The Young Democrats of Massachusetts held its Annual Convention virtually to organize, elect officers, and hear from prominent guest speakers and elected officials.
“It was energizing and motivating to see so many people participating in chapter and caucus elections yesterday,” said Lezlie Braxton Campbell, the newly elected President of the Young Democrats of Massachusetts, who also makes history as the first African American President of the organization. “as we take the time to celebrate, we must recognize that now is not a time that we can afford to be idle — we must get to work right away. I am looking forward to working with and supporting everyone from Western Mass all the way down to the Cape & Islands and from the Women’s Caucus to the AAPI caucus to ensure every voice is heard” he continued.
In concluding his speech, Campbell said “As we move forward, I ask that each of you do your part in holding the board and myself accountable and always bring your passion when it comes to our work. Thank you all so much, I cannot wait to see what this year brings for us.”
During the conventions programming on Sunday, members had an opportunity to hear from a panel of community and elected leaders on the topic of “Race and Policing” as well as an hear from candidates for office and elected leaders including Congressman Jim McGovern, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley who also received the “Young Democrat at Heart of the Year Award.”
In addition to the election of Campbell as President, members also elected the following officers:
President: Lezlie Braxton Campbell, Springfield
Vice President: Lisa Stevens-Goodnight, Boston
Secretary: Terry Altherr, Newton
Treasurer: Chris Mirabella, Marblehead
Membership & Outreach Director: Cory Bisbee, Worcester
YDA Representative: Sharon Solomon, Somerville
YDA Representative: Robert Cohen, Boston
Political Director: Ryan Freed, Sagamore Beach (Bourne)
Policy Director: Vernon K. Walker, Boston
Communications Director: Jay Manuel Rivera, Lawrence
Fundraising Director: James Leo Bedard, Worcester
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Director: Roberto A. Jiménez Rivera, Chelsea
Technical Director: Vivian Nguyen, Everett