A youth-led group of high school students in the Yakima Valley creating a positive impact through philanthropy and leadership. The program includes a selection of diverse students who receive training about diversity, equity, our community, grantmaking, philanthropy, and non-profits. The annual cohort is given $50,000-$100,000 to grant in the Yakima Valley where they believe they'd like to make a difference.
Longtime Yakima Resident, Helen Jewett, left a legacy across the Yakima Valley that transcended her lifetime. One of her many estate gifts provided funding for the development of young philanthropists. Thanks to Helen's generosity, a group of high school students partake in a yearly immersive curriculum that teaches philanthropic best practices, develops leadership skills, and builds empathy.
Want to make an impact in your community? Join the Youth Leadership Council and make a difference today!
The generosity and forethought of Helen Jewett is creating generations of philanthropic leaders and engaged young residents. We've created a short video about this amazing program and some of the members of the Youth Leadership Council.
Co-Chair
Alberto Barragan is a Senior at AC Davis High School as well as a full-time running start student at YVC. As a member of the youth leadership council, Alberto gained valuable insights. However, the most significant one is he has gained a greater understanding of the complex issues that affect his community, and the valuable work carried out by non-profit organizations. Alberto has a diverse range of interests that include outdoor activities like hiking and fishing, as well as being an active member of the Technology Student Association. Alberto is also passionate about STEM-related hobbies, such as building gliders and collecting Lego sets.
Co-Chair
Wilson Harper is a Senior at A.C. Davis High School. His journey with the Youth Leadership Council has been an incredible learning experience, introducing him to the diverse ways people contribute to enhancing Yakima County. It's fascinating to see the variety of efforts in action. His interests are broad, spanning from participating in the Technology Student Association to engaging in hobbies like flying and constructing quadcopters, exploring computer hardware, and immersing his self in video games. Wilson also has a passion for reading, with tastes covering fiction, non-fiction, and really, anything he can get my hands on.
Jossue Chacon, a Senior at Eisenhower High School, has recognized through the Youth Leadership Council the significant impact that young individuals can make within their community. Jossue's interests include football and working out, activities that keep him active and engaged.
Roberto Jimenez, a Senior at Selah High School, has learned through the Youth Leadership Council that young people have a voice and the ability to effect change in their community. Roberto enjoys a variety of activities outside of school, including cross country, track, and swimming. He also likes hanging out with friends, hiking, traveling, and watching Netflix.
Karla Marquez, a Junior at Grandview High School, takes joy in participating in many extracurricular activities as a way to give back to her community. As a first-generation student, Karla is driven by her determination to excel and make the most of every opportunity. Being part of the Youth Leadership Council has helped Karla develop valuable skills and gain insights into various ways to support community members and address the issues her community faces. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Tommy Perez, a Senior at Davis High School, values his experience with the Youth Leadership Council, appreciating the presence of like-minded peers in his age group who are eager to make changes. Tommy's interests are primarily centered around learning about and improving community issues.
Haily Trejo-Perez, a Junior at Wapato High School and a participant in Running Start at Yakima Valley College, has learned from her involvement in the Youth Leadership Council that there is much to improve within her community. Haily enjoys a range of activities including robotics, reading, meditating, and spending time outdoors.
Karen Trejo-Perez, a Junior at Wapato High School and a participant in Running Start at Yakima Valley College, has gained from her involvement with the Youth Leadership Council the confidence that she can make a difference in her community. Karen enjoys a variety of activities, including poetry, playing the piano, participating in the robotics club, helping her community, and reading books.
Luna Tumber, a Sophomore at Davis High School, has embraced a more open-minded approach since joining the Youth Leadership Council. Luna's interests are diverse, including going to the gym, pickleball, golf, basketball, and volleyball. She also enjoys unwinding by listening to music and reading.
Karen Vasquez, a Junior at Wapato High School, has learned from her experience with the Youth Leadership Council that there is a wide range of differing viewpoints among her peers. She enjoys spending time with friends and family and discovering new places.
Grants & Programs Associate
Chief Program Officer