FOUNDER AND CEO

Michael Sugimoto is the Founder of The Young Right, a Gen Z–focused media, journalism, and editorial platform built to unite young conservatives, reclaim culture and tell the stories the mainstream refuses to cover.

He graduated from Pepperdine University in May 2025, where he served as Student Body President, co-founded the Turning Point USA chapter on campus, and became a vocal defender of free speech and conservative values.

In Fall 2025, Michael served as a White House intern, where he gained firsthand experience working under President Donald J. Trump’s 47th administration—witnessing America First leadership in action.

Michael is a strong Christian, and faith is at the center of everything he builds and leads. He believes that truth is objective, freedom is God-given, and that America is strongest when it remembers its moral foundation. Michael continues working to shape the future of a generation that is confident in what it believes, unashamed of its values, and proud of its country, carrying forward the mission to Make Conservatism Cool Again.

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 23:5-6, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

Most Influential Book: Thoughts In Solitude by Thomas Merton

CONTRIBUTOR

Nate Pettyjohn is a recent high school graduate who served as the TPUSA Founding Chapter President, which sparked his love for conservative politics and promoting the fundamental values that our great nation was built on. He believes an outspoken generation is all it takes to save America and reject the woke ideologies that are infiltrating the school systems. 

Nate is driven by his faith and recognizes success in everything that glorifies our faithful creator, God Almighty. He sees the potential in the younger generation to do two things: bring others to Christ and make conservatism cool again. To Nate, The Young Right is more than just a social media platform, it is a lifestyle and a movement dedicated to uniting young Americans to create lasting change.

Favorite Bible Verse: Luke 19:10, "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost…" 

Most Influential Book: Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis

PARTNERSHIPS

Hope Holden was born and raised in the heart of the Midwest—Kansas. She graduated from Newman University with a degree in Communications and later went on to earn her Master’s in Education. While attending Newman, Hope wrote for the school newspaper and often focused on the sports section. 

During college, Hope’s faith became deeply personal as she saw how differently people lived and what they believed. Raised to love the Lord and rooted in Scripture, she decided her faith was not just something to know, but something to live out daily.

These experiences opened her eyes to the growing cultural divide and how it often contradicted Biblical principles, sparking her passion for politics. Hope believes conservative values are not only good but necessary for a strong nation.

Hope’s desire is for all people, especially Gen Z, to be educated and informed about the policies shaping our country. Today, she has become especially passionate about promoting health and wellness. Hope strives to inform, inspire, and help Americans fuel their minds, bodies, and souls with truth and purpose.

Favorite Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Most Influential Book: Gentle and Lowly by Dane C. Ortlund or Right Wing Revolution by Charlie Kirk

CONTRIBUTOR

Noah Coffin is a senior in high school and the founder and president of one of the largest Turning Point USA chapters in the nation, currently ranked second nationwide. After recognizing a harmful stigma surrounding civil political discourse at his school, Noah transformed a passionate idea into a thriving platform, attracting hundreds of students to meetings and raising over $20,000 in less than a year.

Beyond Turning Point USA, Noah serves as the founder and president for his local chapter of HomeWork 4 Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and teachers in need. He is also a leader within Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), an organization he values deeply for the opportunity it provides to openly live out and strengthen his faith in a public school environment. Additionally, Noah was the founder and co-owner of Gospel Wears, a Christian apparel brand, until 2024.

In his free time, Noah enjoys baseball, golf, fishing, and reading. After high school, he plans to attend Liberty University, where he intends to major in Politics and Policy.

Favorite Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 4:12, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”

Most Influential Book: Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance

CONTRIBUTOR

Sam Lowery is a 17 year old High school student from Birmingham, Alabama. He has been passionate about politics since he was 13, and started his account “lowery.logic” in response to the death of Charlie Kirk. As a devout Christian, Sam believes that Christ should be the forefront of our lives, as well as the political decisions we make. He is incredibly excited to be a part of The Young Right, and is eager to help Make Conservative Cool Again!

Favorite Bible Verse: John 13:7, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.”

Most Influential Book: Leadership in Turbulent Times by Doris Kearns Goodwin

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Ryan Welty is an incoming freshman at Benedictine College, where he will major in Political Science with the goal of advancing public policies that strengthen the family as the foundation of civil society. Hailing from Illinois, Ryan has worked with both local and national leaders to advocate for pro-life policies.

His passion for public policy is driven by a deep commitment to his Catholic faith and a desire to foster a culture of life. Outside of academics, Ryan enjoys running, playing pickleball, and traveling. Ultimately, he aspires to a career in public service, where he can work to build a more just and compassionate society.

Favorite Bible Verse: Isaiah 1:17, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Most Influential Book: A Pope and A President by Paul Kengor

SPECIAL PROGRAMS AND OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Elly Broers is a freshman at South Dakota State University, double majoring in Economics and Political Science. Originally from Pierre, South Dakota, she has experience working in political and government environments, where she has developed a passion for public service and patriotism. Elly strives to serve and honor God through her work. She is excited to contribute her energy into The Young Right, in the fight to keep Gen Z conservative. In her free time, Elly enjoys spending time with family and friends, fitness, and exploring all that South Dakota has to offer.

Favorite Bible Verse: Romans 12:2, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Most Influential Book Atomic Habits by James Clear

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Catie Whitling is currently living her childhood dream as a professional diaper changer and dinner maker for her little family after retiring from her two year teaching career. Prior to this promotion, Catie used her thirteen years of classical Christian education to stay sane while earning a degree in Biology from UCLA. While there, she learned her greatest lessons by tabling with the pro-life club on campus. Catie is passionate about seeking all of Christ for all of life, and bringing as many as she can along on that journey.

Favorite Bible Verse: Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Most Influential Book: Stepping Heavenward by Elizabeth Prentiss

COMMUNCIATIONS AND CREATIVE DIRECTION

Nathan Alleman is a business and sales professional based in New York, with a background in marketing, finance, and strategic growth. He earned his B.S.B.A. in Marketing from High Point University, with minors in Finance, Sales, and Graphic Design.

Nathan is deeply committed to the principles of the conservative movement, particularly free markets, limited government, and individual responsibility. He believes the United States offers unparalleled economic opportunity, and that long-term prosperity depends on policies that reward work ethic, entrepreneurship, and accountability. He is motivated to contribute to a cultural and economic environment that encourages personal ownership, civic pride, and confidence in the American system.

Nathan brings a business-focused, analytical perspective to public policy. His interests center on economic growth, responsible leadership, and strengthening the institutions that support long-term prosperity.

Favorite Bible Verse: Psalm 18:2, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Most Influential Book: How to Be a Rainmaker by Jeffrey J. Fox

SOCIAL MEDIA AND PRODUCTION ASSISTANT

Colin Lawrence is a 2025 high school graduate who relocated with his family from Southern Oregon to Middle Tennessee in the summer of 2025. Raised in a multi-generational household in a small town community where accountability, service, and personal responsibility were foundational values. Colin brings a grounded, disciplined perspective to both his professional and personal pursuits.

Colin's communication strengths were developed through writing for both his school and local community newspaper, where he cultivated a clear, thoughtful voice rooted in critical thinking and discernment.

Colin served as Social Media Manager for his high school athletics programs and for a local ski apparel company, where he developed experience in brand voice, audience engagement, content creation, and digital growth strategies. He is excited to expand these skills with The Young Right and to contribute to a team dedicated to shaping culture through principled leadership and the practical application of Scriptural teachings.

In his free time, Colin invests in creative projects, health and fitness, meaningful time with family and friends, golf, and ongoing study of the constitutional systems that define and sustain the American Republic.

Favorite Bible Verse: Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own"

Most Influential Book: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel

DEVELOPMENT AND FUNDRAISING

Maris is currently a sophomore at the University of Georgia, double majoring in Business Management and Political Science. She is originally from Atlanta and has been interested in politics throughout her high school and collegiate career. While her journey into the conservative movement did not begin with one specific club or a single “lightbulb” moment, it has always been deeply intertwined with her faith, the cornerstone of her life.

Growing up as a Christian, Maris has consistently sought to view the world through the lens of her faith. The massive renewal of faith among Gen Z that she has witnessed in recent years has been incredibly inspiring and ultimately led her to The Young Right. She truly believes that the common sense and faith-based platform The Young Right promotes is what this generation is desperately searching for, whether they realize it or not, and what is needed for young people to thrive as one Nation under God.

Favorite Bible Verse: Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future.”

Most Influential Book: The Purpose Driven Life: What On Earth Am I Here For? by Rick Warren

COMPLIANCE ANALYST

Adelaide is currently an undergraduate student at High Point University, double majoring in Political Science and Business Administration on a specialized pre-law track. She has always been interested in politics and, since kindergarten, has told others that she wanted to be President when she grew up. However, even while living in the South, she quickly realized that her views were not always considered “politically correct.” For a time, she chose to remain silent to avoid ridicule or cancellation. Through communities such as The Young Right, she has rediscovered her voice and no longer chooses silence.

During high school, she participated in a mission trip to Costa Rica, where she rededicated her life to Christ. It was there that she realized the privileges Americans enjoy are too significant to remain silent about simply out of fear.

In college, Adelaide has held several roles within her university’s Student Government Association, where she developed strong leadership and financial planning skills. She also serves as a Student Justice, participating in hearings for honor and conduct violations, helping ensure students are heard while learning to make difficult decisions. Additionally, she works as a University Ambassador, where she has strengthened her interpersonal and sales skills while representing the university’s image. She also serves on the executive council of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, managing strict deadlines and facilitating communication between her chapter and Panhellenic leadership.

Adelaide is driven by her faith and believes the Lord has entrusted her with gifts she is called to use for His glory. She believes everything we have is a gift from God, and it is our responsibility to steward those gifts well. She believes America is strongest when united, and that breaking down negative stereotypes surrounding young conservatives will help foster understanding and bring people together as one nation under God.

Favorite Bible Verse: Colossians 3:23–24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”

Most Influential Book: The Art of Argument by Aaron Larsen