The future of SSDP is in your hands! Get to know the candidates running for the Board of Directors and cast your vote March 6-8th!

As the largest national youth-led network dedicated to ending the War on Drugs, SSDP thrives on the power of youth leadership. Each year, our members elect new student leaders to the Board of Directors, a vital role in shaping SSDP’s strategy, governance, and impact. Serving on the Board is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on nonprofit management experience while driving meaningful change.

SSDP’s Board of Directors Help Shape the Future of Our Movement

Amanda Ivatorov ‘19 (she/her), Yale University

Major: Psychology

• Current SSDP Board of Directors member, leading the Chapter Networking Collective (CNC) for 3 years
• Re-established the SSDP chapter at Yale University and lead educational events on campus
• Lead a project to test efficacy of Nightcaps, (drink spiking prevention tool) on Yale’s campus

Goals for SSDP: Continue hosting Chapter Networking events, and aim to bring them back to in-person, continue supporting chapters and facilitating community as we work to reshape the drug policy landscape

Jackson Rund ‘22 (he/him), Lake Superior State University

Major: Cannabis Business & Cannabis Chemistry

• Launched the Safe Ride program, giving students a safe and reliable way to get to and from the downtown nightlife scene
• Member of the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists, ASTM International’s D37 Cannabis Committee, and the Cannabis Research Coalition
• Reginal Ambassador for Bud for Blood and does entrepuenurial work with Higher State Brands

Goals for SSDP: Help elevate the voices of SSDPers and individual chapters through innovative outreach, including podcasts and short form digital content, while strengthening national advocacy and coalition building

Matthew Aragón ‘15 (he/him), University of New Mexico

Major: B.S. in Population Health, currently enrolled in classes for medical school prerequisites

• Has been an SSDPer since age 16, doing peer engagement and education work in high school
• Has developed and manufactured drug-checking reagents
• Has collaborated with grassroots and national organizations, contributed to educational initiatives, and engaged in advocacy

Goals for SSDP: Support SSDP’s strategic growth while maintaining its strong youth-driven identity by contributing to long-term planning, financial sustainability, cross-organizational partnerships, and technical education around harm reduction science

Naomi Shifman ‘22 (she/they), Drexel University

Major: B.S. Custom-Designed Major Neuropsychology (psychology, biology, public health)

• Mentee of SSDP’s Psychedelic Pipeline program
• Involved in SSDP national events and public Committees
• Founded and led the Drexel University SSDP chapter, bringing harm reduction materials and education to campus

Goals for SSDP: To give back to this community and help SSDP continue to grow, to strengthen SSDP, reach new members, and help enact change