Dems Board 2024

President — Janalie Cobb

Janalie (she/her) is a junior in Davenport College majoring in Political Science. She was born in San Francisco, raised in Chicago, went to high school in New Hampshire, and now spends most of her time in either New Haven or Washington, D.C. Janalie joined Dems in Spring 2022. Outside of Dems, you can find her in the Yale Daily News building or the Underground (probably the Underground) procrastinating her homework. Janalie also works with the Urban Institute and the Blue Haven Initiative civics team, as well as the Yale School of Music, where she's a stage manager. She has also worked extensively in Illinois politics, both in the Lieutenant Governor’s office and as an intern for Senator Tammy Duckworth, in addition to state and local politics in Connecticut and D.C. Prior to being President, Janalie was Legislative Advocacy Coordinator.

Contact: president@yaledemocrats.com

Vice President — Jeremy Williams

Jeremy Williams (he/him) is a junior in Branford college studying Ethics, Politics, and Economics. He was born and raised in New York City and joined Yale Dems during his first semester on campus as an Elections Fellow. Outside of his role as Vice President for Yale Dems, Jeremy is the Design Editor for the Yale Review of International Studies and a member of the Black Men’s Union at Yale. Jeremy likes to spend his free time spending quality time with friends, discussing politics, and working on his comic book series, Guardian. Jeremy loves meeting new people around campus, so feel free to reach out to him!

Contact: jeremy.williams.jaw239@yale.edu

Legislative Coordinator — Christian thomas

Christian Thomas (he/him) is a Junior in Pierson College studying Political Science with certificates in Education Studies and Spanish Language. He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and loves to talk about his pride in his home state. He has a strong interest in education policy, LGBTQ+ rights, voting rights, and housing policy. He joined Yale Dems in the fall semester of his first year as a legislative fellow. Outside of Yale Dems, Christian is the Financial Policy Director for the E-Board of the Yale College Council, a public school intern at Hill Regional Career High School, and is involved in the Yale International Relations Association. He also conducts research with Dr. Ciprianio in the Education Collaboratory at Yale. In his free time, he enjoys playing the marimba in the Yale Marimband, having friends over for vinyls and tea, and traveling. He is always looking for someone to do work with at a New Haven coffee shop, so reach out and he'd love to meet you!

Contact: christian.thomas@yale.edu

Elections Coordinator — natalie miller

Natalie (she/her) is a junior in Davenport from Duluth, Minnesota. She is majoring in economics and political science and is interested in law, labor rights, and advancing women's economic and social equality throughout the world. She has worked as a Senior Fellow in both Elections and Legislative Advocacy branches and has also interned for Senator Amy Klobuchar, working on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions policy work. In her free time, Natalie loves to run, read mystery, write creative fiction, and talk about Minnesota. She always loves to meet new people, so reach out any time to hang out or grab coffee. :)

Contact: natalie.miller@yale.edu

Voter Advocacy Coordinator — Roy Kohavi

Roy Kohavi (he/they) is a junior in Saybrook College from Bellevue, Washington majoring in Political Science with an intensive certificate in Education Studies. Roy joined Dems in the Fall of 2022. Roy has pursued his passions of fighting for civil rights, voting rights, and equitable education by serving in the Dems Voter Engagement and City branches. Outside of Dems, he is immersed in theater, dance, and performing in Yale’s oldest sketch-comedy group, The Fifth Humor. Roy also serves as a Peer Liaison with the LGBTQ Center serves as a Teaching Assistant, and is a Yale Tour Guide. In their free time, Roy enjoys playing board games, snagging food with friends in random butteries, binge-watching Gilmore Girls, and going on long road trips. Reach out to him about anything, especially if it involves exploring New Haven!

Contact: roy.kohavi@yale.edu

City engagement Coordinator — Alastair rao

Alastair Rao (he/him) is a junior in Saybrook College studying History. He is from the San Francisco Bay Area and joined Dems as a City Engagement Fellow during his first semester at Yale! He is beyond excited to continue the legacy of the City branch as City Engagement Coordinator in 2024. Outside of Dems, Alastair is very involved in theatre and the AACC. Recently, he directed the 2024 Commencement Musical Legally Blonde. In his free time, Alastair loves watching Survivor, playing board games with his suitemates, or pretending to study at a coffee shop. He already wants to be your friend!

Contact: alastair.rao@yale.edu

Communications Director — Nicole Chen

Nicole (she/her) is a junior in Silliman majoring in Political Science with a certificate in Education Studies. She was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and currently lives in New York City. Nicole joined Yale Dems as a first-year in the Legislative Branch and testified for early voting in Connecticut in front of the Connecticut General Assembly. She later went on to become a senior Legislative fellow. Outside of Yale Dems, she writes and edits for The Politic and the Yale Undergraduate Law Journal. She is also an intern at the Yale Law Journal, an aide in the Silliman College Office, and an undergraduate research assistant investigating arms control agreements. In her free time, she enjoys exploring restaurants and cafes, doing yoga, and traveling to new places. She would love to get to know all of you and is just one coffee shop meeting away!

Contact: comms@yaledemocrats.com

Treasurer — Zachary pan

Zach Pan (he/him) is a first-year in Ezra Stiles College majoring in Ethics, Politics, and Economics. He was born in Washington DC but has travelled the country working on political campaigns in Iowa, New York, and Virginia. He loves reading a good book (preferably by Murakami) and watching West Wing. Outside of Yale Dems, he is a runner, a competitive chess player, and has attained a second-degree black belt in tae kwon do. Most of all, he is a foodie and loves both good Japanese food and cooking his own creations. Feel free to reach out if you would like to chat!

Contact: zach.pan@yale.edu

Membership and Inclusion DIRECTOR — Alexandra Martinez-Garcia

Alexandra (she/her) is a sophomore in Silliman College majoring in Neuroscience on a pre-medical track. Originally from Gales Ferry, Connecticut, she's a lover of all things New England fall and joined Dems during her first semester as a Legislative Advocacy Fellow. Outside of Dems, she volunteers with HAVEN Free Clinic and Yale Alzheimer's Buddies, plays club water polo, and writes for the Yale Daily News Scitech Desk. In her free time, you can find her watching a Formula One grand prix, reading a rom-com novel, or going for a run outdoors. If you ever can't find her, she's probably at Koffee or Atticus. Feel free to reach out to her about anything!

Contact: alexandra.martinez-garcia@yale.edu

Speakers Director — Maia Roothaan

Maia Roothaan (she/her) is a junior in Branford College majoring in Environmental Studies, with a certificate in French. She grew up in Evanston, Illinois and joined Dems in her first semester at Yale, serving as both a Legislative Fellow and Voter Advocacy Fellow. Outside of Dems, Maia has served as Political Director of the Yale Student Environmental Coalition and Residential College Seminar Program Coordinator. She currently works as a Partnerships Research Assistant for the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, Culinary Events Manager for the Yale Farm, and a Branford College Aide. In her free time, Maia loves cooking, traveling, and going on long hikes with friends. She's always up for grabbing coffee or going on a walk, so please reach out!

Contact: maia.roothaan@yale.edu

Events DIRECTOR — Riley Elliott

Riley Elliott (she/her) is a junior majoring in political science interested in rural communities. She was born and raised in Asheville NC and joined Yale Dems her first semester as a City Engagement Fellow. Outside of Dems, she conducts research in partnership with Yale, advocates for southern progressive causes, and is passionate about expanding legal access. Riley enjoys drinking copious amounts of coffee, reading any Emily Henry book, and running in East Rock. She is excited to get to know you over a meal or a coffee!

Contact: riley.elliott@yale.edu