Highlands Council Board of Trustees
One of the core values my mom instilled in me from childhood is to be grateful for everything: for the privilege I have in my life and the people who have helped me, and to use that privilege to help others.
I would say the Issaquah Highlands community has positively impacted my life and motivated me to give back to my community in every way I can, just like my mom. Not only has my mom spent four years on Highlands Council’s Board of Trustees, she also served on the Issaquah Highlands Community Development Committee, and volunteered weekly at local nonprofits serving lunch for the elderly and dinners for the residents of Seattle’s Hope Place, a shelter for women and children.
Even during this difficult time of COVID-19, my mom made the difficult decision to go to India and spend time with my grandfather during his last few weeks, until his very last breath. Her dedication to her community, both local and beyond, as well as to her family, has remained unwavering regardless of the circumstances.
My mom has, by far, been the most inspirational person in my life. I am incredibly lucky to be her daughter. Congratulations Mom on being named Issaquah Highlands’ Volunteer of the Month!
Ami and I have always shared the idea that getting involved in the workings of your community is a way to stay informed and make a difference. Her quiet and intelligent style lent to playing a significant role in how Issaquah Highlands was to be governed. Her knowledge and leadership have been much appreciated by me and the Highlands Council staff, as well as her fellow members of the board of trustees. Congratulations Ami!
— Larry Norton, Highlands Council Board of Trustees President Emeritus and Crofton Springs resident
In just the last year, Ami has served as secretary of the board [of trustees] and handled the legal duties of that position. She has served on the board’s public transportation sub-committee and volunteered for various events, including Highlands Day. She has done this while supporting her family internationally and pursuing her career interests. She has been a true friend and supporter. She represents the best of our community.
— Gary Ashby, Highlands Council Board of Trustees President and Sunset Walk resident
Over my ten years at Highlands Council, I have benefited from Ami’s presence. She has been a thoughtful sounding board regarding community initiatives, a cheerleader when times were difficult, and a positive example of a true servant leader. I have had the pleasure to mentor both her children on the Highlands Youth Advisory Board and, over the last four years, partner with her as a board trustee. Congratulations on being named Issaquah Highlands’ Volunteer of the Month for June 2020. Well deserved!
— Christy Garrard, Highlands Council Executive Director and Dahlia Park resident
Photos: (Top) Daughter Anika Mehta (left) with her mother, Ami Desai Mehta. (Bottom) Ami Desai Mehta is our June Volunteer of the Month, pictured here in her neighborhood in Issaquah Highlands.
Inspired to get involved in the Issaquah Highlands community?
Visit issaquahhighlands.com/volunteer to discover all of the different ways you can get involved in our Issaquah Highlands community or contact Lindsey Pinkston at lindsey.p@ihcouncil.org.
