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.
GEORGE BALAN
STATEWIDE PRESIDENT
George Balan (gbalan@cahsdems.org), a senior at Miramonte High School, serves as Chair of the California High School Democrats. Based in the Bay Area, George previously served as Finance Director and has since begun his second term as Chair. Appointed to the California Department of Education’s LGBTQ+ Task Force last year, George has worked consistently to uplift traditionally underrepresented voices. Aside from his political advocacy, George has achieved recognition as a State Finalist in Congressional Debate, a Stanford Finalist in Extemporaneous Speech, and as a three-time National Tournament Qualifier. George is enthusiastic about driving meaningful change within the California High School Democrats and is committed to building the next generation of advocates.
GEORGE BALAN
STATEWIDE PRESIDENT
George Balan (gbalan@cahsdems.org), a senior at Miramonte High School, serves as Chair of the California High School Democrats. Based in the Bay Area, George previously served as Finance Director and has since begun his second term as Chair. Appointed to the California Department of Education’s LGBTQ+ Task Force last year, George has worked consistently to uplift traditionally underrepresented voices. Aside from his political advocacy, George has achieved recognition as a State Finalist in Congressional Debate, a Stanford Finalist in Extemporaneous Speech, and as a three-time National Tournament Qualifier. George is enthusiastic about driving meaningful change within the California High School Democrats and is committed to building the next generation of advocates.
GEORGE BALAN
STATEWIDE PRESIDENT
George Balan (gbalan@cahsdems.org), a senior at Miramonte High School, serves as Chair of the California High School Democrats. Based in the Bay Area, George previously served as Finance Director and has since begun his second term as Chair. Appointed to the California Department of Education’s LGBTQ+ Task Force last year, George has worked consistently to uplift traditionally underrepresented voices. Aside from his political advocacy, George has achieved recognition as a State Finalist in Congressional Debate, a Stanford Finalist in Extemporaneous Speech, and as a three-time National Tournament Qualifier. George is enthusiastic about driving meaningful change within the California High School Democrats and is committed to building the next generation of advocates.
KAMILA RIVERA
VICE CHAIR
Kamila Rivera (krivera@cahsdems.org) is a senior at Troy High School in Orange County and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the California High School Democrats. Passionate about elevating youth voices in political spaces, she also serves as a Director of K-12 Policy for Generation Upwards, as one of the Region 10 GAP Directors for the California Association of Student Councils, & as a member of her city’s Youth Committee. This past summer, Kamila interned with Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva’s office, where she learned from Latino leaders in the State Legislature and deepened her commitment to public service. She aspires to continue her advocacy at the State or Federal level someday, working to uplift marginalized communities, and expand opportunities for the next generation. In her free time, she enjoys debating and crafting some tasty beverages as a Dutch Bros broista.
KAMILA RIVERA
VICE CHAIR
Kamila Rivera (krivera@cahsdems.org) is a senior at Troy High School in Orange County and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the California High School Democrats. Passionate about elevating youth voices in political spaces, she also serves as a Director of K-12 Policy for Generation Upwards, as one of the Region 10 GAP Directors for the California Association of Student Councils, & as a member of her city’s Youth Committee. This past summer, Kamila interned with Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva’s office, where she learned from Latino leaders in the State Legislature and deepened her commitment to public service. She aspires to continue her advocacy at the State or Federal level someday, working to uplift marginalized communities, and expand opportunities for the next generation. In her free time, she enjoys debating and crafting some tasty beverages as a Dutch Bros broista.
KAMILA RIVERA
VICE CHAIR
Kamila Rivera (krivera@cahsdems.org) is a senior at Troy High School in Orange County and currently serves as the Vice Chair of the California High School Democrats. Passionate about elevating youth voices in political spaces, she also serves as a Director of K-12 Policy for Generation Upwards, as one of the Region 10 GAP Directors for the California Association of Student Councils, & as a member of her city’s Youth Committee. This past summer, Kamila interned with Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva’s office, where she learned from Latino leaders in the State Legislature and deepened her commitment to public service. She aspires to continue her advocacy at the State or Federal level someday, working to uplift marginalized communities, and expand opportunities for the next generation. In her free time, she enjoys debating and crafting some tasty beverages as a Dutch Bros broista.
DELILAH YEN
CHIEF OF STAFF
Delilah Yen (dyen@cahsdems.org) is a junior at Granada Hills Charter and is excited to be this year's Chief of Staff for the California High School Democrats! In school, Delilah is a competitor in Congressional Debate and Model United Nations where she researches both global and national issues and advocates for meaningful solutions. More specifically, Delilah is passionate about immigration rights, reproductive freedoms, civic engagement, and racial representation and equity. She expresses her passion for these topics through organizations such as UNA-USA and the Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods. In her free time, Delilah enjoys drawing, hanging out with friends, and listening to Laufey. Delilah is excited to help youth take action and raise their voices through CAHSD!
DELILAH YEN
CHIEF OF STAFF
Delilah Yen (dyen@cahsdems.org) is a junior at Granada Hills Charter and is excited to be this year's Chief of Staff for the California High School Democrats! In school, Delilah is a competitor in Congressional Debate and Model United Nations where she researches both global and national issues and advocates for meaningful solutions. More specifically, Delilah is passionate about immigration rights, reproductive freedoms, civic engagement, and racial representation and equity. She expresses her passion for these topics through organizations such as UNA-USA and the Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods. In her free time, Delilah enjoys drawing, hanging out with friends, and listening to Laufey. Delilah is excited to help youth take action and raise their voices through CAHSD!
DELILAH YEN
CHIEF OF STAFF
Delilah Yen (dyen@cahsdems.org) is a junior at Granada Hills Charter and is excited to be this year's Chief of Staff for the California High School Democrats! In school, Delilah is a competitor in Congressional Debate and Model United Nations where she researches both global and national issues and advocates for meaningful solutions. More specifically, Delilah is passionate about immigration rights, reproductive freedoms, civic engagement, and racial representation and equity. She expresses her passion for these topics through organizations such as UNA-USA and the Los Angeles Congress of Neighborhoods. In her free time, Delilah enjoys drawing, hanging out with friends, and listening to Laufey. Delilah is excited to help youth take action and raise their voices through CAHSD!
EMILY DIAZ
LOCAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Emily Diaz is a junior at Tustin High School excited about getting involved with CAHSD by serving on the Executive Board, establishing a local chapter, and enacting state-wide and local campaigns through the Youth in Session Fellowship. She is passionate about mental health service accessibility alongside educational policy bridging the opportunity gap for first-generation, immigrant students. Outside of CAHSD, Emily is a part of the statewide California Association of Student Councils (CASC’s) Legislative Policy Committee, performing grassroots efforts to lobby bills focused on low-income families and writing original bill proposals advocating for student immigrants. Currently, she is also a paid Research Intern for the Child Mind Institute where she conducts original qualitative research investigating the impact of parental pressure on first-generation daughters performing statistical analysis. She continues her advocacy for advancement in gender equity as the sole Editor-in-Chief for Girlhood Magazine, an online publication featuring a blog and podcast with over 5,000 followers where she partners with Wayne for Women, IgniteHER, and Future Female Scholars. Additionally, Emily is the Director General of School Relations for THSMUN, CA-46 Young Congressional Leader, 7th Time Recognized Carson Scholar, and a Class of 2027 Simon Scholar Recruitment Leader. This year, Emily is excited to represent CAHSD’s platform as a Communications Director.
EMILY DIAZ
LOCAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Emily Diaz is a junior at Tustin High School excited about getting involved with CAHSD by serving on the Executive Board, establishing a local chapter, and enacting state-wide and local campaigns through the Youth in Session Fellowship. She is passionate about mental health service accessibility alongside educational policy bridging the opportunity gap for first-generation, immigrant students. Outside of CAHSD, Emily is a part of the statewide California Association of Student Councils (CASC’s) Legislative Policy Committee, performing grassroots efforts to lobby bills focused on low-income families and writing original bill proposals advocating for student immigrants. Currently, she is also a paid Research Intern for the Child Mind Institute where she conducts original qualitative research investigating the impact of parental pressure on first-generation daughters performing statistical analysis. She continues her advocacy for advancement in gender equity as the sole Editor-in-Chief for Girlhood Magazine, an online publication featuring a blog and podcast with over 5,000 followers where she partners with Wayne for Women, IgniteHER, and Future Female Scholars. Additionally, Emily is the Director General of School Relations for THSMUN, CA-46 Young Congressional Leader, 7th Time Recognized Carson Scholar, and a Class of 2027 Simon Scholar Recruitment Leader. This year, Emily is excited to represent CAHSD’s platform as a Communications Director.
EMILY DIAZ
LOCAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR & COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Emily Diaz is a junior at Tustin High School excited about getting involved with CAHSD by serving on the Executive Board, establishing a local chapter, and enacting state-wide and local campaigns through the Youth in Session Fellowship. She is passionate about mental health service accessibility alongside educational policy bridging the opportunity gap for first-generation, immigrant students. Outside of CAHSD, Emily is a part of the statewide California Association of Student Councils (CASC’s) Legislative Policy Committee, performing grassroots efforts to lobby bills focused on low-income families and writing original bill proposals advocating for student immigrants. Currently, she is also a paid Research Intern for the Child Mind Institute where she conducts original qualitative research investigating the impact of parental pressure on first-generation daughters performing statistical analysis. She continues her advocacy for advancement in gender equity as the sole Editor-in-Chief for Girlhood Magazine, an online publication featuring a blog and podcast with over 5,000 followers where she partners with Wayne for Women, IgniteHER, and Future Female Scholars. Additionally, Emily is the Director General of School Relations for THSMUN, CA-46 Young Congressional Leader, 7th Time Recognized Carson Scholar, and a Class of 2027 Simon Scholar Recruitment Leader. This year, Emily is excited to represent CAHSD’s platform as a Communications Director.
HELEN HU
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Helen Hu (helhu0916@gmail.com) is a rising senior at Mission San Jose High School, passionate about public service and advocating for gender justice. She is especially interested in public health, women’s health, policy, and advocacy, fields where she hopes to help build systems that are more accessible and representative of all communities. She serves as President of her school’s Women in STEM Club, where she leads initiatives to empower young women and foster equity in traditionally male-dominated spaces. As Co-President of her school’s LEO Club, she organizes student-driven service projects supporting her local community. Helen is also President of her school’s Mock Trial team and leads the Student Government Community Outreach Committee, where she has developed a deep appreciation for legal advocacy, honed her public speaking and critical thinking skills, and worked to amplify student voices on campus. These experiences have equipped her with leadership and grassroots organizing skills that inspire her to advance political change. Beyond advocacy, Helen loves studying at cafes, listening to music, and binge-watching shows! She is excited to serve as Communications Director and combine her creativity with purpose to grow CAHSD!
HELEN HU
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Helen Hu (helhu0916@gmail.com) is a rising senior at Mission San Jose High School, passionate about public service and advocating for gender justice. She is especially interested in public health, women’s health, policy, and advocacy, fields where she hopes to help build systems that are more accessible and representative of all communities. She serves as President of her school’s Women in STEM Club, where she leads initiatives to empower young women and foster equity in traditionally male-dominated spaces. As Co-President of her school’s LEO Club, she organizes student-driven service projects supporting her local community. Helen is also President of her school’s Mock Trial team and leads the Student Government Community Outreach Committee, where she has developed a deep appreciation for legal advocacy, honed her public speaking and critical thinking skills, and worked to amplify student voices on campus. These experiences have equipped her with leadership and grassroots organizing skills that inspire her to advance political change. Beyond advocacy, Helen loves studying at cafes, listening to music, and binge-watching shows! She is excited to serve as Communications Director and combine her creativity with purpose to grow CAHSD!
HELEN HU
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Helen Hu (helhu0916@gmail.com) is a rising senior at Mission San Jose High School, passionate about public service and advocating for gender justice. She is especially interested in public health, women’s health, policy, and advocacy, fields where she hopes to help build systems that are more accessible and representative of all communities. She serves as President of her school’s Women in STEM Club, where she leads initiatives to empower young women and foster equity in traditionally male-dominated spaces. As Co-President of her school’s LEO Club, she organizes student-driven service projects supporting her local community. Helen is also President of her school’s Mock Trial team and leads the Student Government Community Outreach Committee, where she has developed a deep appreciation for legal advocacy, honed her public speaking and critical thinking skills, and worked to amplify student voices on campus. These experiences have equipped her with leadership and grassroots organizing skills that inspire her to advance political change. Beyond advocacy, Helen loves studying at cafes, listening to music, and binge-watching shows! She is excited to serve as Communications Director and combine her creativity with purpose to grow CAHSD!
EURI KIM
POLICY DIRECTOR
Euri Kim (ekim@cahsdems.org), a junior at Arnold O. Beckman High School, is a student advocate dedicated to building systems that work for—and with—young people. She serves as the Director of Government on a Local Level for the California Association of Student Councils, designing a statewide fellowship for student board members, 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 championing access to higher education. As Policy Director for Coalition PAC, she’s running 26BY2026, a campaign across 26 California cities to further labor justice. She also serves as California State Lead at New Voters, a national nonprofit that has registered over 100,000 students to vote in all 50 states. Euri leads outreach efforts in California and helped author a proposal for the Maryland Governor’s Office to establish a state-wide civic engagement award. In the spring, she interned at IGNITE National, a movement of young women building political power, and is slated to intern this fall for Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, where she’ll contribute to on-the-ground legislative efforts. A 2025 National YoungArts Awardee in Writing, she loves spending her free time creatively—writing, hanging out with friends, and cafe-hopping. Euri is incredibly excited to contribute her efforts to CAHSD and to build the future we all want to see!
EURI KIM
POLICY DIRECTOR
Euri Kim (ekim@cahsdems.org), a junior at Arnold O. Beckman High School, is a student advocate dedicated to building systems that work for—and with—young people. She serves as the Director of Government on a Local Level for the California Association of Student Councils, designing a statewide fellowship for student board members, 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 championing access to higher education. As Policy Director for Coalition PAC, she’s running 26BY2026, a campaign across 26 California cities to further labor justice. She also serves as California State Lead at New Voters, a national nonprofit that has registered over 100,000 students to vote in all 50 states. Euri leads outreach efforts in California and helped author a proposal for the Maryland Governor’s Office to establish a state-wide civic engagement award. In the spring, she interned at IGNITE National, a movement of young women building political power, and is slated to intern this fall for Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, where she’ll contribute to on-the-ground legislative efforts. A 2025 National YoungArts Awardee in Writing, she loves spending her free time creatively—writing, hanging out with friends, and cafe-hopping. Euri is incredibly excited to contribute her efforts to CAHSD and to build the future we all want to see!
EURI KIM
POLICY DIRECTOR
Euri Kim (ekim@cahsdems.org), a junior at Arnold O. Beckman High School, is a student advocate dedicated to building systems that work for—and with—young people. She serves as the Director of Government on a Local Level for the California Association of Student Councils, designing a statewide fellowship for student board members, 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 championing access to higher education. As Policy Director for Coalition PAC, she’s running 26BY2026, a campaign across 26 California cities to further labor justice. She also serves as California State Lead at New Voters, a national nonprofit that has registered over 100,000 students to vote in all 50 states. Euri leads outreach efforts in California and helped author a proposal for the Maryland Governor’s Office to establish a state-wide civic engagement award. In the spring, she interned at IGNITE National, a movement of young women building political power, and is slated to intern this fall for Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris, where she’ll contribute to on-the-ground legislative efforts. A 2025 National YoungArts Awardee in Writing, she loves spending her free time creatively—writing, hanging out with friends, and cafe-hopping. Euri is incredibly excited to contribute her efforts to CAHSD and to build the future we all want to see!
MADDY CHANG
DEPUTY POLICY DIRECTOR
Maddy Chang (mchang@cahsdems.org) is a junior at Lynbrook High School and excited to serve on CAHSD’s Executive Board. She currently interns for Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, where she supports legislative research and youth outreach. Maddy has led teams of 40+ interns on local campaigns, and her passion for policy shows through her work on city advisory councils and founding a literacy program across her district’s elementary schools. As a Sustainability Commissioner for the City of Sunnyvale, she also leads local climate projects and student engagement efforts. Maddy is thrilled to keep pushing for change at CAHSD!
MADDY CHANG
DEPUTY POLICY DIRECTOR
Maddy Chang (mchang@cahsdems.org) is a junior at Lynbrook High School and excited to serve on CAHSD’s Executive Board. She currently interns for Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, where she supports legislative research and youth outreach. Maddy has led teams of 40+ interns on local campaigns, and her passion for policy shows through her work on city advisory councils and founding a literacy program across her district’s elementary schools. As a Sustainability Commissioner for the City of Sunnyvale, she also leads local climate projects and student engagement efforts. Maddy is thrilled to keep pushing for change at CAHSD!
MADDY CHANG
DEPUTY POLICY DIRECTOR
Maddy Chang (mchang@cahsdems.org) is a junior at Lynbrook High School and excited to serve on CAHSD’s Executive Board. She currently interns for Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens, where she supports legislative research and youth outreach. Maddy has led teams of 40+ interns on local campaigns, and her passion for policy shows through her work on city advisory councils and founding a literacy program across her district’s elementary schools. As a Sustainability Commissioner for the City of Sunnyvale, she also leads local climate projects and student engagement efforts. Maddy is thrilled to keep pushing for change at CAHSD!
ANIKA KHANNA
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
Anika Khanna is a sophomore 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 sophomore 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 sophomore 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.
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.