An End-of-Term Statement from the President (2025)

To the Members, Advisors, Partners, and Supporters of the Young Democrats of Louisiana,

As my term as President of the Young Democrats of Louisiana comes to a close, I want to mark this moment plainly, enthusiastically, and with gratitude.

This term was defined by rebuilding legitimacy, restoring credibility, and proving that young Democrats in Louisiana can deliver results under real constraints.

In a little over one year since reactivating in fall 2024, YDL rebuilt itself into a necessary and growing partner in Democratic organizing across Louisiana. Together, we were part of a broad coalition that helped defeat all four of Governor Jeff Landry’s constitutional amendments in March 2025. We reestablished statewide infrastructure through more than six statewide events and representation at five national convenings, expanded voter registration among first-time voters in historically overlooked communities, supported and elevated our members into leadership beyond YDL, launched YDL’s first-ever merchandise store in partnership with our state party, and generated more than eight million organic impressions without paid advertising.

That’s not hype. That’s not a fluke. That’s work.

For the past couple of cycles, YDL operated with officers appointed or serving in interim roles while the organization was rebuilt. We all know what it’s like to build a plane while flying it, and this was no different. We faced real challenges, but last Saturday’s State Convention marked a turning point. Going forward, YDL’s leadership has been duly elected by its peers, strengthening accountability, legitimacy, and the organization’s ability to unify behind its mission to engage, empower, and elect young leaders and allies who move our state toward a more equitable future.

This moment matters beyond YDL. Louisiana is too often written off as inhospitable terrain for youth-led Democratic organizing. The work of the past year demonstrates that assumption is not only wrong, but limiting. When young people are trusted, organized, and held to standards, they deliver. Electorally. Culturally. And Structurally.

None of this happened alone. The progress YDL made over the last year was the result of collective effort, shared commitment, and people choosing to show up—even when the work was hard, imperfect, or unglamorous.

Rechartering and National Representation

Lee Verret; Colin Carter, who served with distinction as our National Committee Representative and Delegate Chair; Yva Totchnum; Juanita Pryor; and Avian Richardson were central to YDL’s successful rechartering and national presence. Colin Carter’s unimpeachable representation of our organization and Juanita Pryor’s leadership in delivering Louisiana’s roll call and votes ensured that YDL showed up organized, credible, and prepared on the national stage.

Chief of Staff and Organizational Leadership

Avian Richardson deserves special recognition for serving as an exceptional Chief of Staff. Their steadiness, judgment, and commitment to organizational integrity made this presidency possible in ways that will never fully show up on paper.

Operations and Institutional Continuity

Eva Totchnum, Avion Richardson, Michelle Johnson, Executive Director Lanus, and Deputy Executive Director Brister provided critical operational support during a demanding rebuilding period. Their attention to detail, behind-the-scenes problem-solving, and commitment to continuity kept the organization moving forward.

Interim Officers and Executive Leadership (2024–2025)

To our interim officers and executive vice presidents who carried YDL through a critical rebuilding period—Jay Braxton, Master Woodfork, Lizeth Tobias, Tyler Sanchez, Jax Badeaux, Layla Harman, and Emily Rasch—thank you for stepping into leadership when stability was not guaranteed and outcomes were not assured.

Lauren Loisel lit a torch in our communications work, and those who carried it forward—Drew Sarhan and J. Adler Rice—helped ensure YDL’s voice was visible, effective, and undeniable.

Each of you played a role in relaunching this organization and continuing to engage young people in politics beyond YDL. That work matters, and it will last.

National Leadership and Movement Solidarity

I am grateful to the national leaders who supported YDL’s rechartering and growth, including Fatima Heyward (NJ), President of the Young Democrats of America; Blake Robinson (GA), YDA Southern Regional Vice President; Harry Bittker (NY), YDA Parliamentarian; and Stephon Moore (KY), YDA DNC Representative

Thank you as well to supportive Young Democrats from other chartered units who showed up in solidarity and partnership, Nnedi Stephens (Young Democrats of Nevada), Mina Davis (Texas Young Democrats), Billy Cook (Arkansas Young Democrats), the YDA Black Caucus, and ACUP. Your support reinforced that Louisiana is not organizing in isolation.

Local Chapter Builders

To my fellow charter members of the Young Democrats of Greater Baton Rouge, Blair Boles, Lauren Franklin, Connor Welch, Lauren Ferrand, Logan Wolf, and Maya Garnier, thank you for believing early, building locally, and proving that chapter-based organizing remains the backbone of sustainable growth.

Supporters

Jae Ragen, and Jovan Richard offered guidance, perspective, and support throughout this term.

1st Vice Chair Katie Darling, thank you for partnering with YDL to bring youth-led environmental roundtables to college campuses alongside DNC Climate Chair Michelle Deitrick.

Dustin Granger, Laurie Constentino, and Woodrow Parker, your support and moments of counsel and encouragement made a tangible difference.

Special Contributions

Thank you to Yva Totchnum for coordinating directly with Beto O’Rourke’s Powered by People team to mobilize YDL volunteers for the New Orleans town hall.

Thank you to Bright Blue Ink for helping launch YDL’s first-ever merchandise store.

National and External Support

Neal Tandon, Court Hold, David Noe, and everyone who traveled to Philadelphia—or supported from home and participated virtually—thank you for ensuring Louisiana’s voice was present and taken seriously.

Elected Officials and Party Leadership

I am grateful to Chair Randall Gaines, State Representatives Kyle Green, Matt Willard, Tammy Phelps, Edmond Jordan, C. Denise Marcille, Mandie Landry, Congressman Troy Carter and Governor John Bel Edwards, who consistently made time to acknowledge young people, encourage participation, and create space for the next generation of leaders to enter the room and be taken seriously.

My Kitchen Cabinet

Finally, I want to acknowledge Colin Carter, Avian Richardson, Amber Russ, Ciara Hart, Malika Wyche, Blair Boles, and Lauren Ferrand, my family and friends for the countless hours spent listening, advising, pressure-testing decisions, and helping me execute throughout this year. Some of you worked behind the scenes, most stood side by side with me, and a many stayed a step ahead—anticipating challenges before they arrived.

You challenged me, pushed me, and held me accountable, ensuring this year was not only ambitious but successful. You were the kind of kitchen cabinet every president hopes for: honest, principled, and committed to getting it right rather than getting it easy.

I close this chapter proud of what we built, grateful for the people who carried it with me, and confident in what comes next. YDL is stronger, more legitimate, and better positioned than when we began—and that was always the goal. The work continues, but this chapter is complete.

In democracy, and deep appreciation,

An End-of-Term Statement from the President (2025) - J. E. DuBois