National Convening Program Books 2016 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 47

YEO NATIONAL CONVENING 2016

JAMES DEAMICIS School Committee Member
Quincy, Massachusetts

James Vincent DeAmicis is a School Committee member from Quincy, Massachusetts. For nine
years, DeAmicis lived in South Boston with his three younger siblings. He attended parochial
schools in Dorchester until the age of 10, after which his family moved to Quincy and he was
enrolled in a public school. He began his life in public service in 2015 by winning a seat on the
Quincy School Committee. At 19, DeAmicis became the youngest elected official in the history
of Quincy. He now attends Suffolk University in Boston, where he studies government.

ANNA DIAZ County Commissioner
Ogala, South Dakota

Anna Diaz was recently elected as a Shannon County commissioner representing District 2 in her
hometown of Oglala, South Dakota. Diaz is 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 background 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.

JAMES DIOSSA Mayor
Central Falls, Rhode Island

James Diossa is the mayor of Central Falls, currently in his second term. Diossa, whose parents
emigrated from Colombia, was born in Central Falls and attended Becker State College, earning
a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. His love for Central Falls brought him back, where he
coached youth soccer and eventually entered the world of electoral politics, winning a seat on the
city council. After serving two terms on the council, Diossa successfully ran for mayor and was
sworn into office in January 2013. As mayor, he has spearheaded economic development efforts by
his administration, leading the city in its recovery from bankruptcy. Diossa is working tirelessly
with its citizens and stakeholders in the community to build a brighter future for the city of
Central Falls. @JamesDiossa

RANDY DUNN State Representative
Kansas City, Missouri

Randy D. Dunn represents part of Jackson County (District 23) in the Missouri House of
Representatives. He was first elected to the House in November 2012. Dunn is a licensed realtor
and small business owner, and previously served as a city planner. Dunn attends St. James
United Methodist Church. He is involved with the following organizations: Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity, Inc., Omicron Xi Lambda Chapter; Construction Committee for Kansas City Habitat
for Humanity, member; Steering Committee for Greater Kansas City Food Policy Coalition,
member; Kansas City Youth Court, board member; Freedom, Inc.; Engage KC Leadership
Advisory Board, and Vine Street District Council, board member. A graduate of Raytown South
High School, Rep. Dunn obtained his B.A. in urban affairs and his M.P.A from the University
of Missouri-Kansas City, where he was also a HUD Fellow. Born November 18, 1982 in Kansas
City, Missouri, Rep. Dunn currently resides there. @MORepDunn

YEO BIOS

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