Our Executive Board
As guided by our Constitution, the Michigan College Democrats is composed of 8 elected officers who represent the students in votes of the board. The board appoints Deputy Directors and Associates who help in a variety of different areas.
The board meets weekly, with minutes and agendas available upon request. To request agendas and meeting minutes, email our Secretary Saumya Arora at saumya@micollegedems.org.
Elected Board of Directors
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President Stella Camerlengo
Stella is a Senior at the University of Michigan--Ann Arbor studying Political Science and International Relations. She has been involved with the Michigan College Democrats, first as the Federal Affairs Director, then the Communications Director, and now is in her second term as President. Previously, she has interned in Governor Whitmer's Executive Office, on Capitol Hill, and on various local campaigns. Currently, she is a staff member on Eli Savit's campaign for Attorney General and works for the Conservation Lands Foundation. Outside of politics, she enjoys long nature-filled hikes, spending quality time with friends and family, and trying new coffeeshops!
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Vice President Parker G. Ward
Parker G. Ward is a junior at Central Michigan University. A member of the CMU Honors Program, he is pursuing a Bachelor of Science studying Political Science, English, and philosophy. He is the President of the Central Michigan University College Democrats. Parker is a proud Democrat from a deep-red rural area; hailing from Lapeer, Michigan. He hopes to mobilize disaffected working-class voters in historically red areas, and advocates for the inclusion of rural voices in conversations where they are often drowned out. Parker intends to practice labor and employment law, advocating for labor unions and workers’ rights. Parker is also an avid Detroit sports, Bob Dylan, and poetry fan.
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Chief of Staff Anabelle Sanchez
Anabelle is a student at Michigan State University double majoring in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy and Public Policy. Driven by a deep-seated passion for politics and educational equity, she has gained valuable experience through the Chicago Mayor’s Youth Commission, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and various political campaigns. Beyond her roots in Chicago, Anabelle is actively involved in numerous campus organizations at MSU and currently serves on the Judicial Council for the College Democrats of America. She is dedicated to contributing to the vital political discourse that shapes the future of both Michigan and the United States.
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Secretary Saumya Arora
Saumya is a junior studying Secondary Education at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She is the founder and President of College Democrats on her campus, as well as a Senator in Student Government. Saumya has been politically involved for six years now and has worked alongside several candidates. Her hobbies include reading, golfing, crafting, and spending time with friends!
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Political Director Tyler Measel
Tyler is a student at the University of Michigan, class of 2027, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. He has experience in state government through his internships with the Michigan Senate and the Executive Office of Governor Whitmer. His academic interests focus on civil rights, constitutional history, and the Reconstruction Era. Tyler is eager to apply his interests and experiences to promote legislative and political advocacy that reflects the voices of young people across Michigan at all levels of government.
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Communications Director Reese Johnson
Reese (she/her) is a current student at the University of Michigan, studying Art & Design while pursing a double major in Political Science. Born and raised in Monroe, Michigan, she is the Founder of the 501(c)(3), Prism: LGBTQ+ Support, Education, and Resources and currently serves as Vice President for Monroe County Pride. She is passionate about advocating for environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, women’s equality, and is grateful for the chance to make change through MICD.
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Finance Director Gioser Acopa
Gioser is a Junior at Grand Valley State University, pursuing a double major in political science and economics. He first got involved in politics in the 2024 election and has since worked with campaigns and both the State House and Senate. Gioser hopes to continue supporting strong candidates and good politics alongside MICD.
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Membership Director Jai Patel
Jai (he/him) is a junior at Michigan State University’s James Madison College studying Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy. He has worked in Governor Whitmer’s office, the Michigan House of Representatives, a public relations firm, and various campaigns. Raised on the west side of the state, he grew up loving the snow until he learned how to drive. He hopes to make a Michigan a top 10 state for public education and the state people think of when wanting a real opportunity to grow.
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Programs Director Lillian Edenburn
Lillian (she/her) is going to Saginaw Valley State University in the fall for a Bachelor of Art in Political Science with a minor in Public Law. Prior to the fall, Lillian will be finishing out her Associate in General Studies with Mott Community College. She loves to volunteer at different political events, work as a campaign manager, and to door knock for important democratic issues. Outside of political affairs, Lillian loves to illustrate, attend musicals, and read comics!
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Alumni Director Noah Johnson
Noah is an Alumni of Saginaw Valley State University where he earned a degree in Political Science. He has previously served as the President of the SVSU College Democrats and Programs Director of MICD. He is excited to build out a strong and far-reaching alumni network for the organization!
Deputy Directors & Appointed Leadership
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Deputy Policy Director Eli Woltmann-Lewis
Eli is currently a student at Washtenaw Community College and will be transferring to the University of Michigan in Fall 2026, where he will pursue a degree in public policy. He is currently the president of the College Democrats of Washtenaw Community College and has been organizing on campus for Democratic campaigns since the 2024 election cycle. Within MICD, Eli served as the LGBTQ+ Policy Team Chair and continues to be passionate about advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. He is dedicated to building inclusive, equity-driven policy solutions and is looking forward to diving into the policy work of the upcoming election cycle.
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Deputy Communications Director Braxton Madduka
Braxton is a second-year student at Michigan State University, pursuing majors in Political Theory & Constitutional Democracy and Social Relations & Policy. With a strong passion for political affairs, advocacy, and social issues, he currently works as a campaign consulting intern for Crane Consulting, supporting various local, state, and federal Democratic candidates by staffing call time and conducting donor research. He also serves as the Advocacy Director for the MSU College Democrats, where he helps advance progressive initiatives for the club. Beyond his academic and political work, Braxton is an avid One Piece fan.
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Deputy Finance Director Mallorey Befell
Mallorey is a freshman at Saginaw Valley State University majoring in Accounting with a minor in Criminal Justice. She currently serves as the Treasurer of the SVSU College Democrats. She previously served as a fellow for the ONE Campaign during Vice President Kamala Harris’s election, gaining hands-on experience in political organizing and voter outreach. She’s excited to continue growing as a leader and helping mobilize her campus community for causes she believes in.
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Deputy Programs Director Wyatt Alger
Wyatt is a Junior at the University of Michigan studying History and Political Science. He is originally from Jackson, Michigan and has been a lifelong Michigander. Wyatt became involved in politics in order to have a part in shaping the future of our political landscape as well as striving to highlight the great work being done by local Democratic politicians. He has experience working with state-level politicians and volunteering for local campaigns.
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Policy Analysis Associate McKenzie Shagena
McKenzie (she/her) is a second-year student at Saginaw Valley State University, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Public Law. She is actively involved on campus through the Law Club, Moot Court, Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court, Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, and the Competitive Speech Team. She also has prior experience leading student organizations and community initiatives that promote women’s rights and civic engagement. With a strong commitment to advocacy and public service, McKenzie is passionate about Constitutional Law, advancing gender equality, and expanding opportunities for underrepresented voices.
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Legislative Affairs Associate Hana Thorson
Hana is currently attending MSU. Hailing from Japan in 5th grade, they have been interested in social justice and international relations ever since. Hana hopes to attend law school for Asian Law and continue her studies in Japanese.
At MICD, using their past experiences in advocacy, they hope to promote the message of inclusivity.
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Legislative Affairs Associate Kai Baltes
My name is Kai Baltes, and I am a junior at Michigan State University where I am studying International Relations as well as Urban Planning. I am passionate about public transportation, housing reform, economic reform, and foreign policy.
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Legislative Affairs Associate Lila Abdullah
Lila Abdullah is a third-year student at Michigan State University, double majoring in Social Relations & Policy and Criminal Justice. She currently serves as an intern in the Office of U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib and has worked at the federal and state levels, including with Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s Federal Affairs team and in both chambers of the Michigan Legislature. Lila also serves as a Housing Commissioner in East Lansing and is passionate about advancing equitable housing and public policy on campus and eventually statewide.
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Legislative Affairs Associate Mikayla Squirewell
Mikayla is a Junior at Eastern Michigan University, majoring in Political Science while also pursuing a minor in Public Law and Government. She is very passionate about helping those in her community and making the world a better place --- one day at a time. Mikayla is eager to build and contribute to MICD. She is excited to apply her newfound skills and lessons to a career in state politics and advocacy.
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Legislative Affairs Associate Hannah Hashem
Hannah Hashem is a junior at Wayne State University studying Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice. For three years, Hannah worked as an intern/legislative assistant for the office of State Senator Polehanki, gaining hands-on experience into the legislature. Bearing two Great Seals of the State of Michigan for her recognition of service throughout the years.
Hannah currently works as a legal assistant, handling municipal and liquor matters. Hannah is also the President of the Wayne State University College Democrats. She hopes to continue to drive meaningful policy change by empowering other students through understanding the importance of their voices today.
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Communications Associate Noah Frank
From St. Louis, Missouri, Noah is a sophomore at Michigan State University with a major in political science and a minor in history. He has a passion for politics and is dedicated to getting more people participating in politics. He is also a member of the MICD Housing policy team. Outside of politics, Noah is a huge hockey and football fan.
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Communications Associate Talia Genauer
Talia Genauer is a first-year student at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business interested in the intersection of business, politics, and public policy. With experience in political communications and campaign work, she enjoys engaging with issues that shape local communities and student advocacy. Talia was drawn to MICD for its emphasis on youth involvement and collective impact, and is excited to help students engage in politics and make their voices heard.
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Membership Associate Joe Garris
Joe (he/him) is a junior at Eastern Michigan University studying Social Work with a minor in Political Science. He is currently serving as the President of the Eastern Michigan University College Democrats. Joe began working in politics in 2024, and is currently working on multiple campaigns. He hopes to bring more students into the political system and bring a new fresh voice to the Democratic Party.
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Programs Associate Katy Cobian
My name is Katy and I’m from Saint Johns, MI. I’m a senior at Albion College majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and Service. I’m passionate about public service and trying to connect with members in my community. During the 2024 election cycle, I had the opportunity to serve as the President of the Albion College Democrats as well as work with For Michigan as a Deputy Campus Organizer. Outside of school and work, I’m an avid music listener, and my favorite artists include Bad Bunny, Conan Gray, and Gigi Perez. I’m excited to work with the Michigan College Democrats as a member of the Programs Team and help plan a great convention.
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