Meet our Board of Directors

LAUREN GEDNEY, President

Lauren Gedney (they/them) is the current President of the LGBT CSA and previously served as the CSA Communications Director for the 2025 term. Professionally, they are the Director of Operations for Democratic Caucus Vice Chair Ted Lieu, where they oversee large-scale operations for the Vice Chair’s office and manage both his daily and long-term schedule.

Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Lauren began their political career in 2021, working in operations and legislative roles on Capitol Hill as well as on multiple local, state, and federal campaigns. They hold two B.A. degrees from Wellesley College.

Sophia Dycaico, Vice President

Sophia Dycaico (she/her) serves as Legislative Assistant for Congressman Robert C. “Bobby” Scott (VA-03) covering Foreign Affairs, Defense, Veterans, Health, Immigration, and CAPAC issues. She started as a Staff Assistant for Rep. Scott and has been on the Hill for 5 years. Sophia is originally from Sunnyvale, CA, and graduated as a first-generation Filipina American from UC Santa Barbara with a degree in History of Public Policy. Prior to the special election, she was previously the LGBT CSA Social Events Director. Outside of work, Sophia enjoys spending time with friends, going to concerts and traveling.

DALTON THOMPSON, Communications Director

Hailing from Chicago and with roots in Arkansas, Dalton Thompson (he/him) has been with the Congressional Equality Caucus since January 2024. As Press Secretary & Digital Director, he is responsible for implementing the Caucus’s communications strategies and supporting the more than 190 Members in the Caucus. He holds degrees in Political Science, Public Administration, and Law. At any given time, you will find him listening to Taylor Swift or Noah Kahan, drinking a Celsius (probably Peach Vibe flavor), or training to run the 2026 Chicago Marathon.

ISHMAEL ABUABARA, Professional Development Director

Ishmael Abuabara (he/him) is a Senior Legislative Assistant in the office of Congressman Joaquín Castro (TX-20), where he manages a policy portfolio spanning immigration, national security, civil rights, and foreign affairs.

Before joining Congress, Ishmael worked at the German Marshall Fund, supporting transatlantic policy and governance initiatives. A San Antonio native, he also served on the staff of the former Mayor of San Antonio prior to moving to Washington, D.C. Ishmael has been an active leader in the congressional community, serving two terms as Treasurer on the board of the Congressional Hispanic Staff Association and now serving on the board of the LGBT Congressional Staff Association.

Ishmael earned a degree in Global Affairs from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2020.

Natalie adams-menendez, Social Events Director

Natalie Adams-Menendez (she/her) serves as a Staff Assistant in the Office of Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries. She grew up in Lawrence, Kansas and started on the Hill as an intern with Rep. Sharice Davids before interning with the Democratic Caucus as an LGBTQ+ Victory Institute VCI. After graduating from Stanford (BA, MA), Natalie returned to the Democratic Caucus as a Staff Assistant and has now been with Team Jeffries for two and a half years. When she is not advocating, you can find Natalie dancing, reading sapphic literature, and exploring local flea and farmers markets.

Matt campbell, At-Large

Matt Campbell (he/him) currently serves in the Office of Congressman Mark Pocan. Originally from Michigan, he has worked on Capitol Hill since 2021, working on legislation and operations in several offices of Midwest Members.

Matt attended Central Michigan University with a dual focus of Political Science and Economics. When away from the office, he enjoys playing tennis with friends, learning new cooking techniques, talking to strangers, and trying new restaurants.