Meet the Democracy Coaches

Hi, I'm Rishi, a senior at Basis Independent Fremont. I am passionate about social equality, diversity, understanding bias, and the implications of AI in education. I'm deeply committed to education for all and tutor children from around the world. I'm also an Eagle Scout who actively participates in community service and volunteering. I will be available to meet with clients over the age of 18.

Hi! I’m Saina Priyadarshi, a high school sophomore in the Bay Area passionate about youth civic engagement, democracy, and political dialogue. My political interests include foreign relations, gender equity, media literacy, and economics. I founded Youth Office Hours to expand youth access to meaningful civic conversation. In addition, I co-founded the League of Young Women in Politics, a network of high school Women In Politics clubs across the Bay Area. 

Hi, I’m Ethan Ram, a junior in California interested in voter reform, non-partisan initiatives, and politics. I’m Vice President of Development at Beyond Partisan, a nonprofit that educates and engages youth in non-partisan reform, where I co-founded the fellowships and microgrants programs. Through my coaching, I aim to teach my students more about democracy reform and aim to increase political literacy in the youth. 

Hi, I'm Maddy, a junior in the Bay Area interested in education policy, sustainability, and civic engagement. I serve on the student board member council for the Fremont Union High School District, representing over 10,000 students and helping shape district policy, including expanding student governance and restorative justice initiatives. I am also a youth representative and voting member of the Santa Clara County Democratic Party Central Committee, where I participate in party endorsements and helps expand youth organizing programs. As Statewide Policy Director for California High School Democrats, I manage statewide member coordination and supports youth-led legislation and lobbying efforts. 

Hi, I'm Dhruv, a Democracy Coach specializing in foreign policy, tech/AI regulation policy, and general Constitutional and legal procedure. I've worked as a Research Assistant at Stanford University’s Deliberative Democracy Lab for over two years; have conducted AI policy and government funding research at the local, state, and federal levels; have founded a social enterprise to use AI to maximize civic engagement; and has served on Congressional campaigns. I will be available to meet with clients over the age of 18.

Hi! I’m Leah Mordehai, a high school student in San Francisco with interests in education policy, economic policy, and international relations, especially focused on Eastern Europe. I serve as a Youth Commissioner for the San Francisco Youth Commission, where I represent District 1 and work with city leaders to advance various policies. As Co-Chair of the League of Women Voters Youth Council, I lead initiatives to expand youth voter education and civic access. I also founded Plain Policy, an app that simplifies complex legislation for young people, reaching hundreds of students. Additionally, I was invited to serve as a Youth Delegate at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, where I engaged in global dialogue on gender equity and human rights. Through my work across government, nonprofits, and research, I’m committed to making democracy more accessible, inclusive, and youth-driven.

Hi! I’m Advay Ranade, a high school sophomore in Cupertino, CA interested in youth civic engagement, fiscal/economic policy and domestic policy as well. As a Democracy Coach, I hope to explore issues related to the future of the economy, how foreign affairs affect life at home, and how civic engagement can be increased to strengthen our democracy. I serve as a Research Assistant at the Deliberative Democracy Lab, and I also take part in legislative work for the Office of Senator Josh Becker (SD-13).

Hi, I'm Anupama! My main political interests are in topics relating to climate change, public health, human rights, and civil rights. I value sustainability and equity, and I try to approach political issues through a humanistic and intersectional lens emphasizing critical thinking and empathy while being grounded in evidence. I am available to meet with clients who are above the age of 18.

Hey! I'm Aahaan, a sophomore at Lynbrook High School passionate about climate policy (especially air pollution!) and finance. I co-founded ConServe, a nonprofit that works to combat air pollution through research and policy, expanding to over 15 chapters across the world! I am also a Senior Investment Analyst at the National Youth Investment Fund, where I help manage $100K AUM and write stock pitches. Additionally, I'm involved in state advocacy work, where I lead the youth coalition for Senate Bill 1048 (Seal of Climate Literacy, Becker) and meet with state legislators to push for youth priorities in the environmental policy sphere.