Ben Allen
State Senator
California State Senator Ben Allen represents the 24th Senate District covering the Westside, Hollywood, South Bay, and Santa Monica Mountains communities of LA County. Ben was first elected in 2014 and is now serving his third term in the State Senate. Ben has thrown himself into the important work of state government, focusing on wise decision-making and pushing for reforms that address systemic inadequacies in our state. He has authored nearly 75 new laws in various areas, from environmental protection to electoral reform.
Ben has built a record of taking on entrenched interests, from the utilities to insurers to oil and petrochemical interests, protecting consumers, and tackling tough policy challenges with hard work and integrity. When the fires ravaged the Palisades, Ben took on the big insurers to make sure victims got what they were owed.
Carolyn Fowler
DNC Member
Carolyn Fowler is a distinguished former AT&T executive and currently serves as the Government Relations Advisor for LAUSD Board member Sherlett Hendy-Newbill. She is deeply involved in her community, holding the position of DNC member and serving as the Controller for the California Democratic Party and Chair Emerita of the Women's Caucus. Her leadership extends to being the former California NFDW President and CADEM Lead-Co-Chair of the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee.
Ms. Fowler is also a dedicated member of the City of Inglewood Planning Commission. She also serves as Vice Chair and Senior Assembly Member of the California Senior Legislature. Her legislative efforts include a successful proposal for oral health care in skilled nursing facilities, which resulted in a bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
Carolyn is a key member of the L.A. County Voting Solutions For All People Advisory Committee (VSAP). Her exceptional leadership and contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including the National Action Network Los Angeles Vanguard Award for Extraordinary Leadership.
In addition to her professional achievements, Carolyn is an active member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, IAM Local 1932, California Black Women's Collective (CABWC), and the California Alliance for Retired Americans (CARA).
She holds a BA in Business Administration from the University of Michigan and has completed the Wharton Global MBA International Certificate program at Pennsylvania State University. Carolyn resides in Inglewood, California.
Frank Gruber
Lawyer, Retired
Frank Gruber has long been active in local politics in Santa Monica where he served on the Housing and Planning Commissions and other city task forces, including one established to implement the City's living wage ordinance. He is a longtime member of the Santa Monica Democratic Club and Santa Monicans for Renters Rights. Currently Frank is on the board of the Santa Monica Airport2Park Foundation and the Santa Monica Great Park Coalition. He is also active in the Sierra Club, including having served as the Chair of the Los Angeles County Political Committee for six years. He is currently Secretary of the California Sierra Club PAC.
Professionally, Frank is a retired entertainment lawyer. He lives in the Ocean Park neighborhood of Santa Monica with his wife, Janet Levin.
Heidi Hu
Political Organizer
Heidi is a long time volunteer with Grassroots Democrats HQ and other local Democratic organizations and has experience leading phone banks, canvasses, voter registration drives, and hosting political fundraisers. Heidi spent her career in institutional money management, including as Managing Director of Fixed Income at Transamerica Investment Management. She has a BS from Lewis & Clark College and an MBA from the Booth School of Business at University of Chicago. Heidi has served on multiple boards and currently serves on the board of her alma mater at Lewis & Clark College and the board of Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County.
Michael Kapp
Communications Manager, LA County
A graduate of Berkeley, the University of Chicago, and the UC Davis School of Law, Michael Kapp has more than two decades of experience in grassroots organizing and progressive activism. A third-generation Angeleno, Michael has worked for former U.S. Secretary of Labor and current LA County Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, Senator Russ Feingold, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, and LA County District Attorney George Gascón. Michael has also worked as paid campaign staff for Governor Jerry Brown, Senator Barbara Boxer, State Treasurer Phil Angelides, and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. In 2016, Michael was elected as the then-youngest California member of the Democratic National Committee. An advocate for DNC transparency and reform, Michael was re-elected to the DNC in 2020 and 2024. The immediate past Chair of the DNC Youth Council and the former Vice Chair of the DNC Western States Caucus, Michael served two terms on the DNC's Credentials Committee before serving on the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee. A communications, public relations, and intergovernmental affairs professional, Michael works for the County of Los Angeles.
Harini Krishnan
DNC Member
Harini Krishnan is an elected DNC member from California, Vice Chair of DNC AAPI Caucus and a Nationally acclaimed Indian-American Democratic Community Organizer working to advance the political engagement of Women, South Asian & BIPOC communities nationwide. Harini is a Co-Founder & Co National Director of South Asians for America (SAFA), the largest National, Grassroots, All Volunteer Organization mobilizing the South Asian electorate nationwide; A Longtime Delegate and Former Co Chair of the Finance Committee of the California Democratic Party; Board member of Fund Her PAC which elects progressive women to statewide office since 2019; Former Co-Founder & Co-National Director of South Asians for Harris in 2024 & South Asians for Biden in 2020; and Former Lead Volunteer organizer in CA for VP Kamala Harris' 2019 Presidential Campaign. Harini is the recipient of numerous awards including 2020 Town of Hillsborough Citizen of the Year; 2021 California Democratic Party Asian American Pacific Islander Caucus Trailblazer of the Year; 2023 San Mateo County API Alliance AAPI Organizer of the Year; 2023 California Young Democrats API Caucus API Activist of the Year; and 2024 Asian Democrats of Los Angeles County Community Partner of the Year Awards.
Ralph Levinson
M.D.
Ralph Levinson is a health sciences professor, ophthalmology, emeritus, at UCLA. He is active in political and environmental and planetary health issues; he has a website, Planetary Health for Busy People. The federal government is now run by climate and science deniers who are beholden to fossil fuel interests and other large polluters, and that makes working on the environment more difficult than ever.
Given his background as a physician and researcher on the faculty of UCLA for 20 years before retiring, he finds Republican's assault on medical care, research and academic freedom an assault on life, liberty and progress. Perhaps more fundamentally, summing it all up, he is concerned about the erosion of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism and willful ignorance in order to gain power being engineered by the Republican Party.
For the last 7 years much of his "hands on" political activism has been with the Grassroots Democrats HQ. He is impressed by their energy and efficacy. He particularly appreciates their youth and internship programs. He also enjoys meeting candidates at fundraisers and having the opportunity to ask questions!
Diana Love
Secretary, CDP
Since 2022, Diana Love has served as a statewide CADEM officer-first as Interim Secretary and now as the elected Secretary of the Party. In these roles, she has championed transparency, inclusivity, and progressive leadership across California, ensuring that the party remains responsive to the diverse needs of our communities.
For over 25 years, Diana has worked in homecare services, dedicating her career to supporting vulnerable populations and improving community well-being. She is the founder and executive director of Forget Us Not Community Services-a nonprofit organization that amplifies and uplifts the work of senior citizens and people with disabilities who serve as community leaders-and a proud member of SEIU 2015, the state's largest homecare workers union. Diana also holds a degree in gerontology.
Her extensive experience in homecare and healthcare has provided her with a deep understanding of the crises facing these systems in America. A strong advocate for transformative policies, Diana supports enacting legislation to create a single-payer, Medicare-for-All health system to address the care crisis. She is also a vocal proponent of the Green New Deal in California and is committed to fostering opportunities that cultivate the next generation of leadership, including initiatives like canceling student loan debt.
In addition to her work in homecare, Diana serves as a member of the California Senior Legislature-a volunteer body dedicated to developing legislative proposals to improve seniors' lives and lobbying for their adoption at the state and federal levels. Notably, in 2018 she authored a proposal to lower fees and penalties on seniors enrolling in Medicare after the age of 65. This proposal was adopted by then-Representative Katie Hill and introduced in Congress as H.R. 1788. Diana's commitment to public service is further evidenced by her past roles as an AARP district liaison and as a two-term president of the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults.
Diana's commitment to community extends beyond senior care. From 2010 to 2017, she worked extensively on child welfare issues as a trained court-appointed special advocate (CASA), where she championed the rights of children under court supervision. In 2012, she helped establish the first PFLAG chapter in the City of Palmdale and served as its inaugural president, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. Additionally, Diana is a steadfast supporter of Planned Parenthood and believes that reproductive freedom is a fundamental Constitutional right.
Diana Love's longstanding record of service-from CADEM leadership to grassroots advocacy-demonstrates her unwavering dedication to building a more inclusive, equitable, and just society.
Stephanie Miller
Host of "The Stephanie Miller Show"
National morning drive radio talk show and television star Stephanie Miller is a wildly popular performer with a huge and fervently devoted audience. The Stephanie Miller Show is heard nationally on satellite and terrestrial radio and is simulcast on FreeSpeech TV, reaching more than six million-plus listeners weekly. Prior to going national, Stephanie pulled #1 ratings at KABC and KFI in Los Angeles, as well as at radio stations in New York City and Chicago.
Among her many demographic achievements, Stephanie consistently leads her time slot among males 25-54, a tribute to her strong Sexy Liberal following. She's been highly ranked on Talkers Magazine's "Heavy Hundred" list for well over a decade, was winner of Talkers Magazine's Woman of the Year Award and has been nominated to become a member of The Radio Hall Of Fame. She is also the founder of the successful Sexy Liberal Podcast Network and is a Liberal icon, which is ironic since her father, Congressman William E. Miller, was the head of the Republican National Committee and ran for Vice President with Barry Goldwater in 1964.
Stephanie Miller's sold-out Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour was the fastest-selling comedy tour in history during its first two years barnstorming across America. The tour was nominated for three of the live performance industry's prestigious Pollstar awards, including Best Tour, Best New Tour and Best Lead Comedy Performer for Stephanie.
The tour hit the road again to sold-out crowds for the next three years. The album recording of The Sexy Liberal Comedy Tour quickly became the number one Comedy Album in America.
Stephanie was featured in LA Weekly as "The Voice of The Resistance." "There's no bulls***" Rob Reiner, director of This Is Spinal Tap and When Harry Met Sally, says of Miller. "She doesn't mince words and she doesn't throw out lies."
priestess of excellent liberal talk." Comedy legend Carol Burnett declared that Stephanie is "the Carol Burnett of radio."
Stephanie's 2015 memoir, Sexy Liberal! Of Me / Sing, immediately rose to Number One on Amazon's in Political, Humor, and Memoirs lists and continues to have a five star rating on Amazon.
Gina Muscatel
Political Organizer
Gina has been a Democratic organizer for years working to support local, state, and national elected officials by organizing, volunteering, and fundraising. In 2012, she worked as a volunteer organizer with President Obama's reelection campaign in Chicago and in 2016 she served as the Conejo Valley team leader for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign. In 2017 she co-founded and directed Indivisible: Conejo to organize activists, as well as support progressive groups locally and nationally. She was a founding member of Conejo Together, the group that successfully ousted the far-right wing conservatives on the CVUSD board in 2018. Gina was appointed in 2019 and elected in 2021, 2023, and 2025 to serve as a CADEM delegate representing Assembly District 42. She was elected to serve as a Joe Biden delegate in 2020 and attended the Democratic National Convention virtually to cast a vote for the Democratic presidential nominee. She is currently an elected member of the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and Co-President of the Malibu Democratic Club.
Sara Nichols
Retired Environmental Attorney
Sara Nichols is a LA based environmental and political activist and retired public interest environmental attorney. Over the course of her career, she has worked as a TWA international flight attendant, public defender, and staff attorney for the Clean Air Council in Philadelphia before moving to Los Angeles in 1996. She earned a Master’s in Counseling Psychology from the University of New Hampshire and a JD from Villanova University Law School. In 1994, she took a leave from her work to run for Congress, bringing her longtime commitment to environmental protection and public service into electoral politics.
Sara has spent decades advocating for environmental sustainability, conservation, reproductive rights, and helping candidates committed to protecting the environment. She has served on numerous community and nonprofit boards, including TreePeople and the Sullivan Canyon Preservation Association, and has been involved with Planned Parenthood Guild, Conservation International, and the Union of Concerned Scientists. She also helped launch L.A. Bioneers, creating a space for activists and community leaders to connect environmental issues with broader social and political change. Sara brings that same spirit of civic engagement and long-term organizing to the Grassroots Democrats advisory board. Most importantly, she’s Lucja’s and Catalina’s grandmother.
Cameron Onumah
Director of Public Policy
Cameron Onumah is a Director of Public Policy at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP, where he leads state-level policy strategy and advocacy for clients in high-growth sectors including media, technology, sports, and entertainment. His work focuses on helping companies navigate complex legislative and regulatory landscapes related to streaming, digital assets, artificial intelligence, and online gaming.
Prior to joining Orrick in 2025, Cameron served as Head of Public Policy for Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, overseeing public policy and community engagement for Amazon's media and entertainment businesses - including Prime Video, Amazon Studios, Amazon Music, and Amazon Games - across the country. Before Amazon, he served as an advisor to United States Senator Dianne Feinstein and as Political Director for the Senator's successful 2018 reelection campaign. He also previously worked in the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and briefly co-hosted a political podcast with actor Sean Astin.
Cameron was appointed by Mayor Karen Bass to the Los Angeles City Tourism Board of Commissioners in 2023, serving until April 2025. He had served on the boards of the Los Angeles County Business Federation (BizFed), Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC), FilmLA, and the Valley Industry & Commerce Association (VICA).
He holds degrees in Political Science and Communication Studies from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, where he also serves on the Board of Trustees.
Deepa Sharma
Vice Chair for the CA Democratic Party
Deepa Sharma serves as the First Vice Chair of the California Democratic Party, and is also a public agency lawyer, and community organizer who is passionate about getting new voices and underrepresented groups involved in the decisionmaking process.
As the daughter of immigrants, Deepa was inspired to enter the political arena to encourage voter participation and increase representation for women and communities of color in the decision-making process. Deepa started her public service journey as an intern in then-San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s office.
Professionally, she serves as a public agency lawyer, representing local governments throughout California, with expertise in land use and affordable housing.
A proud, lifelong Democrat and Bay Area resident, Deepa is an active Democratic Party leader who is always in the field. Prior to her election as CADEM Vice Chair, Deepa served on the Executive Board of the California Democratic Party's AAPI Caucus since 2011, most recently serving as its State Chair. She also served as the co-chair of the Party's Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Committee.
In 2020, Deepa served as the Communications Co-Chair for South Asians for Biden, a national, grassroots organization dedicated to mobilizing the South Asian community for Biden-Harris and, subsequently, the Harris-Walz ticket. She is a co-founder of South Asians for America, a nonprofit dedicated to getting members of the South Asian diaspora involved in grassroots organizing. In 2021, she established the AAPIs for Newsom coalition to bring together partners against the Republican Recall of Governor Newsom. She also recently spearheaded AAPI Days of Action in Orange County which successfully helped elect Rep. Dave Min and Rep. Derek Tran.
Jodie Sweetin
Actress
Jodie Sweetin is an actress, producer, and public speaker with more than three decades of experience in television and film. Over the past decade, she starred in Netflix's Fuller House (2016-2020) and has led multiple national television film projects. She has expanded her portfolio to include producing, live hosting, moderated appearances, and advocacy initiatives, while maintaining an active presence in national media and fan conventions. Sweetin brings extensive experience in long-running series production, brand partnerships, and multi-platform audience engagement.
Rachel Valenzuela Kirk
Vice President of the LA County Commission for Older Adults
Rachel Valenzuela Kirk's inspiration to serve her community has come from her experiences as an educator working with students from immigrant families in underserved areas of LAUSD. She leads Voter Registration Drives, Voter Outreach, and Know Your Rights classes to ensure these communities have a voice.
She serves as Vice President of the LA County Commission for Older Adults and is a member of their Legislative Committee advocating for seniors in the areas of housing, food security, health services, and safety, etc. She is also chairs the Diamond Bar Woman's Club and the Hacienda Heights Women's Club Domestic Violence Awareness Committees. Because of her dedication to literacy she serves on the Board of the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library and co-chairs the successful Read Together Diamond Bar program. She is also on the Board of Making Spirits Bright for Military Families through the San Dimas Rotary.
Rachel Valenzuela Kirk
Vice President of the LA County Commission for Older Adults
Rachel Valenzuela Kirk's inspiration to serve her community has come from her experiences as an educator working with students from immigrant families in underserved areas of LAUSD. She leads Voter Registration Drives, Voter Outreach, and Know Your Rights classes to ensure these communities have a voice.
She serves as Vice President of the LA County Commission for Older Adults and is a member of their Legislative Committee advocating for seniors in the areas of housing, food security, health services, and safety, etc. She is also chairs the Diamond Bar Woman's Club and the Hacienda Heights Women's Club Domestic Violence Awareness Committees. Because of her dedication to literacy she serves on the Board of the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library and co-chairs the successful Read Together Diamond Bar program. She is also on the Board of Making Spirits Bright for Military Families through the San Dimas Rotary.