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 is currently accepting applications for youth and adult members for the 2023-2025 term. The City of Bellevue values diversity and encourages anyone interested to apply. People interested in serving on the board may apply directly online using the below links. Applications are due on Monday, May 15 at 5 p.m.. 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.
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
- Richard Li, Co-Chair, 2024
- Mia Trenbeath, Overlake School, 2025
- Daniel Domingos, Interlake, 2024
- Mehr Grewal, Interlake, 2024
- Vishnu Mangipudi, Lakeside School, 2024
- Neha Mukhara, International, 2024
- Sophia Sekits, Newport, 2024
- Alexandra Tay, Lakeside School, 2024
- Vita Grace Cabanilla, Big Picture, 2025
- Liam Krol, Interlake, 2025
- Jeremiah Opong-Blanks, 2025
- Adam Roble, Interlake, 2025
Adult Members & Terms
- Devika Vyas, Adult Co-Chair, 2025
- Christina Kirkpatrick, 2024
- Jabes Otieno, 2024
- Max Navas, 2024
- Rashim Gupta, 2025
- Cheryl Lee, 2025
2022-2023 Liaisons
- Councilmember Jeremy Barksdale, City Council
- Sima Sarrafan, Bellevue School District School Board President
Eastside Pathways Youth Liaisons:
- Richard Li, YLB Youth Co-Chair
- Devika Vyas, YLB Adult Co-Chair
Parks & Community Services Department
- Michael Shiosaki, Director
- Patrick Alina, Program Coordinator
- Erik Mercado, Youth Link Program Recreation Technician
Meetings
The board meets the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 6-8 p.m., at different locations throughout Bellevue (including community centers and high schools). View the Youth Link Board schedule for meeting dates, times and locations.
The Youth Link Board does not meet in July or August.