Betty Asha was born in Yei, South Sudan Asha is a results oriented person with many unique life experiences and extensive experience in humanitarian efforts She is a student, majoring in International Business, and Political Science at Maryville College, TN. Outside the classroom, Asha serves as a Presidential Advisory Committee Board Member, Student Conduct & Appeal Board Member, Peer Career Coach, Student Advancement Representative, and a co founder of the (A S H A) Children Foundation
Asha is a mother of 4 kids, one biological son, and 3 adopted daughters. She is a Christian and always seeks to have a personal relationship with God.
Maria Victoria is a sophomore at Georgetown University pursuing a joint degree in Business and Global Affairs from the School of Foreign Service and the McDonough School of Business. She is involved in the College Republicans chapter at Georgetown, the Catholic Women Organization, and the Network of Enlightened Women. She was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, and migrated with her family to Cincinnati, Ohio in 2011. She is passionate about defending the unborn and protecting capitalism and freedom in the United States and other parts of the world
Blake Bailey is a 3 year senior at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio and is a Political Science major with a minor in Legal Studies, WSU Student Body President, President of College Republicans, and member of Ohio Student Government Association A leader in Chi Alpha Christian Ministries with plans of starting a ministry after law school, Blake is passionate about supporting the foster system and the adoption process as well as ministering to young children without parental figures present in their lives
James Banko is a Junior in college attending the Citadel Military college of South Carolina. He is studying Intelligence and Security Studies with a minor in German. He is expected to graduate in May 2024 and plans to go into law school after graduation In his free time, James likes to lift weights, read, and spend time with friends.
Timothy Belev is a student attending William Jessup University for a public policy degree He is hoping to be able to attain a political research position that would allow him to influence policy and educate people. Tim spends his time studying, playing chess, and debating politics and theology.
Madison Coate is a recent high school graduate and is currently working as a teller at a local bank in her area. She has enjoyed serving as a student leader at her church as well as playing the keyboard and singing in the worship band She is a young energetic woman who has strong convictions, and is always ready for new adventures and challenges.
A native of Jackson, Michigan, and an Assemblies of God Christian, Chris graduated in December 2019 with a degree in History from Western Michigan University, where he also worked as a campus coordinator for Turning Point USA. A history buff, Chris has done various volunteer, internship, and re enactment work for Michigan’s Military Heritage Museum After graduating, Chris worked for a time in manufacturing and insurance and is currently a first year law student at Liberty University School of Law. He hopes that as an attorney he can help those that are being targeted for their beliefs and free speech rights.
Mitch is someone who loves to learn anything and everything, and is adaptable to different environments. He graduated Taylor University with a bachelors of science in Mathematics/Data/Systems and a minor in Data Science. Mitch participated in soccer as well as Tack and Field at Taylor university Despite having an athletic side, he also enjoys music and art. Overall Mitch has a propensity towards novelty and is eager to learn.
Simeon Deretich is a God fearing Orthodox Christian who holds his faith as the center of his life Simeon was home educated by his mother and participated in sports and arts including archery, gymnastics, track, trap, acting, piano, and ballet at a pre professional level across the country for 6 years Simeon treasures his family's love, trust, and loyalty. Currently pursuing a college degree in business and finance, Simeon plans to own his own business and establish a homestead where he can raise his children to be faithful Orthodox Christians and country loving patriots
Michaela Estruth is currently a sophomore at Hillsdale College, studying History and Journalism. Various leadership positions in high school and college and two internships with Answers in Genesis have strengthened her leadership and organization skills, as well as her communication, writing, and speaking skills She is passionate to spread God’s truth in this fallen world by writing and speaking. Specifically, she desires to counter the feminist movement with an accurate depiction of the beauty of God’s design of femininity.
Shelby Fleshood is a proud Eagle Scout with a passion for policy and advancing Christ's kingdom. He graduated from Florida State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science and Public Policy with a minor in Business He currently serves as the Director of Open Records and Citizen Engagement at the Nevada Policy Research Institute. There, he works to equip local activist communities with the resources necessary to keep government accountable and put power back in the hands of the people. In his spare time, Shelby has a passion for backpacking and the outdoors.
Passionate about building relationships to share the truth of Jesus with all people in all areas of life, Emma hopes to use art, writing, and political involvement as outlets to change people's lives for Christ She loves learning new things, especially those related to women's health, neuroscience, philosophy, history, theology, literature, and everything in between Serving as a Digital Marketing Coordinator for NATIV3, a Minneapolis, Minnesota based marketing company, Emma has started to make an impact for conservative issues. She is currently majoring in Theology and Global Studies at Bethlehem College and Seminary, and will be graduating in 2025
Aubrey Freeman is a junior at The Ohio State University studying Economics and Political Science. He is passionate about restoring America's fundamental values and pursuing a career that champions human flourishing Aubrey is currently on staff with Convention of States, a group dedicated to calling the first ever Article V convention and placing limits on the federal government. He lives in Lancaster, OH with his family and 5 pets.
David Korn is currently a 1L law student at Arizona State University Law. After he graduates, David wants to pursue corporate law and constitutional litigation David's undergraduate was in Government: Politics and Policy at Liberty University. Born and raised in Flagstaff, AZ, he enjoys all the typical mountain town activities like hiking, kayaking, and running
Halli Gravley is a Freshman at Liberty University studying Strategic Communications with a minor in pre law She is so thankful to be apart of the Mentorship Academy this year and is excited to see what the Lord has in store.
Hannah Hines is from Wadsworth, Ohio Currently, she attends Ashland University where she is an Ashbrook Scholar majoring in political science and history. Additionally, she works for the Ashbrook Center part time She is active in her church, and several organizations on campus. Her interests include reading, spending time outdoors, and volunteering with children. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her dog, Dolly, and taking her for walks
Shakira Jackson is from Philadelphia, PA. Shakira is a three year history and political science bachelor graduate from the University of Pittsburgh and holds the title of Miss Steel City, affiliated with the Miss America organization where she advocates for civic engagement and sustainability. Shakira has also served as the Founder and President of the Network of enlightened Women (NeW) chapter at the University of Pittsburgh and the Students for Life Chapter. Shakira is now continuing her education at Georgetown University and actively working on her city council campaign for Philadelphia.
Aaron is studying philosophy at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, SD. His areas of focus include ethics and international development Aaron spends his time baking, playing piano, and discussing politics and religion. He also volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children in Family Court He hopes to research complex problems, write policies, and build coalitions to create change
Bradyn Lawrence is a recent college graduate with a degree in political science and a minor in Mandarin Chinese After a gap year, he plans to attend law school and study constitutional law. Some of his interests outside of college include philosophy, football (the European kind), and Tolkien fiction.
David Mahan is a mission minded individual with a passion for leadership and community development. He is is focused on creating change towards a wiser society, one that instills Biblical principles in the hearts and habits of Americans He enjoys spending time with loved ones, coffee shop hopping, and a full cup of tea.
Joe McCarthy is a senior at Purdue University majoring in Criminal Justice with a Specialization in Homeland Security. He comes from a Christian family of five with deep seated conservative values Joe intends to work as a policy analyst on Capitol Hill or a conservative think tank. Joe has a strong interest in immigration/border security issues, foreign policy/national security, and social/cultural topics He wants to analyze current policies, develop effective implementation strategies, and communicate these ideas to conservative politicians who have the power to effect change.
Timothy Meng is 22 years old and was homeschooled k 12. He holds a bachelors degree in psychology from Cleveland State University Timothy intends to pursue a masters degree in clinical counseling and is looking at specializing in trauma or marriage and family therapy. He loves reading, spending time with friends, disc golf, and learning more about politics, business and life
Annabelle Olsen is currently taking a gap year from school. Passionate about journalism, she is exploring career options within the field through her engagement with Forge Leadership Network.
Joshua Petry is a student majoring in Psychology as well as attending the Forge Mentorship Academy. With a long history in Christian Ministry, Joshua has several years of experience in the business world under the guidance of his father. He enjoys deep conversations and finds life in investing in relationships and people, especially when they invest in him back.
Kristen Rodrigues is a student at Wright State University majoring in Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship Prior to attending the Forge Leadership Summit, Kristen was a part of the Young Entrepreneurs Across America program where she ran and managed a $65,000 business for Student Painters over the summer of 2020 internship She aspires to become a leader in business within the conservative movement
Kaitlyn is a Sophomore at Duke University where she is studying Biomedical Engineering
This summer she served as the campaign manager for State Representatve Bob Young in Ohio and in 2020 was the campaign manager for State Representatve Bill Roemer. In her free time, Kaitlyn enjoys hiking, skiing, and working on her family farm in Hudson Ohio with her mom, dad, and two sisters.
Nathan is a son of the Great Commonwealth of Virginia and an Alumnus of the Virginia Military Institute. While there he particiapted in Club Boxing, was a member of Rat Challenge Cadre, and led a bible study for freshmen. Upon graduation, Nathan interned at the Religious Freedom Institute before becoming a Research Assistant at The Heritage Foundation. Nathan left Heritage for the John Jay Fellowship where he studied Theology, Philosophy, and the American Founding through a Christian lens Nathan has also participated in CRCD's Savanah Seminar and is a member of the Society of St. George the Dragonslayer.
Lauren Saeger is a first year J.D. candidate at George Mason University, Antonin Scalia Law School, who is planning to pursue a career in appellate advocacy She is from Summerville, South Carolina and recently completed her undergraduate education at Liberty University Lauren is passionate about protecting the rights of the unborn, preserving the traditional family, and sharing the gospel and the love of Jesus.
Joshua is a recent graduate of Franciscan University of Steubenville with his degree in Experimental Psychology. He currently works in donor relations for the Dayton branch of St Vincent de Paul He is a faithful Catholic and is passionate about individual development through mentor relationships. His goal is to work in personal development in order to raise up patriotic Americans and faithful Christians with an understanding of the importance of both God and country.
Spencer Silbey is passionate about the intersection of politics, policy, and business. As a consultant at West Monroe Partners, an international consulting firm, he leverages strategy, creative insight, and an interdisciplinary skillset to address complex business problems Now living in Dallas, Spencer graduated from Miami University (December 2021). He has been involved in conservative politics for 7 years, recently interning at The Heritage Foundation (Spring 2022). He plans to use his business acumen and policy awareness to start entrepreneurial endeavors, support and improve conservative organizations, and positively influence politics at the national and international level.
Jakob Speta is a proud Army kid from Tennessee. He holds an M.A. in Diplomacy from the Patterson School of Diplomacy & International Commerce at the University of Kentucky, as well as a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Memphis. Jakob will be serving as a Community Health Support Agent with Peace Corps Senegal from February 2023 until May 2025
Rachael is ecstatic to be a part of the Forge Academy program. She plans on graduating in 4 years as a double major in political science and accounting Her end goal is to run for the Ohio state house as soon as possible.
Kirsten is currently a junior at Patrick Henry College She is pursuing her bachelors degree in Government with a track in American Politics and Policy She enjoys research and writing. Her favorite political theorist is John Locke. She wants to pursue a career in Congress and is actively working towards getting an internship on the Hill.
Grace grew up in Denver, CO before moving out to work in the conservative movement in the D.C. area. Currently, Grace works in development at the Leadership Institute. In her spare time she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with friends
Asher Thompson is a college student at Ohio Christian University. At OCU, he serves as the Student Body President, plays on the baseball team, is a peer mentor, and is an academic coach as well He is a sophomore and a political science major Asher is passionate about politics, culture, and theology. Asher is from Fishers, Indiana, where he grew up a member of Ford Street United Methodist Church After graduating with his undergraduate degree, Asher aims to pursue higher education and eventually a career in either policy/politics or national security and intelligence.
Gio Torres is a student at Oklahoma State University. She is currently the Student Government Vice President. Gio works as a Nurse Aid at a surgical hospital and is a worship leader and children's ministry teacher She is passionate about serving others wherever God places her. One the way, Gio hopes to make an impact is by starting her own business
Debby Torres is a student at Liberty University She graduated on the spring of 2022 with her associates in Public Service from Oklahoma State University During her time there in college, she served the student body as the Student Government President. She is a Young Women for America ambassador for the nation's largest public policy women organization, Concerned Women for America Debby is currently an intern for the Heritage Foundation She serves at her church as a worship leader and preaches on Sundays occasionally. After receiving her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend law school.
JOHN WALKER
John Walker is a recent graduate of Marquette University’s Political Science program. During his senior year and immediately after graduating, John worked with Allison+Partners During this time, he worked for both Allison’s global risk and reputation management and public affairs and healthcare policy teams; providing client/brand research and congressional election trend/policy analysis John is now beginning a position as the Heritage Foundation’s outreach Intern. He is an eagle scout, has established several businesses, and is a regular volunteer within the D.C. area.
WILLIAM YANEK
William Yanek is a senior at Kenyon College studying political science He is from Lawrence, Kansas. At Kenyon, William is editor in chief of the Middle Path Magazine, a publication dedicated to free speech, is president of the Catholic student group on campus, and is part of the American Enterprise Institute's Executive Council Outside Kenyon, William is a Röpke Wojtyła Fellow at the Catholic University of America, studying Catholic Social Thought on the market economy After he graduates, William wants to pursue a career in politics or journalism.
The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him. ”
G.K. Chesterton