2023-2024 Cupertino Teen Commissioners

Shivika Biswari - Chair  Term Ending: 8/31/25			I like to play golf in my spare time. Golf is a sport that allows me to challenge myself and spend time in nature. I enjoy listening to and learning Indian classical music.  I am honored to serve as a Cupertino Teen Commissioner, and to be the voice for teens in the City.
Peter Chen - Vice Chair  Term Ending: 8/31/25			I love meeting new people and I hope that you’ll feel free to contact me about anything that’s on your mind! In my free time, I like swimming, playing superhero (aka being a lifeguard). I love eating and trying out new foods!"
Chelsea Lau Term Ending: 8/31/26			I enjoy playing tennis and volleyball. I like to play guitar and sing. I like public speaking and meeting new people.
Harly Liu Term Ending: 8/31/26			I love traveling and hiking in the wild. I am a big Lord of the Rings fan. I love reading (history and speculative science fiction) but really anything.
Anika Mukherjee Term Ending: 8/31/25			I love playing volleyball! I love reading and my favorite genre is historical fiction. I speak 3 languages (English, Bengali, and Hindi) and am learning 2 (Spanish and Japanese) currently.   .
Rohin Garg Term Ending: 8/31/25			I love traveling and have visited over 20 countries. Phineas and Ferb has been my favorite show for over 10 years. I can eat pizza every day without ever getting bored of it.
Anushree Misra  Term Ending: 8/31/26			I want to be a part-time tea taster someday. I enjoy trying new kinds of cheese. Bluey is my and my brother's favorite show.
Brianna Su Term Ending: 8/31/26			I am a passionate lover of pickles.  I am allergic to cats, but I have a cat named Miso. I look forward to serving as a Teen Commissioner.

• Are required to be residents of Cupertino throughout their term.
• Are required to be INCOMING 8th - 11th graders. Members may be in 12th grade during their term, but seniors are not eligible to apply.
• Must be informed of City-wide issues, problems, and resources.
• Should have a thorough knowledge of their school's resources and contacts. Being on ASB or student council is beneficial, but not a requirement.
• Must have a genuine passion for serving as a representative of the Cupertino community.
• Must promote Teen Commission and relevant City initiatives to their school population.
• Have a desire to make lasting change for the City of Cupertino.
• Must have the bandwidth to dedicate significant time to Teen Commission projects.
• Attend various, assigned City Council and other City Commission meetings.
• Attend all Teen Commission meetings, events, and other assigned meetings. 
• Second Wednesday of each month unless canceled or a special meeting is called.
• Be able to professionally defend your stance and collaboratively work with fellow commissioners.
• Be easily accessible to respond to staff, constituents, and community.

Teen Commission Recruitment is currently CLOSED.

Questions regarding the Teen Commission Application can be directed to cityclerk@cupertino.org. 

Information on Teen Commission Recruitment can be found at:

https://www.cupertino.org/our-city/commissions

Throughout the years the Teen Commission has advised  and given feedback to City staff on:

• Programs that address teen stress and improving mental health
• Intergenerational Programs
• Programs that provide volunteer and job opportunities 

Commissioners have represented the Teen Commission as moderators and judges at programs such as:

• Pizza and Politics
• HACK
• Spelling Bee
• Senior Center Intergenerational Event

What is it?

The Cupertino Teen Commission would like to recognize local youth-led organizations making positive impacts in their community. 

What is defined as a Youth-Led Organization (YLO)?

A Youth-Led Organization (YLO) is any organization which has been created by a Cupertino resident under the age of 18 that positively improves and supports residents of the Cupertino community. This may include student-run non-profit organization, school clubs, school organizations, or any group of students making positive impacts for the Cupertino community.

Eligibility Requirements

• Organization must be organized and led by students currently enrolled in middle or high school
• Organization must serve primarily Cupertino residents and community
• Organization must have been active for at least six months
• Organization must present to Teen Commission to be considered 

Evaluation 

Applications will be evaluated by the Teen Commission based on a set of criteria that will include but is not limited to:

• Community Impact
• Presence and Engagement
• Establishment and Longevity
• Originality

The City’s Parks and Recreation Department will work with chosen YLOs to prepare an organization highlight on the City’s social media channels. Highlights on social media will be periodic. This application process does not guarantee that a YLO will be chosen to be highlighted. Teen Commission is not required to highlight a minimum number of YLOs .

Contact Sonya Lee at sonyal@cupertino.org if your YLO would like to present at a Teen Commission meeting.