National Convening Program Books 2016 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 40

YEO Bios
WES BELLAMY City Councilman
Charlottesville, Virginia

Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Wes Bellamy eventually moved to Charlottesville. He was
encouraged by community leaders and school personnel to pursue a career as a teacher, and
eventually hopes to be a principal. He now teaches computer science and sponsors several clubs
and groups at Albemarle High School. Bellamy currently serves as the vice president of the
100 Black Men of Central VA, is an advisor for the Collegiate 100 Black Men of Central VA
(UVA Chapter), and is an African American Teaching Fellow. He is a former board advisor for
the PHAR (Public Housing Association of Residents) board, has served on the Charlottesville
Housing Advisory Committee, and is currently on the Charlottesville Police Citizens Advisory
Panel. Bellamy is also the president of the Young Black Professional Network (YBPN)
of Charlottesville and the Charlottesville/Albemarle Alliance of Black School Educators
(CAABSE).

LIZ BENNETT State Representative
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Liz Bennett is a state representative from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She is the first openly LGBTQ
woman to serve in the Iowa State Legislature. In addition to working for clean energy and public
education, Bennett’s work in the legislature centers around ensuring that every person regardless
of race, sex, religion, class, gender identity, or sexual orientation is valued in Iowa and can reach
their full potential. Outside of the legislature, Bennett works for the web company Go Daddy. She
serves on the Governor’s Council on STEM and the Kirkwood Community College Liberal Arts
Advisory Committee. Bennett holds bachelor’s degrees in politics and women’s studies with an
emphasis in pre-law from Cornell College.

DAVID BOWEN State Representative
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

David Bowen was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2014. He currently serves on
the Assembly’s Committees on Corrections, Small Business Development, Transportation,
Workforce Development, and the Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Urban Education. Before
being elected to the Assembly Bowen served on the Milwaukee County Board as supervisor for
the 10th District, becoming the youngest member of the board and one of the youngest black
elected officials in Milwaukee’s history. Bowen was born and raised in Milwaukee and is a scholar
at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee majoring in educational policy and community studies.
Previously, he was a program director at Urban Underground. In that capacity, he oversaw
creation and implementation of youth programs, services, and professional development training
for adults interested in youth civic engagement and leadership development. @DavidFBowen

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YEO BIOS