Kaylee Prewitt’s journey to national recognition is not just a story of personal achievement—it is a testament to her unwavering commitment to servant leadership and community service. The Indiana State University student, a lifelong advocate for youth empowerment, has been selected to serve on the 2025 Youth Advisory Council for YUSA, a position that will allow her to elevate youth voices in strategic decision-making on a national scale.
Growing up in Indiana, Kaylee always had a passion for advocacy and civic engagement. From a young age, she recognized the importance of youth participation in shaping the future of their communities. Whether through student government, nonprofit leadership, or spearheading community programs, Kaylee’s dedication to making a difference has been evident in every role she has taken on.
Her selection for the Youth Advisory Council is the culmination of years of commitment to service. The Council, a distinguished body of 21 young leaders from across the country, was established in 2023 to provide YUSA’s executive leadership and National Board with youth-driven perspectives on key issues. With only 3.8% of YMCA board members under the age of 30, the organization is actively working to amplify youth voices, and Kaylee’s appointment is a significant step in that direction.
As a council member for the February 2025 – February 2026 term, Kaylee will play a crucial role in ensuring that the Y remains relevant to young people at local, national and global levels. Her responsibilities include advising on emerging issues, advocating for increased youth representation in governance and helping develop the council’s long-term structure. This role aligns seamlessly with her passion for policy development, mental healthcare accessibility and strategic organizational growth.
Don Casey, Associate Center Executive at the Hendricks Regional Health YMCA, expressed immense pride in Kaylee’s achievement. “This was an incredibly competitive process, and Kaylee’s contributions to our community exemplify why she is so deserving of this opportunity. The Y believes that young people have the power to change the world, and we are excited to see how she leads positive change locally, nationally and globally.”
Kaylee’s leadership style is rooted in servant leadership—the belief that true leaders prioritize the needs of others and foster environments where all voices are heard. Whether advocating for mental health policy reforms, mentoring fellow students or working to expand nonprofit programming, she continuously seeks opportunities to create meaningful, lasting impact. Her ability to listen, innovate and collaborate makes her an ideal representative for young leaders across the country.
For Kaylee Prewitt, this appointment is more than an honor—it is a call to action. With a heart dedicated to service and a vision for a more inclusive, youth-driven future, she is poised to make an indelible impact on the YMCA and beyond. Her journey serves as an inspiration to young leaders everywhere, proving that passion, dedication and a commitment to community can create real, transformative change. Congratulations Kaylee!
