Anjali Riddick is a Job Developer/Youth Counselor with the Human Services Department’s Seattle Youth Employment Program (SYEP), which supports young people in pursuing careers that pay well and are meaningful to them. In February’s Employee Spotlight, Anjali writes about the life-changing work of empowering young people to advocate for themselves and use their voices.
What is your role at Seattle Human Services?
As an SYEP Job Developer/Youth Counselor since May 2025, I support SYEP interns and their supervisors throughout the summer internship process. From assisting with hiring paperwork and pre-work orientation to job-site coaching and logistics, my goal is to make the process as smooth and rewarding as possible. I’m also part of the team that creates workshops and training opportunities for youth and young adults and the employers working with them.
Last year, I volunteered to emcee the End of Summer Celebration at the Seattle Aquarium. This required leaving my comfort zone a bit to speak in front of more than 200 people and help introduce the mayor.
What do you love about your job?
The young people! The youth and young adults in our spaces have the ability create change in world where power and resources are not evenly distributed. Giving young people opportunities that they may not otherwise have access to is crucial for shifting narratives. The more we listen as adults, the more we learn. The more we humanize the work, the more culturally responsive we can be.
I love that my work allows me to center youth experiences. I love to see young people surprise themselves by what they can achieve on their own when given the chance. Supporting them through education and employment opportunities can have life-changing impacts. We’re empowering young people to advocate for themselves and use their voices.
I also love collaborating with my SYEP team and trying to be the best team player possible. We debrief all of our workshops and activities to continually improve our program. It’s all about providing the best support we can for our young people where they are at and giving them what they want and need.
How do you contribute to HSD’s overarching goals related to racial equity?
I have always focused on social justice issues impacting young people from my undergraduate studies at University of Washington in the Comparative History of Ideas program with a focus of social justice in public education. I have spent the past 10-plus years working with young people experiencing homelessness and housing instability in public school settings, residential programs, homeless shelters, drop-in centers, and community spaces. I have been a strong believer and advocate for equal access, opportunity, and resources for all young people.
As an immigrant from India, I have experienced firsthand the systemic barriers, racism, and inequitable systems and processes. Many of the young people in the SYEP program come from underserved communities and face even deeper challenges. Helping them navigate these challenges, advocating for them, and coaching them on how to meet their goals increases their opportunities for success.
I also have participated in Change Team meetings with my fellow HSD employees to support the City’s Race and Social Justice Initiative work.
What motivates you and keeps you going?
I am grateful to work on an amazing supportive team that puts young people first. I am also the mother of three boys, and it is my children and the young people I’ve served that I’ve learned so much from. They keep me going and give me hope for the future leaders.