East’s story begins on the West Bank of New Orleans, where he was raised by a single mother alongside two older brothers. His family did everything they could to get by, and like so many working families in Louisiana, they survived because public programs were there when they needed them. Housing assistance, SNAP benefits, and strong public schools weren’t abstract policies — they were the reason his family had stability. His early experiences shaped the values that guide him today: every life is precious, and when the government chooses to care, people are able to breathe, hope, and grow.

While attending Belle Chasse High School, and later at Southeastern Louisiana University, East pushed himself academically and stepped into leadership roles that taught him how to build community, advocate for fairness, and organize people. At Southeastern, he served as Senate Pro Tempore, Student Budget Chair, Internal Affairs leader, and President of the Kinesiology Student Association, graduating with honors distinctions and an honors diploma.

During his time at LSU Health Sciences Center, East grew into both a clinician and an advocate. As President of the School of Allied Health Professions Student Government Association, he represented more than four hundred students and worked to create an environment rooted in dignity and equity. His committee work — including roles on search, policy, and budget committees — reinforced his belief that public institutions must confront inequity directly and build systems that work for everyone.

Alongside his academic and clinical work, East built a broad record of service: volunteering with Special Olympics Louisiana, Wheels to Succeed, Toys for Tots, MLK Service Day, and other community programs. His pediatric and disability research has been presented at the Association on University Centers on Disabilities, APTA’s National Combined Sections Meeting, and APTA Louisiana’s conferences. He has been honored with awards including the Dave Pariser Student Service Award and the Association of Advancing Health Professions Scholarship of Excellence.

Today, as a practicing pediatric physical therapist, East spends his days helping children move, laugh, learn, and reclaim pieces of their lives. His work reminds him daily that healthcare, housing, education, and safety are not privileges — they are rights every child and family deserves.

These values are what drive him to run for President of the Young Democrats of Louisiana. East believes in a future where young people lead with compassion, courage, and a commitment to justice; where public programs lift families up; where discrimination has no place in our institutions; and where every child in Louisiana has the chance to thrive.

He is stepping forward because he sees YDL as the organization capable of sparking that change — a movement that develops young leaders, builds community, amplifies unheard voices, and transforms the way politics is done in this state. And East is ready to lead it.

East's Plan for YDL