Amani is an author, activist and organizer originating from Brooklyn, New York. She attended Clark Atlanta University where she majored in criminal justice and minored in political science. Known for her commitment to grassroots reform organizations, her mission has always been to work towards improving America’s political landscape and creating systems that are fair, representative, and accountable.

Joaquin is an early career communications professional who is passionate about helping innovative changemakers amplify their message. He grew up in Los Angeles and studied economics at Stanford. Since graduating, Joaquin has interned for a public affairs firm in DC and worked full-time for a digital marketing startup in New York City. He’s specifically interested in protecting immigrant rights and addressing education inequity.

Jordan is a Jackson State University alum and a Harvard Kennedy School master’s candidate. His career includes roles as a staff assistant and policy analyst for U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, operations intern for Leader Hakeem Jeffries, and community outreach fellow at the DC Tutoring & Mentoring Initiative. With aspirations to run for office in Mississippi, Jordan is determined to leverage his experience to drive meaningful societal advancements.

Jordyn was born and raised in Willingboro, New Jersey. She recently graduated from American University with a BA in legal studies. Coming from a family that migrated to this country from the Caribbean, she has always had a passion for learning about politics and how she can use that knowledge to make a positive impact on her community. Prior to this, she worked toward making progressive change at organizations like the Hub Project and IMPACT Strategies.

Lucas is from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is a 2023 graduate from UNC-Chapel Hill who majored in political science and communications. He has volunteered with the NCDP and You Can Vote, a voting rights education group. Having developed a strong passion for American politics at an early age, he is eager to use effective rhetoric and messaging to advocate for progressive change. Lucas has always created inclusive spaces for community in his personal life and hopes to do so in politics as well.

Mayra is a proud native Californian with Mexican immigrant roots. She celebrates her heritage through dance and has performed with companies in California and DC, recently performing at the Kennedy Center. Holding degrees in international affairs, multicultural and human rights education, and international affairs policy from American University and the University of San Francisco, Mayra has worked in partnership strategy and fundraising for organizations dedicated to social justice, equitable policy, and gender rights.

Monica is originally from Santa Rosa, CA and comes to the cohort as a former DNC Spring 2023 intern. At 20 years old, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science from California State University, Northridge and has served as a campaign manager for a State Assembly race in Northern California. Monica has worked closely with the Sonoma County Democratic Party to strengthen community outreach and is committed to ensuring accurate representation for all Americans.

Nadir was born in Philadelphia, PA and was raised by his grandmother and mother. He studied business and sports management at Mercyhurst University and is currently studying political science at Southern New Hampshire University. Prior to joining the cohort, Nadir volunteered as a poll worker and as a social ambassador for the Democratic Party. Some of his hobbies include playing basketball or baseball, listening to music, and watching the news, movies, or television. His goals in life are to spread love, help his community, and be an inspiration for others.

Shamayla is a skilled communicator with a passion for political engagement and cross-cultural diplomacy. She is committed to serving her community and promoting interfaith understanding. Fluent in Urdu and English, with conversational proficiency in Punjabi and Hindi, Shamayla is excited to contribute her expertise to advance the Democratic Party’s goals of inclusivity and progress.

Tarazha “Tee” is a political communications professional and journalist from Chesapeake, Virginia. At Virginia Commonwealth University, Jenkins majored in mass communications, political science, and African American studies. In fall 2022, she became a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation intern and later served in two more congressional offices. Tarazha is passionate about the effects of policy and communications on underserved communities and is eager to learn how to shape impactful policies and stories for change.

Tracey, originally from Buffalo, NY, comes to the cohort as a dedicated advocate and community organizer who enjoys connecting with others and building relationships. She attended the University of Pittsburgh where she studied political science and communications, and then joined the community engagement team at Asian Americans Advancing Justice (AAJC). Tracey joins Build the Bench eager to learn from the DNC team about how to effectively reach community members across the nation in this critical election year.

Originally from Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, Victoria graduated from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke in 2021 with a dual major in political science and journalism. After graduating, Victoria moved to Wilkes-Barre, PA where she worked as an assignment editor for WBRE/WYOU Eyewitness news. In 2023, Victoria moved to Washington, DC to pursue her master’s in political communications at American University’s School of Public Administration.