Student Czarinah Castro Named to Board of Trustees
Oct 9, 2026Bellevue College is pleased to welcome the newest member of its Board of Trustees, student Czarinah Castro, appointed in August 2026 by Gov. Bob Ferguson.
Bellevue College is pleased to welcome the newest member of its Board of Trustees, student Czarinah Castro, appointed in August 2026 by Gov. Bob Ferguson. Castro is currently enrolled in the Bellevue College Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Molecular Biosciences program and expects to graduate in June 2027, with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.
Originally from the Philippines, Castro brings her unique perspectives as a student and first-generation immigrant to the six-member board that sets strategy and budgets for the college. During her one-year term, she plans to focus on equitable access, student wellness, and academic support systems.
“Underrepresented student populations require specialized support, and those programs need to be sustainable,” Castro said. “I will use my voice on the Board of Trustees to ensure every policy decision honors the lived experiences and needs of our campus community.”
Currently a resident assistant for student housing at Bellevue College, Castro has also served as the liaison officer for the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Association (APISA). Off campus, she uses her time to support causes aligned with her values, working with the Washington Autism Alliance and the American Red Cross. After graduation, the 22-year-old plans to take a gap year to work in biomedical research — specifically focusing on CAR-T cell immunotherapy — while applying to medical school.
Castro was interested in the trustee role because, as someone who navigated the transition from an international background into higher education leadership, she is aware of how to make the pathway to success clearer and more accessible. Because she lives on campus, she sees how policies impact students’ lives on a day-to-day basis.
“I carry a profound gratitude for the opportunities at Bellevue College,” she said. “Serving this institution is not just a role to me but an honor rooted in a desire to leave the College more welcoming to a diverse set of students.”