Executive Directors
Our directors set strategy, lead the flagship Bronx Science chapter, and support chapters across the city.
Cooper Halpern
Executive Director
Chapter Leader — VOTE Bronx Science
Cooper Halpern, a senior at The Bronx High School of Science, is a dedicated leader in his community, serving as director of an education equity organization, the Youth Lead at a local education research center, and has served as an intern in Washington D.C. He is pursuing career interests in public policy and economics.
Joshua Isaacs
Executive Director
Chapter Leader — VOTE Bronx Science
Joshua Isaacs, a senior at The Bronx High School of Science, is a dedicated student and advocate. He has served as a Youth Ambassador for the New York District Attorney’s Office and as an intern for his City Councilman, and he is passionate about politics and getting people involved in the democratic process.
Rachel Tan
Executive Director
Chapter Leader — VOTE Bronx Science
Rachel Tan, a senior at The Bronx High School of Science, is a driven student committed to advocacy. She serves as co-director for a debate equity nonprofit, a member of the NYPD Youth Leadership Council, and Student Organization Vice President. She is interested in political science and economics.
The voices
Our editorial desk reports on youth civic power and publishes student journalism.
Rai Chaudhry
Editor-in-Chief
Rai Chaudhry
Editor-in-Chief
Leads the VOTE editorial team, reviews and finalizes articles. Photo coming soon.
Arjun Vora
Staff Writer
Arjun Vora
Staff Writer
Arjun Vora, a senior at Bronx Science, is a dedicated student and advocate. He serves on the Editorial Team at VOTE and is passionate about law, government, and civic engagement. He is interested in pursuing a career in law and hopes to make a lasting impact through public service.
James Lu
Staff Writer
James Lu
Staff Writer
Bio & Photo coming soon.
Jed Anglo
Staff Writer
Jed Anglo
Staff Writer
Jed Anglo, a rising junior at the Bronx Science, is a dedicated student committed to advocacy. He participates in the policy debate team, serves as the secretary of the Amnesty X UNICEF club, and is a researcher at Teen Advocators. He is interested in political science and public policy.
Jeffrey Wang
Staff Writer
Jeffrey Wang
Staff Writer
Bio & Photo coming soon.
Kimberly Koo
Staff Writer
Kimberly Koo
Staff Writer
Kimberly Koo is a rising junior at Brooklyn Tech. She believes in the importance of using journalism for advocacy. She is the founder of That Kid Can Write, teaching creative writing to kids, and the co-founder of Mangosteen Magazine. She has been honored by multiple writing awards, like Scholastic Art & Writing.
Lexie Qin
Staff Writer
Lexie Qin
Staff Writer
Lexie Qin is a rising junior at Bronx Science. She engages in Public Forum debate and has a deep interest in advocacy and student engagement within policymaking. She expressed this through campaigning for politicians during the democratic primaries.
Lili Link
Staff Writer
Lili Link
Staff Writer
Bio & Photo coming soon.
Lily Rawls
Staff Writer
Lily Rawls
Staff Writer
Lily Rawls, a senior at the German International School NY, served as a fellow on Jack Schlossberg’s congressional campaign and as an intern at the League of Women Voters. A former NY Jewish Week Fellow and student at The School of The NYT, Lily is committed to making reliable information accessible to young people.
Solomon Purdy
Staff Writer
Solomon Purdy
Staff Writer
Solomon Purdy, a junior at Brooklyn Tech, is an advocate for educational and voter equity. He's served as a Youth Ambassador at NYC Votes, volunteered with state legislature campaigns, and is a student advisor to the Chancellor of the NYC Public School System. He aspires to continue his work in equity through political action.
The visuals
Our media team documents every drive and builds the VOTE brand across social platforms.
Claire Croft
Outreach & Organization Director
Claire Croft
Outreach & Organization Director
Bio & Photo coming soon.
Chelsea Singh
Media Director
Chelsea Singh
Media Director
Manages VOTE's media team. Photo coming soon.
Tenzin Ukyab
Content Creator
Tenzin Ukyab
Content Creator
Bio & Photo coming soon.
Avalon Akahoho
Content Creator
Avalon Akahoho
Content Creator
Bio & Photo coming soon.
Founders
Sebastian Merkatz
Founder
Princeton University
Sebastian Merkatz, former student at The Bronx High School of Science, is a dedicated student and leader, founding VOTE in 2024. He currently attends Princeton University
Oscar Allen
Founder
University of Michigan
Oscar Allen, a half-Japanese, half-Irish former student at Bronx Science, is a dedicated leader, founding VOTE in 2024. He currently attends the University of Michigan