McClain Dyer is an Eastern Kentucky student leader and organizer who believes real leadership starts with showing up, putting in the work, and standing by your people. Raised in a part of Kentucky where community still matters, McClain learned early that you do not wait around for somebody else to fix things. You step up, you speak out, and you do your part.

As a Senior at Morehead State University, McClain has worked to build stronger student involvement in Democratic politics and create more space for young people to lead. He serves as Vice President of the Morehead State College Democrats, Vice Chair of the Carter County Democratic Party, and as a CD5 Delegate to the Kentucky Democratic Party State Central Executive Committee. Through those roles, he has worked at the campus, county, and state level to help strengthen Democratic organizing across the Commonwealth.

McClain believes Kentucky Democrats cannot afford to leave rural students and small communities behind. He knows talent, heart, and leadership are not limited to big cities or big campuses. They are everywhere. That is why he is committed to building stronger chapters, deeper county partnerships, and a College Democrats of Kentucky that reaches every corner of the state.

Grounded in Eastern Kentucky values and driven by a belief in service, McClain brings a steady voice, a strong work ethic, and a real commitment to the future of this Commonwealth. As President, he is focused on building a CDKY that is active, connected, and ready to grow.

Lilia Saxena Smithson is a Senior at Centre College, majoring in Politics and minoring in History. A native of Frankfort, Kentucky, she has worked in Governor Andy Beshear’s communications office and held roles in Washington, D.C., focusing on policy research, legislative affairs, and public engagement. She currently serves as Deputy Director of Finance for the College Democrats of Kentucky and previously served as Deputy Director of Programming. In both roles, she has worked to expand student engagement and strengthen chapter connections across the Commonwealth. Lilia is passionate about building inclusive political spaces and translating complex policy issues into meaningful, community-centered conversations. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service.

Challen McCoy is from Bardstown, Kentucky. He is a rising junior at the University of Kentucky, studying political science and law and justice within the College of Arts and Sciences, while also pursuing a business minor in the Gatton College of Business. Challen is on the pre-law track with a growing interest in constitutional law and dreams of one day becoming an appellate judge. On campus, he is actively involved in the Kappa Alpha Pi pre-law and government fraternity and serves as Secretary and Treasurer of the Model United Nations Club. Challen loves his major because it allows him to pursue his passion for the law and helps him narrow down his specific legal interests. Politically active due to his upbringing, Challen is particularly passionate about issues such as the integrity of the rule of law, protections for the disabled, and the defense of discriminated communities.

Anna Robinson, born in Owensboro, is proud to represent the Commonwealth. Anna has always taken an interest in youth activism, and her involvement has inspired her to pursue servant leadership with the intent of bettering the lives of others. In high school, she began to use her voice in mock-government conferences such as KYA/KUNA, where she served as a presiding officer. She has a passion for understanding different perspectives and debating her views. From her role as President of the Senate at KYA, she was appointed to the Board of Directors for KYYMCA. She also served as the Policy Director for Kentucky High School Democrats, where she enjoyed providing opportunities and support for youth in Kentucky to become politically engaged. Currently, Anna ran for and was elected to the Freshman Senate at the University of Kentucky. She enjoys advocating for her class and addressing important issues such as women’s safety on campus. She’s also involved in an array of clubs, such as Model UN, the John Locke Society, the Kentucky Rural Health Association, as well as a co-ed service fraternity. Anna is looking forward to the next semester of her college experience and the future opportunities that CDKY can provide.