Our Team
-
Kanin Pruter
PRESIDENT
Kanin was first exposed to politics as a student organizer in Arizona. Inspired by his passion for helping the LGBTQ+ community and advancing progressive housing policies, Kanin committed himself to working on various elections and political campaigns for over a decade. Kanin previously worked as an executive assistant to the Maricopa County Recorder, and on the management team with the Los Angeles County Recorder/Registrar’s office on the Voting Solution for All People (VSAP) project. In his time off he enjoys binge watching Ru Paul’s Drag Race and binge eating dark chocolate.
-
Jonathan Loc
OPERATIONS VICE PRESIDENT
Jonathan Loc is a devoted public servant and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Press Secretary for State Senator María Elena Durazo, he excels in strategic communication, policy analysis, and stakeholder engagement, crafting compelling narratives that drive impactful policy change.
He earned a Bachelor’s in Political Science from UCLA and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University. Jonathan served as Chair of the HKS LGBTQ Caucus, championing initiatives to create an inclusive environment for LGBTQ students. Additionally, he led the Affirmative Action Coalition, advocating for essential equity policies and organizing a rally at the Supreme Court.
Jonathan’s professional experience spans affordable housing advocacy, public health, and statewide campaigns. His work consistently uplifts marginalized communities, underscoring his dedication to social justice and systemic change.
-
Ernesto Castillo
POLITICAL VICE PRESIDENT
Ernesto Castillo is a proud son of Inglewood, a product of Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD), and a lifelong advocate for equity, opportunity, and progress. Born and raised in Inglewood, he made history as the youngest person and first Latino elected to the Inglewood School Board. A graduate of IUSD himself, he understands firsthand the power of a strong public education system and has dedicated his career to ensuring that every student in Inglewood receives the same opportunities to thrive.
His commitment to public service has taken him from Washington, D.C., where he worked for Congressman Tony Cárdenas on federal policies to uplift underserved communities, to the California State Senate, where he worked for Majority Leader Lena A. Gonzalez and was instrumental in coordinating large-scale food distribution efforts and vaccine clinics in the hardest-hit areas of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a City Commissioner for the Inglewood Public Library, he fought to ensure Latino families had better access to Spanish-language materials and culturally relevant resources, proving that representation matters in every space where decisions are made.
A first-generation law school graduate from Loyola Law School, Ernesto brings a deep understanding of civil rights, criminal justice reform, and the role of policy in shaping communities. While at Loyola, he founded the Women’s Law Mentorship Program, which connects Loyola Law students with young women in Inglewood to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders. His dedication to mentorship reflects his unwavering belief that when students—especially young women and students of color—see leaders who look like them, they recognize their own limitless potential.
Ernesto is not just shaping policy—he is shaping futures. He worked with fellow IUSD alum and global recording artist Becky G to build a state-of-the-art green space at Oak Street Elementary, the school they both once attended and continue to uplift. He also created the opportunity for IUSD choir students to perform on the Oscars stage alongside Becky G, showing the world that Inglewood students belong at the highest levels of excellence.
More than just a school board member, Ernesto is a visionary leader committed to building an Inglewood where students, families, and the entire community can prosper. With an unshakable commitment to public service and a deep love for the city that raised him, he is dedicated to expanding college and career pathways, modernizing school facilities, and ensuring Inglewood remains a place of opportunity for generations to come.
-
Carla Fuentes
COMMUNICATIONS VICE PRESIDENT
Carla Fuentes (she/her) is the Vice Chair of Communications for Stonewall Young Democrats and the Social Innovation Manager at the Goldhirsh Foundation.
She has a strong background in civic engagement, grantmaking, and public policy. She also serves on the boards of the LA Forward, League of Women Voters of Greater Los Angeles, LACYD, Greater Valley Glen Neighborhood Council. As well as, the Steering Committee of Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Los Angeles, and the Young Professionals Network Leadership Council of LLCA.
Born and raised in San Pedro, she now lives in North Hollywood with her partner and their two cats. 🐈🐈⬛ Carla is passionate about racial equity, women’s rights, and building power for underrepresented communities across Los Angeles.
-
Joshua Marín-Mora
COMMUNITY VICE PRESIDENT
Awaiting bio
-
Campbell Baker
SECRETARY
Campbell Baker (they/she) is a dedicated student and advocate currently pursuing a degree in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics with a minor in Environmental Systems and Society at UCLA. Raised in Seattle and now based in Los Angeles, Campbell is deeply engaged in both campus and community efforts surrounding public health, sustainability, and social justice.
At UCLA, Campbell serves as Events Director for IGNITE, where they focus on reproductive justice and post-assault resource accessibility. They lead a Sustainability Action Research team addressing waste management and sustainable practices within UCLA Health, and co-direct Planned Parenthood Generation Action through the Student Wellness Commission.
Outside of school, Campbell has worked as a Public Affairs Intern at Planned Parenthood Los Angeles and serves as a National Storyteller with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, advocating for reproductive rights on a national scale. Their scientific interests are grounded in hands-on lab research at the UCLA School of Dentistry, where they support cancer microbiology studies.
In their free time, Campbell enjoys reading, exploring LA’s boba spots, and building community through advocacy and storytelling!
-
Brandon Whalen-Castellanos
AT LARGE
Brandon Whalen-Castellanos (he/him) serves as a Member at Large for the Stonewall Young Democrats. Brandon has long been an advocate for young people leading in Democratic Party politics. Originally from Orange County, Brandon volunteered during the 2018 Blue Wave to flip historically conservative districts alongside the Orange County Young Democrats. He currently lives in North Hollywood with his partner, Luke, and is an urban planner specializing in environmental planning and housing development. With the help of organizations like SYD, Brandon was elected & re-elected as an Assembly District Delegate for the California Democratic Party. He also serves as the Political Director for the San Fernando Valley Young Democrats and the Resolutions Chair for the Democratic Party of the San Fernando Valley.
-
Molly Kleinman
AT LARGE
Awaiting bio
-
Zahra Hajee
CHIEF VIBE OFFICER
Awaiting bio
-
-
Jamie Kennerk
PRESIDENT EMERITUS
Jamie (she/they) grew up in the Bay Area and moved to Los Angeles to study at UCLA, where she majored in Political Science and Global Studies. Jamie then worked in the legislature for over two years, serving as a Field Representative and District Director for then Senator Sydney Kamlager. Jamie currently works as the Sr. Public Affairs Manager for Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project of Los Angeles County. In addition to the multiple roles she has held in Stonewall Young Democrats, she serves as the Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party, an At Large Member for LA County Young Democrats, and is a founding member of Westside Young Democrats. Jamie’s hobbies include playing soccer, riding motorcycles, and binge watching the latest HBO shows.
-