It is with great confidence and enthusiasm that I recommend Ketaki Deo to you. Ketaki is the kind of student that makes people say, “That girl is going places.” What makes Ketaki stand out is that she is not “going places” out of selfish ambition. Rather, her passion for helping others, especially those in dire need of justice and equal rights, drives all that she does.

As the Leadership Development Director of the Sammamish Family YMCA, I work with Ketaki in a number of different capacities. Ketaki has been a member of our Youth and Government program for three years now. Youth and Government is a mock-government program where delegates speak publicly, debating bills that they have personally written. Through this, Ketaki has displayed the ability to articulate herself and be well-spoken, even in tense situations. Last year, Ketaki had the leadership position of Vice Chair at our statewide conference of several hundred students. Most notable, however, was her bill on implementing proper sexual assault penalties in schools. Her bill was one of five bills, chosen from hundreds, sent to Washington State Governor Jay Inslee to be considered as an actual bill for the Washington State Legislature. This speaks to …show more content…
Even as a high school student, Ketaki is well versed in planning and implementing community events. The most notable of these events, the Y’s Spring Festival known as Eggstravaganza, attracted over 2,000 community members last year. Ketaki was the primary person in charge of managing all of the volunteers overseeing our carnival games. Ketaki’s enthusiasm, organizational skills, and willingness to serve others contributed to the event’s success, and clearly displayed her savvy leadership abilities. Ketaki is passionate aboutmaking change locally and globally and is well equipped to do