2020-2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Get to Know Us!
Michael Kester
President
he/him
Michael Kester is a fourth-year Political Science student at the University of Central Florida. Previously, he attended Seminole State College where he founded the school's FCD chapter. Last year, he had the privilege of serving as FCD's Director of Membership. He first got involved in local politics during the 2018 election cycle and hasn't looked back since, serving on the executive board of the Young Democrats of Seminole County and working on Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy's reelection campaign. Michael is committed to growing FCD's influence and building the groundwork for a massively successful 2020 campaign.
Julia Simpson
Vice President
she/her
Julia is a senior Political Science student at Florida Southern College where she also serves as the President of the College Democrats chapter there. As Vice President, she hopes to work with fellow executive board members to expand the youth vote across Florida and make Florida College Democrats more welcoming for every college student. A few issues she is most passionate about include domestic violence, the environment, and healthcare. In the future, she plans to continue working in politics to help get Democrats elected down the ballot.
Kala Tedder
Chief Financial Officer
she/they
Kala Tedder is a third-year Political Science and Environmental Science & Policy dual degree student at the University of South Florida, Tampa campus. Their political involvement stems back to the 2016 election, where they first gained experience doing fieldwork. Later, in 2018 they became the Chairwoman of Florida High School Democrats and also ran for the Polk County School Board. Their passions include environmental justice and education advocacy.
Malik Moore
Director of Political Affairs
he/him
Malik Moore is a second-year political science student at Florida State University, hailing from Gainesville, Florida. He currently serves as the Black Caucus Chair for the FSU chapter of College Democrats. Prior to attending Florida State Malik served as the youngest campaign staffer in Alachua County, serving as the Campaign Coordinator for the Democratic nominee for Florida's third Congressional District. Malik is an advocate for civil rights and inclusiveness, and is ready to bring that passion to Florida College Democrats.
Krunali Brahmbhatt
Interim Director of Communications
she/her
Krunali is a First-Year Student at the University of Central Florida studing both Public Administration and Advertising and Public Relations. She has been involved with politics for a few years now, being involved with her local Young Democrats and formerly being the Communications Director of the Florida High School Democrats. Krunali is also involved in Activism and is passionate about Gun Violence Prevention, working in the past for March For Our Lives and the Community Justice Action Fund. She is passionate about flipping Florida blue at the state and local level, along with at the national level and hopes that with youth involvement, we can make this a reality!
Acushla Jagannathan
Director of Membership
she/her
Acushla is a 4th-year Political Science major at the University of Florida. She previously attended the University of Central Florida. where she served as chapter President, Secretary, and Women's Caucus Chair for the UCF College Democrats. She has worked on both local and national campaigns and is passionate about women's rights and gun violence prevention. Acushla is dedicated to growing FCD and making sure that it remains a strong and welcoming federation!
Matthew Barocas
Secretary
he/him
Matt is a fourth-year majoring in History and Political Science in the Honors College at the University of Florida. Last year, he served as the President of the UF College Democrats chapter, and chapter Treasurer the year prior. Matt has previous experience in Democratic campaigning, as well as in federal human rights laws compliance. In December 2019, he served as a delegate to the Doha Forum on Governance in a Multipolar World in Qatar. Matt's other experiences include serving as a Senator for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences in UF's Student Government Senate, as a Bob Graham Center for Public Service Scholar, and as a Dr. J. Wayne Reitz Scholar.