About Rural Americans United
Our Purpose
We will create a democratic organization that represents all rural Americans.
Why
Rural Americans United emerged from frustration. Democrats in rural areas face increasing challenges: attrition, apathy, and extremist divides. This extremism infiltrates local politics, from school boards to Congress.
What
We rebuild Democratic infrastructure, restore confidence and visibility, and provide innovative solutions that support the efforts of others. We create results.
How
We leverage extensive expertise from our careers, campaigns, and experts. Our strategy-driven approach ensures ROI. Aware of the broken election system's resistance to change, we invest in sustainable infrastructure tailored to constituents. Our model, designed for rural America, delivers results.
Advisory Board
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Ana Ruiz-Kennedy
Ana Ruiz-Kennedy is a business liaison, community development professional, and marketing leader with deep experience in financial services, public relations, and community impact. She currently serves as a Business Liaison at Craft3 and previously held roles with Numerica Credit Union, Fiesta Foods, New York Life Insurance Company, and Pacific Interpreters.
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Ana has also served as Vice-Chair of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, where she helped address issues affecting Hispanic communities and advised state leadership. Her diverse background reflects a strong commitment to community development, advocacy, and relationship-building.
Doug White
Doug White is a fourth-generation farmer from Yakima, Washington, and a global project manager with experience leading large multinational projects. His career has focused on bringing people with different backgrounds and priorities together to find common ground, meet goals, and deliver results on time and under budget.
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As a congressional candidate, Doug applied those skills to political organizing in Central Washington. His campaign unified local Democrats, raised a record amount for the district, pushed his opponent to spend at historic levels, and launched the district’s first bilingual campaign and candidate forums. Doug brings a data-driven, organization-first approach to building lasting Democratic infrastructure in rural communities.
Bertha Alicia Garza
Bertha Alicia Garza is a longtime community leader with deep experience in grassroots organizing, nonprofit work, and business resource development. She is the founder and CEO of Centro de Servicios Comunitarios / CSC Yakima, also known as La Oficina, a grassroots business resource center serving the Yakima community.
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Before founding CSC Yakima, Bertha spent over a decade with a nonprofit organization supporting youth college outreach and after-school programs across Central Washington school districts. Bilingual and bicultural, she has been involved in minority leadership efforts for more than 20 years. Her work focuses on building alliances, breaking barriers, and creating culturally inclusive practices that strengthen relationships and drive positive community change.
Ivy Murumbei
Ivy Murumbei is a Running Start student at Southridge High School and plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in political science after graduation. Born in Kitengela, Kenya, they moved to Dallas, Texas at age five before relocating to the Tri-Cities four years ago.
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Ivy’s background has shaped their commitment to community, service, and social responsibility. Their experiences in Kenya taught them the importance of collective strength, gratitude, and uplifting those in need. Ivy believes supporting both local and global communities is a privilege and is passionate about creating positive change through advocacy and public service.
Jayce Wright
Jayce Wright is an East Pasco native who spent more than 10 years in Seattle before returning to the Tri-Cities nearly a decade ago. He has a background working with at-risk, homeless, and LGBTQ+ youth, including experience in schools and with partner nonprofits.
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Jayce serves as Director of Communications for the local NAACP Chapter 1135-B and is committed to community improvement, servant leadership, and continued education. He believes in the power of collaboration and is passionate about what communities can create when people work together toward a shared cause.
Kim Lehrman
Kim Lehrman is a teacher, mother of four, and Vice Chair of the City of Pasco Planning Commission, with a lifelong commitment to unity, inclusivity, and community empowerment. Raised on a first-generation cattle and alfalfa farm in the Tri-Cities, Kim brings both agricultural roots and public service experience to her work.
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Kim holds degrees and credentials in agricultural science, education, public relations, and educational leadership. She has taught Career and Technical Education, agriculture, welding, and art in local schools, helping prepare future leaders. Beyond the classroom, Kim has served as a parent leader, youth sports coach, school facilities volunteer, and advocate for local bonds, levies, and cultural recognition efforts. Her work focuses on building a stronger Pasco where diverse voices are valued, families feel safe, and communities have access to opportunity, affordable housing, and economic growth.
Vacant
We are looking for a new member who reflects both the rich diversity and rural heritage of our communities. In particular, we are seeking someone with roots in Washington’s Indigenous communities to help ensure their voices and perspectives are fully represented in our work. If you or someone you know might be a good fit, we would love to connect.
Maricela Sanchez
Maricela Sanchez, MD, is a practicing anesthesiologist, community leader, and advocate for rural prosperity. Born to a Mexican immigrant family in the Yakima Valley, she grew up working alongside her family as migrant farm laborers across Washington State, shaping her deep appreciation for agriculture and commitment to rural communities.
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Dr. Sanchez earned a degree in American Ethnic Studies from the University of Washington, taught middle school math and science through Teach for America, and later earned her medical degree from Stanford University. She completed residency and fellowship training in anesthesiology at Columbia University and now practices at Kadlec Regional Medical Center. She also serves on the Prosser City Council and the board of Heritage University, where she advances education, healthcare, sustainable agriculture, and rural community development.
Paul Tabayoyon
Paul Tabayoyon is the Executive Director of the Yakima Chapter of the Asian Pacific Islander Coalition and a longtime Yakima community advocate. After 20 years of travel and work in engineering services, he returned to his community with a continued focus on education, sustainability, and equity.
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Paul holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Energy Management from Central Washington University, following studies at Perry Technical Institute and Yakima Valley College. His background in industrial automation, energy management, systems analysis, and project management informs his understanding of equity challenges across community and business sectors. Through APIC-Yakima, Paul works to improve access to information, education, and opportunity while strengthening diverse community voices.
Soneya Lund
Soneya Lund is a Yakima community leader, small business owner, and advocate with experience in business, public service, and local policymaking. She has expanded her salon business to four locations and previously served as a City Councilperson and Deputy Mayor.
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Soneya is deeply committed to addressing housing insecurity, homelessness, and community development. She has served on the City of Yakima Planning Commission, Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Yakima Arts Commission, Justice Housing Board, Homeless Network of Yakima County, and Yakima County Homeless Coalition Executive Committee. A Leadership Yakima graduate and Rotary Club member, she also volunteers with the Young Adult Extreme Winter Weather Shelter, bringing a hands-on commitment to positive change in Yakima.
Odalys Gonzalez
Odalys is a community outreach coordinator for UFCW Local 21. She is known for her active community engagement, often at protests, marches, and community events supporting democratic values. Her passion for community education is commendable. Odalys’ work to empower workers and establish fair compensation and respect for their contributions is important. She is unrelenting in her defense of workers.
Shirley Grossman
Shirley is a founding organizer of the Donkey Club in Eastern Washington, a pro-democratic values organization that has become one of the largest Democratic groups in the region. Her relationships across Congressional District 5 have been instrumental in supporting efforts like the Granny Caravan: Unity Road Tour.
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Shirley is also a dedicated fundraiser for Rural Americans United and has created a legacy in honor of her late daughter, Eve, with proceeds supporting the organization’s work. Her commitment is shaped by both resilience and lived experience, including the loss of her husband and daughter and the prejudice she has faced as a member of the Jewish faith.