WHO WE ARE
At our core, we are people-driven. The People you see here help guide our work, but it’s the energy, commitment, and voices of every member that make our movement possible.
Our success belongs to all of us.
Together, we are the heartbeat of this organization
Meet OUR Executive Team
Andrew Hartzler
he/him
President
Andrew is proud to serve as President of the Missouri Young Democrats. A lifelong Missourian and dedicated advocate for equity, inclusion, and youth political engagement, Andrew has been active in progressive organizing for over a decade, working in local government, journalism, and issue advocacy.
Before re-establishing the Missouri Young Democrats, Andrew built coalitions to combat hate and extremism online, championed LGBTQ+ rights, and fought for fairer democratic processes in Missouri. His work has included leadership roles in campaigns, nonprofits, and grassroots movements, always with a focus on empowering underrepresented voices.
As President, Andrew’s goal is to rebuild and expand sustainable Young Democrats infrastructure across Missouri, providing young leaders with the tools, training, and connections they need to organize, advocate, and run for office in their communities.
Landon Ribaudo
he/him
Vice President
Landon proudly serves as Vice President of the Missouri Young Democrats, bringing a deep commitment to civic engagement, equity, and youth political empowerment. A lifelong Missourian and advocate for social justice, Landon is passionate about building bridges between communities and ensuring that every voice, especially those too often unheard, has a place in shaping Missouri’s future.
A pre-law student at the University of Missouri, Landon plans to pursue a career in civil rights law, driven by a belief in the power of policy to create lasting, inclusive change. Growing up in rural Missouri, he is dedicated to uplifting rural communities through equitable policy and representation, striving to connect local experiences with statewide progress.
As Vice President, Landon is focused on expanding outreach, increasing media presence, and empowering young Missourians to lead with integrity, empathy, and purpose in every corner of the state.
Dustin bax
he/him
Treasurer
Dustin proudly serves as Treasurer of the Missouri Young Democrats, bringing a deep commitment to strengthening democracy and uplifting communities. A lifelong Missourian based in Jefferson City, he is passionate about voting rights, increasing voter efficacy, and ensuring equal access to social rights and norms—believing that informed, engaged citizens are the foundation of a better future.
Since stepping into politics in 2016, Dustin has immersed himself in grassroots organizing, contributing to numerous campaigns and leadership roles. His journey has included active involvement with the College Democrats at Truman State University and service on the Cole County Democratic Central Committee.
As Treasurer, Dustin works to empower Missouri Young Democrats by building strong systems and resources that set members up for success and help them create lasting change in their communities.
Brooklyn Eiserer
she/her
Secretary
Brooklyn is proud to serve as Secretary of the Missouri Young Democrats. A Springfield native and student at Missouri State University, Brooklyn is deeply committed to empowering young voices and building a stronger, more inclusive future for Missouri.
Her leadership is shaped by her experiences organizing on campus and in her community, where she has worked to engage young people in civic life and advocate for progressive change. She is passionate about expanding access to the political process and making sure every Missourian’s voice is heard.
As Secretary, Brooklyn focuses on keeping the organization connected and coordinated, ensuring that our work is organized, accessible, and impactful. She is dedicated to fostering collaboration across the state and helping young leaders turn their ideas into action.
Saswat is proud to serve as Chief of Staff. Recently moving from Arkansas, he has been active in organizing, ballot initiatives, and civic engagement in various capacities throughout Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Over the last decade he has been active in expanding medicaid, protecting reproductive rights, and providing equitable healthcare. He strongly believes that healthcare is a fundamental human right and has dedicated his career as a physician to ensure every person receives quality care.
As Chief of Staff, his goal is to build sustainable infrastructure and organize young people across the state, equipping them with the tools, networks, and opportunities to lead. Whether through policy, advocacy, or movement-building, Saswat is committed to creating a healthier, fairer, and brighter Missouri for all of us.
Chief of Staff
Saswat Das
he/him
Young Democrats of America Delegate
Chloé Ray
she/her
Chloé is proud to serve as a YDA Representative for Missouri Young Democrats, fighting to bring more young voices to the table and keep our state moving forward.
She’s a founding ambassador for the Missouri Women’s Political Caucus Ambassador Program, where she’s helped distribute reproductive health safety kits, registered students to vote, and brought more young women into the political arena. Now serving as the organization’s Vice President of Education and Training, Chloé connects candidates, staff, and volunteers with top-tier trainers to win races and make change.
Chloé launched her political career on Elad Gross’ campaign for Missouri Attorney General, climbing from Field Director to Director of Rural Outreach, hitting the road from her roots in Southeast Missouri to reach voters in every corner of the state. Today, she’s the Managing Partner of Sapphire Strategies, a progressive political firm dedicated to electing Democrats up and down the ballot in Missouri.
James Skaggs
he/him
Young Democrats of America Delegate
James is the YDA Representative on the Missouri Young Democrats Executive Board and currently serves as the Executive Director of the Clay County Democratic Central Committee. With more than a decade of involvement in Democratic politics, James has worked in nearly every capacity from interning and volunteering to organizing at the local and national level. He previously worked with the Iowa Democratic Party and served as an organizer in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District and for candidates in Clay County.
Raised in Kansas City, Missouri, James is deeply committed to building a stronger, more inclusive democracy. His political priorities center on protecting voting rights, advancing workers’ rights, and advocating for LGBTQ+ and disability rights. James earned his degree in Political Science from the University of Iowa and is proud to bring both his local roots and national experience to his work with Missouri Young Democrats.
MissouRI College Democrats Chair
Elena Wierich
she/her
Elena is excitedly serving as Chair of the Missouri College Democrats, and is passionate about mobilizing college students in Missouri. Elena is a rising senior and Political Science major at Washington University in St. Louis. She’s worked in campaigns, voter advocacy, and community organizing in Missouri for the past three years, and is passionate about supporting college campuses across the state in advocating for their communities.
Since moving to Missouri for college, Elena has developed a love and passion for the state’s politics. She’s worked in organizing, fundraising, and communications for local and state campaigns, and has fought for a more transparent and equitable government in St. Louis. She also serves as the President of the WashU Democrats, organizing students to create progressive change both on and off campus.
As Chair of the Missouri College Democrats, Elena is building and supporting a strong network of colleges eager to work together to support each other’s work upholding Democratic values and policies.
MissouRI High School Democrats Chair
Dwayne Irvin
he/him
Dwayne serves as Chair of the High School Democrats Committee for the Missouri Young Democrats and is the elected Chair of the Missouri High School Democrats. A senior at Center High School in Kansas City, he is an active student leader involved in Student Government, Distributive Education Clubs of America, Family, Career and Community Leaders of America, Key Club, yearbook, and High School Democrats of America.
Dwayne’s leadership experience also includes internships with the Office of the Mayor and Chief of Staff for the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and with the Urban Neighborhood Initiative. In these roles, he supported community engagement efforts, learned from local government leaders, and contributed to projects that uplift youth and strengthen neighborhoods.
Dwayne leads with passion and purpose. He is committed to inspiring his peers, expanding civic engagement, and building a more inclusive and equitable future for young Missourians.
Gavin Bena
he/him
2nd Congressional District Representative
Gavin serves as the 2nd Congressional District Representative for Missouri Young Democrats, bringing a commitment to building grassroots power and amplifying the voices of young Missourians. Based in the St. Louis area, Gavin works to connect members across the district, foster community engagement, and strengthen the Democratic presence in every corner of Missouri’s 2nd.
With a passion for inclusive politics and civic participation, Gavin has been active in local organizing efforts and Democratic campaigns, working to register voters, support candidates, and create pathways for young people to get involved in the political process. His work centers on expanding access to resources, building sustainable networks, and ensuring that the priorities of young people are represented at every level of government.
Gavin is focused on growing the Missouri Young Democrats’ reach in his district, fostering collaboration among local chapters, and empowering a new generation of leaders to drive lasting change.
3rd Congressional District Representative
Logan Kuykendall
he/him
Logan currently represents Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District for the Missouri Young Democrats and serves as Student Body President of the Missouri Students Association at the University of Missouri (Mizzou). A Public Administration & Policy major from Festus, Missouri, Logan brings together his passion for youth leadership and public service to both campus and the broader Democratic movement.
In his role with the Missouri Young Democrats, Logan works to lift young voices across Missouri’s 3rd Congressional District, connecting local high school and college students to civic engagement efforts and party infrastructure.
Logan’s leadership reflects his commitment to amplifying youth perspectives in both campus governance and state-level politics. Through both roles, he is dedicated to enhancing communication, fostering inclusive policy discussions, and empowering students and young voters to shape an equitable future.
5th Congressional District Representative
Rogelio Rodriguez
he/him
Rogelio proudly represents Missouri’s 5th Congressional District for the Missouri Young Democrats, bringing a deep commitment to public service, youth empowerment, and equitable community development. A Political Science major with a minor in Economics at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, Rogelio combines academic insight with hands-on experience to advance progressive change.
Rogelio’s leadership is grounded in an impressive record of civic engagement. He has served as a Legislative Intern for State Senator Greg Razer, conducting bill analysis and policy research on critical issues such as gun violence prevention, housing access, and education equity.
Dedicated to building a stronger, more connected Missouri, Rogelio works to amplify young voices and create opportunities for civic participation. Whether in the halls of government, the classroom, or the community, he leads with purpose, collaboration, and a vision for a state where every resident has the tools to thrive.
6th Congressional District Representative
Heather Montenguise
she/her
Heather holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education, bringing years of experience and a deep understanding of the challenges facing Missouri’s schools. Having lived in north central and northwest Missouri for most of her life, she is deeply rooted in the community and committed to the well-being of its residents.
Heather believes that strong communities are built through access to quality education, equal opportunities, and policies that protect the dignity and freedoms of all people. She sees political engagement as a powerful tool to create lasting change and works to ensure that all voices are represented in the decision-making process.
Outside of her advocacy work, Heather enjoys reading and spending time with her family. Through outreach and community-building, Heather is determined to bridge the gap between young people and the political process, ensuring they have the tools to shape Missouri’s future.
7th Congressional District Representative
Austin Reed
he/him
Austin is originally from Southeast Kansas but proudly calls Southwest Missouri home. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Pittsburg State University, where he built a strong foundation in policy and grassroots organizing. His experiences and education fuel his commitment to making Missouri more equitable and inclusive.
An outspoken advocate for the rights of marginalized people, workers, and those often overlooked by the Democratic establishment, Austin is unafraid to challenge the status quo. He believes real progress happens when leaders listen to and fight for the needs of everyday people, not just the powerful.
Austin’s goal is to make young voters the largest and most influential voting bloc in Missouri, reshaping the state’s political landscape for generations. He is committed to changing the direction of the Democratic Party to reflect the values and energy of a new generation.
8th Congressional District Representative
Béla Holzer
she/her
Béla is proud to serve as the 8th Congressional District Representative for the Missouri Young Democrats. Born and raised in mid-Missouri, she has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and youth civic engagement since before she could vote. She is especially passionate about expanding access to government and ensuring marginalized communities have a strong voice in shaping Missouri’s future.
Before serving as CD-8 Representative, Béla managed a grassroots campaign for two election cycles, gaining experience in organizing and coalition-building. She helped restructure the MO House District 143 Democratic Committee and circulated petitions to expand paid sick leave, raise wages, and protect reproductive rights.
As the 8th District Representative, Béla is committed to helping voters engage with their government in meaningful and accessible ways. She welcomes questions from community members about getting involved with local Democratic efforts and believes democracy works best when everyone has a seat at the table.
Communications COmmittee Chair
Ryan Zeugin
he/him
Ryan is a proud St. Louis native with a deep passion for both design and community leadership. He earned his bachelor’s degree in graphic design from Missouri Valley College, where he combined his creative skills with a drive to serve others. His professional background spans graphic design, marketing, and athletics, including his work as a coach and mentor for young athletes.
With years of experience leading communications for Alpha Sigma Phi and now serving as Communications Chair for the Missouri Young Democrats, Ryan brings a sharp eye for design and a strong understanding of how storytelling can move people to action.
Ryan believes in the power of creativity and communication to inspire change. His goal is to build a digital and visual strategy that not only strengthens Missouri Young Democrats but also energizes young people across the state to engage, organize, and lead.
Policy & Advocacy COmmittee Chair
Lucy Washburn
she/her
Lucy is proud to serve as the Chair of the Advocacy and Policy Committee for the Missouri Young Democrats. She is a third-year honors student at the University of Missouri–Columbia, pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Constitutional Democracy with minors in History and Criminology.
Her leadership spans campus and community roles, including serving as Vice President of Pi Sigma Alpha and Chair of Educational Enrichment for the Kinder Institute Undergraduate Society. She has interned with the International Law Institute and contributed research as an assistant on constitutional history projects at Mizzou.
As Advocacy and Policy Chair, Lucy is dedicated to ensuring that Missouri Young Democrats are a force for informed, research-driven, and justice-centered policy. She believes empowering young people to shape legislation and public debate is essential to creating a more equitable Missouri.
Fundraising COmmittee Chair
Claudia ward
she/her
Claudia serves as Chair of the Fundraising Committee for the Missouri Young Democrats, bringing a strategic and data-informed approach to building sustainable support for progressive change. Based in the Greater St. Louis area, she is passionate about using digital tools, analytics, and creative strategy to strengthen campaigns, uplift communities, and expand civic participation.
Since beginning her career in political organizing, Claudia has contributed her expertise to a range of advocacy and electoral efforts including work with Sapphire Strategies, the Empower Project, and Foundation Blue Media. Her experience spans digital marketing, donor engagement, and project management.
As Fundraising Chair, Claudia is committed to growing the organization’s capacity through innovative fundraising initiatives that empower young Democrats across Missouri to lead with purpose and create lasting impact in their communities.
Membership & Outreach COmmittee Chair
Elmedin Karamovic
he/him
Elmedin Karamovic is proud to serve as the Chair of the Membership & Outreach Committee for the Missouri Young Democrats. He is currently a senior at Bayless High School while simultaneously earning his associate’s degree at St. Louis Community College.
In 2023, Elmedin founded the Missouri High School Democrats after recognizing the absence of a youth-led organizing movement in the state. Since then, he has focused on building a strong foundation for young people to engage in politics, develop leadership skills, and have their voices heard.
As Chair of Membership & Outreach, Elmedin is committed to creating new chapters and recruiting members across Missouri. He believes that empowering young people to organize locally is key to strengthening the Democratic movement statewide.
Political Affairs COmmittee Chair
Dale Conoyer
he/him
Dale is proud to serve as the Chair of the Political Affairs Committee of the Missouri Young Democrats. Originally a Trump supporter, he left the MAGA movement in 2020 and has since become a steadfast advocate for civil rights, democracy, and progressive values in Missouri. Since 2024, he has served on the executive committee of the Saint Charles County Democrats and contributed his time and energy to numerous political campaigns and grassroots activism.
His work has focused on building connections and ensuring that everyday Missourians are represented in the political process. Dale has consistently shown a commitment to turning his personal journey into collective progress.
As Chair of the Political Affairs Committee, his goal is to mobilize young, politically engaged people across the state to advance Democratic causes and ensure the voices of the once neglected are heard.