Turning Young Activism into Policy
Session Type(s): Panel
Starts: Thursday, Jul. 16 5:15 PM (Eastern)
Ends: Thursday, Jul. 16 6:30 PM (Eastern)
Millennials are inspiring and influencing public policy in a number of ways. The panel will look to inspire and encourage your emerging and future leadership. Through their grassroots efforts encompassing campaigns, protests, social media and press, young leaders are showing us ways to get millennials engaged and involved in politics. Even those who are ineligible to vote have influenced policy. This panel will explore how young activists got involved even at a young age and how their actions have resulted in real policy changes, plus we’ll discuss various ways to engage this demographic.
Moderator
Quiana Dickenson
Quiana Dickenson is highly skilled and trained in conflict resolution, mediation, community conflict management, communication, training and public speaking. She serves as an adjunct professor of public administration and communication for several nationally and regionally accredited institutions. Quiana has worked with both for profit and non-profit organizations, facilitated seminars for government agencies and officials and is frequently called to advise in matters of effective communication and community conflict strategies. She is a member of several local and national community service and advocacy organizations such as Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., National Council of Negro Women, and serves as Vice Chair of the Arizona African American Caucus. Quiana has also founded Tamar Communication and Education Consulting, which advocates and trains individuals and organizations on effective communication, education, public policy and political initiatives and practices. Quiana has been a member of the Arizona List Staff, serving as a political consultant since 2012.
Panelists
Erika Andiola
Erika Andiola is a former Congressional Staffer for Arizona Congresswoman, Kyrsten Sinema and co-founder of the DRM Action Coalition. Erika started her community organizing experience when she co-founded the Arizona Dream Act Coalition. She then served in the National Coordinating Committee and the Board of Directors for the United We Dream Network. Her personal struggle as an undocumented woman herself, with an undocumented family, has given her the drive and the passion to keep fighting for immigrant rights.
Other sessions: Undocumented in Arizona: Immigrant Leaders Share their Stories, The Evolution of Immigrant Rights: From Political Empowerment to Progressive Change
Kyle Blackhorse
Kyle Blackhorse is Navajo, Tlingit and Yurok. He was born in Seattle and resides in Phoenix. He is actively involved in helping his communities to make a difference for future generations in honor of his ancestors.
At the age of 18 years old, Kyle is the youngest Native American to be elected to serve as a Precinct Committeeperson and State Committeeperson of the Arizona Democratic Party, where he also serves as the Native American Caucus Secretary.
Kyle also was a founding student member of SEVNA PTSA and has volunteered countless hours on varies community committee’s and events. Kyle is a strong supporter of Indigenous rights, Saving Oak Flat and changing the NFL Washington R*dskins name.
Jordan Hibbs
Jordan Hibbs is a long-time community leader who, in her work with various organizations, has served as an advocate for equal rights. Jordan is currently a graduate student pursuing a Masters of Science and Technology Policy at Arizona State University. She holds a Bachelor of Science in psychology, with a minor in political science.
At the age of 21, Jordan was elected as Vice Chairwoman of the Arizona Democratic Party in January 2015. In her various roles, she has been able to advocate for Arizonans and specifically those in underserved communities. Jordan believes in the power of empowering younger generations, who represent our future to secure equality and opportunity for all.
In 2014, Jordan was featured by MSNBC as a leader making a difference not only through key issues on campus, but in bridging the gender gap in politics.
Jevin Hodge
Jevin Hodge is an Arizona native and is currently studying Public Policy and Political Management at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. Jevin has been in involved in policy advising and campaign management at the municipal, state and federal level; working with community leaders and elected officials primarily focusing on how to increase civic engagement among young Americans. In addition, Jevin serves as the Executive Vice President of the The Manifesto Project. The Manifesto Project is asking and working to answer the question: How does Arizona retain and develop its young professionals? Jevin is a Millennial Inspirational Speaker, noted as “America’s Leading Young Agent for Change” and author of L.Y.F.E. – Living Young Free and Extravagant. He has traveled around the nation, speaking to millennials, and various organizations on how to mobilize, attract, educate and retain young talent.
Kristie O'Brien
Kristie is a Native Arizonan and a graduate of Dobson High School.
Kristie received her B.A. in International Relations from Trinity University, DC, a Certificate in International Studies from The Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies, DC and her Juris Doctorate from Bond University Law School, Australia. Kristie has also participated in educational exchanges to Thailand and the Netherlands.
Kristie is a lawyer with a background in environmental, intellectual property, entertainment and international criminal law.
Kristie was a previous candidate for the Arizona State Senate.
In January 2015, Kristie was elected to serve as Vice-Chairwoman of the Arizona Democratic Party.
Kristie also serves as Western Regional Director on the Alumnae Board of Trinity College, Trinity University, DC.
Kristie’s community interests include engaging young Democratic voters; working to achieve economic and educational equality; and highlighting the prevention of domestic violence, abuse and the trafficking of women and children.