Tralonne Shorter is the founder of Youth Democracy Institute, where she serves as President & CEO, leading the organization’s strategy, program development, partnerships, and fundraising to advance its mission of empowering young people through civic education and leadership development. A policy strategist, civic engagement expert, and youth development advocate, Tralonne has dedicated her career to advancing systems change at the intersection of public policy and community impact. She is a 2026–2027 Visting Fellow with the Democratic Knowledge Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where her work will focus on youth civic education and participatory democracy. Tralonne began her career as an advisor to a U.S. Senator and has held leadership roles at the Forum for Youth Investment, YWCA USA, the Center for Law and Social Policy, United Negro College Fund (UNCF), and NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. She serves on the boards of the Institute for Learning Innovation and For Love of Children and contributes to the Arlington County Fair. She was also appointed to the Arlington Partnership for Children, Youth and Families, where she supports community efforts to strengthen outcomes for children, youth, and families. From 2022 to 2026, she served on Arlington Public Schools’ Social Studies, Math, and Advisory Council on Teaching and Learning committees. Tralonne earned a B.A. in Political Science from Howard University and completed graduate coursework at George Mason University focused on social justice and human rights. A proud mother, she is especially passionate about creating opportunities for young people to lead, belong, and thrive.