Staff Report
Alabama Political Reporter
WASHINGTON – US Representatives Terri Sewell (D-Alabama) and Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) will serve as honorary co-chairs of the newly-formed High School Democrats of America Adult Board of Advisors, the organization announced on Wednesday.
The seven-member board will provide a long-term network for partnership and collaborative efforts with other progressive organizations, according to HSDA National Chairman Jordan Cozby. The Advisory Board will also assist in creating organizational continuity and expanding outreach opportunities.
“I’m excited about the tremendous contributions these progressive leaders will make toward our efforts to foster youth political participation. We are thankful for the continuing investment of the Democratic Party in developing student activism,” Cozby said.
Congresswoman Sewell currently serves as the US Representative of Alabama’s 7th Congressional District and sits on the House Committee on Financial Services, as well as the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. She is one of the first women elected to Congress from Alabama and is the first black woman to ever serve on the Alabama Congressional delegation.
“These young people have been dedicated advocates for expanded voter access and educational opportunity. I look forward to helping them fulfill their goals in the coming years,” said Congresswoman Sewell.
Congressman Castro currently serves as the U.S. Representative for Texas’ 20th Congressional District and Chief Deputy Whip for House Democrats. He sits on the House Armed Services Committee, as well as the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Castro previously served five terms as a State Representative for District 125, where he held the position of Democratic Floor Leader in the Texas House.
“It’s a privilege to serve as honorary co-chair with my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Sewell. It is critical that we work with this next generation of American leaders to help empower the youth voice across our nation,” said Congressman Castro.
In addition to the two U.S. Representatives, the Adult Board of Advisors will include:
– Beth Clayton, a political communication consultant and President of the Alabama Young Democrats.
– Kate Donaghue, member of the Democratic National Committee and the Democratic State Committee in Massachusetts.
– James Hart, Director of Metal Trades for the United Association and formerly National Metal Trades Department Liaison for the AFL-CIO.
– Fraser Nelson, Salt Lake County Director of Data and Innovation and founder of the Community Foundation of Utah.
– Neeraj Salhotra, current Harvard Law student who co-founded One Jump and SWAG to College.
The High School Democrats of America is a national, youth-based political organization with more than 500 chapters in more than forty states. At the state level, HSDA student activists work with allied organizations and local Democratic parties to advocate for progressive policies and elect Democrats on all levels.
High School Democrats of America (HSDA) is an independent youth advocacy group and is not affiliated with the Democratic National Committee or the Young Democrats of America. For more information about the organization, please visit www.hsdems.org.
