Building Bridges, Inspiring Change: Reflecting on the 2024 Future Caucus Rising Star Awards

By Elizabeth Rosen

On November 20, Future Caucus hosted its seventh annual Rising Star Awards at the brand-new Arlo Washington DC, bringing together more than 130 lawmakers, journalists, and civil society leaders to celebrate the achievements of bipartisan young lawmakers and changemakers. In a political climate too often defined by division, the event was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we prioritize collaboration and bridge-building toward a shared future.

“The young leaders we honor tonight are not only persevering through systemic and personal obstacles, but excelling,” said Future Caucus president and CEO Layla Zaidane, who opened the event. “They’re showing us what’s possible when the work of governing is rooted in empathy and collaboration rather than division, and how good, inclusive policy also turns out to be pretty good politics.”

The 2024 Rising Star Award was presented to two lawmakers: State Asm. Alex Bores (D-NY-73) and State Rep. Tory Blew (R-KS-112), now Sen.-elect for the state’s 33rd Senate District. Both co-chairs of their state Future Caucus chapters, these leaders embody collaborative action and forward-thinking governance.

Rep. Blew, who filed for candidacy during her senior year of college and was elected at age 23, has represented Kansas’ 112th State House District since 2017. Reflecting on the importance of governing with humanity and curiosity, she told the room, “I hope that you lead with your mind and your heart. I hope you work across the aisle with people you don’t always agree with. I can guarantee you, the outcome is always better.”

Asm. Bores, who was elected in 2022 to represent Assembly District 73 in Manhattan, has focused on modernizing government services, tackling ethical challenges posed by generative artificial intelligence, and improving outcomes in the justice system for New Yorkers whose trials were long-delayed by a lack of available judges. In the wake of a long and divisive election, Bores spoke to the necessity of bipartisanship in fulfilling the promises made to voters: “That requires engaging with everyone, and it requires listening to everyone—in particular, listening to those you might otherwise disagree with, not only because you’re going to learn from them, but also because sometimes, you actually do agree.”

The Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award recognized the bipartisan efforts of the Pennsylvania Future Caucus, co-chaired by Rep. Justin Fleming (D-PA-105) and Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-PA-87). United by a shared commitment to addressing the “three mortgages” burdening young Pennsylvanians—housing, education, and child care—the Pennsylvania Future Caucus exemplifies the power of collective action.

Rep. Fleming first shared a message from Rep. Kutz, who accepted the award in absentia: “It’s an honor to work with our state and national Future Caucus to make civility and pragmatism a priority.” He continued, “Rep. Kutz and I have several areas of alignment that make us such a good team. First, we’re both dedicated public servants. Second, we both served in local government and understand the importance of what government can and can’t do. Finally, we are committed to working together to tackle challenges that young Pennsylvanians face to keep people in our state and grow the population. I’m extremely humbled and honored to work on behalf of those in my district and all Pennsylvanians every day.”

This year, the Generational Changemaker Award honored two trailblazers whose work extends far beyond the legislative arena: Sophia Bush and Paris Hilton.

Bush, known for her roles on iconic television shows like One Tree Hill, Chicago P.D., and Grey’s Anatomy, has leveraged her platform to champion voter education and civic engagement. As a cofounder of I am a voter, she has inspired countless Americans to participate in the democratic process. “What makes this gathering so significant—and what makes the work of Future Caucus so vital—is the understanding that democracy is bigger than any one candidate, or the outcome of any single election,” said Bush. “It’s a commitment that, if honored and fought for, transcends wins and losses, uniting us around the shared responsibility to protect and strengthen our democratic institutions. And that is a commitment I believe in.”

Hilton, a media pioneer and entrepreneur, has become a leading advocate for reforming the “Troubled Teen Industry.” Accepting her award via video, Hilton remarked, “I’m accepting this award as a survivor and advocate, and more importantly, as a voice for every child suffering in silence. I’ve turned my pain into purpose by fighting for policy change, from passing 10 state laws to introducing the federal bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act and testifying on behalf of foster youth in Congress. I’m so proud to stand with all the amazing lawmakers in this community who are dedicated to changing the world.”

The evening’s keynote speaker, Congresswoman-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE), who co-founded the Delaware Future Caucus during her time as a state senator, reflected on the unique role that young lawmakers play in shaping a better future.

“The promise of our Constitution is only possible when we respect our differences and solve our disagreements through conversation and collaboration,” said McBride. “We know that the divisions and nastiness that we too often see nationally must not—and does not have to—be our new normal. A different kind of politics is possible: a politics of hope, not of hate; of grace, not of grievance; and of progress, not of pettiness. That is our charge as the next generation of Future Caucus leaders.”

As we look to the future, these Rising Stars and Changemakers inspire hope and action, proving that collaboration is not just possible—it’s essential.