Katie Smith, Public Policy Superhero, 24

I am a Democrat because I love the Democratic Party’s core values: celebrating diversity instead of fearing it, protecting the civil rights of all, and using public policy to improve the social welfare of and expand opportunities for everyone rather than only a select few.

Nope, we’re not quoting a politician delivering rousing remarks at a historic Convention — these words come straight from Katie Smith, our very own public policy wonkette/superhero!

Katie wields progressive public policy like a weapon on behalf of those in need!

Over the course of her two-and-nearly-half-decades on planet earth, Katie has seen how public policy can be wielded to shape a more equitable world. She grew up in Montpelier, Vermont and saw the state Supreme Court order the legislature to grant equal rights to same-sex couples. During her college years at Barnard, she jetted overseas and did a comparative urban study abroad program, traveling to Brazil, South Africa and France. Seeing the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and the shantytowns of Cape Town, and speaking to residents about the issues they face living there kick-started her passion for international development and policy issues related to low income populations: “I view public policy as a vital means to improve people’s lives and the world. Focusing on the most vulnerable populations exemplifies this.”

But it wasn’t until the Obama campaign last year that Katie got directly plugged into politics. After the election, she wanted to play with people her own age (not that she’s ageist or anything!). Katie then did what all progressive young’uns living in Manhattan should do: She Googled, and stumbled upon MYD — and in her words, “hit gold”. She is now actively involved, and depending on when you catch her, will be writing policy positions, taking part in community service events, or stopping by a happy hour just to hang out.

Katie lives in South Harlem and in the real world, she works on LGBT/ AIDS issues, where she continues to fight for a better world and equal rights for all. And the toughest part about living in NYC for this fearless crusader? “Paying $6 for a box of cereal. But $5 for gelato? Totally worth it.”