WACF Youth Council Senior Spotlight: Siri Bach

For Siri Bach, serving on the Watertown Area Community Foundation’s Youth Council has  been an opportunity to better understand how individuals can make a meaningful impact in their community.

Siri joined the Youth Council with a desire to learn more about how she could become involved and give back. She was inspired by the positive impact Youth Council has had over the years and wanted to be part of something that helps strengthen the Watertown community.

One of the most memorable parts of her experience has been learning about and supporting local nonprofit organizations. Among those, Watertown Cares stood out as a meaningful connection.

“My favorite project that I’ve been able to learn about and award a grant to has been Watertown Cares,” Siri shared.

Through her time on the Youth Council, Siri gained a deeper appreciation for the role nonprofits play in everyday life and the importance of supporting others.

“The greatest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of community and helping others,” she said.

Her perspective on giving back has grown as she has seen firsthand how local organizations work together to support those in need.

“Youth Council has shown me how integral nonprofits are to making our community function and how our community shows up for one another,” Siri explained.

As she looks ahead, Siri plans to attend the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, where she will play volleyball and major in Kinesiology. She hopes to continue her education by pursuing a Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Siri also plans to stay involved in her community in the years to come.

“In the future, I hope to continue serving my community by staying involved with nonprofits and volunteer opportunities, while encouraging others to stay involved as well,” she said.

Her advice to younger students considering Youth Council reflects her experience:

“Youth Council is an amazing opportunity. You’ll learn so much about your community and all the ways to support it. It’s an incredible experience that will teach you more than you think.”

Siri’s experience is one of many that highlight the lasting impact of the Youth Council. For more than two decades, students have helped guide grantmaking, support local nonprofits, and grow as leaders while shaping the future of philanthropy in the Watertown area.