Introducing Our 2018–2019 Editorial Board
By Nina Faynshtayn
The Progressive Teen Editor-in-Chief
After a month of rigorous applications, and interviews, we have finally selected our members for The Progressive Teen’s new Editorial Board. Our Editorial Board reflects a diverse pool of thinking, creativity and ingenuity. Each Editor has demonstrated the passion and dedication it takes to make The Progressive Teen an even more esteemed publication. I’m excited to introduce you to our Editorial Board for this year!
Nina Faynshtayn, Editor-in-Chief
Nina Faynshtayn is a junior at Hall High School in West Hartford, Connecticut. Her love of politics and journalism began at a young age, as she grew fond of watching the news every morning and every night alongside her family members. In middle and high school, Nina developed her strong skills in writing, earning several accolades for her work in a variety of genres. In addition to her role as Editor-in-Chief of The Progressive Teen, she serves as the Chair of the Connecticut High School Democrats and President of the Hall Democrats where she constantly works to involve herself and members in statewide campaigns and initiatives. Nina is extremely passionate about public health and environmental issues, and utilizes writing as a platform to express her ideas regarding these sectors of politics. She’s excited to work with an incredible team of editors and writers to expand The Progressive Teen this year! You may contact Nina at nfaynshtayn@hsdems.org.
Sophia Qureshi, Features Editor
Sophia Qureshi is a senior at Unionville High School in Kennett Square, PA. In addition to serving as the Vice President of her school’s HSDA chapter, she is the Programs Director of High School Democrats of Pennsylvania and a member of HSDA’s Communications Committee. Previously, she has been a fellow for Hillary for America and the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. Outside of progressive politics, Sophia is a student group leader with the Interfaith Philadelphia’s Walking the Walk Youth Initiative, a captain of her school’s speech and debate team, editor-in-chief of her school’s newspaper, and captain of her school’s quiz bowl team. In her free time, Sophia is an avid reader, watcher of British quiz shows, and traveler.
David Chmielewski, Analysis Editor
David Chmielewski is a high school junior from Connecticut. He serves as the chair of his school’s HSDA chapter and has volunteered for the campaigns of Senator Chris Murphy and other local Democrats. Outside of politics, David is an avid writer, receiving recognition for his essays from organizations like the Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards and the New York Times. He is also interested in subjects like art history, economics, philosophy, and math.
Divya Sood, Op-Ed Editor
Hailing from Philadelphia suburbs, Divya is an avid student Democrat, employing political activism and writing as a catalyst for political reform. She truly enjoys connecting with student activists around the country under a common cause, whether it be through her work in HSDPA development and expansion, HSDA communications, TPT writing, or operation of her local chapter, North Penn High School Democrats. She has also hosted several creative writing sessions for middle school-aged students at her local library and looks to expand this endeavor. Divya enjoys browsing Quora, watching movies, reading books, and running cross country in her free time.
Ella Burch, Current Events Editor
Ella is a junior at Huntsville High School in Huntsville, Alabama and the founder and chair of her school’s HSDA chapter. She founded a political publication in her school and worked with cancer patients through that platform to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. Before the midterms, she worked as Head Opposition Researcher and Strategist on the Amy Wasyluka for State Senate Campaign, as well as Campaign Aide to the Linda Meigs for State House Campaign. In her free time, she loves to spend time with friends, listen to music, play the flute, and travel. She plans to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and go on to Law School to get her JD. She is so excited to serve as Current Events Editor for TPT in 2019!
