Our 2025 program includes 16 talented, diverse, and passionate leaders working as campaign managers on key state legislative races in Virginia.
This program provides three major benefits to Democratic politics:
It equips state legislative campaigns with top-tier managers, giving them a competitive edge to win.
It supplements managers’ salaries and benefits, including providing salaries for 6 weeks of full-time training, retaining the best talent from all backgrounds.
It creates a poll of driven, resourceful, and adaptable campaign managers who will go on to deliver Democratic victories in 2025, 2026, and beyond.
Stay tuned for more information and applications for the State Manager Program in 2026!
BLC’s State Manager Program works to expand state legislative majorities in key states around the country. The 2025 cohort is made up of:
16 managers from nearly 650 applicants
The 2025 cohort is the most diverse cohort BLC has ever had with 3 out of 4 managers identifying as people of color.
MEET OUR 2025 COHORT
Jenna is the campaign manager for Jessica Anderson (HD-71) in Williamsburg, VA. She has a background in organizing and was previously the organizing director with the NY Dems in NY-22, where she helped flip the seat. Her first job out of college was as a field organizer role in her home state of New Jersey, where she organized AAPI communities for state legislature candidates. When she's not managing the campaign, Jenna loves to read literary fiction books, play guitar and piano, and crochet.
Jessica Barloga first got her start in campaigns knocking on doors as a volunteer in 2020. She is excited to return to the commonwealth to re-elect Delegate Cole this year after serving as his Field Director in 2023. Jessica is a proud graduate of Florida State University and can likely be found at her favorite coffee shop in downtown Fredericksburg, Agora.
Dyvina grew up in the city of Virginia Beach. She pursued her passion for politics and social sciences at Old Dominion University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in political science with a minor in sociology. Her journey in the professional world started as a fellow in political campaigns. With determination and hard work, Dyvina climbed the career ladder, working in four managerial positions. Currently, Dyvina works as a the campaign manager for Delegate Michael Feggans.
A born and raised Michigander, Candice grew up with a love for the Midwest. Her first memory of activism was standing alongside her mom, a public school teacher, on the picket line - an experience that shaped her lifelong commitment to fighting for workers' rights and progressive change. For the past seven years, Candice has worked on campaigns of all sizes, from caucuses and mayoral races to congressional campaigns, special elections, and recounts. She has organized virtually, in rural areas, urban areas and everything in between and is excited to use that experience in Virginia!
Aaron is a first generation, Mexican-American, born and raised in Tampa, Florida. As the son of formerly undocumented immigrants, his politics is based on fighting for those without a voice. In 2020, he got his start in campaigns working as a field organizer for Joe Biden for President. Since then, he's had the opportunity to organize across the South in states like Texas and Mississippi. His most recent cycle brought him back home to Florida, where he worked as the Digital Organizing Manager for Debbie Mucarsel-Powell's Senate race. Across all the states he's worked in, one thing has kept him going: the relationships formed with his peers and local community members. He's now excited to manage Rodney Willett for Delegate in HD 58.
Born and raised in Virginia, Kaitlyn's entrance into politics was more of an accident than a master plan. As a second-generation immigrant, she didn't grow up in a political household. After working in the medical field and seeing the disconnect between the government and our healthcare systems firsthand, she realized something needed to change. Kaitlyn graduated from the University of Virginia, then took her first step into the political arena on Capitol Hill, where she quickly learned that electing competent, thoughtful Democrats was a priority (and a lot harder than it sounds). She served as Dan Helmer’s Deputy Finance Director for his 2024 Congressional race, and now, she’s running the show as his Campaign Manager for his House of Delegates race in District 10. When she's not fighting the good political fight, Kaitlyn can be found traveling the world, binge-watching trashy reality TV, indulging in Taco Bell, or devouring a plate of french fries — sometimes all at once.
Prior to Olivia's time in BLC, she served as a Regional Digital Director at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and as Email & SMS Director at the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Olivia got her start in local politics in Southern California, where she was born and raised, working on state legislative and congressional races in North Orange County.
Arif is a seasoned political operative who has worked on congressional, U.S. Senate, and gubernatorial campaigns. He was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, and began his campaign career as an organizer on a congressional race. He has also worked at the DCCC, and served in senior leadership roles on the re-election campaigns of Governor Steve Sisolak (2022) and Senator Tim Kaine (2024). He is thrilled to be managing May Nivar's campaign in Virginia's battleground 57th House District.
Melissa Herrera is a passionate advocate and political strategist driven by her personal experience as the daughter of Mexican immigrants. Growing up in Arizona, she witnessed firsthand the impact of policies like SB1070, also known as the "Show Me Your Papers" law, which deeply affected her family. This experience ignited her commitment to fighting for her community and fueled her determination to make a difference in the political landscape.
A first-generation college graduate, Melissa worked three jobs while pursuing her degree to support herself and her family. Despite never imagining a career in politics, she became involved out of necessity and frustration with transactional politicians who failed to represent the needs of her community. With a strong background in finance and grassroots organizing, Melissa brings a unique perspective to her work, fueled by her drive to create lasting change.
Her family and community remain her greatest sources of motivation, inspiring her to continue the fight for justice and representation. Melissa’s work is rooted in her belief that political change should serve people, not just power, and she remains dedicated to uplifting the voices of those who have been silenced for far too long.
Tyler Phillips is managing Elizabeth Guzman’s campaign in Prince William County this cycle. A passionate progressive activist, Tyler brings over six years of political experience across four campaign cycles. He is deeply committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and advancing environmental justice. Tyler holds a B.S. from Florida State University and M.A. in Environmental Policy from George Washington University. Before managing in Virginia, Tyler worked in various roles on campaigns, most recently serving as Deputy Campaign Manager for a highly competitive Red-to-Blue race in Texas. As a proud gay man and a product of the foster care system, Tyler is dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices and ensuring diverse perspectives are represented and heard.
Steve Rodriguez is a dynamic campaign professional with a deep passion for driving successful campaigns. Since 2018, Steve has worked on a diverse range races, bringing a blend of creative problem-solving, data-driven insights, and grassroots organizing. He prides himself on helping candidates connect with voters and achieve their goals with a strong emphasis on community and stakeholder engagement. Steve attributes success in his career and personal life to a strong support system and great mentors. He currently works as Campaign Manager for Delegate Sam Rasoul in Virginia House of Delegates District 38.
Nelisha currently manages John McAuliff's campaign for Delegate in Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. Prior to BLC, Nelisha learned how to win tough fights in her home state of Nevada with Senator Catherine Cortez Masto's political team, and worked on education policy for Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03). During the 2024 cycle, Nelisha worked on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's Independent Expenditure to coordinate spending on 28 Frontline and Red to Blue congressional races. Nelisha is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, and a proud Nevadan. She's excited to be working to flip the last Republican-held Delegate seat in Loudoun County.
Jasmine got her start in community organizing in Houston, TX working for an environmental non-profit. This quickly sparked her interest in local politics, which led to her work on a Houston city council race and a Texas congressional race. Since receiving a B.A. from American University, she has worked in communications and political departments at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and most recently served as Campaign Director for now Congressman Shomari Figures in his historic victory. She now manages Kimberly Pope Adams’ race in HD-82 and is excited to flip this competitive seat in November!
Kim, originally from the great state of Texas, has built a strong track record working on competitive races across the South, Midwest, and Northeast. She previously served as Deputy Finance Director for the DCCC's Northeast Region, where she raised funds in key economic hubs like New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. In the 2022 cycle, Kim was part of the dynamic team behind Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes' Senate campaign in Wisconsin, working alongside a dedicated group of professionals committed to flipping the Senate seat. Kim is excited to bring her experience and energy to Virginia, where she is determined to not only help maintain the Democratic majority but also work toward expanding it for the future.
William Washington is a seasoned community organizer and political strategist with over 15 years of experience in the political arena, dedicated to driving meaningful change. A native of Columbus, Ohio, he has played a key role in more than 25 ballot initiatives and campaigns since beginning his career. After attending Clark Atlanta University, William returned to Columbus, where he took on various roles supporting numerous political races. He later served as Executive Assistant to Richard Cordray, the Ohio Democratic Party’s gubernatorial candidate.
Following that, he relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to support his wife, Navo, as she pursued her second master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in fundraising the majority of the primary budget for Pittsburgh's first Black mayor, Ed Gainey.
William then returned to Columbus to lead African American Outreach for the Ohio Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign during the 2022 election cycle. He went on to serve as Political Director for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown’s record-breaking campaign, which saw a combined spending total of over $400 million. He currently serves as the Campaign Manager for Virgil Thornton Sr., candidate for the 86th District of the Virginia House of Delegates.
John is a native St. Louis who is committed to working in fields that he is most passionate about and where he feels he can make the biggest impact. John has worked in the criminal justice system, healthcare, refugee resettlement, and of course, politics. John has worked on campaigns in Virginia, Georgia, and Montana. He believes in being the change that he wants to see in the world and is dedicated to helping inspire hope and positive change to every community he works in.
