Meet this Year's Class of Delegates
The Western Governors’ Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Western Governors’ Association (WGA), is proud to announce the state delegates for the 2024 Western Governors’ Leadership Institute.
Every year the foundation selects young adults to represent their states, territories, and tribes as institute delegates. In order to recognize, reward, and promote the effective exercise of leadership by young adults across the West, delegates attend the Annual Meeting of the Western Governors’ Association, as well as a one-day leadership development forum featuring Governors and other national thought leaders.
This year’s WGLI Leadership Forum was held in Tahoe, California, on June 10, 2024. Delegates also attended the Annual Meeting of the Western Governors’ Association as guests of the foundation on June 11-12, 2024.
“I truly believe that in 25 years from now, we will be talking about the hundreds of Western Governors’ Leadership Institute alumni who will be leading the region.”
-- Hon. David Ige, Chair of the Western Governors’ Foundation and former Governor of Hawai’i
"The moment that stood out to me most was getting to talk to former Governor Matt Mead. It was definitely a little intimidating because I had never met a current or former Governor before, but he was just so friendly and down to earth and talkative and just so excited that I was here.”
-- Grant Dillivan, 2023 Delegate from Wyoming
Hear from previous year’s delegates and learn more about the program by listening to WGA’s “Out West” podcast, or by watching these short videos.
View last year's Leadership Forum agenda here.
For questions or for more information about the program, see the 2024 informational flyer, or email [email protected].
For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, contact Jim Ogsbury at [email protected].
Alaska
Carin Currier
Carin Currier was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, but left to play college soccer at Hamline University in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she graduated with her degree in business management. Carin currently works for the Alaska Miners Association as its Projects and Communications Manager. Carin loves to play soccer, take photos, go to her cabin, and hang out with her dog, Cooper.
Arizona
Freddy Soto
Freddy Soto is a first-generation college graduate of Barrett, the Honors College at Arizona State University, where he earned his bachelor’s in communications. He works at Triadvocates as a Public Affairs Analyst. In his free time, Freddy serves on the Arizona board for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Alumni Association (CHCI-AA).
Arizona
Dominic Frattura
Dominic Frattura currently works as the Director of Advocacy for the North American Interfraternity Conference. He serves as the President of the Young Professionals Chapter for Childhelp and is actively involved as a member of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and the U. S. Global Leadership Coalition. He is also a Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum. In his leisure time, he dedicates himself to guiding and mentoring collegiate leaders.
Arizona
Judah Waxelbaum
Judah Waxelbaum serves as the Chief Legislative Liaison of the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona. Judah has spent nearly a decade in Arizona politics and legislative affairs, acquiring valuable experience in statewide campaigns and legislative portfolios. He is a two-time graduate of Arizona State University, having received his master’s in environmental policy and his bachelor’s in political science.
California
Mark Borges
Mark Borges is a Modesto native who moved to Sacramento to join the Capitol Fellows Program. Now at Lucas Public Affairs, he helps clients in the energy and environment space. He received his bachelor’s in environmental management and protection from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is currently pursuing a master’s in public administration from the University of Southern California. He is proud to serve in leadership roles with various LGBTQ+ community organizations.
California
Scott Carlson
Scott Carlson serves as Manager of Advocacy & Communications at the University of California, San Francisco, one of the nation’s top medical centers and a premier health sciences education and research institution. His background in government ranges from San Francisco City Hall to the U.S. Capitol, and he’s proud to leverage his experience to advance a healthy and sustainable future for all.
Colorado
Sidra Aghababian
Sidra Aghababian is the Climate and Energy Policy Coordinator at the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators. She is a lifelong Westerner, growing up in California and attending Colorado State University, where she earned a bachelor’s in environmental policy, a bachelor’s in business administration, and a master’s in environmental policy. Sidra enjoys engaging in any outdoor activity in Colorado's mountains with her dog, Arthur.
Colorado
Sarah Jensen
Sarah Jensen is a graduate of the University of Colorado Boulder, where she received her master's in environmental and natural resources policy. She currently works as a Policy Associate for the American Conservation Coalition, supporting the organization's mission of building and mobilizing the conservative environmental movement. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and snowboarding.
Guam
Calen Michel Meno
Calen Michel Meno is a graduate of the University of Guam. She received her bachelor's in English with an emphasis in literature and a minor in writing. Calen is currently employed as a Policy Analyst with the Office of the Governor of Guam. She hopes to become a lawyer.
Guam
Jessica Eri Fernandez
Jessica Eri Fernandez is currently pursuing her master’s in biology at the University of Guam (UOG). She plays a pivotal role in mitigating brain drain on her home island by managing the NSF Navigating Home Grant. Committed to advancing diversity and inclusion, she also serves as a member of UOG’s Inadahi yan Inagofli'e' diversity, equity, and inclusion council. Jess loves freediving and traveling.
Hawaii
Danyelle White
Danyelle White is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, where she earned a bachelor’s in psychology. She is currently interning at the Office of the Hawaii Governor, under the Advisors for Public Health and Mental Health and the Justice System. She will soon be transitioning into a philanthropy role for Project Vision Hawaii, a non-profit dedicated to achieving better healthcare access for Hawaii’s people. She hopes to collaborate with local public and private agencies to create a sustainable and thriving future for Hawaii.
Idaho
Nicolas Schofield
Nicolas (Nick) Schofield is a native Idahoan. He currently works as a technical editor at the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in Boise. Nick gained his bachelor’s in history and international studies from the University of Idaho and his master’s in German from Bowling Green State University. Nick also enjoys traveling, hiking, fishing, and gardening.
Idaho
Cheyon Sheen
Cheyon Sheen is a recent graduate of Boise State University, where she majored in civil engineering, minored in environmental studies, and earned certificates in French, Korean, and American Sign Language. She is dedicated to tackling infrastructure challenges in rural Idaho while preserving the community's culture and enhancing its values. Boise State’s former student body president, Cheyon is also a Truman Scholar and enjoys dirt biking in her free time.
Idaho
Joseph R. Howell
Joseph Howell is a recent graduate of the College of Idaho with a bachelor's degree in political economy. He has interned with the Idaho legislature and served as guardian ad litem with the Court Appointed Special Advocates. He is looking to someday serve in an influential role in the government with the Idaho State Controller's Office. Joseph enjoys learning, reading, and playing pool.
Kansas
Tristen A. Dean
Tristen Dean served four years in the United States Marine Corps before enrolling as a student at Fort Hays State University. He is now working toward his master’s in marketing and is currently the Vice President of Leadership for the Collegiate DECA team. He is also a member of the Marketing Club.
Montana
Jacob Zink
Jacob Zink is a junior at Montana State University majoring in political science and business management with a minor in sustainability. He is particularly interested in renewable energy access and affordability. He is involved with the Associated Students of Montana State University, the Sigma Nu Fraternity, and serves on the board of several non-profits. He enjoys backpacking, camping, and playing the trumpet.
Montana
Hattie Hobart
Hattie Hobart currently serves as the Western Regional Director for the American Conservation Coalition. She is an alumna of the University of Kansas, where she earned her undergraduate degree in environmental studies, and Syracuse University, where she earned her master’s in public administration. Her work and studies focus on the environmental movement. She enjoys skiing, hiking, paddle boarding, and exploring the West.
Nevada
Peter Grema
Peter Grema is currently a JD candidate at the University of Virginia School of Law. He is a proud graduate of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and looks forward to returning to Nevada for his legal career. In his free time, Peter likes to hike, visit museums, and golf.
Nevada
Maryam Raja
Maryam Raja is a pre-law student majoring in political science with minors in Brookings Public Policy and Great Works. Maryam works as a student researcher with Brookings Mountain West and the Lincy Institute, where she takes part in public policy research. Maryam is involved in the Muslim Students’ Association, American Civil Liberties Union People Power, Undergraduate Law Review, CSUN (UNLV's student government) and UNLV Project Wellness.
Nevada
Mateo Portelli
Mateo Portelli is pursuing a bachelor’s in history with a minor in military science at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He serves as a soldier in the Nevada National Guard and as an Army ROTC Signal Cadet. Mateo's leadership experience includes his recent appointment as an inaugural member of the Nevada Secretary of State's Youth Advisory Task Force and his prior role on the Nevada Judicial Selection Commission as an appointee of Governor Lombardo.
New Mexico
Isaiah Torres
Isaiah Torres, a fiscal analyst at the Legislative Finance Committee in Santa Fe, New Mexico, holds a bachelor’s in government from New Mexico State University. He is currently pursuing his master’s in public policy from the University of New Mexico. Isaiah has held various leadership roles, including serving as President of the College of Democrats at New Mexico State University, and is currently a board member for PB&J Family Services.
North Dakota
Anna Roaldson
Anna Roaldson serves as the Director of Unified Champion Schools for Special Olympics North Dakota. Anna holds a master’s in public administration and bachelor’s in public affairs and health studies from the University of North Dakota. Anna enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and volunteering in her local community.
North Dakota
Gracie Lian
Gracie Lian is a Project Coordinator for Grand Forks County in North Dakota. Her duties include grant writing and management, project coordination, community engagement, and advocacy at the state and federal levels. Lian studied at the University of North Dakota where she received her bachelor’s in english and political science and a master’s in public administration.
Oklahoma
Maddison Farris
Maddison Farris is a graduate of Oklahoma State University and is currently serving as the Communications Manager for OCPA, a statewide conservative think tank. With a background in political science, journalism, and prior roles in constituent services and press assistance for Governor Kevin Stitt, Maddison brings a pragmatic approach to her work, striving to foster meaningful connections and dialogue within the community.
Oklahoma
Sara Mae Moore
Sara Mae Moore graduated from Harvard College with a concentration in economics and a secondary in ethnicity, migration, and rights. Sara is a citizen of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation and is interested in economic development in Indian Country. After graduation, Sara is joining Select Equity Group, a hedge fund in New York City, as an Associate Analyst. Sara likes to go on runs by a river and write poetry.
South Dakota
Jonathon Sundet
Jonathon Sundet is a senior at Liberty University, where he is majoring in government politics and policy. He has participated in the Knights of Columbus within the Catholic Church, student government, and government internships across many states throughout his academic career. He currently serves as West River Director for Dusty Johnson for Congress. Jonathon aspires to work on public policy within state government.
South Dakota
Katie Neuhaus
Katie is a South Dakota University senior, majoring in criminology and minoring in legal studies and political science. Katie also serves in the South Dakota Air National Guard. While working on her degree, she interned for U.S. Senator Mike Rounds and has been actively involved in campus organizations like the Students’ Association and the Armed Forces Association. Post-graduation, Katie will begin a job at a law firm in South Dakota.
Utah
Spencer Bretey
Spencer Bretey is a senior at Utah State University pursuing a dual major in finance and accounting. Spencer serves as a university ambassador and works as a peer mentor for students with disabilities. After graduation, he has a tax internship with Deloitte in its Denver office. He plans to become a CPA and continue his education in accounting or business administration. He enjoys skiing, painting, and playing tennis.
Utah
Keimon Dixson
Keimon Dixson is a native of Marietta, Georgia. In 2019, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. He attended the University of Utah, where he earned his bachelor’s in political science and minored in campaign management and business management. He is now at Election Hive, a political campaign consulting firm in Salt Lake City, where he provides political strategy and campaign services to clients seeking local, state, or federal office. From 2016 to 2019, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Infantry.
Wyoming
J.T. Larson
J.T. Larson is the youngest member of the Wyoming House of Representatives. He assumed office in January 2023 and has been accepted to the MBA Program of the University of Wyoming for the fall of 2024. He currently works at the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce as its Business Agent.
Wyoming
Rudy Nesvik
Rudy Nesvik is currently an MBA candidate at the University of Wyoming where he earned his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. He will be attending Indiana University's Maurer School of Law in the fall of 2024. He plans on returning to Wyoming to practice natural resources law. He enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, hiking, and visiting his family's ranch.
Please direct any questions or inquiries about the Western Governors’ Leadership Institute to Anna Thielen at [email protected] or 720.897.4539
To learn more about partnership opportunities, and to financially support the Western Governors’ Leadership Institute, please contact Sarah Olsen at [email protected] or 720.897.4540.
The Western Governors’ Association represents the Governors of the 22 westernmost states and territories. The Association is an instrument for bipartisan policy development, information exchange and collective action on issues of critical importance to the Western United States. The Western Governors’ Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Association. Guided by a bipartisan board of directors, the Foundation pursues charitable causes to promote the well-being of Western residents.