National Convening Program Books 2016 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 36

YEO Bios
KATE ABEL Councilmember
Dormont, Pennsylvania

As a newly elected Councilwoman in the borough of Dormont, Kate Abel is excited to have
the opportunity to serve the community which she has called home for over 25 years. Abel
is committed to fostering an environment on council that will be more welcoming, increase
community engagement, and encourage more residents to get involved to ensure that everyone’s
voices are being heard. Abel studied political science and sport, art, and entertainment
management at Point Park University, and has spent the last six years working in political and
non-profit consulting. In addition to her position as finance director for Ampersand Consulting,
a political consulting firm based in Pittsburgh, Abel is events chair for the Junior League of
Pittsburgh.

JONATHAN ABBOUD Community College Trustee
Isla Vista, California

Jonathan Abboud, 23, is the youngest community college trustee in California – elected in
November 2014 to represent the communities of Isla Vista and Hope Ranch on the Santa
Barbara Community College Board of Trustees. Abboud, a first-generation American and
college graduate, was born and raised in the City of Los Angeles and has lived in Isla Vista,
CA since 2010. He completed his B.A. in political science at the University of California Santa
Barbara in 2014, serving as Associated Students President his final year. Upon graduation,
Abboud co-founded the Isla Vista Self Governance Initiative, which has accomplished designing,
lobbying for, and placing the Isla Vista Community Services District, a specialized form of local
government, on the November 2016 ballot. For the June 2016 primary, Abboud is committed to
strong voter registration and turnout in Isla Vista. Abboud enjoys cooking, browsing Reddit, and
watching political debates.

DANIELLE ADAMS District Supervisor
Durham, North Carolina

Danielle Adams serves on the Soil and Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors in
Durham, North Carolina. In 2012, she received the Outstanding District Supervisor of the
Year award from the North Carolina Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts
(NCASWCD), and was honored by Spectacular Magazine as the “Woman of the Year: Emerging
Leader” award recipient. Adams has previously served as the alternative transportation project
manager in the Office of Sustainability at Appalachian State University and has worked with
the International Affairs Council–Middle East Partnership Initiative of the U.S. Department
of State. Currently, Adams serves on the board of directors for the Upper Neuse River Basin
Association, on the Legislative Committee of NCASWCD, and as an ambassador to Oxfam
America’s Sisters on the Planet program. She received her B.A. in political science with a minor in
music from North Carolina Central University. @danielleadamsnc

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YEO BIOS