The Kennedy Political Union
About Us
Kennedy Political Union (KPU) is the non-partisan central political programming board at AU. As an organization, we bring the most politically relevant and impactful speakers to engage the AU community and focus on important issues across the political spectrum. KPU provides impactful dialogues around current political issues, curating meaningful conversations.
Past Events
Meet The Director
Sahib Kaur
Sahib Kaur is a senior at American University studying Political Science and Statistics. From a young age, she has shown dedication and compassion through community service. At just six years old, she organized a school supply drive for students in Haiti following the devastating earthquake. By age eight, she had to make a life changing choice between choosing gymnastics or skating. Through this decision Sahib has and is learning that every decision in life changes your outcome.
In college Sahib continues to grow as a leader through academic and professional experiences. During her time at American University, she had the opportunity to be a First Year Fellow for the Kennedy Political Union where she took part in the planning process of bringing in Mara Liasson. Over the next two years, she served on the Outreach Team as the Compliance Officer and Manager where she contributed to speaker ideas for Black History Month and Woman’s History Month while designing questions for moderated events.
Now as the Director for the Kennedy Political Union at American University, she is curating a wide range of speaker events for the student body and is mentoring emerging leaders within the organization. Her leadership, determination, and work ethic reflect her drive and passion for empowering others and fostering community. Sahib is dedicated to a future in public service and civic engagement. She hopes to pursue a career in government or policy advocacy to create change.
Meet The Deputies
Abigail Montgomery
Deputy Direction of Operations & Finance
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Abigail Montgomery is a senior at American University majoring in International Studies with minors in International Business and Justice. Originally from Richmond, Virginia, she currently serves as the Deputy Director of Operations and Finance for the Kennedy Political Union, where she oversees the organization’s administrative needs, budget, and First-Year Fellow program. Since joining KPU her freshman year as a First-Year Fellow, Abigail has held several leadership positions, including Communications Manager and Deputy Director of Media and Marketing. Through these roles, she has helped strengthen the organization's communications strategy, expand student engagement, and support dozens of events. Outside of KPU, Abigail is involved in the WVAU student radio and Greek life, and has experience working in both state and federal government.
Gwendolyn Denoon
Deputy Director of Media & Marketing
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Gwen Denoon is a sophomore in the Politics, Policy, and Law (PPL) Scholars Program, pursuing a degree in Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government (CLEG). Since joining KPU as a First-Year Fellow, she has supported production, finance, and media initiatives and now serves as the Deputy Director of Media & Marketing. Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Gwen is also active on campus as a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi and serves as Secretary of Black Girls Vote. Off campus, she has interned in a congressional office and previously worked as a Research Intern and Administrative Assistant for the City of Webster Groves, where she gained experience in legislative research, public communications, and local government.
Jaymison Gunschel
Deputy Director of Production
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Originally from Massachusetts, Jaymison Gunschel is a Junior pursuing dual degrees in Economics and Political Science. Since joining KPU in his Freshman year, he has assisted with the production of dozens of events, originally as a First-Year Fellow, then as the organization's Speaker Relations Specialist, and now as the Deputy Director of Production. Alongside KPU, Jaymison remains engaged on campus as a reviewer for Clocks and Clouds, an active member of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and an SPA Honors Student. Off campus, he simultaneously serves as Deputy Vice Chair of the Plymouth County Democratic League, Chair of the South Coast Young Democrats, and as a full-time political consultant.
Oreamo Belleh
Deputy Director of Community Outreach
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Oreamo Belleh is a senior at American University majoring in Political Science with a minor in Justice. Inspired by her father's passion for law and politics, she has pursued her interests in the field through a diverse range of volunteer roles and internships. Since joining KPU in the fall of her sophomore year, Oreamo has held the position of accommodations coordinator and was promoted to outreach manager alongside Sahib Kaur. Together they worked to manage the needs of the outreach team by creating questions for speaker events, selecting moderators, and finding co-sponsors. This fall, Oreamo will serve as the Deputy of Community Outreach for the Kennedy Political Union, helping organize speaker events for students at American University and working to foster a community where all students feel welcomed, heard, and included. She looks forward to building on her experience in outreach and organizing. After graduation, Oreamo hopes to pursue a career in law and policy, continuing the path that first drew her to public service.
Connect with us
Email
kpudirector@american.edu
Twitter
@americanu_kpu
Instagram
@americanu_kpu
Facebook
SAC Kennedy Political Union