Storytelling For Change
Created “Storytelling for Change,” a youth project aiming to Rowan is the founder of “Storytelling for Change,” a youth-led project dedicated to amplifying diverse voices through arts advocacy. Through SFC, Rowan works to connect young people with meaningful arts resources, empower them to use creative expression for social good, and ensure that youth have access to the equipment and support needed to create impactful art.
Storytelling for Change emphasizes the role of the arts in community building, identity exploration, and advocacy. Under Rowan’s leadership, the project provides opportunities for youth to share their stories, elevate underrepresented perspectives, and engage in collaborative artistic initiatives that promote equity and understanding.
SFC is proudly sponsored by the Western Washington Peace Affiliation, which supports Rowan’s mission to cultivate a more inclusive, expressive, and socially conscious youth arts community.
Auburn Junior City Council Vice Chair
Rowan serves as the Vice Chair of the Auburn Junior City Council, where they play an active role in shaping youth-centered initiatives and strengthening community engagement. In this leadership position, Rowan focuses on advancing LGBTQ+ rights, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that the voices of marginalized young people are represented in local decision-making.
Rowan helps coordinate community events aimed at bringing residents together, promoting civic involvement, and creating safe, welcoming spaces for all youth. Their work includes supporting outreach efforts, collaborating with peers and city leaders, and advocating for programs that celebrate diversity and encourage meaningful dialogue within the community.
Through their service on the Junior City Council, Rowan continues to champion equity, visibility, and empowerment—working to make Auburn a more inclusive and connected place for every young person.
Gates Foundation Youth Ambassador Program
Rowan is a Youth Ambassador with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where they work alongside a diverse group of young leaders committed to advancing global health, education, and equity. In this role, Rowan contributes to advocacy initiatives that elevate youth perspectives and support meaningful policy and community-driven solutions.
As an ambassador, Rowan participates in leadership development sessions, collaborates on impact-focused projects, and uses storytelling and outreach to raise awareness about key issues such as health equity, educational access, and sustainable development. Their involvement includes engaging with peers, experts, and changemakers to deepen their understanding of global challenges and strengthen their ability to drive positive change.
Through the program, Rowan has further developed a strong commitment to social impact and continues to use their voice and skills to help shape a more equitable and inclusive future.
Washington Youth Leadership Cohort
Rowan is a member of the Washington Youth Leadership Cohort, where they collaborate with emerging young leaders from across the state to address community challenges and strengthen youth representation in civic spaces. As part of the cohort, Rowan contributes to policy discussions, participates in leadership development workshops, and works to elevate youth perspectives in statewide conversations about equity, education, and social impact.
AP Education Advocacy
Rowan also advocates for equity and accessibility within Advanced Placement (AP) education. Their work focuses on expanding access to rigorous coursework, promoting culturally responsive instruction, and addressing barriers that prevent marginalized students from fully participating in advanced academic pathways. Through outreach and collaboration with peers and educators, Rowan works to ensure that all students have the resources and support they need to succeed in AP programs.
Civics Unplugged
Rowan is a participant in Civics Unplugged, a national program that empowers young people to become civic innovators and changemakers. Through this fellowship, Rowan engages in civic leadership training, systems-thinking workshops, and collaborative projects designed to reimagine and strengthen democratic systems. Their involvement in Civics Unplugged reflects a commitment to long-term civic engagement and to building a more inclusive, future-focused democracy.
King County Metro Equity Intern
Rowan served as a King County Metro Equity Intern, supporting efforts to advance equitable transportation access across the region. In this role, Rowan contributed to projects focused on improving transit equity, uplifting community feedback, and ensuring that public transportation systems serve all riders—especially those from historically underserved communities.
Their work included assisting with community outreach, analyzing equity-focused data, and collaborating with Metro staff on initiatives that promote inclusive, accessible, and sustainable transit solutions. Rowan’s commitment to equity and community-centered policy guided their contributions to the agency’s mission of building a more just and connected transportation network.
National League of Cities Conference
Rowan attended the National League of Cities Conference, engaging with city leaders, policymakers, and fellow youth delegates from across the country. During the conference, they participated in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions focused on municipal governance, equity, and innovative community solutions.
Their involvement allowed them to gain insights into effective local leadership, share youth perspectives on civic issues, and contribute to conversations about building more inclusive and responsive cities. This experience strengthened Rowan’s commitment to civic engagement and youth-led impact in municipal policy.