Congressional District Directors

1st Congressional

Elena Rodrigues (She/Her)

elena.rodrigues@centre.edu

Elena Rodrigues is a junior at Centre College. She is a Politics major, serving as the student representative for the department, with minors in French and Education. In campus she is also involved in SGA and the Eta Omega chapter of Alpha Delta Pi.

As a daughter of an educator and former student of Jessamine County Schools, education equity has been a primary point of passion. Elena hopes to use her experience and schooling to advocate for proper education policy and improve Kentucky’s K-12 system.

Elena is thrilled to serve as the 1st Congressional District Director for CDKY. She is looking forward to using her position to empower young Democrats to emotive the Commonwealth.

2nd Congressional

Jacob King (He/Him)

jacob.king138@topper.wku.edu

Jacob King was born and raised in London, Kentucky. He is a rising sophomore at Western Kentucky University, where he is majoring in International Affairs and minoring in Political Science. Jacob is passionate about connecting with rural voters, advocating for workers’ rights, and expanding public health options. On campus, he is actively involved with WKU Democrats and remains focused on both his academics and political engagement. He is honored to serve on the state staff of the College Democrats of Kentucky and looks forward to promoting truth, equity, equality, and meaningful political action to help make the Commonwealth a better place for all.

3rd Congressional

Kendra Bertram (She/Her)

kbbe232@uky.edu

Kendra Bertram, born and raised in Kentucky, is a junior at the University of Kentucky double majoring in Public Health and Public Policy on the pre-law track. Her passion for leadership and equality took root during her high school years through active involvement in the Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) and as an ambassador for the Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA). These formative experiences, along with her service as a Kentucky Blood Center intern and a 988 Lifeline volunteer, solidified her commitment to public service and advocacy.

At UK, Kendra continues to grow as a campus leader and changemaker. She currently serves as a senator for the College of Fine Arts in the UK Student Government Association (UKSGA), is a dedicated member of the UK Community Hearing Board, and is deeply involved in the university’s choral community as a member and social media manager for the UK Treble Choir. In addition to her work with the choir, she also serves as a social media intern for the University of Kentucky, using her creative and strategic skills to help connect the student body and promote campus engagement.

As a proud First-Gen Ambassador, Kendra works to uplift and support other first-generation college students. Additionally, she founded her own BBNvolved organization, Letters of Light, which empowers students to foster connection and kindness through letter writing.

Kendra is beyond honored to serve as the 3rd Congressional District Director for the College Democrats of Kentucky. She brings to the role her drive, experience, and a deep dedication to doing right by her constituents—and the Commonwealth as a whole.

4th Congressional

Kyah Smith (She/Her)

smithk142@mymail.nku.edu

Kyah Smith, A rising Junior at Northern Kentucky University, majoring in Accounting.Her passion for Public service began she took on her role in the Residence Hall Association and in the Student Government Association. Through these organizations she found her passion for bringing people together and helping others, and making a difference through public service.

On campus, Kyah is an active member of Residence Hall Association, the Student Government Association, and Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, and Presidential Ambassadors. Kyah is honored to serve on the College Democrats of Kentucky team to help create positive, yet impactful change in our community.

5th Congressional

McClain Dyer (He/Him)

mcclaindyer@gmail.com

McClain Dyer is a proud native of Grayson, Kentucky, and a Junior at Morehead State University, where he’s double majoring in Political Science and World History. Growing up in Carter County taught him the value of community, hard work, and standing up for what’s right—even when it’s not easy. His passion for public service started early and has carried through his work in local leadership and advocacy across Eastern Kentucky.

McClain currently serves as Vice Chair of the Carter County Democratic Party and is a Delegate for Kentucky’s 5th Congressional District on the State Central Executive Committee. He is also the former Executive Director of the Grayson Area Chamber of Commerce, where he worked to strengthen small businesses and uplift local voices. At MSU, he stays engaged on campus and continues to focus on bringing rural Kentuckians into conversations that matter—especially when it comes to fairness, opportunity, and the future of our democracy.

He’s honored to serve on the executive team of College Democrats of Kentucky and looks forward to working alongside students from across the Commonwealth to promote truth, equity, and real political action

6th Congressional

Donté Reed (He/Him)

steven.reed01@yahoo.com

Steven “Donté” Reed, originally from Barbourville, Kentucky, is a graduate of Western Kentucky University and current student at the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry. His passion for leadership and service took root through student government, where he discovered the power of advocacy, equity, and community-driven change. That experience sparked a deeper understanding of how inclusive policies and informed leadership can transform campus life, an idea that continues to fuel his dedication to uplifting student voices and addressing systemic barriers in education.

On campus, Donté has served as Chief of Staff and later as Student Body Vice President in WKU’s Student Government Association, where he helped launch initiatives like the Borrow-a-Calculator program, supported expanded access to mental health resources, and advocated for an on-campus polling location to strengthen civic participation. He also worked as Director of Enrollment and Student Experience, helping students connect with resources and leadership opportunities across campus.

Donté is passionate about making healthcare and higher education more accessible, equitable, and empowering for all. He looks forward to continuing this work by building stronger bridges between students, administrators, and the community.

Organizational Directors

Compliance Director

Taylor Gilpin (She/Her)

Tfgilp01@louisville.edu

Taylor Gilpin is a senior at the University of Louisville, majoring in Criminal Justice with minors in Political Science and Ethics. Her passion for social justice began in high school as secretary of the Woodford County Y-Club. Throughout her college career, she had the privilege of working alongside Kentucky legislators as an intern for Representative Ann Donworth. This experience fostered Taylor’s understanding of the critical issues facing Kentuckians on a daily basis. Taylor is uniquely invested in criminal justice reform and hopes to one day work to expand access to legal aid services in marginalized communities. She cannot wait to serve alongside brilliant young people in efforts to preserve democracy in such a troubling political landscape.

I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Accessibility) Director

Azitta Akrami (She/Her)

azitta.akrami@gmail.com

Azitta Akrami is from Crestwood, Kentucky and is currently a Sophomore at Centre College. She is an aspiring Politics major passionate about reproductive rights and fighting systemic racial injustice. Though she was raised in an environment that never shied away from discussing politics at the dinner table, her true interest grew through the KYYMCA Youth and Government programs where she was taught the importance of civic education and youth leadership. By serving as the Secretary General of the Kentucky United Nations Assembly, she became solidified in her desire to make tangible change in her community. Which is why she is currently serving as the Political Intern on the Monica Dean for Congress campaign which has allowed her to focus on advocacy within the 4th congressional district and dive deeper into the issues facing her community directly. As the daughter of an immigrant and raised in a multi-ethnic household, immigration system reform and diversity initiatives have been strong policy interests throughout her political exploration. At Centre College she is the Legislative Chair for the Centre Students for Reproductive Rights, Secretary of the John Marshall Harlan Law Society, and plays the Flute/Piccolo in the Symphony Orchestra. She's excited and honored to be a part of the CDKY team to further expand opportunities for underrepresented groups of people across the Commenwealth.

Deputy Directors

Deputy Director of Political Affairs

Blake Arnold (He/Him)

blakearnold05@gmail.com

Blake Arnold, originally from London, Kentucky, is a rising junior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. Blake’s passion for governmental accountability and legislative engagement began early in college when he started working in legislative affairs for the executive branch in the Kentucky General Assembly, focusing on education and labor policy. Growing up in Eastern Kentucky, Blake is especially passionate about access to quality public education and advancing fair labor standards across the Commonwealth. Since then, he has become deeply committed to strengthening civic engagement in the legislative process to help drive reforms that create more equitable outcomes for all Kentuckians.

On campus, Blake is involved with UK’s Student Government Association, where he has served on the Elections Board, helping certify the integrity of student body elections and advocating for greater student participation. He is excited to join the State Staff at CDKY to help empower students across the Commonwealth to recognize the vital role they can play in creating the future all Kentuckians deserve.

Deputy Director of Communications

Marley Olivia Spencer (She/Her)

marleyspencer50@gmail.com

Marley Olivia Spencer, from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, rising freshman at the University of Louisville, majoring in mathematics on a pre-med track and minoring in social change, I am most passionate about universal pre-K and expanding opportunities for higher education in rural America. I also plan to become involved in UofL Young Democrats, UofL Med Life, and other various campus organizations.

Deputy Director of Programming

Caroline Koenig (She/Her)

caroline.koenig@centre.edu

Caroline Koenig is a senior at Centre College, majoring in politics with a minor in philosophy. Growing up, she had a diverse educational background, transitioning from home school to private school to public school. As a result, she is incredibly passionate about fighting for our public schools and students because she believes education is a basic human right. She has channeled this passion into her service as the current Student Body President of Centre's Student Government Association and the former 2024-2025 President of Centre College Democrats. She has also worked on campaigns, in lobbying, and as a legislative intern with the Kentucky House Democratic Caucus. Building upon these experiences, Caroline is excited to serve on CDKY as the Deputy Director of Programming by providing our chapters with educational and engagement opportunities.

Deputy Director of Finance

Lilia Saxena Smithson (She/Her)

lilia@collegedemsky.org

Hi! I’m Lilia Saxena Smithson, a junior at Centre College majoring in Politics with a minor in History. I’m most passionate about expanding access to opportunity—whether through education, healthcare, or economic development—and I see policy as the most powerful tool to do that.

Being a Democrat is my way of expressing optimism for the future; being a College Democrat is about sharing that hope with my peers. The foundation of equity, inclusion, and growth is a passion rooted in my upbringing in the capital of Kentucky, where I’ve seen firsthand how government decisions shape everyday lives.

This summer, I’m working in Washington, D.C. with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s South Asia team, and I’m excited to bring what I’m learning back to CDKY as part of our state staff!

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