Executive Board
Levi Griffith, Chair
Levi has been involved in Democratic politics from an early age. Since knocking doors for Obama during the primary elections in 2008, to becoming Vice President of both the Ohio State College Dems and the Franklin County (Ohio) Young Dems, Levi has always believed in a Democratic Party that puts people over corporations and looks out for the working class.
Since moving to Denver in 2021 to become a City Planner, Levi has been deeply passionate and involved in the Denver community. This passion led to his involvement in the Denver Young Dems. As Chair he hopes to build DYD into a launch pad for Young Democrats into positions of power within the party and in elected office, while broadening the number of young people that will proudly call themselves Democrats.
In his free time, Levi enjoys singing karaoke, playing volleyball, and discovering new things to do in and around Denver. He is looking forward to an exciting year of elections, events, and DYD growth.
Dakota Hitchner, Vice Chair
An avid DYD member in 2025, Dakota is starting her first term as Vice Chair. She is from Wisconsin, but has been in Denver since 2022.
Dakota has her masters in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Denver, and now works in renewable energy. Her passion for the environment is what ignited her passion for politics. She cares deeply about reducing polarization and getting young people informed on the local politics that impact their every day lives.
In her free time, she likes to hike and backpack, has been known to splurge on a good meal, and always loves recommendations for a good book to read.
Alexander Johansson, Treasurer
Alexander was born and raised in the suburbs of Florida but moved to Denver after finishing his Master’s degree in Finance. Alex has been a finance professional for a decade in multiple facets but his true passion lies in progressive politics. As Treasurer he can blend this experience and passion into real action and leadership to make a difference.
Ananda Young, Secretary
Hailing from New York state, Ananda moved to Denver almost four years ago and now calls the West Colfax neighborhood of HD4 home. She earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Arabic from the University of St Andrews (Scotland).
Outrage at the current state of politics was her biggest motivator to get involved. Ananda is passionate about building community, getting money out of politics, and getting young people engaged in local issues. Her goals is foster engagement and reform so that we have a government that works for us, not against us.
Outside of politics, you can find her climbing, crocheting, or on a quest to find the best carne asada fries in Denver - recommendations always welcomed!
Jonathan Ponder, Community Liaison
Jonathan is returning to DYD for a third year, but this time as the Community Liaison. Originally from Austin, Texas, he now resides in the Capital Hill neighborhood of HD 6.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Texas State University. His passion for politics was sparked during the landmark 2016 presidential election. Since then, Jonathan has worked on several Central Texas campaigns and the 2022 Colorado Democratic Coordinated Campaign. He remains dedicated to advancing progressive policies and increasing youth engagement in the political process.
Outside of politics, Jonathan enjoys snowboarding, hiking, light beer, and spending time with his dog, Maya.
Miles Blakley, High School and College Organizer
Miles served the Biden administration as a political appointee, and has been a Navy reservist for 8 years. He currently works in national electoral reform. He earned a BA in Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law from the University of Arizona and a Master’s in Legal Studies from Washington University of St. Louis.
He enjoys movies, hiking, and is foolishly training to run a triathlon.
Joe Parry, Event Coordinator
While he spent many years in Spokane, Washington, Joe actually considers Massachusetts home. Joe moved to Denver in late 2024 to take the next step in his career as a renewable energy engineer. He is deeply passionate about turning climate and environmental concerns into policy action. A key issue for him is decarbonizing the U.S. economy.
Joe believes building community is incredibly important, which is a major reason he is committed to serving as the DYD Event Coordinator for another term. Beyond bringing young progressives together, his goal for 2026 is for DYD to host two major fundraising events.
In his free time, you can find Joe playing volleyball around Denver, hosting game nights, having a BBQ, or grabbing a beer with friends. He is looking forward to a year full of fun events and action.