Meet the Team
Board President & Founder
Melissa Ballard ( She, Her )
Melissa is the Board President of the United States Youth Forum. She currently lives in Germany where she works as a teacher and educational consultant. Before moving to Iraq, she lived in Germany for three years where she worked in a consultancy developing an English-language program. She graduated with a double-MA in International Relations from the University of Kent, Canterbury, and the Higher School of Economics in Moscow. Her favorite pastimes involve reading a good book, traveling somewhere new, or staying active through soccer and tennis.
Executive Director
Dante Plush ( He, Him )
Dante is a dedicated advocate for educational equity and youth empowerment, serving as Executive Director of the United States Youth Forum. His background as a Title 1 educator in the Bronx fueled his commitment to help underserved youth become community leaders. At USYF, he amplifies youth voices through civic engagement and policy advocacy, earning support from notable leaders like Sheryl Sandberg. Recognized with awards from Pace University, Dante also enjoys stand-up comedy, chess, and Yu-Gi-Oh! in his free time.
Board Member
Cristina Theriault ( She, Her )
Cristina is an applied psychologist and management consultant in Pennsylvania, specializing in human and organizational systems. She helps organizations improve human capital in recruitment, development, and managment. Currently pursuing a PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology at Penn State, her research centers on personality, misconduct, and decision-making to enhance diversity and strategic alignment. Cristina is dedicated to mentoring young professionals for future leadership.
Operations Coordinator
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Editorial Coordiantor
Brianna Vanderstelt ( She, Her )
Brianna, a proud Michigander now living in Indiana, holds a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice from Saginaw Valley State University and is completing her MA in Clinical Health Counseling and Social Psychology at Ball State University, where she will join the Counseling Psychology PhD cohort in 2025. Her education and training have fueled her passion for social justice, advocacy, and mental health. As the editorial team leader for USYF, she aims to empower youth voices politics and share her interests, particularly in mental health and supporting marginalized communities. In her free time, Brianna enjoys video games, exploring, being outdoors, and reading.
Social Media Coordinator
Chris Hamilton ( He, Him )
Chris is the Social Media Coordinator for The United States Youth Forum and he is based in Virginia Beach, VA. With a diverse background in Social Media and Digital Marketing he has helped various brands and companies grow and develop their content, story, branding, social media and digital marketing efforts. Chris graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a BA in Digital Photography and an MS in Marketing. Outside of work he enjoys photography, traveling, playing video games, watching anime, and spending time with family and friends.
Design Coordinator
Shay Smith ( She, Her )
Shay is the Design Coordinator for the United States Youth Forum, where she enhances youth advocacy through visual storytelling.She specializes in social media content, branding, and digital graphics that promote youth empowerment. She holds a BA in Visual Communication Design and has years of experience collaborating with nonprofits, creatives, and community-centered organizations.Shay is dedicated to using design for connection and impact, and in her free time, she enjoys reading, music, puzzles, and true crime shows.
Project Coordinator
Justice Obisike ( He, Him )
Justice is a dedicated advocate for youth bringing innovative ideas and strong leadership to social progress. With a background in Agricultural Economics and project management, he creates platforms for young voices in policy-making. Committed to bridging the gap between policymakers and youth, Justice believes young people should actively participate in shaping their future. He continuously enhances his skills with certifications in project management, humanitarian practices, and digital solutions.
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Fundraising Coordinator
Jamie Panko ( She, Her )
Jamie is the Fundraising Coordinator for USYF and is based in Richmond, VA, she holds a BA Public Policy & Administration and Political Science from James Madison University. She has experience in policy analysis, nonprofit outreach, and grant writing. She is passionate about nonprofit fundraising, Jamie looks forward to creating new opportunities for her team. In her free time, she enjoys the gym, concerts, reading, and community involvement.