaders since 1947, where she designed a statewide fellowship equipping student board members—particularly from underrepresented districts—to challenge inequitable decision-making, funded by a grant from the California Department of Education. She has presented to the State Board of Education, spoken before the Assembly Committee on Education, and testified for several bills expanding access to higher education. She authored AB 2248 (Hoover), state legislation requiring schools to proactively notify every student of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment options to close access gaps driven by race, income, and school context—and she continues to lead its legislative strategy alongside Asm. Hoover's office. A 2025 National YoungArts Awardee in Writing and a Top 6 statewide finalist for California's Student Board Member position, Euri spends her free time writing, hanging out with friends, and cafe-hopping. She's endlessly excited to keep building the future we all want to see with CAHSD.
EURI KIM
POLICY DIRECTOR
Euri Kim (eurikim23@gmail.com), a senior at Arnold O. Beckman High School, is a student advocate dedicated to building systems that work for—and with—young people. She serves as State President of the California Association of Student Councils, the state-recognized body training student leaders since 1947, where she designed a statewide fellowship equipping student board members—particularly from underrepresented districts—to challenge inequitable decision-making, funded by a grant from the California Department of Education. She has presented to the State Board of Education, spoken before the Assembly Committee on Education, and testified for several bills expanding access to higher education. She authored AB 2248 (Hoover), state legislation requiring schools to proactively notify every student of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and dual enrollment options to close access gaps driven by race, income, and school context—and she continues to lead its legislative strategy alongside Asm. Hoover's office. A 2025 National YoungArts Awardee in Writing and a Top 6 statewide finalist for California's Student Board Member position, Euri spends her free time writing, hanging out with friends, and cafe-hopping. She's endlessly excited to keep building the future we all want to see with CAHSD.
RISHI SIKH
POLICY DIRECTOR
Rishi Sikh (sikhrishi@gmail.com) is a junior at Westlake High School and is very excited to serve as CAHSD's Policy Director this year. A student advocate passionate about uplifting the ESL community in Southern California, he is the Founder & CEO of SpeakUp Scholars, a non profit organization dedicated to enhancing educational equity for ESL students, specifically through debate and public speaking workshops. Inside his school, he runs Global Policy Forum, a club which empowers teenagers to understand policy, participate in civic life, and engage in informed political decisions. Additionally, he plays Varsity Tennis and participates in Speech & Debate and Model United Nations. Rishi cannot wait to drive forward legislative advocacy for CAHSD!
RISHI SIKH
POLICY DIRECTOR
Rishi Sikh (sikhrishi@gmail.com) is a junior at Westlake High School and is very excited to serve as CAHSD's Policy Director this year. A student advocate passionate about uplifting the ESL community in Southern California, he is the Founder & CEO of SpeakUp Scholars, a non profit organization dedicated to enhancing educational equity for ESL students, specifically through debate and public speaking workshops. Inside his school, he runs Global Policy Forum, a club which empowers teenagers to understand policy, participate in civic life, and engage in informed political decisions. Additionally, he plays Varsity Tennis and participates in Speech & Debate and Model United Nations. Rishi cannot wait to drive forward legislative advocacy for CAHSD!
RISHI SIKH
POLICY DIRECTOR
Rishi Sikh (sikhrishi@gmail.com) is a junior at Westlake High School and is very excited to serve as CAHSD's Policy Director this year. A student advocate passionate about uplifting the ESL community in Southern California, he is the Founder & CEO of SpeakUp Scholars, a non profit organization dedicated to enhancing educational equity for ESL students, specifically through debate and public speaking workshops. Inside his school, he runs Global Policy Forum, a club which empowers teenagers to understand policy, participate in civic life, and engage in informed political decisions. Additionally, he plays Varsity Tennis and participates in Speech & Debate and Model United Nations. Rishi cannot wait to drive forward legislative advocacy for CAHSD!
JEREMY CHOI-KALLEN
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
Jeremy Choi-Kallen is a senior at Crescenta Valley High School in Glendale, California. Jeremy is excited to expand youth civic engagement across California and to advocate for gender, racial, and social justice. This year he worked to manage the reelection campaign for Glendale Unified School District Board of Education President Ingrid Gunnell. In this capacity, Jeremy organized canvassing and fundraising and maintained social media, PR assistance, and staff cohesion throughout a highly contentious campaign against a Republican, 21-year former school board member. As a proud member of glendaleOUT, Jeremy works hard to support the marginalized LGBTQIA+ community, planning and initiating annual events for Pride Month, Solidarity Week, and Coming Out Day. By focusing on progressive causes, Jeremy makes sure California is a more inclusive place for everyone. When he’s not working in politics, he works as a student director for his school theater. He loves to help his fellow students with performance, projection, and choreography.
JEREMY CHOI-KALLEN
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
Jeremy Choi-Kallen is a senior at Crescenta Valley High School in Glendale, California. Jeremy is excited to expand youth civic engagement across California and to advocate for gender, racial, and social justice. This year he worked to manage the reelection campaign for Glendale Unified School District Board of Education President Ingrid Gunnell. In this capacity, Jeremy organized canvassing and fundraising and maintained social media, PR assistance, and staff cohesion throughout a highly contentious campaign against a Republican, 21-year former school board member. As a proud member of glendaleOUT, Jeremy works hard to support the marginalized LGBTQIA+ community, planning and initiating annual events for Pride Month, Solidarity Week, and Coming Out Day. By focusing on progressive causes, Jeremy makes sure California is a more inclusive place for everyone. When he’s not working in politics, he works as a student director for his school theater. He loves to help his fellow students with performance, projection, and choreography.
JEREMY CHOI-KALLEN
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
Jeremy Choi-Kallen is a senior at Crescenta Valley High School in Glendale, California. Jeremy is excited to expand youth civic engagement across California and to advocate for gender, racial, and social justice. This year he worked to manage the reelection campaign for Glendale Unified School District Board of Education President Ingrid Gunnell. In this capacity, Jeremy organized canvassing and fundraising and maintained social media, PR assistance, and staff cohesion throughout a highly contentious campaign against a Republican, 21-year former school board member. As a proud member of glendaleOUT, Jeremy works hard to support the marginalized LGBTQIA+ community, planning and initiating annual events for Pride Month, Solidarity Week, and Coming Out Day. By focusing on progressive causes, Jeremy makes sure California is a more inclusive place for everyone. When he’s not working in politics, he works as a student director for his school theater. He loves to help his fellow students with performance, projection, and choreography.
ANIKA KHANNA
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
Anika Khanna is a junior at Lynbrook High School in San José, CA. She’s passionate about youth engagement in democratic politics and grassroots organizing. On a local level, she served on the San Jose District 1 youth advisory council, organizing events and drafting a work plan to serve the youth of her community. Within HSDA, she’s previously been involved in AANHPI, Women’s, and First Generation Caucuses, organizing programming, partnerships, and initiatives to create space for youth with traditionally marginalized identities. She continues this kind of work within Bridge to Pride, where she works to improve access to resources for LGBTQ+ youth across the nation. This year, she aims to mobilize CAHSD membership for the 2026 midterms, state assembly, and state senate races. In her free time, she does archery, learns languages, and drinks boba.
ANIKA KHANNA
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
Anika Khanna is a junior at Lynbrook High School in San José, CA. She’s passionate about youth engagement in democratic politics and grassroots organizing. On a local level, she served on the San Jose District 1 youth advisory council, organizing events and drafting a work plan to serve the youth of her community. Within HSDA, she’s previously been involved in AANHPI, Women’s, and First Generation Caucuses, organizing programming, partnerships, and initiatives to create space for youth with traditionally marginalized identities. She continues this kind of work within Bridge to Pride, where she works to improve access to resources for LGBTQ+ youth across the nation. This year, she aims to mobilize CAHSD membership for the 2026 midterms, state assembly, and state senate races. In her free time, she does archery, learns languages, and drinks boba.
ANIKA KHANNA
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
Anika Khanna is a junior at Lynbrook High School in San José, CA. She’s passionate about youth engagement in democratic politics and grassroots organizing. On a local level, she served on the San Jose District 1 youth advisory council, organizing events and drafting a work plan to serve the youth of her community. Within HSDA, she’s previously been involved in AANHPI, Women’s, and First Generation Caucuses, organizing programming, partnerships, and initiatives to create space for youth with traditionally marginalized identities. She continues this kind of work within Bridge to Pride, where she works to improve access to resources for LGBTQ+ youth across the nation. This year, she aims to mobilize CAHSD membership for the 2026 midterms, state assembly, and state senate races. In her free time, she does archery, learns languages, and drinks boba.
EMILY DIAZ
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Emily Diaz (emilydiaz296@gmail.com), a senior at Tustin High School, is a passionate mental health advocate alongside youth political organizer dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for first-generation, low-income students. Outside of CAHSD, Emily is the sole Orange County Mental Health Policy Fellow with the Youth Leadership Institute, advocating to expand the Behavioral Health Services Act to support disadvantaged youth by crafting policy recommendations from youth community research. She empowers youth in policy through her legislative research with IGNITE National, tracking bills on civic engagement and menstrual equity whilst scheduling policy lobbying conferences connecting dozens of female delegates across California. Emily engages youth voter turn-out through her leadership on a variety of Congressional and Supervisorial campaigns, shaping Southern Californian campaign brand identity. Her passion for community service shines through her outstanding leadership and humanitarian contributions as a 8th Time Recognized Carson Scholar, Class of 2027 Simon Scholar, and 2026 Alexander Hamilton Scholar. Additionally, Emily is a Secretary-General of Committees for Tustin High Model UN, CA-46 Young Congressional Leader, and AD-73 Young Legislator. This year, Emily is exceptionally excited to represent CAHSD’s platform as a Communications Director.
EMILY DIAZ
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Emily Diaz (emilydiaz296@gmail.com), a senior at Tustin High School, is a passionate mental health advocate alongside youth political organizer dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for first-generation, low-income students. Outside of CAHSD, Emily is the sole Orange County Mental Health Policy Fellow with the Youth Leadership Institute, advocating to expand the Behavioral Health Services Act to support disadvantaged youth by crafting policy recommendations from youth community research. She empowers youth in policy through her legislative research with IGNITE National, tracking bills on civic engagement and menstrual equity whilst scheduling policy lobbying conferences connecting dozens of female delegates across California. Emily engages youth voter turn-out through her leadership on a variety of Congressional and Supervisorial campaigns, shaping Southern Californian campaign brand identity. Her passion for community service shines through her outstanding leadership and humanitarian contributions as a 8th Time Recognized Carson Scholar, Class of 2027 Simon Scholar, and 2026 Alexander Hamilton Scholar. Additionally, Emily is a Secretary-General of Committees for Tustin High Model UN, CA-46 Young Congressional Leader, and AD-73 Young Legislator. This year, Emily is exceptionally excited to represent CAHSD’s platform as a Communications Director.
EMILY DIAZ
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Emily Diaz (emilydiaz296@gmail.com), a senior at Tustin High School, is a passionate mental health advocate alongside youth political organizer dedicated to bridging the opportunity gap for first-generation, low-income students. Outside of CAHSD, Emily is the sole Orange County Mental Health Policy Fellow with the Youth Leadership Institute, advocating to expand the Behavioral Health Services Act to support disadvantaged youth by crafting policy recommendations from youth community research. She empowers youth in policy through her legislative research with IGNITE National, tracking bills on civic engagement and menstrual equity whilst scheduling policy lobbying conferences connecting dozens of female delegates across California. Emily engages youth voter turn-out through her leadership on a variety of Congressional and Supervisorial campaigns, shaping Southern Californian campaign brand identity. Her passion for community service shines through her outstanding leadership and humanitarian contributions as a 8th Time Recognized Carson Scholar, Class of 2027 Simon Scholar, and 2026 Alexander Hamilton Scholar. Additionally, Emily is a Secretary-General of Committees for Tustin High Model UN, CA-46 Young Congressional Leader, and AD-73 Young Legislator. This year, Emily is exceptionally excited to represent CAHSD’s platform as a Communications Director.
IRENE CHO
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Irene Cho (ir03ne@gmail.com) is a sophomore at the Orange County School of the Arts and is excited to serve as Communications Director for the California High School Democrats. She is passionate about student well-being, educational policy, and creating more accessible pathways for young people to engage in their communities. Believing that meaningful change begins when awareness becomes action, Irene co-founded and serves as President of her school’s Friday Night Live chapter, a youth leadership program that promotes mental health, substance abuse prevention, and student well-being. Through FNL, she leads schoolwide wellness initiatives that connect students with resources, encourage peer support, and make it easier to seek help. Building on that experience, she is committed to expanding opportunities for student engagement and helping more young people find their voice through CAHSD. Beyond her school community, Irene serves on the California Association of Student Councils’ statewide Legislative Policy Committee and Region 10 Outreach Committee, where she works alongside fellow student leaders to develop policy proposals and expand student engagement. Outside of advocacy, Irene loves exploring all genres of music, especially musical theater. Inspired by the power of storytelling, she is excited to use communication to help more young people find their voices, get involved, and turn their ideas into action through CAHSD.
IRENE CHO
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Irene Cho (ir03ne@gmail.com) is a sophomore at the Orange County School of the Arts and is excited to serve as Communications Director for the California High School Democrats. She is passionate about student well-being, educational policy, and creating more accessible pathways for young people to engage in their communities. Believing that meaningful change begins when awareness becomes action, Irene co-founded and serves as President of her school’s Friday Night Live chapter, a youth leadership program that promotes mental health, substance abuse prevention, and student well-being. Through FNL, she leads schoolwide wellness initiatives that connect students with resources, encourage peer support, and make it easier to seek help. Building on that experience, she is committed to expanding opportunities for student engagement and helping more young people find their voice through CAHSD. Beyond her school community, Irene serves on the California Association of Student Councils’ statewide Legislative Policy Committee and Region 10 Outreach Committee, where she works alongside fellow student leaders to develop policy proposals and expand student engagement. Outside of advocacy, Irene loves exploring all genres of music, especially musical theater. Inspired by the power of storytelling, she is excited to use communication to help more young people find their voices, get involved, and turn their ideas into action through CAHSD.
IRENE CHO
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Irene Cho (ir03ne@gmail.com) is a sophomore at the Orange County School of the Arts and is excited to serve as Communications Director for the California High School Democrats. She is passionate about student well-being, educational policy, and creating more accessible pathways for young people to engage in their communities. Believing that meaningful change begins when awareness becomes action, Irene co-founded and serves as President of her school’s Friday Night Live chapter, a youth leadership program that promotes mental health, substance abuse prevention, and student well-being. Through FNL, she leads schoolwide wellness initiatives that connect students with resources, encourage peer support, and make it easier to seek help. Building on that experience, she is committed to expanding opportunities for student engagement and helping more young people find their voice through CAHSD. Beyond her school community, Irene serves on the California Association of Student Councils’ statewide Legislative Policy Committee and Region 10 Outreach Committee, where she works alongside fellow student leaders to develop policy proposals and expand student engagement. Outside of advocacy, Irene loves exploring all genres of music, especially musical theater. Inspired by the power of storytelling, she is excited to use communication to help more young people find their voices, get involved, and turn their ideas into action through CAHSD.
AKSHATHA JAGAN
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Akshatha Jagan (akshujagan@gmail.com) is a junior at Mountain House High School and serves as Finance Director for the California High School Democrats. She is passionate about youth civic engagement, political organizing, and expanding student leadership opportunities across California. As the Founder and CEO of Crochetee, she has generated over $8,000 in sales through 45+ business fairs. She also founded the Mountain House Children’s Business Fair, bringing together 350+ young entrepreneurs and earning recognition from the city council and the local newspaper. She further serves on the Mountain House Youth Council, where she works on initiatives to increase youth civic participation and representation in local decision-making. In school, she is a competitor in DECA and the USG of Operations in Model United Nations, where she engages with business and policy-related issues through research and debate. She is especially interested in education and how public policy can expand opportunities for immigrants and underserved communities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, photography, and binge-watching movies and shows. Akshatha is excited to help youth get involved and make their voices heard through CAHSD!
AKSHATHA JAGAN
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Akshatha Jagan (akshujagan@gmail.com) is a junior at Mountain House High School and serves as Finance Director for the California High School Democrats. She is passionate about youth civic engagement, political organizing, and expanding student leadership opportunities across California. As the Founder and CEO of Crochetee, she has generated over $8,000 in sales through 45+ business fairs. She also founded the Mountain House Children’s Business Fair, bringing together 350+ young entrepreneurs and earning recognition from the city council and the local newspaper. She further serves on the Mountain House Youth Council, where she works on initiatives to increase youth civic participation and representation in local decision-making. In school, she is a competitor in DECA and the USG of Operations in Model United Nations, where she engages with business and policy-related issues through research and debate. She is especially interested in education and how public policy can expand opportunities for immigrants and underserved communities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, photography, and binge-watching movies and shows. Akshatha is excited to help youth get involved and make their voices heard through CAHSD!
AKSHATHA JAGAN
FINANCE DIRECTOR
Akshatha Jagan (akshujagan@gmail.com) is a junior at Mountain House High School and serves as Finance Director for the California High School Democrats. She is passionate about youth civic engagement, political organizing, and expanding student leadership opportunities across California. As the Founder and CEO of Crochetee, she has generated over $8,000 in sales through 45+ business fairs. She also founded the Mountain House Children’s Business Fair, bringing together 350+ young entrepreneurs and earning recognition from the city council and the local newspaper. She further serves on the Mountain House Youth Council, where she works on initiatives to increase youth civic participation and representation in local decision-making. In school, she is a competitor in DECA and the USG of Operations in Model United Nations, where she engages with business and policy-related issues through research and debate. She is especially interested in education and how public policy can expand opportunities for immigrants and underserved communities. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, photography, and binge-watching movies and shows. Akshatha is excited to help youth get involved and make their voices heard through CAHSD!
OUR ADULT ADVISORY BOARD
OUR ADULT ADVISORY BOARD
The Executive Board of the California High School Democrats is assisted by an Adult Advisory board. Together, they work to expand and promote the organization while ensuring that all CAHSD chapters and members are connected with opportunities to grow their political involvement.
The Executive Board of the California High School Democrats is assisted by an Adult Advisory board. Together, they work to expand and promote the organization while ensuring that all CAHSD chapters and members are connected with opportunities to grow their political involvement.
SHAY FRANCO-CLAUSEN
The honorable Shay Franco-Clausen is a fierce and dynamic powerhouse, who advocates tirelessly to empower, educate and prepare women of color to take their rightful seat at the decision-making table. Overcoming many adversaries and barriers growing up in San Jose, Shay engages her community with empathy and diligence. Serving on many boards and commissions, she brings her “first-person” experience in creating stronger, comprehensive legislation benefiting the marginalized communities that she has proudly risen from. Just this last year, Shay was instrumental in three legislation wins; passing Senate Bill 273, Authored Senator Susan Rubio, “Expanding the Statute of Limitations on felony Domestic Violence”, protecting 1,000 acres of California's most threatened pieces of land in Coyote Valley, passing Proposition 17 to restore voting rights of those on parole and currently working to remove involuntary servitude from the State Constitution.Shay is elected to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, is the West Coast Regional Program Director for IGNITE National, elected Santa Clara County Democratic Delegate, former Director of Gender and Equity for the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee, former Chair of Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women, former Corresponding Secretary for the CDP Black Caucus and former Chair of the Justice and Advocacy Committee. Shay is also a loving mother of five children with her wife Yolanda and a Bay Area DJ. “I am just trying to be the Women I wished I would have met at 14,” Shay says is the impetus to her advocacy.
SHAY FRANCO-CLAUSEN
The honorable Shay Franco-Clausen is a fierce and dynamic powerhouse, who advocates tirelessly to empower, educate and prepare women of color to take their rightful seat at the decision-making table. Overcoming many adversaries and barriers growing up in San Jose, Shay engages her community with empathy and diligence. Serving on many boards and commissions, she brings her “first-person” experience in creating stronger, comprehensive legislation benefiting the marginalized communities that she has proudly risen from. Just this last year, Shay was instrumental in three legislation wins; passing Senate Bill 273, Authored Senator Susan Rubio, “Expanding the Statute of Limitations on felony Domestic Violence”, protecting 1,000 acres of California's most threatened pieces of land in Coyote Valley, passing Proposition 17 to restore voting rights of those on parole and currently working to remove involuntary servitude from the State Constitution.Shay is elected to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, is the West Coast Regional Program Director for IGNITE National, elected Santa Clara County Democratic Delegate, former Director of Gender and Equity for the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee, former Chair of Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women, former Corresponding Secretary for the CDP Black Caucus and former Chair of the Justice and Advocacy Committee. Shay is also a loving mother of five children with her wife Yolanda and a Bay Area DJ. “I am just trying to be the Women I wished I would have met at 14,” Shay says is the impetus to her advocacy.
SHAY FRANCO-CLAUSEN
The honorable Shay Franco-Clausen is a fierce and dynamic powerhouse, who advocates tirelessly to empower, educate and prepare women of color to take their rightful seat at the decision-making table. Overcoming many adversaries and barriers growing up in San Jose, Shay engages her community with empathy and diligence. Serving on many boards and commissions, she brings her “first-person” experience in creating stronger, comprehensive legislation benefiting the marginalized communities that she has proudly risen from. Just this last year, Shay was instrumental in three legislation wins; passing Senate Bill 273, Authored Senator Susan Rubio, “Expanding the Statute of Limitations on felony Domestic Violence”, protecting 1,000 acres of California's most threatened pieces of land in Coyote Valley, passing Proposition 17 to restore voting rights of those on parole and currently working to remove involuntary servitude from the State Constitution.Shay is elected to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, is the West Coast Regional Program Director for IGNITE National, elected Santa Clara County Democratic Delegate, former Director of Gender and Equity for the Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee, former Chair of Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women, former Corresponding Secretary for the CDP Black Caucus and former Chair of the Justice and Advocacy Committee. Shay is also a loving mother of five children with her wife Yolanda and a Bay Area DJ. “I am just trying to be the Women I wished I would have met at 14,” Shay says is the impetus to her advocacy.
JORDAN ELDRIDGE
Jordan Eldridge has been in the political arena since serving on the Foothill De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees as the Student Trustee from De Anza College in 2007-2008. Jordan’s political career was launched with his involvement in the Silicon Valley Young Democrats and California Young Democrats, organizations that have been credited as being the launching pad for many Democratic elected officials and government affairs professionals across California. Jordan has worked on dozens of campaigns and has legislative experience having worked for two California State Assemblymembers and a State Representative in Massachusetts. After Jordan received his Master of Public Administration degree from Northeastern University in 2015, he worked for the Santa Clara Valley Water District in Local and Regional Government Relations; has worked as a labor organizer; represents the Santa Clara County Democratic Party on the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party; and is a Local Board Member of the United States Selective Service System. He served on the governing board of the Rancho Rinconada Recreation and Park District from 2010-2013 and was appointed to fill a vacancy on the same board in 2019. Jordan Eldridge founded Eldridge Political Partners LLC in December 2018 – a political consulting firm specializing in campaign finance; campaign management and general political consulting; and public policy and advocacy work. He is excited to be a member of the Adult Advisory Board of the California High School Democrats!
JORDAN ELDRIDGE
Jordan Eldridge has been in the political arena since serving on the Foothill De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees as the Student Trustee from De Anza College in 2007-2008. Jordan’s political career was launched with his involvement in the Silicon Valley Young Democrats and California Young Democrats, organizations that have been credited as being the launching pad for many Democratic elected officials and government affairs professionals across California. Jordan has worked on dozens of campaigns and has legislative experience having worked for two California State Assemblymembers and a State Representative in Massachusetts. After Jordan received his Master of Public Administration degree from Northeastern University in 2015, he worked for the Santa Clara Valley Water District in Local and Regional Government Relations; has worked as a labor organizer; represents the Santa Clara County Democratic Party on the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party; and is a Local Board Member of the United States Selective Service System. He served on the governing board of the Rancho Rinconada Recreation and Park District from 2010-2013 and was appointed to fill a vacancy on the same board in 2019. Jordan Eldridge founded Eldridge Political Partners LLC in December 2018 – a political consulting firm specializing in campaign finance; campaign management and general political consulting; and public policy and advocacy work. He is excited to be a member of the Adult Advisory Board of the California High School Democrats!
JORDAN ELDRIDGE
Jordan Eldridge has been in the political arena since serving on the Foothill De Anza Community College District Board of Trustees as the Student Trustee from De Anza College in 2007-2008. Jordan’s political career was launched with his involvement in the Silicon Valley Young Democrats and California Young Democrats, organizations that have been credited as being the launching pad for many Democratic elected officials and government affairs professionals across California. Jordan has worked on dozens of campaigns and has legislative experience having worked for two California State Assemblymembers and a State Representative in Massachusetts. After Jordan received his Master of Public Administration degree from Northeastern University in 2015, he worked for the Santa Clara Valley Water District in Local and Regional Government Relations; has worked as a labor organizer; represents the Santa Clara County Democratic Party on the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party; and is a Local Board Member of the United States Selective Service System. He served on the governing board of the Rancho Rinconada Recreation and Park District from 2010-2013 and was appointed to fill a vacancy on the same board in 2019. Jordan Eldridge founded Eldridge Political Partners LLC in December 2018 – a political consulting firm specializing in campaign finance; campaign management and general political consulting; and public policy and advocacy work. He is excited to be a member of the Adult Advisory Board of the California High School Democrats!
Please feel free to email any member of the Executive Board if you have any questions or suggestions.
Please feel free to email any member of the Executive Board if you have any questions or suggestions.
Please feel free to email any member of the Executive Board if you have any questions or suggestions.