About Us

Who we are, and what we do

The College Democrats at Penn State aim to further the platforms of Democrats up and down the ballot, while expressing and representing the interests of college students. We do volunteer work, outreach, and voter registration, while leaving time for fun, with social events, trips, and activities.

Our Executive Board

President

Madeline Shanafelt (She/Her)

Third Year, majoring in Education and Public Policy & Political Science

Hometown: Hollidaysburg, PA

Serves as the chief executive officer of the PSU College Democrats and is responsible for the actions of the organization. Serves as a liaison to other democratic organizations in the community and sits on the Centre Country Democratic Committee Executive Board. Also responsible for running the weekly meetings.

Executive Vice President

Keegan Jolly (She/Her)

Third Year, majoring in Criminology on the pre-law track

Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Serves as President if the President is unable to perform their duties. Responsible for all external matters relating to the College Democrats. Also responsible for a major programming event in the Spring each year, in addition to collecting and tracking club dues and working with the fundraising chair.

Administrative Vice President

James Wachtman (He/They)

Third Year, majoring in Political Science & Economics

Hometown: Wallingford, PA

Serves as the President if the President and the Executive Vice President are unable to do their duties. Responsible for all internal matters relating to the College Democrats in addition to planning the yearly Washington D.C. trip.

Treasurer

Jessica Firestone (She/Her)

Fourth Year, majoring in Political Science & Philosophy, and minoring in Economics

Hometown: Bucks County, PA

Responsible for keeping track of all College Democrats accounts and expenditures. The treasurer oversees all budgets, collects and tracks club dues, and manages the College Democrats merchandise.

Secretary

Owen Fulcher (He/Him)

Second Year, majoring in History & Political Science

Hometown: Santa Clara County, CA

Responsible for maintaining all agendas, minutes, and motions for all College Democrats meetings. Also responsible for sharing meeting notifications via MailChimp and tracking member attendance.

Chief of Staff, Event Planner

Sishir Katta (He/Him)

Fourth Year, majoring in Economics & Mathematics

Hometown: San Ramon, CA

The Chief of Staff is the liaison between the steering committees and the Executive Board. Will assist the Board with various tasks and is responsible for organizing leadership bonding events.

Event Planners are responsible for the organization and scheduling of all club events through the university.

Steering Vacanies

None

We currently don't have vacancy, but please reach out if you're interested in joining the club!

Our Steering Committee

Meet the dedicated members of PSU College Dems who strive to promote political awareness and civic engagement on campus.

The Steering Committee is created and appointed, at will, by the President to aid in club leadership and organization.

Social Media Chair

Jordan Yancey

(She/Her)

The social media chair is responsible for the curation and posting of all PSU Dems social media accounts.

Outreach Chair

Sophia Rodriguez

(She/Her)

The Outreach chair is responsible for the management of the PSU Dems LinkedIn. They are also responsible for sharing relevant internship and career opportunities with club-members.

Communications Chair

Lauren Welch

(She/Her)

The First Year Chairs are responsible for representing the first years in the club, and all of their interests, to leadership

Political Affairs Chair

Amari Saunders (He/Him)

This member of the Steering Committee is responsible for tabling, assisting the EVP in scheduling, setting up and taking down tables, as well as coordinating with other organizations in order to synchronize tabling opportunities and ensure that relevant material is delivered to PSU Votes.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair

Jake Robbins

(He/Him)

The Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Chair is responsible for maintaining a safe space within the club for all members, and finding and providing anti-bias training for leadership.

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First Year Co-Chair

Anna Coccodrilli (She/Her)

The First Year Chairs are responsible for representing the first years in the club, and all of their interests, to leadership

Philanthropy Chair

Ella Persio

(She/Her)

The Tabling Chair is responsible for organizing all PSU Dems tabling endeavors.

Fundraising Chair

Will Draper

(He/Him)

The Fundraising Chair is responsible for organizing fundraising endeavors for the club.

First Year Co-Chair

Eden Odendahl (She/Her)

The First Year Chairs are responsible for representing the first years in the club, and all of their interests, to leadership

Join the team!

Want to join the team? Contact us via this link for more information on how to get involved with Penn State College Democrats.

Steering Applications!

About Us

Our Executive Board

Third Year, majoring in Education and Public Policy & Political Science

Hometown: Hollidaysburg, PA

Third Year, majoring in Criminology on the pre-law track

Hometown: Palm Beach Gardens, FL

Third Year, majoring in Political Science & Economics

Hometown: Wallingford, PA

Fourth Year, majoring in Political Science & Philosophy, and minoring in Economics

Hometown: Bucks County, PA

Second Year, majoring in History & Political Science

Hometown: Santa Clara County, CA

Fourth Year, majoring in Economics & Mathematics

Hometown: San Ramon, CA

Steering Vacanies

None

Our Steering Committee

Join the team!

Penn State College Democrats

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Attend Our Meetings!