As a representative on the East Bay Municipal Utility District Board of Directors, Young has been active in water quality and water policy issues for decades. Prior to her current position, Young was co-chair of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program's Water Quality Committee, which instigated regional cooperation among water agencies to address drinking water quality issues related to delta water supplies. As California Director of Clean Water Action her work also included service as an appointed member of California’s Source Water Assessment Advisory Committee, the EPA Federal Advisory Committee on the Multiple Disinfection By-product Rule, and California’s Recycled Water Task Force. 

Young co-founded the League of Conservation Voters-East Bay, is a former board member of Friends of the River, and co-chairs the Loma Prieta Paddlers Whitewater Slalom Races on Cache Creek. She is an avid whitewater kayaker and vintage trailer enthusiast.