Leadership

The California Young Democrats Executive Board is composed of ten elected executive officers, eleven Regional Directors, and the Presidents of the California College Democrats and the California High School Democrats. Scroll down and get to know our 2024-2025 Executive Board Officers!

Want to meet our Regional Directors? Click here.

PRESIDENT

Giovanni Chavez

Home Chapter: Avance Democratic Club of Orange County

Giovanni Chavez is the son of Mexican immigrants, a personal injury attorney, and the President of the California Young Democrats. As the son of a carpet installer and a caregiver, Giovanni never thought he would be involved in politics. However, whether it's representing everyday people in the courtroom or young people in the democratic process, Giovanni’s life experiences inspired him to fight for marginalized communities. Under his tenure as CYD President, CYD has had its strongest fundraising ever, elected a record number of Young Democrats to Party and elected offices, built a record amount of partnerships, and turned out the vote in key swing districts.

VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP

Codi Vierra

Home Chapter: San Diego County Young Democrats

Codi graduated from UCSD majoring in political science, with minors in business and urban planning. She served on the Executive Board of the College Democrats and as Executive Director of UCSD’s Student Organized Voter Access Committee. Codi was Campaign Manager for Congressman Scott Peters and later a Field Representative in his District Office. She served as Deputy Chief of Staff to San Diego Councilmember Stephen Whitburn. Codi now works for Toni Atkins for Governor 2026. She is a Vice Chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party and has been President of the San Diego County Young Democrats since 2021.

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE
and LOS ANGELES REGIONAL DIRECTOR

Anissa Raja

Home Chapter: Los Angeles County Young Democrats

Anissa Raja is the President of the Los Angeles County Young Democrats and has led the organization towards building a stronger financial strategy, expanding membership engagement, and advancing progressive causes across the region.

As a dedicated advocate for CYD’s growth, Anissa has played a pivotal role in helping CYD achieve its best fundraising year since its establishment. She is committed to building on this momentum and pushing CYD to achieve its best fundraising year yet again, ensuring that young voices are heard loud and clear—fighting for progress, justice, and a Democratic Party that fully reflects the values we hold dear.

VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Ruy Laredo

Home Chapter: Sacramento County Young Democrats

Ruy Laredo is a longtime political organizer and public servant who currently serves as a legislative coordinator for the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). Ruy’s advocacy efforts on behalf of DHCS policy affects the nearly 15 million Californians who rely on Medi-Cal for their healthcare needs. Amongst other accomplishments, Ruy recently earned his Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Southern California. Ruy lives in Sacramento with his too-cute-for-his-own-good Labraheeler pup, Luke.

SECRETARY

Emily Bonner

Home Chapter: San Diego County Young Democrats

This board member opted not to provide a biography or photo.

NATIONAL COMMITTEEWOMAN

Mana Shooshtari

Home Chapter: San Joaquin County Young Democrats

Mana Shooshtari is a first-generation Iranian American community organizer that proudly hails from Stockton. As the Field and Communications Director for the Grassroots Democrats HQ for the 2021-22 Election Cycle, she oversaw a field program that delivered 11 million voter contacts into key swing states and districts across the nation, and now serves as the HQ’s Executive Strategist.

As a twice-elected ADEM for AD13, Mana co-authored and successfully passed a resolution honoring the Woman, Life, Freedom revolution. She’s also a co-founder and former Central Valley Regional Chair of the Iranian American Democrats of California. She now serves as a Congressional aide.

NATIONAL COMMITTEEMAN

Parshan Khosravi

Home Chapter: Orange County Young Democrats

Parshan Khosravi is an education advocate, grassroots organizer, and unapologetic voice for equity-driven public policy. He brings with him over 10 years of advocacy in higher education, and currently serves as the California Policy Director for uAspire, a national nonprofit leading the efforts to address the college affordability crisis. Parshan has been active in the Young Democrat spaces since 2017, and has served in various leadership roles including as the former CYD Labor Caucus Chair, Communications Director, and current National Committee Person. At the state and national level, Parshan has been a member of numerous Democratic organizations, including Iranian American

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Ryan K. Brown

Home Chapter: Sacramento County Young Democrats | Learn More about Ryan

Ryan K. Brown is a local government enthusiast, organizer, and political consultant who currently serves as Chief of Staff to Sacramento City Councilmember Caity Maple and as the Immediate Past President of the Sacramento County Young Democrats. Since 2022, Ryan has run Golden State Public Affairs, a firm that is dedicated to electing young, progressive, and diverse Democrats to local office – and that notched eight major wins in its first two years. Ryan lives in Sacramento with his fiancée, Gianna, and practices carpentry in his spare time.

POLITICAL DIRECTOR

Maiya De La Rosa

Home Chapter: San Bernardino County Young Democrats

Maiya De La Rosa brings a rich background in communications, advocacy, and grassroots organizing. She was most recently a senior analyst at Physicians for a Healthy California, where she led strategic communications and project management. Previously, she organized for Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, working with officials and partners to expand healthcare access and helped pass a landmark sound ordinance protecting patients. Maiya has also written for the *Capitol Morning Report*, covering California politics. She holds a Master’s in Public Administration from USC and a BA from UC Davis. In her free time, she enjoys coffee shops, her dog Tiny, and friends.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

Bryan Beltran

Home Chapter: Fresno County Young Democrats

This board member opted not to provide a biography or photo.

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Diane Le

Home Chapter: San Francisco Young Democrats

This board member opted not to provide a biography or photo.

PRESIDENT, CALIFORNIA COLLEGE DEMOCRATS

Aiden Ledbetter

Home Chapter: UC Davis College Democrats

This board member opted not to provide a biography or photo.

PRESIDENT, CALIFORNIA HIGH SCHOOL DEMOCRATS

George Balan

Home Chapter: Miramonte High School Democrats | Learn More about George

George Balan, a junior at Miramonte High School, serves as Chair of the California High School Democrats. Based in the Bay Area, George previously served as Finance Director for CAHSD where he worked to build a strong financial foundation. Appointed to the California Department of Education’s LGBTQ+ Task Force last year, George strives to uplift traditionally underrepresented voices. Aside from his advocacy, George has achieved recognition as a State Finalist in Congressional Debate and as a three-time National Tournament Qualifier. George is enthusiastic about driving meaningful change and is committed to building the next generation of advocates.

Want to get involved with the Executive Board or even run for a position yourself? Start by familiarizing yourself with the Bylaws of the California Young Democrats, contacting our team, and attending our regional and statewide events.