Welcome to the Class of 2026! We have selected outstanding fellows from across Washington with a rich collection of backgrounds and experiences.

Xavier-Ajeto
Xavier Ajeto (he/him)

Xavier is a lifelong Washingtonian with a passion for public service. He earned his MPA at the University of Washington, interned in DC at the Departments of State and Treasury, and lived for a year in Brazil as a Boren Fellow. In 2025, he served as the field organizer of a four-candidate progressive slate that went on to win a governing majority on the Burien City Council. The son of a Filipino immigrant and a Spanish interpreter, he believes strongly in the role of intercultural communication in effective public policy. He has worked as a bilingual paraeducator at Highline Public Schools, and volunteers regularly with the Filipino Community of Seattle. In his free time, Xavier enjoys reading history books and learning foreign languages through music.

Eric Buley
Eric Buley (he/him)

Eric is a community leader with more than 15 years of experience advancing equity and advocacy with young people across the education, health, and housing sectors. As Senior Director of Homeless Youth Services at Friends of Youth, Eric provides strategic oversight for a $6M+ budget and leads a 45-person team delivering critical high-impact services. His civic leadership includes serving as Board President of ROOTS, Washington’s largest young adult shelter, and as a King County Executive appointee to the Children and Youth Advisory Board. Eric holds an MPA, is a former Fulbright Fellow, and is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Washington studying systems leadership and change. In his free time, he enjoys being in the mountains and playing in Seattle’s LGBTQ+ soccer league.

Chance Corey
Chance Corey (he/him)

LGBTQIA2S+ leader, Chance, has dedicated his life to community service and political advocacy. He recently served as Secretary for the Kitsap County Democrats, where he modernized the endorsement process to increase transparency. Currently an Executive at Large for the 26th Legislative District Democrats, Chance has been instrumental in key victories, including flipping a House seat for Adison Richards and retaining Senator Krishnadasan. His extensive campaign portfolio spans from Representative Emily Randall’s initial run to Deputy Speaker Pro-Tem Tarra Simmons’ re-election. Beyond campaigns, Chance is a drag queen who uses performances to highlight political issues and regularly advocates for LGBTQIA2S+ rights at Bremerton City Council meetings. He holds a BA from Seattle University and an MA in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University.

Warren Do
Warren Do (he/him)

Warren began his public service career as an intern for U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen and later became an aide to U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, one of the first two Native women elected to Congress. He then returned home to Washington state to work for then-state Sen. Joe Nguyen on the energy and environmental issues he is most passionate about, and now works for Governor Bob Ferguson. In his free time, he enjoys reading, hiking, exploring the city by public transit, and trying new recipes with his partner.

Rami El Gharib
Rami El Gharib (he/him)

Rami El Gharib is a Lebanese restorative justice leader, program builder, and public-sector strategist with over a decade of experience designing survivor-centered, community-based responses to harm. He serves as the Restorative and Community Justice Manager in the King County Executive’s Office, leading countywide initiatives advancing restorative justice and crime survivor support. Rami previously built and facilitated restorative justice programs in Colorado and launched Georgia’s first felony-level restorative justice program. He is the founder of the Restorative Rainbow Alliance, the first LGBTQ+-focused restorative justice nonprofit in the field, and a board member of the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center (KCSARC). He holds a master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology from the University of New Haven.

Isabel Hernandez
Isabel Hernandez (she/her)

Born and raised in East Los Angeles, Isabel Hernandez is passionate about uplifting underserved communities through advocacy and community service. In addition to receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at California State University, Los Angeles, Isabel is currently pursuing her Master’s of Public Administration and a certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the Evergreen State College. Motivated to create local change for the immigrant community, Isabel serves as an Alternate Commissioner for the Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs in Tacoma. Since moving to Washington, Isabel has become a coffee addict and spends her free time trying all the coffee stands. Often accompanied by her adopted dog from New Mexico, Pequeno!

Hudayfa Ismail
Hudayfa Ismail (he/him)

Hudayfa Ismail is a first-generation college graduate and emerging public policy leader committed to democratic governance, global affairs, and community empowerment. He earned a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Washington in 2024, developing a strong foundation in political theory, ethics, and policy analysis. Beyond formal academics, Hudayfa has cultivated a self-directed expertise in geopolitics and international relations, shaped by his lived background and interest in how global power dynamics influence local communities. He aspires to pursue advanced education in international relations and public governance and to serve as a principled leader who strengthens democratic institutions and uplifts his community through informed, holistic leadership.

Manousos Jacobsen
Manousos Jacobsen (he/him)

Manousos Jacobsen (pronounced Ma-noo-so) grew up in a Greek working-class immigrant family where he learned that opportunity always has to be fought for. After getting married to his wife Emma, he now calls Washington home. While getting his Master’s in Public Administration, Manousos works at Spokane Community College as a specialist supporting students that earned their high school or GED diploma later in life. He has worked to change the system from within and is proud of the hundreds of students he has helped succeed. Manousos is also a labor and community organizer. From getting his coworkers a temporary 10% raise, to testifying in front of the state Senate, he is an assertive advocate for working people in any room he steps in.

Alex Jones
Alex Jones (he/him)

Alex Jones is an engineer and civic leader based in Washington State, where he works in the aerospace engineering field. He grew up in rural Nevada and holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. After moving to Washington, Alex became deeply involved in civic engagement, volunteering with Democratic campaigns in Nevada and Washington, including leading remote Get Out the Vote efforts and supporting local races through grassroots organizing. Coming to politics through lived experience rather than a traditional political path, he brings an analytical, problem-solving perspective to public service. Alex hopes to continue growing as a community leader and to explore future roles in public service, policy, or elected office.

Isabella Kent
Isabella Kent (she/hers)

Isabella Kent is a passionate and dedicated sexual health educator with a focus on gender-based violence prevention, reproductive justice, and abortion advocacy. As a Community Outreach Educator for Planned Parenthood, she strives to create a world where all individuals have the agency, resources and support to make informed decisions about their bodies and futures. Isabella also chairs the Pro-Choice Washington Political Action Committee to advocate to expand affordable, reliable, and equitable reproductive healthcare access across Washington. Isabella earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Public Health at The Johns Hopkins University. In her free time Isabella enjoys playing in a mini golf league, listening to live music, reading mystery and fantasy novels, cooking, and hiking throughout the PNW.

Shefali Kumar
Shefali Kumar (she/her)

Shefali works to help voters better understand who and what is on their ballot in Washington. She has a Bachelor’s in Communications from Ohio State University and a Master’s in International Relations and Global Communications from Manchester Metropolitan University. Shefali has a special interest in studying media effects on political outcomes around the world, paying close attention to how disinformation shapes elections. As a new Washingtonian, Shefali is eager to learn more about policy issues around the state and better understand the needs of constituents. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring Seattle, going to dance class, and crafting with friends.

Ari Levin
Ari Levin (she/her/hers)

Ariana Levin is an Associate Political Consultant at CN4 Partners, where she develops and executes strategic communications for candidate and independent expenditure campaigns across Washington State and beyond. She brings deep experience in messaging, voter engagement, and research, with a background spanning campaign consulting, grassroots organizing, and civic education. Ariana is also the Executive Director of HBCU Votes, leading national voter activation efforts and partnerships across Historically Black Colleges and Universities. A graduate of Spelman College with a B.A. in Sociology, she has worked with the Democratic Party of Georgia, the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus, and legislative offices, and has held leadership roles within Young Democrats organizations. Her work centers on expanding participation, strengthening campaigns, and building durable political infrastructure.

Erica Limon-Trefielo
Erica Limon-Trefielo (she/her/ella)

Erica Limon-Trefielo serves as the Associate Director for Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA), where she leads statewide strategy at the intersection of education policy, systems change, and program impact. Her work centers on advancing equitable policies and funding structures that strengthen integrated student supports and improve outcomes for learners. Erica plays a key role in legislative advocacy, coalition-building, and translating on-the-ground realities from schools and communities into actionable policy solutions. She also supports network-wide capacity-building, data-informed decision-making, and sustainable implementation across affiliates statewide. Grounded in lived experience and guided by an equity lens, Erica brings a collaborative, policy-forward approach to disrupting inequitable systems and ensuring that students and families have the resources, supports, and opportunities they need to thrive across Washington State.

Ivon Lopez
Ivon Lopez (she/they)

Ivon is a Community Organizer at Rural People’s Voice, a grassroots political organization in North Central Washington that focuses on lessening the burdens placed on working-class folks by winning/passing local campaigns. Ivon started her organizing journey in High School when she graduated from RPV’s Youth internship where she gained a strong power and economic analysis. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to fairness. In her role, she centers the leadership of those most impacted, builds relationships across differences, and uplift stories that often go unseen or unheard. Ivon is pursuing a BA in Early Childhood Education through the University of Washington and they hope to continue bridging education and community work by developing pathways for families to be active partners in shaping policies.

Marqué Love
Marqué Love (she/her)

Marqué Love is a native Washingtonian driven by her curiosity and passion for knowledge and connection. She studied Political Science and International Studies at the University of Washington and currently serves as Political Organizer at Fuse Washington. She is also the Coalition Manager of the WA Voting Justice Coalition and the Washington Opposition Coalition, where she champions racial equity in voting justice, and works with progressive leaders across the state to develop impactful opposition strategies. Marqué is passionate about growing in coalition with other leaders, organizing local events that inspire Washingtonians into action, and helping her community heal from the influences of colonialism and patriarchy. She finds purpose in self-expression, her relationships, traveling (and eating), and understanding the universe through her evolving relationship with herself.

ShayLee Markley
ShayLee Markley (she/her)

ShayLee is a public servant based in Washington state with a strong commitment to civic engagement, equity, and improving how government systems serve the public. She currently works as a Program Specialist in the Consumer Protection Division at the Washington State Attorney General’s Office, where she supports complex operations, mentors staff, and helps ensure consistent, equitable application of statewide policies. Shaylee’s professional background spans policy implementation, oversight, and process improvement, with a particular interest in bridging gaps between agencies and making public systems more accessible and people centered. She is passionate about mental health, constituent-centered governance, and developing collaborative leadership practices that strengthen trust between institutions and communities.

Jon Martin
Jon Martin (he/him)

Jon Martin works for a company where he manages and oversees operations and safety for railcar cleaning, confined-space entry, and other rail services. His work has taken him to many locations across the United States. His daughter, Sophie, recently turned six and started kindergarten. She keeps both her mother’s and Jon’s hands full – but even more so, their hearts. Recovery is a significant part of Jon’s life and has provided the foundation for many of the blessings he has today. It has also taught him the importance of stepping up, serving others, and filling service roles that help organizations function effectively. He has applied this experience and perspective in service to his local party organizations as well.

Kat Marulanda
Kat Marulanda (she/her/ella)

Kat (Kathe) Marulanda (she/her/ella) is a first-generation Colombian American and the Founder of Co-Rippling, a consulting practice focused on community, collective leadership, and equity. She spent her early years in Medellín, Colombia, before immigrating to the U.S., shaping her commitment to belonging, justice, and systems change. Kat brings over 15 years of experience across education, nonprofit leadership, and public policy. She began her career as a 5th-grade bilingual educator in San Antonio, Texas, and later worked in policy and community engagement, including with Colorado State Senator Mike Johnston. She also served as Executive Director of the Urban Leaders Fellowship, a national leadership development nonprofit, and as a Senior Consultant at Kinetic West. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, building community, and time in Mother Earth.

Sara Mox
Sara Mox (she/her)

Sara Mox (she/her) is a Wizard. Before spending the last 10 years creating play and products for Magic: The Gathering, she spent her first career in Sacramento lobbying, managing campaigns, and doing policy work. Sara was moved to return to political work this year by living and witnessing the attack on queer/trans rights under the current administration. As a mother and queer disabled woman in a relationship with a trans woman, Sara is also passionate about ensuring equitable access to healthcare. In her spare time she is an avid gaymer, knitter, and baker. She lives in Wallingford with her husband, partner, daughter, three cats, and a tortoise.

Daniel Gómez Nava
Daniel Gómez Nava (he/him)

Daniel Gómez Nava, based in Vancouver, Washington, is a Western Washington community organizer with Latino Community Fund. In 2025, he led a regional voter engagement campaign that recruited and trained 50 volunteers and made over 300,000 contact attempts, resulting in more than 6,000 conversations with Latino voters. His experience as a first-generation, formerly undocumented immigrant drives his work to confront the inequities that keep working-class and other underrepresented communities shut out of government and power. Daniel is pursuing a Master of Public Administration and previously served as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling with his husband and spending time with family.

Tim O'Neal
Tim O’Neal (he/him/his)

Tim O’Neal is a data and research strategist working to strengthen Washington’s progressive ecosystem through coalition-building and data-driven organizing. A former neuroscientist who studied addiction for more than a decade, he earned his PhD from the University of Washington and held research positions at the University of Chicago, the University of Minnesota, the National Institutes of Health, and Seattle Children’s Research Institute. Originally from a small town in rural Illinois, Tim brings a deep understanding of the systemic challenges faced by working families and the urgency of community-based solutions. At Washington Community Alliance, he works with a network of over 50 nonprofits, unions, and ballot measure campaigns, blending analytical rigor with creative problem-solving to help organizers turn incremental wins into tangible progress for working families

Ariana Organiz-Ruiz
Ariana Organiz (she/her)

Ariana Organiz-Ruiz (she/her) is a policy and advocacy professional based in Southwest Washington with over six years of experience building people-powered movements through progressive issue-based campaigns to secure food for all Oregonians, expand access to higher education and affordability, and protect reproductive freedom across the PNW. She currently serves as a Field Organizer with Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates, where she leads statewide organizing efforts and helps turn big policy goals into real, on-the-ground action. Ariana loves coalition-building, lobbying, and using storytelling to move both policy and people. When she’s not organizing, she’s likely deep into a thriller or sci-fi novel, hiking or camping somewhere in the PNW, or soaking up quality time with her family and cats.

Yaslin Torres Pena
Yaslin Torres-Peña (she/her/ella)

Yaslin Torres-Peña is a Program Associate for the 12th Year Campaign at the Washington Student Achievement Council, where she supports initiatives that help students successfully transition from high school to higher education. She brings a deep commitment to community, working closely with students and families to provide guidance, resources, and support as they navigate postsecondary options. Yaslin holds an educational background from Washington State University, and her work reflects a strong dedication to increasing access to education, strengthening communities, and empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Cam Severns
Cam Severns (he/him/his)

Cameron is a successful small business owner and community leader. He is the former Treasurer for Family Promise of Puget Sound and currently serves that organization as an at large board member, where he continues to advocate for families experiencing homelessness. He was the Democratic nominee for state representative in the 25th LD in 2022, 2024 and currently serves as State Committee member for the Pierce County Democrats as well as the Elections committee co-chair for the WA state Dems. He lives in Summit Waller with his wife, two dogs, and three parrots.

Jordon Shamberg
Jordon Shamberg (she/her)

Jordon Shamberg is a social worker and veteran dedicated to equitable, community-centered policymaking, rooted in an equity-based lens. Working in the Washington State Legislature, she facilitates collaboration across legislative, community, and stakeholder partners to ensure inclusive policy outcomes. Her work is deeply informed by her lived experience as a Black and Native woman, always considering positionality in every policy issue. Jordon’s expertise spans legislative research, policy analysis, equity-centered decision-making, and operational management. Jordon’s commitment to equity and integrity strengthens democratic leadership in Washington, with intentionality to contribute meaningfully to both sides of the mountains. Through the Fellowship, she actively promotes effective and inclusive leadership, working to ensure that emerging communities are heard and their needs addressed.

Jim Shaver
Jim Shaver (he/him)

Jim is a cybersecurity professional and former professional hacker. He helps to run a security team for a Women and Family Healthcare company. His technical expertise spans cloud platforms, code, compliance and digital infrastructure. He volunteers for the local food bank and serves on various boards and committees across Whatcom County. Jim is involved in the 42nd Legislative District Democrats as a Precinct Committee Officer and serves on the Executive Board of the Whatcom Democrats. He is involved in politics to move forward progress for working class people. Born and raised in Surrey, BC, Jim has lived across western Canada, Australia, and Texas before he moved to Birch Bay. Jim has been a beekeeper for 5 years and is conversational in German.

Maddie Sontag
Maddie Sontag (she/her/hers)

Maddie Sontag has three years of legislative experience and currently serves Spokane in Washington’s 3rd LD as Senator Marcus Riccelli’s Executive Legislative Assistant. Born and raised in Colorado, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University in Political Science and Environmental Studies. Working as Senate Majority Leader Andy Billig’s LA while completing her undergraduate degree in Spokane allowed Maddie to dive deeper into her legislative work in an academic setting, fueling her passion for policy work and public service. Since graduating, Maddie enthusiastically engages with the Spokane community and manages Sen. Riccelli’s policy development, demonstrating her commitment to working on behalf of all Washingtonians–regardless of which side of the mountains they call home. Outside of work, Maddie can be found running, knitting, cooking, or skiing.

Sierra Turner
Sierra (Shae) Turner (she/her)

Sierra “Shae” Turner was born in Lancaster, CA and moved to Washington state in 2018 to complete her Bachelor’s degree at the Evergreen State College. She became a union steward at her local grocery store, where she developed a deep passion for helping workers and fighting for equity in workplaces. This passion led her to complete the Union Summer Internship, and later the Legislative Internship, with the Washington State Labor Council. Currently, she works for the Department of Labor and Industries (LNI), where she investigates labor law violations for healthcare workers. As a proud member of the state workers union (AFSMCE/WFSE), she has taken on the role of WFSE Local 443 Treasurer, AFSCME Council 28 Executive Board member, and Chief Steward for LNI.

Vonny Turner
Vonny Turner (he/him)

Vonny Turner is a combat veteran and the Program Manager for Costco Next. In this role, he leads efforts to enhance digital access and strengthen the operational infrastructure of a prominent public-facing platform. His decade-long service in the U.S. Army, including a deployment to Afghanistan, shaped a leadership approach grounded in discipline, clarity, and strategic problem-solving. Having faced homelessness and poverty during his youth, Vonny gained invaluable insights into the workings of public institutions and their shortcomings in supporting vulnerable families. These experiences reinforce his commitment to expanding housing affordability, improving access to healthcare, and modernizing Washington systems so they operate reliably for people who depend on them. Vonny’s guiding principle in public service is clear: Systems shape outcomes, so better outcomes require better systems.

Sasha Wasserstrom
Sasha Wasserstrom (they/them)

Sasha (they/them) is a policy strategist, coalition-builder, and cultural analyst who wins multi-year campaigns and moves public resources toward community needs. Most recently, as the Policy Director at the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN), they secured over $300 million in public investments for immigrant communities, expanding access to healthcare, housing stability, and legal services. Sasha brings together those most impacted, experts, institutional partners, and powerholders, guiding conversations from “hmm” to “let’s do it!” with clarity and care. Trained as a social scientist, Sasha tracks how stories shape politics and uses that insight to drive change. A strong writer, communicator, and relationship-builder, they’re known for clear strategy, steady leadership, and genuine connection. Outside of work, Sasha is an active culture vulture and outdoors enthusiast.

Aaron Wheeler
Aaron Wheeler (they/he)

Aaron Wheeler (they/he) is a systems-based social worker dedicated to advancing equity through legislative advocacy and community-driven policy implementation. A recent UW Master of Social Work graduate specializing in administration and policy practice, Aaron currently serves as the Session Casework Coordinator for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus. Previously, Aaron was the Campaign Manager for State Senator Tina Orwall, after working on legislation as her policy intern from 2024-2025. Aaron moved into public policy work after a decade of building inclusive teams at startups, a shift inspired by helping family and community members navigate our complex health and legal systems. When not working, Aaron enjoys volunteering with friends at film and music festivals, reading creative nonfiction, and playing video games.