Growing Leaders Through Youth Voices 

At the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF), the Youth Council plays a vital role in elevating students’ voices and shaping the future of Washtenaw County. Through grantmaking, community dialogue, and leadership development opportunities, students gain firsthand experience in philanthropy and community engagement while building the confidence and perspective needed to lead with purpose. Each year, Youth Council members may self-nominate for leadership roles on the AAACF Board of Trustees, including the opportunity to serve as Trustee-in-Training and eventually as a Youth Trustee representative through an anonymous peer-voting process. 

Through these experiences, students don’t just learn about impact - they actively help create it. For students like Yash Srivastava, those opportunities became more than leadership experiences - they became a foundation for personal growth, confidence, and community impact. As he graduates and concludes four years of service on the Youth Council and Board of Trustees, Yash reflects on the experiences, lessons, and relationships that shaped his journey.

Meet Yash Srivastava

“My name is Yash Srivastava, and I am a senior at Washtenaw International High School in Ypsilanti. I have been a resident of Washtenaw County for 12 years, with two of those years spent living in Japan. I plan to study biomedical engineering, with the goal of pursuing a career in neurology and, ultimately, becoming a doctor.

My time with the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation, however, has expanded my aspirations. I aim to serve on medical field boards, helping shape policy and strengthen economic sustainability so that organizations can fully pursue their missions.

Finding a Place to Make a Difference

After completing 8th grade, I was searching for a way to make a meaningful impact in my community and to find a space where my voice could help shape it. When I learned about the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation’s Youth Council, I knew I had to apply.

During my first year on the Council, I was reserved. I often chose to observe rather than speak up, even when I had strong opinions. For a long time, I viewed that year as a missed opportunity. Over time, however, I came to understand that it was foundational. I learned the dynamics of the Council, what it meant to contribute thoughtfully, and the importance of community. Even without speaking often, my perspective still shaped discussions within smaller group settings. 

By my sophomore year, I began to find my voice. I contributed more openly, challenged ideas, and engaged in meaningful conversations. With a stronger understanding of the Council’s work, my confidence grew. Toward the end of that year, encouraged by peers and mentors, I ran for a leadership position and was elected Trustee-in-Training. In that role, I began attending Board of Trustees meetings, gaining insight into leadership and governance at the Community Foundation. 

My junior year marked a period of significant personal growth. As a member of both the Youth Council leadership team and the Board of Trustees, I immersed myself in learning - attending meetings, asking questions, and observing experienced leaders. 

Leading with Confidence 

One defining moment came during a board retreat, when a discussion on equity and federal policy changes prompted me to consider speaking. Though hesitant at first, I was ultimately given the floor. It was one of the most nerve-wracking moments I’ve experienced, but also one of the most transformative. While my words may not have come out as eloquently as planned, that moment changed the trajectory of my time as a trustee. 

In my senior year, I had the opportunity to see the full impact of my journey. Within the Youth Council, I became a mentor and leader - helping foster community while contributing thoughtful insights. On the Board, I served as a voting trustee, acting as a liaison between students across Washtenaw County and the Foundation’s leadership. Having found my voice, I became more confident in asking questions, offering perspectives, and engaging in meaningful dialogue.

Lessons That Last Beyond the Council

The lessons I’ve gained over the past four years extend far beyond the Foundation. I’ve developed the confidence to challenge ideas, regardless of who or where they come from, and to ask questions without hesitation. From a quiet freshman to a confident senior, I have grown not only as a leader but as a thinker and a person.

Above all, I have come to understand that while the Foundation serves donors and nonprofits, its true purpose is to impact lives. Over the past four years, I can say with certainty that it has impacted mine.”
 

A Lasting Impact on Washtenaw County

Yash’s journey reflects the heart of the Youth Council - where growth, leadership, and community impact intersect.

“I've had the pleasure of working with Yash on the Board of Trustees for the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation since May 2024,” shared AAACF Trustee and Youth Council Liaison Audrey DiMarzo. “He began as the Youth Trustee-in-Training and, as of May 2025, became a full voting member of the Board. The Foundation’s work is incredibly diverse and complex, covering everything from strategic planning on racial equity and economic empowerment to operational decisions on investment allocations and grantmaking priorities. Yash demonstrated impressive diligence in preparing for and participating in each Board meeting. What stood out most was his ability to ask insightful questions during our preparation meetings and his willingness to provide the youth perspective, which proved invaluable to the Board’s discussions. Yash is an intelligent, passionate, and thoughtful young man who exemplifies the very best qualities of our future leaders and community members.”

President and CEO Shannon Polk added, “Yash represents the very best of what it means to lead with purpose. His willingness to step forward, ask questions, and contribute thoughtfully has strengthened our work and our community. We are incredibly grateful for his service and look forward to all that he will accomplish in the years ahead.”

As Yash graduates and steps into his next chapter, we celebrate not only his accomplishments but the lasting impact he leaves behind - rooted in curiosity, courage, and a commitment to making a difference.