National Convening Program Books 2014 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 44

YOUNG ELECTED OFFICIALS

44

Eric DeSobe
Neighborhood Council Member
Los Angeles, California
Neighborhood Council Member Eric DeSobe is currently in his second
term as president of the Del Rey Neighborhood Council. He serves a
community of 35,000 residents on the west side of Los Angeles. As a
former teacher in Compton, DeSobe currently works full-time for KIPP LA
Schools, one of the nation’s most successful charter school networks. In this
position, he works to recruit, train, and support teachers. DeSobe also serves as board president
for the Los Angeles chapter of New Leaders Council, which trains and supports the progressive
political entrepreneurs of tomorrow — trendsetters, elected officials, and civically-engaged
leaders in business and industry. @DelReyNeighbor

Anna Diaz
County Commissioner
Ogala, South Dakota
Anna Diaz was recently elected as Shannon County Commissioner
representing District 2 in her hometown of Oglala, South Dakota. Diaz is
the youngest person in history to hold this office and the youngest Native
American elected in the country as a county commissioner. Commissioner
Diaz was born and raised on the Pine Ridge Agency of South Dakota and is
a mother of three children. She is a full time student at the Oglala Lakota College pursuing a
degree in social work with a specialization in chemical dependency. She is a member of the
Native Youth Leadership Alliance. Her areas of focus include promoting a drug and alcohol free
lifestyle, as well as youth development and organizing.

Shawn Dickinson

City Commissioner
Ottawa, Kansas
City Commissioner Shawn Dickinson was elected to the Ottawa City
Council in early 2013. Dickinson believes in neighborhood revitalization,
which is why he and his family have remodeled five Ottawa homes, taking
them from long-term vacant and neglected properties to refurbished and
affordable homes for families. This includes the home where he and his family
currently reside. He is a graduate of Ottawa High School and received his BS degree in English
and creative writing from Kansas State University. He is married to Megan Dickinson and they
have one son. Shawn is a freelance writer and a work-from-home dad. @dickinsonshawn

2014 Young Elected Officials Network National Convening