Meet our Board of Directors
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Congressional Staff Association (CSA) elects a board of directors each year in February in accordance with our by-laws. The board consists of a president, a vice president, five directors and one at-large director. Below are the names, positions and short bios of our board members.
Jannie Kamara, President
Jannie Kamara (she/they) is a first-generation Sierra Leonean American serving as the Legislative Aide to the office of Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan covering Education, Labor, and LGBTQI+ policy, and Africa Policy. Originally from Charlottesville, VA, she lives by the motto of “All choices must be in service of love.” and believes that love is a powerful force that strengthens her and her sense of community and belonging. She began her Capitol Hill career in 2022 as a Staff Assistant to then Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE-AL) covering US-Africa Policy. Within the LGBT CSA, Jannie formally served as the Co-Chair of the Queer People of Color Taskforce, and Professional Development Director. When Jannie is not crafting policy, you can find her practicing as a Yoga Intern at Yoga District DC, or Bartending at Crush Dance Bar. Jannie is a graduate of Miami University of Ohio and holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Black World Studies and Individualized Studies: Diversity in Leadership.
Rachel Hunter, Vice President
Rachel Hunter (she/they) serves as a Senior Legislative Assistant in the Office of Angie Craig. Originally from Phelan, California, they started on the Hill in January 2021 and are currently in their fourth year serving Minnesota's 2nd Congressional district. Rachel covers Consumer Protection, Technology, Energy, Environment, Transportation, Oversight and the Congressional Equality Caucus. When not working, they can be found lifting in the House Gym, listening to live music at DC9 or reading for book club.
Lauren gedney, Communications Director
Lauren Gedney (they/them) serves as the Director of Operations for Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu, overseeing large-scale operations for the Vice Chair’s office and managing his daily and long-term schedule. Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, they began their political career in 2021, working in operations and legislation roles on the Hill and multiple local, state, and federal level campaigns.
Lauren holds two B.A. degrees, one in Political Science and another in Peace and Justice Studies, from Wellesley College. Outside of work, they enjoy playing volleyball, collecting vinyl (perhaps a bit too enthusiastically), and exploring the (DIY'd) intersection of fashion and food.
Vikas Madhav Nagarajan, Professional Development Director
Vikas Madhav Nagarajan (he/him) is the Legislative Aide/Operations Assistant with the office of Rep. Krishnamoorthi. We works on the judiciary portfolio, LBGTQ+ policy, public lands and wildlife policy. He holds a Master of Science in Public Policy from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering from SSN College of Engineering. Previously, he served on the LGBTQ Advisory Board for the City of Atlanta, contributing to the Subcommittee on Youth Affairs. A wildlife enthusiast, he is a birdwatcher and an author of a field guide to the butterflies of Chennai city.
Sophia Dycaico, Social Events Director
Sophia Dycaico (she/her) serves as Legislative Assistant for Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) covering Foreign Affairs, Defense, Veterans, Health, Immigration, and CAPAC issues. She started as a Staff Assistant for Rep. Scott and has been on the Hill for over 4 years. Before working for Rep. Scott Sophia interned for Rep. Jeffries and Rep. Tlaib. Sophia is originally from Sunnyvale, CA, and graduated as a first-generation Filipina American from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in History of Public Policy. She currently serves as the Social and Cultural Events Chair of the Congressional Asiana and Pacific American Staff Association (CAPASA) and enjoys bringing intersectional communities together. Outside of work, Sophia is at every social event spending time with friends, going to concerts, traveling, and connecting with people everywhere in D.C.
Mieko kuramoto, MeMbership Director
Mieko Kuramoto (she/her) serves as the Senior Legislative Assistant in the Office of Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA-39). Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mieko came to Congress through the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) Fellowship Program and is in her fifth year with the office. Her portfolio includes the Education and Workforce Committee, appropriations, oversight, homeland security, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Mieko graduated from Smith College with bachelor’s degrees in American Studies and Spanish. When not at work, she enjoys playing softball, squash, reading, and going to live music around Washington, D.C.
Ridley Browder, Service & Community Engagement Director
Ridley Browder (he/him) serves as the DC Press Secretary for Congressman Henry Cuellar (TX-28). Before joining his current office in October, Ridley interned in the office of Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) for four months. He graduated from Davidson College in May 2024 with a B.A. in Political Science and Sociology and is originally from Memphis, TN. While at Davidson, Ridley served as the President of the central queer organization on campus and was an active volunteer for various service groups. His interests include transportation policy, photography, and Taylor Swift.
Matt campbell, At-Large
Matt Campbell (he/him) currently serves in the Office of Congressman Mark Pocan. Originally from Michigan, he has worked on Capitol Hill since 2021, working on legislation and operations in several offices of Midwest Members.
Matt attended Central Michigan University with a dual focus of Political Science and Economics. When away from the office, he enjoys playing tennis with friends, learning new cooking techniques, talking to strangers, and trying new restaurants.