Washington Youth Arts Leadership

Lily Gray, Fox Island

Lily is a senior at Bellarmine Prep. She enjoys the art mediums of ink drawing, wax carving, and music production. In her down time, Lily avidly consumes books and movies. Her favorite authors are Isabel Allende and Noam Chomsky, while her favorite movie at the moment has to be Gangubai Kathiawadi! 

Briseldy Hernandez-Ramos, East Wenatchee

Briseldy is a 19-year-old senior at the University of Washington on the pre-law track. Originally from East Wenatchee, WA, Briseldy is now a Seattle resident where she’s involved in over six cohorts, multiple political councils and holds a variety of leadership roles. Briseldy has been a writer since she first read time, focusing on creative nonfiction. Briseldy writes about immigrant injustices, stemming from her own, and continues pushing for social change! 

Varshni Iyer, Woodinville 

Varshni is 17 years old and a senior at Inglemoor High School. She has been training in Bharatanatyam, a classical Indian dance form, for 11 years and also plays the Carnatic violin. She has performed on several platforms such as IndianRaga and also teaches at her dance school. Varshni is extremely excited to be a part of WAYAL to share her passion for the arts and create positive change in the community. 

Sophie Johnsen, Camas 

Sophie, 18, is a student at the University of Washington pursuing degrees in astronomy and political science. As a poet, ceramicist, and aspiring novelist, she appreciates the role of art and language in shaping perspectives. Her work has been featured in Acumen Poetry, and she has served in leadership roles in her school district and city government where she has advocated for arts education. She’s excited to work with other young artists to inspire creative accessibility, diversity, and dialogue. 

Mythri Kumaran, Issaquah 

Mythri is a junior at Issaquah High School. She has been learning Bharatanatyam for 13 years now and is very passionate about dancing and teaching. She has performed/competed in many events in the Greater Seattle Area, and is the Seattle Regionals Natya Idol competition winner (2025, Intermediate). Mythri is also a passionate Carnatic vocalist and is currently working towards her senior level certification. She is very excited to become more involved in her community and the arts through WAYAL! 

Brooklynn LaRosa, Spokane 

Brooklynn is 16 years old and attends North Central High School as a junior. She enjoys being involved in the art in her community. She spent the previous year participating in programs in her school and at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. She continues this journey this year by taking the exciting opportunity to join the WAYAL program, to not only deepen her fascination with the arts but also connect her with her community and peers. 

Sidra Marshall, Anacortes 

Sidra, a 17-year-old junior at Anacortes High School, has been enamored by the arts from a young age. Through her passion for performing, literary, and visual arts, she aims to foster a deeper connection with others and fuel hope in the world. She created her nonprofit, Sooboo Bun, at seven-years-old and donates 50% of proceeds from the sales of her original artwork to refugees. She is thrilled to connect with other artists to cultivate a rich arts community with WAYAL. 

Taiyo Oishi, Bothell 

Taiyo is a senior at Inglemoor High School. He is a dedicated piano soloist and chamber musician, formerly part of the Seattle Chamber Music Academy. He has attended various programs like the Aspen International Music Festival and the Yellow Barn Young Artists Program. Taiyo is planning to pursue a double major in college and is excited to take part in arts leadership and learn more about the field! 

Orlo Parkinson, Twisp 

Orlo is a junior at Liberty Bell High School, located in the Methow Valley. Music and theater have played major roles in Orlo’s life, offering escape, entertainment, and opportunities. He has been actively involved in his community’s music and theater scene since he moved to the U.S. 4 years ago. Orlo is excited to connect with artists across Washington state and learn more about ways he can give back to the community that has shown him so much support. 

Elliot Pixie-Plott, Twisp 

Elliot is a 16-year-old sophomore at Liberty Bell High School and a resident of Twisp, Washington. He has always loved the arts and is an avid visual artist, painter, writer, and cellist. He wants to find ways to make a positive difference and bring people together through the arts. He looks forward to forming connections, using his passion for the arts to become a leader, and contributing to his community and the larger art community through WAYAL. 

Rowan Santos, Auburn 

Rowan Santos is a filmmaker, actor, and journalist dedicated to using creativity for social change. They portrayed young Alysia Yeoh in DC’s Batgirl and has contributed writing to The Seattle Times, Real Change, and TeenTix. Rowan’s work spans visual art, film, and storytelling, often centering LGBTQ+ and underrepresented voices. As a youth activist, ambassador, founder and Junior City Councilmember, Rowan continues to merge advocacy and art to inspire meaningful impact. 

Viswajith Venugopal, Bothell 

Vish is an 18-year-old student from Bothell with experience in game development, photography, drawing, and graphic design. He has studied at Bothell High School, DigiPen WANIC, Youth in Focus, and Cascadia College. He has served as an officer in his school’s Technology Student Association. He enjoys telling stories through art, working on new projects, and watching movies. He is excited to join WAYAL to learn more about arts education in Washington and make a difference. 

Lucy Woods, Spokane 

Lucy Woods is a senior at North Central High School and a longtime arts enthusiast! She loves sketching, writing poetry, and creating multimedia collages surrounding topics of queer identity and social justice. This year, she will serve as her school’s ASB secretary as well as an officer and member of many other clubs. She is thrilled to join the WAYAL commission to broaden her perspectives and make the arts community a more accepting place for everyone, no matter their background! 

Olga Loktev

Spokane | WAYAL Alumni Intern 

Olga is a dancer, choreographer, and a certified dance instructor. She began her training at a young age and is still pursuing her dance career. Olga is dancing and choreographing with Vytal Movement Dance company and is working towards receiving her higher education in Psychology and Communications from Eastern Washington University. 

Explore WAYAL Calls to Action

Year 3: FY25 Call to Action

Year 2: FY24 Call to Action

Year 1: FY23 Call to Action