Ryan Yeager

Background

About Ryan Yeager

As the son of two teachers and union members, I am passionate about pursuing a career in developing and advocating for innovative education and labor policy solutions to help create a better standard of living for working people. At only 24 years old, I have earned a master's degree in social policy, gained multiple years of experience as a legislative director for one of the largest youth civic engagement organizations in the United States, and was appointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania to serve as chair of his youth advisory commission. My academic and professional journey have equipped me with a diverse set of skills and experiences. As an Educational Issues Graduate Intern at the American Federation of Teachers, I synthesize research findings to empower local union affiliates, enabling their advocacy for teachers in policy discussions. In my capacity as Chair of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement, I collaborate with the Executive Director and my fellow Commissioners to amplify the voices of young Pennsylvanians within the Shapiro Administration. As the Legislative Director at Voters of Tomorrow, I spearheaded the establishment of a legislative department, formulated and executed strategic plans for legislative initiatives and lobbying efforts, and cultivated relationships with key stakeholders, including Congressional offices and the White House. This role allowed me to engage directly with the legislative process and advocate for policies that prioritize the needs of young people and working families. My background includes valuable experiences with various organizations, providing me with a well-rounded perspective on policy research, lobbying and advocacy, and strategic planning. Driven by a desire to be a fierce advocate for working people, I am committed to ensuring that economic and educational policies promote fairness and opportunity for all. I believe in the power of collective action, collective bargaining, and the importance of creating policies that support a just and equitable society.