Youth Leadership Council

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.

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Member Benefits

  • Stipend Based
  • Volunteer & Community Engagement Hours
  • Develop leadership and communication skills.
  • Make an impact in your community

Eligibility

  • Currently enrolled in a Yakima County High School.
  • Attend meetings regularly.
  • Desire to give back to your community.

Program Timeline

  • Application opens in December 
  • Meetings begin mid-January and conclude in July

Youth Leadership video

How Yakima Grows the Next Generation of Leaders

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. 

WATCH NOW

Haily Trejo-Perez

Co- Chair

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Haily Trejo-Perez, a Senior at Wapato High School, hopes to gain from her experience with the Youth Leadership Council a stronger ability to participate in improving her community, advocate for more resources, and help eliminate health disparities. In her free time, Haily enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring new environments.

Karen Trejo-Perez

Co-Chair

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Karen Trejo-Perez, a Senior 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.

Caitlin Cervantes

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Caitlin Cervantes, a Sophomore at A.C. Davis High School, hopes to learn more about her community and how to make a positive impact through her experience with the Youth Leadership Council. Caitlin enjoys writing nonfiction, playing games, building Legos, talking with friends, listening to music, drawing, watching shows, doing makeup, making jewelry, and going to concerts.

Stephanie Zaragoza Chavez

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Stephanie Zaragoza Chavez, a Sophomore at Toppenish High School, hopes to learn through the Youth Leadership Council about the different organizations supporting her community and how grants can make a meaningful impact. Stephanie enjoys playing tennis, spending time with friends and family, and staying involved in school events.

Tegan Fairbairn

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Tegan Fairbairn, a Sophomore at Davis High School, has learned from her time with the Youth Leadership Council that there's always room for improvement and more people to help. Tegan enjoys the Technology Student Association (TSA), video games, hanging out with friends and family, building Legos, tennis and listening to music.

Serenity Ibarra

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Serenity Ibarra, a Senior at Sunnyside High School, hopes to learn through the Youth Leadership Council how she can better support her community and make a meaningful difference. Serenity enjoys a wide range of activities, including bowling, roller skating, competing in FBLA and TSA, baking, cooking, going on walks, hiking, traveling, exploring, photography, and spending time with her cat and dog. She’s also a fan of food adventures, especially boba and matcha.

Karla Marquez

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Karla Marquez, a Senior 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.

Ramses Rojas

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Ramses Rojas, a Senior at Eisenhower High School, hopes to build his leadership skills and give back to his community through his experience with the Youth Leadership Council. Ramses enjoys participating in group activities such as the emoji activity and Two Truths and a Lie.

Alexiz Alcaraz Sandoval

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Alexiz Alcaraz Sandoval, a Sophomore at Grandview High School, hopes to learn through the Youth Leadership Council how she can better support and serve her community. Alexiz enjoys playing volleyball, writing, drawing, cooking and baking, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, meeting new people, and trying new things.

Luna Tumber

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Luna Tumber, a Junior 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.

Mayra Quintero

Grants & Programs Associate

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316 E. Yakima Avenue, Suite 201
Yakima, WA 98901

Mayraq@yakimavalleycf.org

Phone: (509) 457-7616

Lindsay Boswell

Chief Program Officer

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316 E. Yakima Avenue, Suite 201
Yakima, WA 98901

lindsayb@yakimavalleycf.org

Phone: (509) 457-7616