"Empower the youth with skills today, and they will build a better world tomorrow."
Our Team
Sean Johnson
Founder
Introducing an extraordinary individual with a remarkable commitment to social justice and political advocacy. With an extensive background in community engagement and a deep passion for the political process, Sean Johnson has devoted his life to creating positive change.
Having worked closely with the NAACP, Sean has played a pivotal role in advancing civil rights and promoting equality. As the District 3 Chair of the Young Democrats, they have orchestrated powerful grassroots campaigns, mobilizing young voices and empowering them to shape the future of our nation.
Sean has also served as the Executive Director of the Indiana Young Democrats, overseeing the organization's strategic initiatives and fostering a vibrant community of young leaders. Through this role, he has cultivated a generation of politically engaged individuals, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to effect change.
With a wealth of experience working on numerous campaigns, sean has demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with communities, build coalitions, and drive meaningful outcomes. His skills as a former candidate for City Council At Large has provided him with firsthand insights into the intricacies of public service and governance.
A graduate of the esteemed Emerging Leaders Project, he has honed his leadership abilities and expanded his knowledge of policy-making and community development. This experience has equipped them with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing our society.
Beyond his political involvement, Sean is the proud owner of a curriculum designed for children on the autism spectrum. His dedication to understanding and supporting individuals with unique needs reflects their unwavering commitment to inclusivity and compassion.
With an unwavering passion for the political process, he continues to be a driving force for positive change. The Growth project is another example of what it takes to help the youth. Seans tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to justice lead him to founding the project. He is truly a champion for the people.
Greg Coulter
Board Member
Greg Coulter, a seventh-generation resident of La Porte County, has Master's degrees in History and Library Science. Dedicated to community service, he founded the La Porte County Young Democrats chapter and serves on the Michigan City Common Council. Leisurely, he enjoys hiking, museums, beach outings, and landscape painting, having taken classes at several art centers. Greg never misses the Indy 500.
Samantha Douglas
Board Member
Samantha Douglas is a dynamic grassroots organizer, campaign manager, community advocate, and entrepreneur dedicated to driving positive change. A graduate of Hoosier Women Forward, a Democratic women's leadership development cohort, Samantha brings a deep commitment to empowering underrepresented voices in politics. She further honed her leadership skills through completion of the Congressional Black Caucus' Leadership Bootcamp.
Passionate about civic engagement and advocacy, Samantha recently founded Power to the Polls, a groundbreaking Black voter engagement initiative aimed at amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. With a strong track record of grassroots organizing and community-building, Samantha is poised to make a lasting impact on both local and national political landscapes. Her dedication to uplifting communities and fostering inclusive political participation sets her apart as a true champion for change.
Derion Searcey
Co-founder/President
Derion Searcey is a native of Indianapolis, IN, where he gradated from Pike High School in 2016 and went on to obtain his associate degree from Ivy tech and his bachelor’s degree in political science from Indiana University- Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI). Derion wants to become an attorney and practice criminal law in hopes of helping more African Americans in our legal system. Derion also has plans of running for a Congressional office.
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In 2022, Derion began his political career at the Indiana House of Representatives, interning for the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus (IBLC), where he worked closely with representatives and senators in the State of Indiana. He specifically worked closely with the constituents of House District 98 and House District 99.
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After completing the internship, Derion went on to work on campaigns. He learned the intricacies of leading a political campaign during the first campaign of his political career. He began with the enormous responsibility of Chief of Staff and Call time manager. Following the campaign, Derion became an Emerging Leader where he gained extensive knowledge on how to effectively manage and conduct a political campaign.
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In 2022, Derion joined the chapter of the Marion County Young Democrats where he was voted on the executive board as the Parliamentarian. He works to get more young people involved in politics as well as gaining more knowledge for himself for his future endeavors.
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In addition to campaigning, Derion worked at the Marion County Prosecutors office in the Child Support Division where he worked closely with prosecutors in the State of Indiana on matters that pertained to child support.
Today, Derion is the Executive Director of the IBLC, where he continues to work with all 15 Black elected officials in the State of Indiana. He manages all scheduling on behalf of the caucus and different inquiries that pertain to the members or the constituents. Derion has a passion for leading and helping people in the world and spreading Love throughout the process. Derion will continue to work hard to bring awareness to issues that matter most to him, as he continues his political and legal journey.
Catherine Torzewski
Board Member
Catherine was born and raised in Indianapolis, IN. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the
University of Indianapolis. She has quite a bit of experience in business management as well as real
estate. She has been a business owner since 2015 and a licensed Realtor since 2014, specializing in
residential, commercial, as well as investment properties. Catherine is very involved in her community
and committed to community involvement. She currently serves on the MIBOR Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion Committee, is a Moms Demand Action Volunteer and has, and is, serving as campaign manager for various local and state level political candidates.