Kevin shares that he is excited to run for President for 2026. He states that it is his honor and pleasure and that he is thankful to advocate and work together with each of you. Kevin wants to build upon the history of Hell’s Kitchen Democrats and also the work he did as Director of Political Affairs in 2025. He wants to continue to help involve Hell’s Kitchen Democrats’ members and ensure that our collective voices are heard and issues addressed. There are critical issues facing our nation, state, city and communities including housing, health, safety, quality of life, affordability, and the environment. Kevin believes a vital way to address these issues is by electing good elected officials. Kevin enjoyed all aspects of leading our Hell’s Kitchen Democrats’ election work, including coordinating with our endorsed candidates, petitioning, and primary and general election activities. He has participated in many postcarding activities with our members as well as being on the buses and knocking on doors in New York and Pennsylvania for races up and down the ballot national, state, and local. Born in New York City, Kevin is a 24-year resident of Hell’s Kitchen, a member of Manhattan Community Board 4 and his block association, a Democratic County Committee member, and a Participatory Budget Delegate. He also volunteers in various groups giving back to the community. As a former Executive Director of a Health Care Union, Kevin knows the importance of engaging with members as well as outreach to the community and elected officials. Kevin states he appreciates getting to know many HK Dems’ members and looks forward to interacting with each of you in 2026 and beyond. 

Elizabeth Keefe was born in the Midwest but has lived in the Hell’s Kitchen community for over 30 years.  She was previously political director of the Club in 2020 and 2022. In another life chapter before becoming involved with HK Dems, she appeared in national television commercials, and in numerous theatre productions around the country and in NYC. For 25 years she was Executive Director of American Globe Theatre where she developed and honed her organizing chops and interpersonal skills. She is committed to progressive issues both locally and federally. Although there are many, her primary passions are advocating for women’s reproductive rights, the environment and strengthening the election process. She is extremely proud to call this neighborhood home and is very invested in seeing that it remains a vibrant, diverse and safe neighborhood. She considers her positive, problem-solving attitude a chief requisite for  the Vice President position. Education: MFA from FSU, Asolo Conservatory.

There is nothing more politically fulfilling than success working towards a common goal. I believe in the work Hell’s Kitchen Democrats does to promote community engagement supporting Democratic principles and ideals. I am an 19-year resident of Hell’s Kitchen committed to helping my community as a part of my Block Association, HKNC (Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Coalition), Community Board 4 and member of HK Dems. Over 65% of registered voters in our area are Democrats and now is a wonderful  opportunity to further activate that large base in the hopes to promote even greater voter participation  and general awareness of Democratic community initiatives. I hope to help strengthen membership,  expand political and community opportunities and continue supporting our local, state and national Democratic officials. Our club has educated and engaged members and I hope to be a part of HK Dem’s trajectory upward promoting ourselves as not just an informational and political resource but a community resource, as well. Everyone in our club and all our views, within the spectrum of democratic principles, deserves respect. I commit to promote fairness and transparency at the executive level. I look forward  to serving in the role of Director of Membership and Outreach of Hell’s Kitchen Democrats

Born and raised in Hell’s Kitchen, Kiya Jacob joined the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats at the beginning of 2025 and is excited to support the Club’s work through digital communications. With a background in content creation, community engagement, and organizing, she manages the HK Dems website, email outreach, and other digital needs. Kiya is passionate about empowering local voices, supporting neighborhood initiatives, and ensuring that information is accessible to members across the community. She is committed to transparent, community-focused communication.

As a founding member of HKDems, Aleta is excited to rejoin the board as Director of Programming and Events. As a lifelong resident of Hell’s Kitchen now raising her son here in the community she loves. Aleta is thrilled to be a part of such a valuable instrument for change with the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats.

Erwin was raised in New York City and spent the majority of his life in this diverse metropolis. He studied business at CUNY Baruch College and currently works in Operations at a global engineering firm. Moving to Hell's Kitchen in late 2024, he immediately became involved in Hell's Kitchen Democrats. Through a whirlwind of events including petitioning and canvassing with local candidates, Erwin has met incredible mentors and the wonderful, vibrant community. Getting involved is more important than ever with the issues Americans face, and continuously engaging with the community throughout petitioning, the primary election, and the general election is the key driver to making an impact. He is hoping to become the conduit connecting the club members, fellow neighbors, and representatives that ultimately reflect our principles and ideals.

Barbara Knecht, R.A. is an architect who has been committed to making our built and social environments work for all people. She has been a resident of Hell’s Kitchen for 35 years, and is a member of the West 55th St Block Association and the Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Coalition (HKNC). When she moved to the neighborhood, she worked for the City of New York managing the development and design of several thousand units of housing and public space. She  continued that work in the not-for-profit sector until 2004 when she became co-director of IHP Cities in the 21st Century, a multi-disciplinary program for university students studying “people, planning and politics” in cities across the world. Since 2012, Ms. Knecht has been immersed in the introduction of urban farming into cities. Ms. Knecht received her architecture degrees from the University of California, Berkeley and Columbia University, and was a Loeb Fellow at Harvard  University.

I was born and raised in San Francisco, but I have lived in Hell’s Kitchen for over 47 years. I was inspired  to join HK Dems by the young group of founders. They were earnest, energetic, and politically savvy. I applied this year for one of the “Member-at-Large” positions for that same reason. My resumé  began as a working dancer, actor, singer. I was often the Equity Deputy and in time I ran for Actors’ Equity Council and served three five-year terms, representing both chorus and principals. While on Council, my life completely changed when I volunteered to Chair the Actors’ Equity Committee to Save the Theatres. After an intense campaign, galvanizing much of the performing arts community, we saved the Broadway Theatres from demolition, except for the sacrifice of The Morosco, The Helen Hayes, and The Bijou. Nothing, except for the loss of the recent elections, has been that gut-wrenching. My education includes a Masters Degree in Theatre from San Francisco State University and a Fitness Certificate from Marymount Manhattan College, and yet I still get irritated when people underestimate the intelligence of dancers. I’m aiming to prove people wrong. 

A lifelong New Yorker, I’ve lived in Manhattan on and off for as long as I can remember. About 15 years ago, I purchased my tiny apartment in Hell’s Kitchen—a neighborhood I had always desired. My most recent pre-retirement professional career spans two decades as a paralegal and change management consultant, specializing in stakeholder engagement for large-scale corporate systems implementations. While in consulting, I also led our regional corporate donation initiative, directing support to several food pantries as well as other charitable organizations across the Tri-state area—work that deepened my commitment to community-focused service. More recently, I felt a growing need to play a more active role in shaping our country’s future. I joined the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats just before the local primary and have worked with the team throughout the recent election cycle. Seeing how even a small group of dedicated volunteers can drive meaningful, measurable change.

Diego Figueroa is a 22-year-old junior at City College, studying political science. He is a Colin Powell Leadership and Public Service fellow. Deeply invested in housing aff ordability, immigrant rights, and expanding access to health care. Being the proud grandson of Cuban and Dominican immigrants, he is intent on honoring them through civic engagement, social activism, and community organizing. Diego is an emerging voice in New York City politics, most notably through his volunteer work as a co-captain with Downtown East for Progress. He captained a number of phone banks with them and trained hundreds of volunteers during the 2024 election cycle. He also works with the New York Public Interest Research Group (NYPIRG) and represents his City College chapter on the Student Board of Directors. As a member of the board’s executive committee and chair of the Immigrant Protection Committee (IPC), he pushes the non-profi t’s policy directives and garners support for new initiatives, such as Assemblymember Simone’s MELT Act. As a veteran canvasser, Diego has been all across the city and state fi ghting for multiple campaigns and legislative initiatives. Whether it is fi ghting for abortion access, immigrant rights, or the New Deal for CUNY, Diego knows the value of meeting people where they are, developing meaningful connections, and having critical discussions with people from all walks of life. Diego feels that it is incumbent upon him to speak up for those who cannot, and he will never stop devoting his life to the liberation of all people.

Catherine “Cat” Lafferty is a (volunteer) community leader who has lived in Hell’s Kitchen for over 26 years. Cat has served on the HK Dems Exec Team for the past five years, and looks forward to staying on the Exec. Team in this crucial midterm election year. Cat studied international relations and French as an undergraduate at American University in Washington, DC. She studied East/West relations and the politics of the European Economic Community in Brussels. Cat worked in international marketing for a major record label and then worked in business development and global consumer products marketing at Viacom for several years. Cat is an avid community gardener (and lifelong environmentalist), and serves as the vice chair of the Clinton Community Garden Steering Committee, Cat serves as an Alternate Delegate to the Manhattan Democratic Judicial Convention, a member of County Committee, and a Participatory Budgeting Delegate in Council District 3.

I moved to HK 37 years ago after my time in the Peace Corps to pursue a TESOL
masters at Columbia. As an NYC DOE administrator for 26 years, I taught immigrants,
enforced immigrant policy and additionally, oversaw the implementation of transgender
guidelines in Manhattan schools. As a member of HK Democrats Executive Committee,
I’ve actively worked in our variety of activities and served as Corresponding
Secretary, Director of Membership (three years) & this past year as Member At Large.
For 2026, along with supporting the political goals of the club, Id like to help develop a focus on youth voter registration. My side activities include taking Africana studies courses at Hunter, learning about British Caribbean art and watching endless cat videos.

There is nothing more politically fulfilling than success working towards a common goal. I believe in the work Hell’s Kitchen Democrats does to promote community engagement supporting Democratic principals and ideals. I am an 19-year resident of Hell’s Kitchen committed to helping my community as a part of my Block Association, HKNC (Hell’s Kitchen Neighborhood Coalition), Community Board 4 and member of HK Dems. Over 65% of registered voters in our area are Democrats and now is a wonderful opportunity to further activate that large base in the hopes to promote even greater voter participation and general awareness of Democratic community initiatives. I hope to help strengthen membership, expand political and community opportunities and continue supporting our local, state and national Democratic officials. Our club has educated and engaged members and I hope to be a part of HK Dem’s trajectory upward promoting ourselves as not just an informational and political resource but a community resource, as well.Everyone in our club and all our views, within the spectrum of democratic principles, deserve respect and I commit to promote fairness and transparency at the executive level.

Ruby Rims is one of NYC’s Longest Running Drag Queens. He’s received 7 MAC Awards for Best Drag Artist and has 2 proclamations for doing so! He’s is a 33 year AIDS surviver and still carries on! He has been a member of HKD for five 5 years and has served on the executive committee for 5 years and would like to continue to do so! He lives in Manhattan Plaza with his kitten Francis!

It has been my honor to serve as Recording Secretary since 2022 and I am looking forward to continuing in 2026 as an At-Large member. I’m grateful to be part of HK Dems, participating in meaningful activities that make Hell’s Kitchen, New York, and our country a better place to live. My fellow Executive Committee members, as well as many other members of the Club, have been an inspiration to me, as well as wonderful friends. I moved to Hell’s Kitchen 13 years ago, live in Gotham West, and have been happy to call this neighborhood home. I’m a native New Yorker, born in Brooklyn and raised in Brooklyn and Queens, attended the old High School of Music and Art located uptown, and SUNY Binghamton, where I got a degree in English and Theater. I subsequently became a NYC Public HS English Teacher and staff developer. Now retired, I also stay very active as a member of TNYA (NYC’s LGBT and allies masters swim team), and participate in various forms of volunteer opportunities, including a weekly shift in the GMHC’s dining room.

Born and raised in the diverse landscape of New York, Shashank brings a unique perspective to advocacy and politics, shaped by his extensive experience, culturally rich background, and unwavering commitment to his community. Shashank’s involvement in Manhattan extends to his active participation as Secretary of the Manhattan Young Democrats and as College and University Liaison where he worked diligently to engage young people in NYC.  Additionally, Shashank is the Political Director for the College Democrats of New York where he was focusing on empowering students on campuses across NY for the 2024 election. Whether it be working at the Office of Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, or on the Policy Advocacy team for the Asian American Federation, Shashank’s commitment to the people of his community is  unwavering. Shashank possess knowledge of almost every seat of the table in local advocacy, previously working at Rep. Dan Goldman’s Office, Assembly member Alex Bores’ campaign, and many other roles. Shashank also was the Hell’s Kitchen/Chelsea Organizer for Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney in 2022, allowing him to engage the west side and get out the vote effectively  while learning key information on the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. When not in school or working, Shashank works to uplift the young Indian American community as the Founder and Executive Director of Telugu Youth of America (TYA). As Member-at-Large, Shashank aims propel the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats towards continued success. Hoping to focus neighborhood engagement on local issues while inspiring young Hell’s Kitchen residents to be involved in the community, Shashank has high hopes for the clubs future.

Carl Wilson has been an active member of the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats since the club’s founding in 2016, serving in multiple leadership roles and helping shape the organization during its early years. His long-standing involvement has given him a deep understanding of the dedication and collaboration needed to keep the club strong and eff ective. His involvement in HK Dems was key in his professional development and was the impetus for his joining of the City Council Staff in 2018 under former Council Member Corey Johnson. He now works as Chief of Staff to NYC Council Member Erik Bottcher, where he engages daily with government operations, public policy, and community issues. He is eager to bring this experience back to the club—using his knowledge of how city government works to help members better understand and infl uence their elected offi cials. As a Member-at-Large, Carl aims to support membership expansion, strengthen civic participation, and help ensure the Hell’s Kitchen Democrats continue to advance progressive values on the West Side.

Marti is a current board member of Community Board 9 as well as a member of the Mayor's Advisory Council on Nightlife. As a drag artist they are known for their political activism, concert tours, talk show, and television appearances. Marti has used their drag as a force to engage people to become active in politics. martigcummings.com