LEADERSHIP

Meet the Executive Team

We are a team of young leaders committed to building a stronger, more engaged, and more equitable Mississippi.

Different voices. One mission.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT

LEADERSHIP

Lead with integrity, courage, and accountability.

SERVICE

Serve our communities and each other with purpose.

EMPOWERMENT

Empower young people to lead and create change.

PROGRESS

Build a better future through action and collaboration.

OUR Executive TEAM

Lydia Grizzell

PRESIDENT

Grizzell leads YDMS, sets strategic priorities, and serves as the organization's chief spokesperson.

Elijah Karriem

VICE PRESIDENT

Karriem supports organizational leadership, coordinates initiatives, and advances statewide membership engagement.

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Aniyah Jones

SECRETARY

Jones maintains records, meeting minutes, and organizational documentation while ensuring administrative continuity.

Khalleecia Lee

Treasurer

Lee manages finances, budgeting, reporting, and fiscal accountability for the organization.

Harley Bush

Parliamentarian

Bush advises on bylaws, parliamentary procedure, and organizational governance.

Mary-Catherine McCreary

Chief of Staff

McCreary oversees internal operations and coordinates leadership priorities and organizational projects.

Tommy Nichols

National Chairman

Nichols represents Mississippi within the national Young Democrats network and strengthens national partnerships.

Esther Urbina

National Chairwoman

Urbina promotes national engagement opportunities and represents YDMS at the national level.

Markita Shell

Director of Philanthropy

Shell leads fundraising efforts and cultivates relationships with donors and supporters.

Shonna Tillman

Director of Policy

Researches policy issues, develops recommendations, and educates members on legislative priorities.

Mandesha Thornton

Director of Communications

Thornton manages branding, media relations, messaging, and digital communications.

Derrion Arrington

Director of Movement History

Arrington preserves organizational history and highlights contributions of young Democratic leaders.

Caleb Bearman

Director of External Affairs

Bearman recruits volunteers, engages members, and builds relationships that expand YDMS's presence across Mississippi.

Taylor Tinsley

Finance Chair

Tinsley oversees fiscal strategy, financial sustainability, and resource development to advance YDMS goals.