The Youth Link Board consists of 12 youth and six adults from the Bellevue community who advise the city manager regarding youth issues. They advocate to make system-level change on issues that directly impact youth. Each member serves a two-year term. The board meets twice each month, on the second and fourth Wednesdays.
Youth Link Board applications for the 2024-2026 term are now closed. Thank you to everyone that applied!
For additional information about the Bellevue Youth Link Board or the Youth Link program, please contact Patrick Alina, Youth Link Program Coordinator at 425-452-5254 or palina@bellevuewa.gov.
2024-2026 Term
Applications are now closed. Check back for future opportunities to apply.
2024-2026 Term
Applications are now closed. Check back for future opportunities to apply.
Youth Link has been providing innovative youth leadership and community service programming for middle and high school students since early 1990’s. Youth Link’s main mission is to engage Bellevue's youth in civic leadership opportunities and community service, and to provide a platform for youth voice and input as an advisor to the City Manager. The Youth Link Board promotes diversity, unity and equity for high school youth in Bellevue, representing the youth voice of the community. Current board work includes addressing priorities such as youth mental health, transitional support, youth financial education and employment equity, environmental sustainability, as well as issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Membership
The Youth Link Board consists of six to 12 high school youth members (up to age 21), and up to six adult members. All Board members are appointed by the city manager, with two ex-officio positions representing the City Council and the Bellevue School District Board. Members serve two-year terms, September through August, with the possibility of one re-appointment.
Current Members
Youth Members & Terms
- Vita Grace Israel Cabanilla, 2025
- Kareem Deraz, 2026
- Mehr Grewal, 2026*
- Liam Krol, 2025
- Vishnu Mangipudi, 2026*
- Jeremiah Opong-Blanks, 2025
- Filipe Owen, 2026
- Paree Raval, 2026
- Sophia Sekits, 2026*
- Akira Sharma, 2026
- Alexandra Tay, 2026*
- Carson Walker, 2026
*Denotes second term
Adult Members & Terms
- Christina Kirkpatrick, 2026*
- Cheryl Lee, 2025
- Max Navas, 2026*
- Celeste Reyes, 2026
- Tika Smith, 2026
*Denotes second term
2024-2026 Liaisons
- Deputy Mayor, Mo Malakoutian
- TBA, Bellevue School District
Parks & Community Services Department
- Michael Shiosaki, Director
- Patrick Alina, Program Coordinator
Meetings
The board meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 6-8 p.m., at Bellevue City Hall. View the Youth Link Board schedule for meeting dates, times and locations.
The Youth Link Board does not meet in July or August.