“The RNC Rising Star Program is investing in the next generation of young minority Republicans through this robust effort geared at identifying, training, and mentoring young leaders in our party. In addition to growing and diversifying our voter rolls, under the leadership of Ronna McDaniel the RNC is expanding our roster of young minority Republican activists who will be the next generation of leaders within the Republican Party.” -Paris Dennard, RNC National Spokesperson and Director of Black Media Affairs
The Republican National Committee hosts Annual Rising Star Program
This week, Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel is hosting the annual RNC Rising Star program in Washington, D.C.
- The RNC Rising Star event held at RNC headquarters allows young, minority, high-achieving, and politically involved Republicans to take part in three days of programming, which includes informational panels, professional development, and networking with experts, staff and elected officials.
- The RNC Rising Stars are chosen through a nomination and selection process.
- 15 nominees were selected to participate in the program that includes members of Congress, RNC senior officials, and leaders within the Republican Party.
- They range between the ages of 17-25 years old and represent 12 states and Guam.
The 2022 Cohort is made up of six Black American Republicans:
- John Philip Clay – Plainfield, Indiana
- John Philip Clay is a member of the Indiana Republican Diversity Leadership Series, an initiative run by Whitley Yates aimed at recruiting diverse and high-achieving individuals to participate in Republican politics. John Philip also works as a salesman for Ideal Food Group.
- Jessica Herron – Oxford, Mississippi
- Jessica Herron is a student at the University of Mississippi and former summer RNC Communications and Research Department intern. Jessica also worked for the Virginia Inaugural Advance Team for Governor Glenn Youngkin and is currently a freelance political writer.
- Bethany Johnson – New Britain, Connecticut
- Bethany Johnson is a Regional Engagement Coordinator in New Britain, Connecticut. Bethany has been involved in Republican politics for several years and started as an intern for the George Logan campaign. Bethany also had the opportunity to meet Chairwoman McDaniel at the New Britain Community Center grand opening.
- Emmanuel Jones – Bensalem, Pennsylvania
- Emmanuel Jones has worked in several roles for Republican causes and candidates dating back to 2018. Most notably, Emmanuel has served as the Political Director and Chairman for the Pennsylvania Federation of College Republicans. Additionally, he has worked as a campaign manager for a state house race and as a legislative aide for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
- Makayla Washington – Lake Village, Arkansas
- Makayla Washington is a healthcare employee and nursing student. She is also a member of the Chicot/Desha Republican Central Committee.
- Jessica White – Columbia, Missouri
- Jessica White is a student at the University of Missouri. Additionally, Jessica has served as an intern for the Missouri State Legislature and as an election worker for the state.
A shining example of our RNC Rising Star program is Whitley Yates, who was just honored in March by Chairwoman McDaniel with our RNC Emerging Leader Award at our annual Trailblazers Reception. Yates went through the program and is now the Director of Diversity and Engagement at the Indiana Republican Party.
In addition to the RNC Rising Star Program, the RNC has opened 25 RNC Community Centers around the country in Black, Hispanic, Jewish, Native, and Asian Pacific American Communities.
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