City of Merced, CA
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Kaylie Escobar-Islas
Position: Chairman
Appointed: October 2019
District: North Merced
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: Academic Decathlon, AVID, Book Club, CSF, CLC Volleyball, Culture Club, Gateway Scholars Program, JSA, Leadership, Luther Burbank Elementary ASSETS Program, Math Club and Tennis.
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Merced Youth Council because I want to create a positive community here in Merced. As a participant of Summer at City Hall, I came to notice and admire the activities created through the endless hard work put in by the Merced Youth Council, and I wanted to be a part of that. I’m excited to see where this new journey will take me and am truly honored to be involved in this organization. Throughout my term on the Merced Youth Council, I wish to become more involved in new projects regarding our growing city and inspire other youth to participate in their local community, as well as developing into the best possible version of themselves. I hope the youth of Merced know that they have our support - we’re here to listen to what they have to say - and of course to love and be proud of their hometown, Merced! I’m here to help make our Merced community a better place."
Hilda Barragan-Reyes
Position: Vice Chairman
Appointed: Active since October 2019
District: South Merced
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in:
Tennis, Student Site Council, Culture Club, Book Club, President FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), CSF (California Scholarship Federation), and MSEFCU.
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Youth Council because I strive to make a positive impact in the lives of our youngest city residents. Civic duty is something I promote for our youth because that is what turns people into outstanding citizens. I want to be a part of the change Merced will undertake for the better and contribute my time and commitment for the well-being of our community. During my involvement in the council, the voice of the youth will make an impact on the future of Merced!
Amirrah Lopez
Position: Historian
Appointed: January 2021
District: At-Large
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: FCCLA, Interact Club, Book Club, Vice-President of FBLA, Freshman Representative of KIWINS, Staff Sergeant in Civil Air Patrol.
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Youth Council because I love to help out my community whenever I can. I have strong leadership skills and I hope to really express them throughout my term. I am enjoying my time so much right now. I am excited about what the future holds and what I can do to help our community thrive!
Satya Ortega
Position: NA
Appointed: November 2021
District: Central
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in:
Why I joined the Youth Council:
Maria Ramos
Position: Secretary
Appointed: February 2021
District: South Merced
High School: El Capitan High School
Activities Involved in: Leadership Club, Softball, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and CSF (California Scholarship Federation).
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Merced Youth Council with the hope of making a positive impact on the adolescence of our community. I want to be involved in the journey of constructing an exceptionally beautiful and better quality of life for the youth in my home town. I take a great pride and honor in having a hand in orchestrating the events that are designed to improve the lives of the future leader in our beloved city! Throughout my term as a member of the Youth Council, I aspire to encourage the younger residents to be more connected in their local community and give them the support they may need in order to discover who they are and who they want to be!
Diego Luna
Position: Treasurer
Appointed: February 2021
District: North District
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in:
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
Ana Quintana-Ceja
Position: Public Coordinator
Appointed: June 2021
District: Central
High School: Golden Valley High School
Activities Involved in: AVID, Spanish Club, Pre-Law Club, Forensics Club, Empowerment Club.
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Merced Youth Council to be a positive influence on my community especially for youth. I understand the importance of being involved and how it can open up doors for people so I am happy to be a part of the Merced Youth Council where we create opportunities for youth to get involved. Additionally, I value civic engagement since it composes so many things in our daily lives, so the opportunity to stay involved with the Merced Youth Council is one I am grateful for. While on the Merced Youth Council, I am excited to be able to give back to my hometown!
Ex-Officio's
Olivia Bruner
Appointed: February 2021
District: North
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: Tennis, Leo Club, CSF, FCCLA
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined Merced Youth Council since I saw it as my opportunity to make a difference in my community. I would get to work with a group of like-minded individuals to bring smiles to people of the Merced Community.
Kourosh Foroutanaliabad
Appointed:
District: North
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in:
Why I Joined the Youth Council: