Our Leadership Team

Meet the young advocates leading KIDS DC

Paige Meisner Headshot

Paige Meisner

President

Paige is currently a first year graduate student at UMD, having graduated from NCSU in 2024. Her passion for developmental biology drives her advocacy work in pediatric healthcare research.

Education: Graduate Student, UMD
Favorite Hobby: Traveling
Fun Fact: Has 2 cats and 1 pacman frog 🐸
Field of Interest: Developmental Biology

Michaela Riedel Headshot

Michaela Riedel

Historian

Michaela is a first year graduate student who graduated from UMD in 2024. She brings her passion for endocrinology and documenting our organization's journey to her role as historian.

Education: First Year Graduate Student
Favorite Food: Korean soft tofu soup 🍲
Favorite Hobby: Crocheting or pickleball
Field of Interest: Endocrinology

Maci Yeager Headshot

Maci Yeager

Marketing

Maci is currently a first year Physical Therapy student, having graduated from Elon University in December 2024. Her background in kinesiology brings a unique perspective to our advocacy work.

Education: Physical Therapy Student
Favorite Ice Cream: Strawberry 🍓
Favorite Hobby: Road trips with family
Field of Interest: Kinesiology

Atli Davidsson Headshot

Atli Davidsson

Treasurer / Technology Chair

Atli is a first year graduate student who graduated from NCSU in 2024. His passion for optimizing workflows and quantum sensing technology helps streamline our operations and outreach.

Education: First Year Graduate Student
Favorite Food: Dumplings 🥟
Favorite Hobby: Optimizing workflows
Field of Interest: Quantum Sensing

Jyothsna Girish Headshot

Jyothsna Girish

Marketing

Jyothsna is a 1st year PhD student who completed her Masters at Johns Hopkins in 2024. Her expertise in virology and immunology brings valuable scientific perspective to our advocacy efforts.

Education: PhD Student (Masters from Johns Hopkins)
Fun Fact: Loves finding things in nature that look like viruses 🦠
Favorite Hobby: Crafting, adventure sports, traveling
Field of Interest: Virology and Immunology

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Sam Rodriguez

Research Advocacy Lead

Sam, 18, works closely with local research institutions to ensure youth voices are included in pediatric studies. They're currently studying biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins.

Focus Areas: Research partnerships, IRB advisory
Joined: April 2024

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Taylor Kim

Policy & Government Relations

Taylor, 20, organizes our Hill visits and policy advocacy efforts. As someone with lived experience of rare disease, they bring unique perspective to healthcare policy discussions.

Focus Areas: Policy advocacy, government relations
Joined: May 2024

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Riley Thompson

Fundraising & Events Coordinator

Riley, 19, leads our fundraising initiatives and coordinates special events. They're passionate about creating inclusive, accessible events for advocates of all backgrounds.

Focus Areas: Event planning, fundraising
Joined: June 2024

Our Youth Advisory Board includes advocates aged 13-17 who provide input on programming and represent the voices of younger members.

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Casey Martinez

Youth Advisory Board Chair (Age 16)

Casey leads our younger advocates and ensures their perspectives are heard in all KIDS DC decisions.

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Devon Lee

Youth Social Media Team (Age 15)

Devon manages our Instagram and TikTok content, helping us connect with younger audiences.

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Morgan Davis

Peer Support Coordinator (Age 17)

Morgan facilitates peer support groups and mentorship programs for new young advocates.

Our adult advisory team provides guidance while ensuring youth leadership remains at the forefront of our work.

Dr. Sarah Johnson, MD

Pediatric Oncologist, Children's National Hospital

Medical advisor helping bridge clinical practice with advocacy work.

Michael Foster

Parent Advocate & iCAN Board Member

Provides organizational guidance and connects us with the broader iCAN network.

Dr. Lisa Chang, PhD

Public Health Researcher, Georgetown University

Research methodology advisor and community partnership coordinator.

Jennifer Williams, LCSW

Child Life Specialist

Mental health and wellness advisor for our advocacy programs.

KIDS DC is always looking for passionate young advocates to take on leadership roles. Whether you're interested in organizing events, leading advocacy campaigns, or mentoring other youth, there's a place for you on our team.

🎯 Leadership Opportunities

  • Committee chairs and co-chairs
  • Event planning coordinators
  • Social media team members
  • Peer mentors and support leaders
  • Research project coordinators

📋 Requirements

  • Ages 13-25
  • Commitment to youth-led advocacy
  • Available for monthly commitments
  • Passion for pediatric healthcare
  • Strong communication skills

🎓 What You'll Gain

  • Leadership experience
  • Professional development
  • Networking opportunities
  • Skills in advocacy and policy
  • Letters of recommendation

📝 Application Process

  • Complete interest form
  • Attend 2 events as a member
  • Submit leadership application
  • Interview with current leaders
  • 6-month commitment period
Express Interest in Leadership Contact Our Team