Leading Through Listening - Uplifting the Next Generation of Washtenaw County Leaders

At the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), the Youth Council empowers students to use their voices, make philanthropic decisions, and strengthen Washtenaw County through community engagement and leadership. For more than three decades, Youth Council members have gained firsthand experience in philanthropy while identifying community needs, supporting local initiatives, and creating meaningful impact. Each year, one Youth Council member is selected to serve as the Youth Council Representative on AAACF’s Board of Trustees, providing a direct connection between young leaders and the conversations that help shape the Foundation’s work.

For the 2026–2027 term, Thisali Bandaranayake will serve as the Youth Council Board of Trustees Representative. Through this role, she will bring the perspectives and experiences of Youth Council members to AAACF’s Board while continuing to build connections between student leaders and the Foundation’s mission. In her own words, Thisali shares what inspired her involvement with Youth Council, the experiences that have shaped her leadership, and what she hopes to contribute as she serves on AAACF’s Board of Trustees.

Meet Thisali Bandaranayake

“I've always been passionate about making a positive impact, whether that meant donating birthday money to nonprofit organizations or learning about issues affecting communities around the world. As I became more interested in giving back, I realized that meaningful opportunities for young people to make a direct impact can sometimes be limited. When I learned about AAACF’s Youth Council, I immediately saw it as a unique opportunity to make a direct difference in my own community.

What drew me in most was Youth Council's commitment to giving young people a genuine voice in addressing issues that affect them. Too often, the perspectives of youth are overlooked, even though we experience many of these challenges firsthand. I believe involving young people not only leads to more thoughtful solutions but also inspires a lifelong commitment to service and to community involvement. Through Youth Council, I've had the chance to explore philanthropy from a new perspective and see how thoughtful collaboration can create meaningful change in our own community.

Leadership Through Community Service

I hope to continue building on what I've learned through Youth Council by carrying that commitment to service into everything I do. This experience has strengthened my leadership skills, but more importantly, it has changed the way I approach community challenges. I've come to realize that behind every issue are many different perspectives, and meaningful solutions require listening, collaboration, and thoughtful decision-making.

Being surrounded by people who are genuinely passionate about improving our community has been incredibly inspiring. Their dedication has reinforced my belief that lasting change is built through many people working together, each contributing in their own way. As I continue to grow, I hope to use the skills and perspective I've gained to advocate for others, support my community, and encourage more young people to recognize the impact they can have.

Representing Youth at the Board Table

As the Youth Council Representative on AAACF's Board of Trustees, I hope to ensure that the voices of young people are included in conversations that shape our community. Many important decisions are made by adults, making this a unique opportunity to share the perspectives of students and advocate for the needs and experiences of youth in Washtenaw County.

One experience during a Youth Council grantmaking discussion completely changed the way I think about leadership and philanthropy. We were discussing a proposal to fund gaming systems for children in the hospital. At first, I wasn't convinced it would make a meaningful difference, and several others shared that view. Then another member compared the idea to therapy dogs in hospitals. Before they became common, many people likely questioned whether they would truly help patients, too. That comparison completely changed my perspective. It reminded me that innovation often requires giving new ideas a chance and that the best decisions come from listening to different viewpoints with an open mind.

That experience reinforced one of the most valuable lessons Youth Council has taught me: every issue has layers. Behind every challenge are different perspectives, constraints, and opportunities that deserve thoughtful consideration. Experiences like this have shown me that meaningful leadership begins with listening. By taking the time to understand different perspectives, we can make more informed decisions and create solutions that better serve our community.

Serving on the Board has already introduced me to inspiring community leaders and exposed me to new ways of thinking about philanthropy, finance, and nonprofit leadership. I'm excited to continue learning from those experiences, building new relationships, and gaining a deeper understanding of the many factors that shape our community. I know there is always more to learn, and I'm looking forward to continuing to grow throughout the coming year.”

Growing Impact Through Leadership

Thisali’s commitment to service and leadership directly reflects the purpose of AAACF’s Youth Council in creating opportunities for young people to engage in philanthropy, collaborate with their peers, and help shape the future of Washtenaw County. Through her role as Youth Council Representative to the Board of Trustees, Thisali will continue to elevate youth perspectives while gaining valuable experience in community leadership and nonprofit governance.

“Youth leadership is not just about preparing for the future - it's about shaping it today," said Rev. Dr. Shannon Polk, President & CEO of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. "Through Youth Council, young leaders like Thisali bring thoughtful perspectives, ask important questions, and remind us that meaningful community change happens when every generation has a voice at the table. We are excited to welcome her to the Board of Trustees and look forward to the leadership she'll bring in the coming year."

As she begins this next chapter, Thisali will help strengthen the connection between Youth Council and AAACF’s Board of Trustees, ensuring that young leaders remain part of conversations that influence the community’s future. We look forward to the ideas, insights, and impact she will bring throughout the year as she continues advancing AAACF’s mission of improving economic mobility and quality of life for all residents of Washtenaw County.