I.            WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER

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

III.    MINUTES: May 14, 2025 Meeting

Bethany Zhao moves to approve the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes, the motion is seconded by Brooke Specht.

With 12 yes and 0 no, the motion passes and the 5.14.25 meeting minutes are approved.

IV.    YAC GIRLS AGENDA

A.  Discussion of Issue Statements

i. Health and Access 3:35 pm-3:50 pm (15 minutes)

Eucharistia Peter brought up issues of nutrition, cuts to nutrition programs, the chronic rates of well-being in girls, and systemic barriers in healthcare access, particularly for single mothers, poc, and minorities. Camille Chu introduced the lack of access to mental health counseling, and the importance of education and access to reproductive and sexual health as well as period products. Bethany Zhao then discussed the rising rates of eating disorders and suggested further conversation on what the best way to go about addressing them is. Adding on to that, Sriya Srinivasan emphasized that eating disorders need to be approached with understanding. Nicole Kim brought up period poverty, introducing the statistic that 1 in 4 students have missed class as a result

ii. Education and Workforce 3:50 pm-4:05 pm (15 minutes)

Bethany Zhao opened the discussion with her findings that California is one of the most expensive states for childcare, elaborating on how this impacts women’s education, as childcare is the number one reason for women leaving their job throughout the country. Caden Choi then brought up the significant contributions women have made to science and engineering, then going into how they still remain underrepresented, making up less than 25% of all computer & engineering jobs. Choi then proposed the CA Computer Science Demonstration Grant Program to help mitigate these issues. Ann Abdumalalah discussed the importance of STEM combined with the underrepresentation of women, and the lack of research and stem positions held by women. 

iii. Safety and Prevention 4:05 pm-4:35 pm (15 minutes)

Sonia Sharma opened the discussion with statistics on the large number of women who are victims of violence, and went into prevalent barriers such as economic security issues due to the wage gap, especially in minority women, and the lack of access to health insurance, as well as the efficacy of self-defense in preventing women from being subject to the consequences of violence. Eucharistia Peter then brought up the social media aspect of the issue, through cyberbullying and exploitation, suggesting social media education as a solution. Bethany zhou then brought up the importance of addressing domestic violence, and how it impacts all demographics. Sriya explained how in schools, students are ensure of how to report domestic violence, contributing to the underreporting of my violence. Sonia will draft the first issue statement. 

B. Overview of Girls Agenda Template and Bill Proposals 4:35 pm-4:50 pm (15 minutes)

Staff Katherine Squire reviewed the Girls Agenda Template and established that before November, every member of the Council should draft bill proposals. The floor was then opened for members with a legislative background to give advice on feasible bill proposals.

V.    Announcements 4:50-5:00

A. Mentorship Update

Staff Katherine Squire gave an update on mentorship applications, stating that all 10 council members who applied for mentorship were assigned mentors. 

B. Girl Scouts Days at the Capitol Update

The two members of the council who attended the event, Eucharistia Peter and Sriya Srinivasan, shared their experience at the Girl Scouts Days at the Capitol. 

C. YAC Representative for Full Commission Meeting

i. Next Full Commission Meeting – September 17^th at 1-4 pm

D. Commission 60^th Anniversary Event – November 10^th, 2025

Staff Katherine Squire shared information about the 60th anniversary event taking place in Los Angeles, inviting members of the youth council located in Southern California to attend.