City of Merced, CA
HomeMeet the Council
Lily Contreras-Ibarra
Position: Chairwoman
Appointed: June 2023
District: At-Large
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: Track & Field, Tennis, Cross Country, Leadership, Leo Club, Hispanic Youth Leadership Club (HYLC), AVID, & CSF (California Scholarship Federation)
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Merced Youth Council because I saw it as an opportunity to positively help and give back to my community with the hopes of impacting the lives of the youth. I aspire to meet the needs and wants of the youth while also being a voice for their ideas and aspirations. During my time serving the council, I want to become more involved in our community projects to make our community an even better place! I see the council as a way to inspire the youth while showing them all the amazing resources, activities, and events our city has to offer them. I look forward to seeing what the youth of Merced has to offer for the future!
Camden Gudgel
Position: Vice Chairman
Appointed: Active since October 2019
District: District 2
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: Track, Cross Country, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) Chapter President & Section Parliamentarian/Historian, CSF (California Scholarship Federation) Member
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Merced Youth Council to give back to the community that shaped me. As a committed citizen, I believe it is my civic responsibility to foster hospitality and promote active city engagement. Through my role on the council, I aim to organize events that bring together residents from all corners of the city, breaking down school boundaries and working to unite our community regardless of where students receive their education.
James McCaw
Position: Historian
Appointed: January 2023
District: District 1
High School: El Captain High School
Activities Involved in: Volleyball, Speech and Debate, CSF, Leo Club, SSC
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Youth Council to aid the community and help provide resources, opportunities, and activities to the student and youth population of Merced. I hope to lift the community up in this trying time and do my best to leave a positive impact.
Jesse Deniz
Position: Secretary
Appointed: August 2024
District: District 3
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: Cross Country, Track & Field, Journalism Club, President of Culinary Club, CSF (California Scholarship Federation), & Interact Club
Why I joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Youth Council because I wanted to connect with the youth in our community. Having opportunities for our youth to be involved in their community allows better connections within Merced as a whole. Being a leading force that fosters these connections was one of my motivators for becoming a council member. In my term as secretary I will devote myself to Merced’s youth and grant them opportunities to connect with others and improve their livelihoods.
Joann Kasipalli
Position: Treasurer
Appointed: February 2024
District: District 5
High School: El Capitan High School
Activities Involved in: Varsity Tennis, Leo Club, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), CSF (California Scholarship Federation), Decathlon, Homeless Shelter Volunteer, El Capitan LINK Leader
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the youth council because I want to be the voice for each and every one of the youth in Merced. We as the youth of Merced are the fundamental part of our community that fosters changes necessary for a better future. My mission is to represent thoughts and ideas so that everyone's voices are heard!
Natalie Camacho
Position: Public Coordinator
Appointed: February 2021
District: District 6
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: Culture Club, Kiwin's Club, CSF (California Scholarship Federation), and NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars)
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined the Youth Council because I wanted to get involved and make a meaningful change in our community. Being apart of Youth Council gives me the opportunity to collaborate with diverse individuals who share my passion for community service and positive change. Throughout this experience, I hope to inspire others and create a brighter future for our community.
Ex-Officio's
Brandon LiWang
Appointed: February 2021
District: At-Large
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: Tennis, Cross Country, & Fishing Club
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined Merced Youth Council because I saw it as an opportunity to bring change on the community of Merced. I see youth council as a chance to build connections with community members and fellow youth.
Trey Jimenez
Appointed: October 2024
District: At-Large
High School: Merced High School
Activities Involved in: Football, FBLA (Future Business Leader of America), and Track & Field
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined Youth Council because I want to better the city of Merced in any way I can while giving back to the community that gave me everything. I want to give the youth of Merced events and places to socialize with one another while enjoying their interest.
Advaitaa Shyamprasad
Appointed: October 2024
District: At-Large
High School: El Captain High School
Activities Involved in: FFA Chapter Treasurer, Tennis, Decathlon, Film Club, and Leo Club
Why I Joined the Youth Council:
I joined Youth Council because I want to help make Merced a place where students feel safe, supported, and valued. Joining the Merced Youth Council has allowed me to contribute to this vision while collaborating with others who share the same commitment. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a team dedicated to creating meaningful change and leaving a lasting impact on our community.