Youth Advocacy Subcommittee (YAS)

Yakima, WA
I go to Davis high school. I’m a varsity athlete. I really enjoy softball, wrestling, and cheer, all as a Davis student. One thing I’m passionate about is playing my instrument called a euphoria. I’ve been playing this instrument for five years now.

Tacoma, WA
I am a recent Gonzaga University graduate, recently earning a Bachelor’s in Political Science with a minor in Communications Studies. Through an afterschool program (Youth and Government) in high school, I found a deep passion for politics and debate that I hope to carry forward as I begin my career. I also love board games, video games, and martial arts.

Seattle, WA
My name is Daija McKellar, and I’m from Seattle, Washington. This year, I will be a junior in high school and starting to prepare myself for college. Some things I’m passionate about include dance, social justice, and learning about my culture. Outside of school, I like to spend quality time with friends and family and listen to music. 

Spokane, WA
Gabriel is a committed advocate for Washington youth, the LGBTQ+ community, and equitable funding for public charter schools. He currently serves a two-year term on the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC), where he collaborates with lawmakers across the political spectrum to advance education and equity-based policies. As an intern at the Washington State Charter Schools Association, Gabriel helped design a statewide student internship program and participated in cross-organizational coalition meetings, contributing to bill analysis and offering student-driven insight on proposed legislation. His work reflects a deep commitment to amplifying youth voice in policy conversations. Outside of advocacy, Gabriel is a dedicated student-athlete and holds the distinction of being the first student from his school to compete at the state level.

Bremerton, WA
Hello! My name is Lexi and I currently live in Bremerton, WA. I am a junior at Klahowya Secondary School and love to go hiking. In addition, I am a captain of my tennis team, part of Graduate Strongs youth committee and Honors Society!

Burien/White Center area, WA
Hi! I go to Mount Rainier High School and in the Fall of 2025, I will officially be an 11th grade Running Start Student! I love roller skarting and reading; my favorite books so far have been The Kite Runner and The Book Thief. I’m passionate about helping out my community and I aspire to be a lawyer or politician!

Tri-Cities, WA
My name is Samantha Piña and I’m from Tri-Cities, Washington. I graduated from Legacy High School in 2022. Outside of work, I perform with Cielo de México, a traditional Mexican dance group that celebrates culture through movement. I also give back through alumni work with Communities in Schools (CIS), supporting students and the local community. I’m passionate about helping others grow, succeed, and believe in themselves. 

Toppenish, WA
Hi, my name is Sofia. I also go by Sofi. I’m a junior currently attending Toppenish High School. Stuff I like to do outside of school would probably have to be hanging out with family catching up. I’m also very passionate about sports, especially track and field. 

Bellevue, WA
Tendo is a rising sophomore at Pomona College and a passionate education and social justice advocate. In his senior year of high school, he collaborated with the Bellevue School District, writing Black History curriculum for incorporation into the district’s 4th-grade Washington State history curriculum, and at Pomona College, he serves as a student representative on the Academic Affairs committee, where he helps shape the academic policies and course offerings for his school. For his education advocacy work, he has received awards from the Princeton Prize in Race Relations, the National World War II Museum, and was featured on the cover of the Spring 2025 ACLU magazine. In his free time, he enjoys running and agonizing over Manchester United matches.