Aidan Camas
Director of Scheduling
Senator Alex Padilla
This past year GLASS has worked hard to increase programming and resources for Senate staff. I hope to serve on the Board for another year to continue expanding GLASS and our work. As a Scheduler I hope to lend operations experience to help execute the board's goals. Thank you for your support!
Norman Ellis
Deputy Research Director
Office of Democratic Leader Charles Schumer
As we step into a new political environment, the need for a strong and inclusive association remains as important as it has ever been. I ask for your support to join the GLASS Board. As someone passionate about promoting dignity and advancing equality, I hope to bring my skills, experiences, and dedication to the Board.
Nearly four years in the Senate, over five in federal government, and nearly a decade in public service, I have seen firsthand the importance of representation and coalition-building to achieve meaningful progress. My career—spanning research, communications, and policy—has equipped me with the tools to effectively navigate complex issues, get a strong message across, and advocate for the causes that matter. All with a commitment to excellence and collaboration.
I also bring a sincere passion for supporting community functions—particularly in engaging and empowering underrepresented communities. Public engagement has been a driving force throughout my career, and I would love to use this role to amplify the LGBTQ+ voices in our Caucus across the Senate community.
Serving on the Board would allow me to help support an association that continues to uplift and connect its members while advancing a more inclusive Senate environment. I am ready to contribute my perspective, energy, and experience to our shared mission, and would be honored to have your vote.
Kevin Figueroa
Legislative Aide
Senator Michael Bennet
My name is Kevin Figueroa, and I am one of the only gay immigrants serving in the Senate, a perspective that has shaped my commitment to building community and creating a safe, welcoming environment for LGBTQ staff. As a first-generation immigrant, I understand the importance of inclusion and fostering connections that empower us to thrive.
As a proud member of the GLASS Board, I’ve worked to ensure our voices are recognized and respected in the Senate. Last year, I led efforts to formally recognize GLASS through a Senate resolution, advocating for greater visibility. I also restarted the mentorship program to bridge the gap between junior and senior staff, fostering growth and shared success.
If re-elected to the GLASS Board, I will continue these efforts and explore new ways to strengthen our community and uplift our members. By expanding mentorship opportunities, hosting networking events, and developing resources for professional growth, I aim to ensure every member feels supported in their journey. Together, we can create an environment where all of us—regardless of where we come from or where we are in our careers—can climb Capitol Hill together. I would be honored to continue serving this incredible community.
Paul Hurton
Subcommittee Clerk
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (Non-Designated Staff)
For most of our history, queer staff were in danger of losing our jobs. While we have a long way to go, GLASS has turned that dynamic on its head, by helping our members thrive, out and proud, in the Senate. I am committed to seeing that work continue.
As a Co-Chairs this year, I am thrilled to see a growing GLASS membership, more engaged than ever. We increased our membership and hosted more, and more varied events: including more professional development events, PRIDE evets, and events on or near the Hill than ever before.
I am especially proud that, for the first time in our 20-year history, GLASS is hosting in-person member meetings, driving Caucus engagement and connection between members.
As we look forward, I am excited for World Pride 2025. It could not be a more important time for queer visibility in the Capitol. Early planning is already underway and I would be thrilled to carry those plans through to June, if reelected.
While ensuring our members get the most out of World Pride, GLASS must remain focused on our core mission. I am excited to expand our Coffee and Mentorship Programs, host more professional development events- including more events targeted specifically for Junior or Senior Staff, increase collaboration with the other CSAs, and so much more.
I am asking for your vote so we can build on the momentum of the last year, to ensure GLASS succeeds in 2025 and beyond. Thank you for your support.
Abimael Jimenez
Legislative Aide and Grants Director
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
I am Abimael Jimenez, I go by Abi, and I am committed to supporting queer staff on the Hill and uplifting our voices. Since joining the GLASS Board, I have seen the queer community post-pandemic come together and celebrate one another. My objectives for joining the board are simple, cultivate community, support queer professionally, and connect members to the resources they need.
Laakea Stone
Legislative Aide & Appropriations Manager
Senator Mazie Hirono
Aloha,
My name is Laakea Stone and I am a Legislative Aide and Appropriations Manager for Senator Mazie K. Hirono. I am 30 something and have been living in D.C. since 2019. Born and raised in Hawaii, I am from a vibrant and complex community of queer and gender expansive island people. I enjoy anything sci-fi/fantasy, volleyball, and Beyoncé.
For the third year in a row, I am humbly asking to be elected to the Senate GLASS Caucus Board of Directors. Here are some highlights from the past two years on the Board:
- assisted in the growth of our membership;
- streamlined our internal member list tracking system;
- implemented a new Membership Form, including a Membership Tier structure;
- worked with the rest of the Board in building fruitful relationships with other staff organizations and outside groups;
- proposed and helped implement a GLASS mentorship program; and
- secured and distributed GLASS merch.
For my third term, I plan to work with the rest of the Board to build upon the successes and initiatives of GLASS from the past few years, as well as to continue to maintain and strengthen our community.
Mahalo,
Laakea Stone
Brian Walsh
Director of Operations
Senator Maggie Hassan
I would like to continue to build on the steps I've made to grow the professional development and bipartisan aspects of GLASS. With continued growth in two those areas, we can set up GLASS members for success as we head into the 119th.
Oliver Williams
Legislative Correspondent
Senator Jeff Merkley
Hi! I'm Oliver and I work for Senator Merkley covering his Economy, Democracy, and Technology portfolio. I've previously worked for the Congressional Equality Caucus, fighting for LGBTQI+ equality in the House of Representatives, and for the Ohio Senate Minority Leader. As a young trans individual who has worked in both chambers, I have a unique understanding of the challenges faced by queer staffers on the Hill. I intimately understand the feeling of navigating institutions not designed with people like me in mind and the importance of seeing individuals who reflect your identity in leadership positions. This drives my desire to represent those who are often underrepresented and overlooked in legislative spaces to the GLASS Board. My commitment to LGBTQI+ advocacy extends beyond my personal experience. I am an active member of my office's DEI Steering Committee and in college, I co-founded the Big Ten Queer Student-Athlete Coalition, which not only created much-needed community spaces for queer athletes but also pushed for policy changes within the conference. If elected, I would prioritize expanding professional development resources tailored to queer staff, while strengthening connections between GLASS, the House CSA, GLOBE/other agency groups, and external advocacy organizations. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive community across the Hill and beyond.
Lalah C. Williams
Staff Assistant & Intern Coordinator
Senator John Fetterman
Hello Senate GLASS Caucus! I’m Lalah C. Williams (she/hers) and I have enjoyed being an active member of GLASS for the past two years. I'm running for the GLASS Board to further member engagement in GLASS by diversifying GLASS events opportunities for our members on and off the Hill. If elected to the Board, I'd help plan more events and outings for members including museum trips, lunches, volunteer opportunities, drag brunch, karaoke and more! And if you have ideas I’d love to hear them.