I.            WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER

Legislative Analyst Katherine Squire called the meeting order at 3:35 pm.

III.    MEET AND GREET WITH COMMISSIONERS

Commissioner Nisha Devi Rodrigo delivered opening remarks welcoming incoming Youth Advisory Councilmembers. Executive Director Darcy Totten also welcomed Councilmembers.

IV.    YAC COUNCILMEMBER INTRODUCTIONS

All 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Councilmembers provided 1-minute introductions.

V.    YAC COUNCILMEMBER ELECTIONS

Legislative Analyst Squire reviewed the responsibilities of the three officer positions available on the Youth Advisory Council including Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary. Legislative Analyst Squire opened the floor for Councilmembers to nominate themselves to run for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.

Adiva Mittal, Nicole Kim, and Bethany Zhao nominated themselves to run for Chair. Each candidate gave a 1-minute speech and Legislative Analyst Squire opened the floor for voting following the conclusion of speeches. With 9 votes for Nicole Kim, 8 votes for Bethany Zhao, and 0 votes for Adiva Mittal, Nicole Kim was elected as Chair of the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council.

Sriya Srinivasan, Eucharistia Peter, Sophie Kim, and Bethany Zhao nominated themselves to run for Vice Chair. Each candidate gave a 1-minute speech and Legislative Analyst Squire opened the floor for voting following the conclusion of speeches. With 7 votes for Sriya Srinivasan, 6 votes for Sophie Kim, 3 votes for Bethany Zhao, and 1 vote for Eucharistia Peter, Sriya Srinivasan was elected as Vice Chair of the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council.

Sonia Sharma, Arifa Omid, Camille Chu, and Anannya Gairola nominated themselves to run for Secretary. Each member gives a 1-minute speech and Legislative Analyst Squire opened the floor for voting following the conclusion of speeches. With 12 votes for Sonia Sharma, 4 votes for Camille Chu, 1 vote for Arifa Omid, and 0 votes for Anannya Gairola, Sonia Sharma was elected as Secretary of the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Council.

VI. GIRLS AGENDA

Legislative Analyst Squire presented the current state of the Girls Agenda voted on by the previous Youth Advisory Council and opened the floor for discussion on what issue areas the incoming Youth Advisory Council would recommend prioritizing for the 2025-2026 Girls Agenda.

Sriya Srinivasan emphasized the importance of ensuring unrestricted access to healthcare and access being a critical component to supporting the ability to receive care for all youth. Councilmembers also echoed the need to include mental health under health and access.

Adiva Mittal emphasized the importance of addressing violence against women under safety. Sriya Srinivasan and Sonia Sharma proposed adding prevention as part of ensuring safety for all women and girls. Brooke Specht also reaffirmed her support for needing to pursue preventative safety measures.

Caden Shepard Choi stated that education remains an important priority. Nicole Kim commented that menstrual equity should also be addressed under education as many youth continue to lack access to menstrual products in schools. Councilmembers also emphasized the desire to promote civic engagement through education. 

Sonia Sharma moves to recommend Education and Workforce Development, Safety and Prevention, and Health and Access to the full Commission as the YAC’s priority issue areas for the 2025-2026 Girls Agenda. Allyson Chan seconds the motion and Legislative Analyst Squire opened the floor for voting on the motion.

With 17 yes, 0 no, and 0 abstain, the motion passes.

YAC Councilmembers discussed what issue area they would like to research and explore policy solutions for and organized into the following groups: