Xochitl Medrano - President
Xochitl grew up in a union household and was influenced by the labor movement at a very young age. Her influence in political work transcended through her involvement at CSU Northridge with the Young Democrats. After graduating with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Communications Studies, Xochitl has continued her work with the Democratic Party in different capacities. She worked political campaigns after another since the 2016 elections. She ran the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley campaign headquarters in 2018 and led a college student internship program that encourage more students to get involved with campaigns. she currently is working for a non-profit and hopes to pursue a Master's of Arts in Business or Public Administration.
Marco Santana - Vice President
Tina Vartanian - Communications Director
Tina Vartanian serves as the Public Affairs Director at the Afriat Consulting Group, Inc. (ACG), where she manages the firm’s community outreach, political, and campaign activities. Since joining ACG, she has successfully assisted clients with Request for Proposals (RFP) procurements, the entitlement of controversial development projects, among other successes.
Before ACG, Tina was the Senior Policy Associate at the Alliance for Children’s Rights – a nonprofit advocating for the rights of vulnerable children, young adults, and families impacted by foster care. In this role, she spearheaded the organization’s policy work in Los Angeles. Additionally, Tina has served in several political posts. She worked at the prestigious advocacy firm, Kyle House Group in Washington D.C. and interned for then-Senator Barbara Boxer.
She holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) from California State University, Long Beach and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from California State University, Northridge.
Michael Menjivar - Treasurer
Michael has always been passionate about serving his community, with particular interests in housing and education. Born and raised in North Hollywood in the SFV, it was following graduation from UCLA with a degree in Biology that he began pursuing a career in public policy.
Prior to jumping into policy, organizing, and coalition-building, Michael spent five years working as a fundraiser for non-profits, including UCLA. Always interested in making the transition to policy, Michael complemented his professional experience by remaining active in his community, and joined the North Hollywood North East Neighborhood Council in 2015, serving time as the Treasurer and Chair of the Land Use Committee.
Michael currently works as the Deputy Director of Community Engagement for LAUSD Board President Kelly Gonez, who represents Board District 6 that encompasses the East San Fernando Valley. Prior, Michael was the Public Policy Organizer for the Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH), where he organized and led campaign efforts for more affordable housing in the Los Angeles area. Michael is also the current Chapter Director of New Leaders Council, Los Angeles, the premier leadership and professional development, training, mentoring, networking, and career and political advancement program for young professionals. He is a current board member of Abundant Housing, Los Angeles.
Meghan Mai - Social Media Director
Meghan has a lifelong passion for serving and advocating for vulnerable populations. She believes in economic and social equity and works towards this end. As an architect for change, she works to utilize the power of local government to create policies and programs that serve the most marginalized in our society. Meghan currently works for Mayor Eric Garcetti in his Office of Economic Opportunity. As the Community Development Policy Analyst, she leads efforts to bring more resources to historically underserved communities. She works with community stakeholders to disseminate over $150 million in grant funds from the City's Consolidated Plan. She also works with various service providers under Prop 47, which aims to help formerly justice-involved individuals transition back into society.
Meghan is a proud graduate of Mount Saint Mary's where she earned a B.S in Sociology and Political Science with minors in GIS and Women's Studies. During her senior year, Meghan served as the Student Body President.
She loves the outdoors and spending time with her family and dogs. Meghan also helps run her family's small business located in Burbank and does freelance graphic design on the side.
Talar Alexanian - Public Relations Director
Talar is the Senior Associate for Strategies 360, a full-service public affairs, research, and communications firm. Prior to consulting, Talar spent years shaping higher education advocacy and policy for both public university systems in California. She was appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve on the California State University – Board of Trustees from 2013-2015, and soon after, led the state and federal government affairs program of the University of California students.
A proud Matador, Talar earned her degree in Journalism and Political Science from Cal State Northridge, where she was elected twice as Vice President of the student body. Beyond her involvement with SFVYD, she currently serves as President of the Armenian Professional Society and as a member of the CSUN Young Alumni Taskforce. Talar is also a graduate of the Panetta Institute of Public Policy and the Coro Fellows Program in Public Affairs. In her spare time, catch Talar indulging in lavender lattes or pinpointing her next travel destination!
Mayra Valadez - Political Director
Mayra Valadez was born and raised in the Northeast San Fernando Valley in the community of Pacoima. Mayra studied Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and following graduation, moved back to her hometown. She is a Field Representative for State Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, who represents the West SFV.
On-campus she was elected to serve as the Vice President for Diversity & Inclusion on the Student Assembly, and President of the First Generation Student Union. She is passionate about empowering young people to participate in the political process and strive for equity in their communities.
Juan Solorio Jr - Legislative Director
After graduating, he interned with San Fernando City Mayor Joel Fajardo where he assisted in planning the City of San Fernando’s first LGBTQ forum and contributed to the City recognizing Indigenous People’s Day. Currently, he serves as Area Director for Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez.
Juan is a born and bred northeast valley resident, currently residing in Mission Hills.
Caroline Menjivar - Diversity and Inclusion Director
Melissa Garcia - Membership Director
Melissa Garcia was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She is the proud daughter of Peruvian immigrants and has followed in her parents' footsteps by dedicating her life to public service. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UC Irvine and went on to earn her Masters of Social Work from California State University, Northridge.
As a licensed clinical social worker, Melissa is incredibly passionate about serving marginalized communities and understands how social work and policy intersect in people's daily lives. Melissa previously acted as an At Large Representative for the 2017-2018 SFVYD term and rejoined the Executive Board as Membership Director in 2021. She hopes to continue creating additional opportunities for young people to participate in the political process as well as cultivate relationships among members, old and new.
When she's not working or volunteering, Melissa enjoys watching Netflix, browsing Reddit, and spending quality time with her husband and their pup.
John Camara - RFK Chair
Andrés Molina - Programs Director
Andrés Molina is a proud graduate of California State University, Los Angeles, with a Bachelors in Public Administration. He is the son of a Carpenter and a Bilingual teacher and the youngest of two children. Currently, Andrés is the Government Relations Representative for a private firm that focuses on improving transportation/infrastructure issues at home and around the world.
Andrés is excited to bring his experiences in the private sector as well as his passions for the community, education, and transportation to the club’s leadership. He is also an active member of Los Angeles County Young Democrats. Finally, Andrés returned to his alma mater last Fall for his Masters in Public Administration.
Lacy Nguyen Wright - Events Director
Lacy is a freelance event producer and social impact consultant, leveraging media and entertainment for social change. She is the creator of Ballot Breakers, an interview series featuring young Democrats running for office across the nation. She previously worked for Creative Artists Agency's Foundation department and as an editor-at-large for Huffington Post.
Lacy is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, where she studied Art History and Urban Education Policy. She’s currently serving on the Young Entertainment Activists board, the Speaker's Bureau for Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN), the Covenant House CA Event Committee, the InsideOUT Writers junior board, and the Fund Her Advisory Board.
Veronica De Lara - Community Outreach Director
Veronica De Lara was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. She is currently the Project Director at Pueblo y Salud, where she oversees drug prevention education projects that aims to protect the public health and safety of communities. Through her involvement in the Cesar Chavez Commemorative Committee of San Fernando Valley, she continues to organize an annual Social Justice March and Youth Leadership Conference to honor civil rights activist Cesar E. Chavez.
Most recently, Veronica was voted in this past primary presidential election as a new member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party Central Committee of Assembly District 38th, where she advocates and promotes equitable policies related to socioeconomic, health, and environmental justice. She is currently the Co-Chair of the California Alcohol Policy Alliance, a statewide alliance that focuses on protecting the public health and safety of communities.
Veronica is a graduate from The University of California Davis and the California State University of Los Angeles, where she received her master’s degree in public administration. Veronica is passionate about empowering young people and community members to become civically engaged and fight against social, economic, and health disparities.
Michael Barth - President Emeritus
Raised in the San Fernando Valley, Michael earned a B.A. in Political Science from UC San Diego before delving head-first into Los Angeles politics by working for the LA County Democratic Party and volunteering for various local campaigns. He served as Deputy Campaign Manager for Assessor Jeff Prang's successful primary campaign, coordinating operations and outreach throughout LA County. He is also an active member of Stonewall Democratic Club, previously serving on the club's steering committee.
Michael is a graduate of the USC Gould School of Law, where he served as President for his school's American Constitution Society chapter. As a law student, he focused on various intersecting fields of public interest law, including hands-on positions with the Lanterman Special Education Rights Project, UNITE HERE Local 11, and as a California Employment Lawyers Association Employee Justice Fellow. His primary interest in the legal field is in public interest and workers' rights law, including legal aid for victims of wage theft.
Most recently, he served on Senator Elizabeth Warren's 2020 Presidential campaign as a Field Organizer working in the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County.