ATTACHMENT #2
2025-26 YC Committee and Liaison Summary Reports
ARTS Committee Report
Committee Report from Chair Rayna Doshi
Purpose of Committee: To spread the passion for creativity Frequency of Meetings Held: monthly
The Art Committee focused on promoting creativity within the community. This year, we hosted a leadership-themed art competition during the Youth Leadership Summit.
Students were able to express the theme through many different types of media. We selected one overall winner along with several honorable mentions, and the artists were publicly recognized for their work. The artwork was also showcased at the summit, allowing attendees to view and appreciate the pieces. Overall, the event was a success and showed how creativity can be applied to different aspects of leader ship and everyday life.
Committee Report from Vice Chair Chenya Kwon
Stated Mission of Agency: This committee aimed to provide a city-wide art contest for teenagers to encourage involvement and expressions of leadership through the new medium of art.
Frequency of meetings attended: There was usually 1 meeting per month, with an increased frequency closer to the date of the Youth Leadership Summit. Over the period from October to February, about 5 meetings were held.
Overall, this committee had stronger success with the art contest than in our inaugural year. We received 2-3x as many entries as the previous year. To achieve this, our committee advertised across many more channels compared to previous years. Dur ing the Summit, we were able to commemorate our overall winner and three honor able mentions, selected by a panel of adult judges. These were displayed at the S ummit for viewing. In terms of logistics, the process also became more streamlined: the committee updated the rubric and scoring system to be more straightfor ward and eliminated separation of the submissions into medium c ategories.
Committee Report from Commissioner Mateo Negrete
On the Art Commission, we organized one main art contest for participants to submit artwork to be selected for recognition at the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit. This year’s contest was a success and not only had beautiful submissions but gained more participants than the year prior. This competition helped support art creation in the community of Thousand Oaks and strengthened the Y outh Commission's relationship with its constituents.
Environmental Committee Report
Committee Report from Commissioner Rafan Ahmed
Purpose of Committee: To help plan the Youth Tree Planting Event Frequency of meetings held: Once every couple of months This year, the Environmental Committee focused solely on organizing the Youth Tree Planting Event. Over the course of the year, we m et a few times to plan and coordinate logistics, including selecting the location, gathering supplies, and promoting the event to recruit volunteers. The cleanup was held at Thousand Oaks Boulevard and Via Merida next to Westlake High School, where we planted trees, as we dug up the s oil
and created a proper home to the roots, helping beautify the community. The event was a success as approximately 20 people signed up to participate and the event not only improved the appearance of a busy street but also encouraged environmental awareness among youth in our community. As a member of the Environmental Committee, I was glad to help plan and participate in an initiative that br ought people together in creating a cleaner Thousand Oaks.
Committee Report from Commissioner Zoe Maldonado
Purpose of Committee: Plan and organize events regarding the environment, increase youth engagement in environmentally focused activities
Frequency of meetings held: 2 meetings were held, one on January 26, 2026, and the second one on March 3, 2026.
This year, the Environmental Committee organized a tree-p lanting event for the youth of the community to participate in. All trees were planted adjacent to Westlake High School, and all of the materials and guidance were prov ided by Public Works. We experienced a great turnout, with many participants and a significant number of trees planted. The empty space was filled with saplings that will grow and fill the space with lovely greenery. Ultimately, it provided the youth with an accessible opportunity to make a direct, long-term impact on the local environment.
Co
mmittee Report from Commissioner Ryan Shen
The environmental committee this year organized many events to help combat the environmental problems arising in our city. Although there weren't many meetings, everyone in the committee still connected through messages to plan unique events.
One of the biggest highlights came in March. On March 28th, 2026, we planned a Tree Planting event near Westlake High School. With the help of commissioners and several volunteers (students and adults), we successfully planted many trees to help the environment. This event resulted in a better environment overall and allowed more connection among students. We also did many other environmental events, such as trash pickup in multiple areas.
Youth Le
adership Summit Planning Committee
Committee Report from Chair Rayna Doshi:
Purpose of Committee: To organize the Youth Leadership Summit Frequency of Meetings Held: monthly
The Youth Leadership Summit Committee worked throughout the year to plan and organize the Youth Leadership Summit. We began early in the year by setting the date, securing the location, and reaching out to community leaders to participate. The event was very successful, with strong participation from youth across different age groups.
The summit created a space for students to share their thoughts and experiences while also learning from community leaders. Overall, the event met its goal by allowing youth voices to be heard and helping create a positive impact in the community.
Committee Report from Commissioner Chenya Kwon
Purpose: To create the 2026 Youth Leadership Summit for youth living in the City of Thousand Oaks in order to empower youth to engage with their community and its leaders.
Frequency of meetings: At least once a month from November until March for a total of about 5 meetings
The YLS Committee began by first deciding on logistics such as the summit date, location, format, and student application modifications. Additionally, Commissioners were tasked with revision assignments, including updating the contact list for community leaders, invitation letters for community leaders, letters for schools, and acceptance letters for students. Generally, previous years’ templates were used. Afterwards, the committee and staff worked together to advertise the summit via flyer. Commissioners also contacted community leaders and potential keynote speakers for the event.
Com
missioners (including those beyond the Committee) also worked with staff liaisons to plan “swag bags” for summit participants and later to assemble the bags after receiving the items. The swag bag included a notebook, squirrel pen, a doodling/coloring booklet, and a small city totebag. Finally, committee members explained summit procedure and table assignments to the rest of the Commission. This year, Committee members and Liaison Hernandez redesigned the youth-only discussions, so further instructions were given to help guide the Commission with the new format.
Committee Report from Commissioner Inika Vellore
Purpose of Committee: to plan and organize the Youth Leadership Summit Frequency of Meetings: about twice a month
This fiscal year, the Youth Leadership Summit Planning Committee planned and executed the Youth Leadership Summit. We finalized the date and time and discussed the possible leaders who could be a keynote speaker at the Summit. We also implemented a new group activity which involved a larger group of students paired with 2-3 Youth Commissioners to have a more focused youth discussion on a specific topic.
In addition, the committee met to plan and put together swag bags with notebooks, pens, flyers, and additional goodies.
Conejo Valley Unified School District Student Advisory Committee – SDAC Liaison Report
Liaison Report from Commissioner Brielle Levesque
SDAC meetings this year were productive and focused on key issues affecting students across CVUSD. In my role as liaison, I facilitated communication by sharing updates between the Thousand Oaks Youth Commission and SDAC while ensuring student concerns were represented. Discussions were centered on topics such as campus safety, access to nutritious school lunches, and the development of AI policies in schools, particularly regarding academic integrity. At the start of the year, members formed subcommittees focused on areas including education, equity and belonging, mental health, environmental sustainability, technology, and campus safety. Overall, SDAC strengthens student voice with district leadership, and my role as liaison has taught me the importance of student advocacy.
Liaison Report from Commissioner Rafan Ahmed
Stated Mission of Agency: Create a safe and inclusive space to hear students’ voice ’s represent school needs, strengthen communication with the district and community, and take action to improve campus conditions, equity, and student well-being.
Frequency of meetings attended: Once a month
This fiscal year, the Student District Advisory Committee meetings focused on the student voice, school improvement, and community engagement. A key highlight was a presentation from the Director of Child Nutrition Services, who explained how federally fund
ed meal programs provide free meals while working to improve food quality and incorporate student feedback through surveys and taste tests. Students shared input on menu items, showing active involvement in shaping school services. The committee also discussed ways to support new students, including buddy systems, increased inclusion at school events, and regular check-ins. Subcommittees on wellness, mental health, and educational equity shared updates on improving school environments, and members engaged with community leaders to learn about civic leadership. Overall, the experience emphasized the importance of student input, collaboration, and leadership in improving school communities.
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YC Committee and Liaison Summary Reports. pdf