California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Welcomes 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council Members

(SACRAMENTO, CA, May 14, 2025) – The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls introduced its 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council as they held their first meeting to discuss the priorities for the Council in the upcoming cycle.

“I am so excited to welcome these 17 emerging leaders from across California to the Council. As they begin contributing their unique knowledge and perspectives related to the Commission’s work, I look forward to seeing what they will contribute to the Commission’s Youth Policy Agenda in the coming year” said Darcy Totten, Executive Director, California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. “I am especially excited to introduce a new mentoring component that will offer direct support for these young voices in growing their own leadership capacity as they lend their critical voices to the Commission’s efforts.”

“I look forward to working alongside women from diverse backgrounds in the collective effort to uplift women and girls across California tackling issues that impact daily life, from healthcare equity to mental health. I hope to be a strong voice, especially for the young women in California, who represent our future,” said Councilmember Eucharistia Peter, San Joaquin County.

“I’m thrilled to unite with bold, passionate young women from across California to build power, share stories, and drive real change—because now more than ever, we need each other to push this movement forward!” said Councilmember Sriya Srinivasan, Solano County.

Members of the Council were selected from multiple communities in the state for their dedication, commitment to California leadership, and unique perspectives. They will bring their diverse, lived experiences to ongoing policy discussions as they collaborate with other youth, Commissioners, staff, and other partners to help advance important youth priorities through the ongoing development of a California Youth Policy Agenda.

As part of the Youth Advisory Council, members will work to expand on the Agenda started by the inaugural Council, highlighting some of the most urgent issues girls and youth in California face today, with a focus on education, safety and prevention, and health and access. Members will also engage in various skill-building, networking, and direct mentorship opportunities that will support their growth as changemakers.

The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls works in a culturally inclusive manner to promote equality and justice for all women and girls by advocating on their behalf with the Governor, the Legislature, and other public policymakers, and by educating the public in the areas of economic equity and other key issue areas identified by the Commission as significantly affecting women and girls.

The Youth Advisory Council’s work will have meaningful impacts on California’s women and girls, and the Commission is delighted to welcome the following members:

2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council Members:

Ann Albumalalah, Sacramento County

Caden Shepard Choi, Orange County

Camille Chu, Santa Clara County

Kate Landeros, Riverside County

Sriya Srinivasan (Vice Chair), Solano County

Bethany Zhao, San Mateo County

Eucharistia Peter, San Joaquin County

Sonia Sharma (Secretary), Contra Costa County

Allyson Chan, San Mateo County

Brooke Specht, Riverside County

Anannya Gairola, Placer County

Sophie Kim, Orange County

Nicole Kim (Chair), Los Angeles County

Arifa Omid, Placer County

Audrey Parkin, Contra Costa County

Adiva Mittal, Placer County

Hannah Gbondo, Riverside County

About the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls

For nearly 60 years, the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls has identified and worked to eliminate inequities in state laws, practices, and conditions that affect California’s women and girls. Established as a state agency with 17 appointed commissioners in 1965, the Commission regularly assesses gender equity in health, safety, employment, education, and equal representation in the military, and the media. The Commission provides leadership through research, policy and program development, education, outreach and collaboration, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.

About the CCSWG Youth Advisory Council

The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls developed the Youth Advisory Council in 2022. Having a youth-centered approach ensures that the Commission is including the voices of all our constituents. The Council is a group of young residents (ages 12-19) of California brought together to increase youth involvement in California’s public policy efforts. Through this Council, the Commission shall keep youth engaged through thoughtful conversations, experienced speakers, and advocacy and leadership development, resulting in the development of a Girls Agenda for the Commission.