WACF Youth Council Senior Spotlight: Leila Byer

For Leila Byer, serving on the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Youth Council has been an opportunity to better understand the many ways people work together to strengthen our community.

Leila joined the Youth Council to become more involved and learn about how local nonprofits operate and serve others. Encouraged by positive experiences shared by past members, she was eager to explore how philanthropy and volunteerism make a difference in Watertown.

One of the highlights of her time on the Youth Council has been visiting local organizations and meeting the people behind the work. Among her favorite experiences was riding along with Community Transit of Watertown/Sisseton to learn about the important role it plays in connecting residents to school, work, and everyday services.

“I gained so much knowledge about how many people use the transit system,” Leila shared. “It was great to be able to experience a ride for myself and learn what goes on behind the scenes.”

Through these experiences, Leila says she has learned an important lesson about community involvement: never be afraid to give back.

“Giving back isn’t just about money,” she explained. “Giving your time and interest to your community can make all the difference. Some of the most important parts of our community started with just an idea and volunteers willing to help.”

Serving on the Youth Council has helped Leila see the many ways people contribute to making Watertown a strong and supportive place to live. She believes that donors, volunteers, and nonprofit leaders all play vital roles in building a thriving community.

After graduation, Leila will attend South Dakota State University, where she will compete on the Jackrabbit women’s swimming and diving team. She intends to major in Human Biology with a minor in Spanish, with a goal to attend medical school to become a dermatologist.

Looking ahead, Leila plans to continue serving her community in new ways as her career develops.

“I would love to serve on a nonprofit board someday,” she shared. “I also hope to give my time and resources to support the people and organizations that make such a difference.”

Her advice for younger students considering Youth Council is simple: “Go for it! Youth Council is a great way to learn about service and philanthropy. You’ll meet incredible people and gain a new appreciation for everything that helps our community thrive.”

Leila’s experience reflects the impact Youth Council has had on students for more than two decades. By learning about local needs, meeting nonprofit leaders, and helping guide grantmaking decisions, Youth Council members play a meaningful role in shaping the future of philanthropy in the Watertown area.