Meet SDYR

Our mission is to cultivate a dynamic community of politically engaged young individuals, dedicated to upholding conservative principles, fostering informed discourse, and actively participating in the democratic process, all while fostering a spirit of unity and leadership within our rank.

To view our Political Stances formulated by our Policy Committee, click here.

To view our Bylaws click here.

Meet Our 2023-2025 Board of Directors

President and Chairwoman

Cynthia Kaui caught the political bug while she was an undergraduate student at the University of California, San Diego during the 2016 Presidential election. Although she cared deeply about conservative media and politics, she was reluctant to get involved until January 2021. Now she’s best known for moving up the ranks pretty quickly due to her desire to improve California and her work ethic. Fast forward after working on multiple local and statewide campaigns, producing and writing for One America News Network (OAN), co-hosting the California Underground Podcast, consulting on public affairs and public relations at Focuscom Inc., and several years doing digital marketing in the private sector, she now works as the Executive Secretary for Chula Vista Mayor John McCann and the City Council and serves as the President and Chairwoman of San Diego Young Republicans. Cynthia was also appointed to be the California Young Republican Federation Press Secretary. Additionally, she sits on the Women’s Public Leadership Network Impact Council, different committees in the San Diego Lincoln Club, and is the Communications Director for California Women’s Leadership Association. What makes Cynthia a force to be reckoned with is her ability to engage with the press about the Young Republican perspective. She’s appeared on multiple radio shows, different political podcasts, Voice of America, OAN, ABC10, NBC7, KPBS, KUSI News, AM870 and has been featured in the San Diego Union Tribune and Times of San Diego.

Fun Fact: Cynthia has never traveled overseas (but it’s on her bucket list & she’s open to recommendations).

Vice President of External Affairs

Born in Boston, MA, Zack Gianino has lived in San Diego, CA since 2000. Zack graduated High School in Santee, CA at West Hills High School in 2011. After H.S., Zack attended Grossmont Community College where his leadership Journey began. Between 2013-2015 he served as the elected Grossmont Community College Student Trustee where he went to Washington D.C and Sacramento to advocate for Higher Education/Funding for underserved/veteran populations and represented students on the GCCCD Governing Board. Zack graduated from the University Of California, San Diego in 2017 where he then ran for City Council in the City of Santee in 2018. From 2021-2023, Zack started and successfully ran “Fed Up With Fletcher,” a Political Action Committee (PAC) to oppose the 2022 Reelection of FORMER San Diego County Supervisor, Nathan Fletcher. Zack holds a passion for breaking negative stereotypes and expanding Republicanism in the 21st-Century to communities that “Just don’t know they’re Republican”.

FUN FACT: Zack used to play Professional Major League Gaming (MLG).

Vice President of Internal Affairs

Mariko is a native San Diegan with a keen interest in helping her community foster growth, connection and acceptance. A graduate of Arizona State University with a double major in Philosophy and Political Science, she is ready for creating a better community. Before joining Team Anderson, Mariko assisted him with his campaign and also worked on the Escondido City Council campaign for Joe Garcia. Her decade long record of community service in the county includes the cities of La Mesa, Bonita, San Diego and Imperial Beach. She has a background of service, fundraising, and leadership and passion for her county. She is thrilled to be back on Team Anderson and ready to serve the constituents of District 2.

FUN FACT: Mariko has a nationally recognized Star Wars collection that has hundreds of pieces ranging from art to figures.  Her passion for the franchise started due to it being one of her brother’s favorites movies and constantly watching the series.  

Cole Marting, Membership Director of the San Diego Young Republicans

Membership Director

Cole Marting is a proud, homegrown San Diegian. Cole has worked for the Republican National Committee, the White House, and the US House of Representatives—serving the latter under Speaker Kevin McCarthy—gaining a deep understanding of the political landscape and the workings of government. After dedicating his career to politics in Washington DC, he has returned to North County San Diego to invest in the community that raised him. Marting is the author of the Amazon #1 New Release California’s Toughest Challenges and the Common Sense Conservative Ways to Solve Them.

FUN FACT: Cole has flown a plane…and almost crashed it on the 78 in Oceanside.

Hayley Marting

Press Secretary

Hayley Marting (Wade) is an experienced political communication professional. Currently, Hayley is the Founder and President of WINNXT, a political communications firm. She executes communication products from beginning to end, providing the latest insight into social media trends, media opportunities, and crafts complex political issues into digestible messaging. Hayley was formerly on the staff of Congresswoman Kay Granger, the most senior Republican woman in Congress. Hayley was born and raised in the Central Valley of California, graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara, and now currently resides in North County San Diego– where she plans on never leaving. In her free time, she can be found at the beach with her dog, picking up a good book, or conquering yet another DIY home project.

FUN FACT: Hayley is a die-hard NASCAR fan.

Creative Director

Xavier Sanchez is a multimedia creator from Chula Vista, California. He is incredibly excited for his future with San Diego Young Republicans; the ever-increasing tumultuous nature of politics has created an environment of limited discourse and unconscious tension amongst the youth – something he is determined to change during his time as SDYR’s Social Media Director.

FUN FACT: In his free time, Xavier enjoys producing music, video production, writing, and drawing.

Finance Director

Born and raised in America’s Finest City, David Shvil studied Political Science and Psychology at USC as an undergrad in 2010 and obtained his master’s in accounting at SDSU in 2017. At USC, he was involved with AIPAC (American-Israeli politics), where he strengthened his conservative ideals. David has been working as an accountant in both public and private industries for over 8 years. Currently, he holds the position of corporate Senior Accountant at Maravai LifeSciences and is certified as a CMA and a licensed CPA. David is eagerly looking forward to making friends with like-minded individuals at SDYR.

FUN FACT: For leisure, David is passionate about golf and guitar, both hobbies he picked up during middle school.

Volunteer Director

Miyu Oda is a San Diego native with a deep passion for politics.  Her diverse upbringing helped her become bilingual (Japanese & English) and develop a passion for politics at an early age.

Prior to graduating early at SDSU, Miyu held leadership roles such as President of the Black Student Science Organization.  She also worked closely with the SDSU’s College of Science department and served on the College of Science Community Council.  Subsequently, she began an internship under Minority Leader Senator Brian Jones, followed by an offer to work at County Supervisor Joel Anderson’s office.

Miyu’s past and experience has finely tuned her abilities in political communication, legislative affairs, and business operations. Currently pursuing a Masters in Public Administration and Public Policy at Grand Canyon University, she demonstrates an unwavering commitment to expanding her expertise within the field. Miyu’s diverse upbringing and passion for politics has honed both her business and political landscapes. This depth of knowledge positions her as a potent force as Volunteer Director. As a San Diego local and advocate, Miyu is deeply vested in the success of her community and stands ready to advance the party’s goals with vigor.

What truly distinguishes Miyu is her holistic understanding of both business and political landscapes. This depth of knowledge positions her as a potent force as Volunteer Director. Rooted in her San Diego heritage, Miyu is deeply vested in the success of her community and stands ready to advance the party’s goals with vigor and insight.

FUN FACT: Miyu was a competitive cheerleader for 12 years 

Programming Director

A San Diego native, Ed graduated from USD with a BBA in Finance and a BBA in Real Estate after being Honorably Discharged from the Army where he served in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. Having spent a decade in wealth management helping families reach their financial goals he taught himself to code and transitioned into tech where he is now a consultant for a Fortune 500 firm helping manage their off-shore team in handling event promotions using various Marketing Technologies.

FUN FACT: When not golfing or boating with friends, Ed enjoys hosting Dungeons and Dragons meetups.

Programming Director

Brenden Garvin is proud to be born and raised in North San Diego County. A longtime lover of all things political and local, he is an alum of Palomar College, California State University San Marcos and most recently at the University of San Diego with a M.A. in International Relations. He has spent many years researching San Diego’s role in the international world and the cross section between the private and public sectors. His areas of research have focused on topics such as: East Asian Multi-Polar Relations, High Technology, Semiconductors and Economic Security. All of which heavily involve San Diego. He was invited to participate in a forum about these topics in Seoul, South Korea during the 70th anniversary of the Armistice treaty between the UN and North Korea at Ewha Womans University. He looks forward to bringing these skills into the SDYR. 

He currently works in workforce development in San Diego strategizing hiring methods in the semiconductor industry.

FUN FACT: His favorite president is the Bull Moose himself, Theodore Roosevelt. 

Immediate Past President