National Women's Political Caucus of Washington

CITY POSITIONS

Carolyn Moulton

Anacortes City Council

Position 6

Carolyn Moulton was appointed to City Council in April 2019. She serves on the Skagit County Homeless Housing Plan Task Force, the Anacortes Housing Affordability and Community Services Committee, and the Bicycle-Pedestrian Advisory Committee. She has also served on the Anacortes Parks Foundation and the Anacortes Community Forest Advisory Board. Carolyn works diligently to help legislate environmentally and socially responsible policies to increase the availability of affordable housing and enhance the connectivity of Anacortes’ multi-modal transportation network. Carolyn holds a BA in English and manages a bicycle shop. She supports Planned Parenthood because all women deserve access to affordable health care and reproductive freedom of choice.

Barbara Tolbert

Arlington Mayor

Barb has served as Arlington's mayor for eight years, during that time Barb has advocated for economic equity in the community and a seat at the table for anyone who wants to participate. The community has changed with five women on the seven person city council, and women in senior management roles at the City. Barb has regularly participated in forums to help women who desire leadership positions. Including the EVCC women's day panel for the past two years. Barb believes in giving back to the community and currently mentors elementary age girls in a local school. Barb believes the best ideas are not tied to gender but rather a compassionate and intellectual approach to solving problems without unintended consequences.

Michele Blythe

Arlington City Council

Position 4

Michele was appointed Vice-Chair of the Civil Service Commission for the city Arlington, and is member of the Board of Directors for the Stilly Valley Chamber of Commerce. Michele has enjoyed a successful career in the banking industry for 30 years, where she managed millions of dollars in deposits and loans while mentoring hundreds of staff. She has consistently been an advocate for coaching others to achieve their dreams. Working in this industry gave her the opportunity to help advance the careers of many women. Having been a single mom herself for several years gave her the insight of the many challenges women can encounter. Michele has demonstrated strong passion about animal welfare by supporting several local organizations. Her favorite, N.O.A.H. (Northwest Organization for Animal Help). During her banking career, she worked her way up from a teller position and was continually promoted to positions of increased responsibility such as Chief Operations Officer, Retail District Manager and Vice President. She is a Graduate of the Retail School of Banking, an extension of Furman University in South Carolina. She has volunteered on a variety Boards pertaining to Government Affairs, Chambers of Commerce and Non-profits. She believes her passion to serve and help others in conjunction with her successful career has prepared her as she runs for City Council of Arlington.

Kirsten Hytopoulos

Bainbridge Island City Council

Position 1

Kirsten Hytopoulos’ interest in an alternative to the traditional winner-take-all approach to the practice of law began in law school where, as Student Bar Association president, she worked with the administration to reduce the high pressure, adversarial nature of the academic environment. After working as a criminal prosecutor and a college instructor, Kirsten took time off from the law to focus on raising her three young children and to work on local political issues, ultimately serving four years on the Bainbridge Island City Council. Following her own divorce, Kirsten returned to the practice of law, choosing to focus on collaborative divorce, a process that she believes equalizes the playing field between divorcing spouses and ensures that the needs of lower earning spouses -- who are disproportionately women – are fully considered and addressed.

Leslie Schneider

Bainbridge Island City Council

Position 4

A graduate of UCLA (BA Communications), Leslie has worked on sustainability and local economy starting in 1992 volunteering for Sustainable Seattle and the Business Alliance for Local Living Economy. She helped start Jackson Place Cohousing, providing leadership for the construction of 27 homes and common spaces. She moved to Bainbridge Island in 2009; in 2011 she co-founded OfficeXpats, a coworking shared office and collaborative hub for independent professionals. OfficeXpats won the Chamber of Commerce small business of the year award for support of the community. Leslie served on the boards of Sustainable Bainbridge and the Kitsap Regional Library Foundation. In the 2017 election, she co-sponsored a fundraising event for Sherry Appleton. On May 1, 2018 Leslie was sworn in for a vacated Bainbridge City Council seat (competing against 10 other applicants). If elected, she will continue creating affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and climate responsibility/resiliency.

Candy Bonneville

Battle Ground City Council

Position 3

Candy Bonneville has an Associates degree in Management and Supervisory Development from Portland Community College. She has worked as a supervisor in a Fortune 500 company for over 25 years. Candy has run for office once before in 2015, Battle Ground City Council Position 7. Candy has a 10-year history working as a board member with the 18th legislative district Democrats, 4+ years as chair of that organization.

Janice Zahn

Bellevue City Council

Position 5

Janice was elected in 2017 to Bellevue City Council. She is an immigrant from Hong Kong with double Masters in Structural Engineering and Public Administration from the University of Washington. She has led Construction Management for the Port of Seattle for over a decade. Janice is on Youthlink Board, Disability Board and Sister Cities Association. Regionally she serves on the King County Flood District, 405/167 and Eastside Transportation Partnership boards. She shaped Transportation policy with the Comprehensive Plan, Vision Zero, Pedestrian and Bicycle Initiatives while on Bellevue Transportation Commission. She is an Advance Bellevue, Leadership Eastside and Leadership Tomorrow alumni. Janice helps others succeed. A mother of two daughters, Janice has served on several PTA boards, as a Girl Scout leader for over 10 years, led PEPs groups for new parents, and volunteered with local organizations committed to children and families, homelessness and food insecurity.

Jennifer Robertson

Bellevue City Council

Position 7

Jennifer is a municipal attorney, a mom, a Girl Scout Leader and a three-term member of the Bellevue City Council. She is seeking her fourth term in 2019. Jennifer’s regional council assignments focus on public safety, land use and transportation. She represents Bellevue on the Medic One Task Force, the King County Growth Management Planning Council, the Puget Sound Regional Council Transportation Policy Board and serves Sound Cities as an alternate on the Domestic Violence Initiative Task Force.

Jennifer is an attorney specializing in land use and municipal law with the firm Northwest Urban Law PLLC. Over the course of her legal career, Jennifer has served as legal counsel to over 20 Washington municipalities. Prior to being elected to the Council, Jennifer served on the Bellevue Planning Commission for six years, including serving as Chair. She also co-chaired Bellevue’s Light Rail Best Practices Committee. In addition to her work for Bellevue, Jennifer helped establish an affordable housing project for homeless veterans on her church property. She has long served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader and volunteer for Bellevue schools. Her husband is a small business owner. They have three daughters who range in age from 14 to 21.

April Barker

Bellingham Mayor

Dual Endorsement

April Barker moved to Bellingham in 1999 to complete her Master’s degree and now is an educator, small business owner, and member of the Bellingham City Council. In 2016, she dove into the Women’s Economic Security (WES) work with the Whatcom County League of Women Voters, where she helped develop positions that build equity into future League work by advocating to close the women’s wealth gap and ensure women have what they need to be successful. Working with the League to recognize the intersectionality of race and gender, April helped the WES group evolve into the Racial Equity/Healthy Democracy Committee, which advocates for better inclusion of women of color in the League’s positions and leadership. April believes that children, family and caregiving issues are women’s issues--she works to improve access to housing and childcare, and she advocates for basic worker protections for the predominantly female caregiving workforce. April will keep these issues front and center as Mayor.

Pinky Vargas

Bellingham Mayor

Dual Endorsement

Pinky first became a Bellingham City Council member to be a voice for women, the environment and social justice. She has served as President of City Council, Chair of the Finance Committee and Lake Whatcom Natural Resources. She is currently Chair of Community and Economic Development and is focused on the huge challenges of Housing, Homelessness, and Economic Development. She has a vision of a vibrant, healthy city and urges us to work together for solutions to ensure everyone feels safe, has housing, jobs and opportunity.

Active in her community, Pinky serves on the Boards for Bellingham Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Bellingham Partnership, and Whatcom Tourism. Pinky has been a champion in her community for equity and civil rights for LGBTQ, immigrants, women, the environment, reducing incarceration and economic vitality.

Hollie Huthman

Bellingham City Council

At Large

Ashanti Monts-Treviska

Bellingham City Council

Ward 3

 "I am Ashanti" are the first words that Ashanti ever expressed myself at age of four. That was the first understanding Ashanti had about self before they develop a relationship with English and its relational view of the world. Because of this experience, Ashanti have thought outside the box and without box when it comes to learning new things about life or about how we interact with people. As a native Floridian, Ashanti was exposed to various cultures that led themself to experience their whole being as a cultural-linguistic intersectional womxn authentically. Speaking American Sign Language (ASL) is their holistic language to convey their true essence and how they share their own learning processes in understanding of the reality of the current social-cultural climates on the community level. Ashanti's experience of graduate studies had empowered and INpowered self to unpack self on a deeper level. Ashanti gained insights of inner creativity, transformative justice, and mindfulness from the journey of obtaining master’s degree in Transpersonal Psychology and certificate in Spiritual Psychology from Sofia University. 

Lisa Anderson

Bellingham City Council

Ward 5

Lisa Anderson is a community advocate and volunteer. As a Bellingham Planning Commissioner, she balances competing demands of businesses, development, environmental integrity while respecting the expertise and inclusion of neighborhoods in shaping their city as they grow. As a neighborhood board member, she led zoning changes to build apartments for low-income seniors. She led a successful campaign to close a drug harboring motel that impacted the health and safety of her community. She advocates for urban villages specifying inclusion of affordable housing and safe accessible transit. As a homelessness single mom she worked her way through community college to earning her M.Ed. Lisa is a proud union member of AFSCME at Whatcom Community College where she assists student’s to reach their educational goals. When elected as a Bellingham City Councilor, she will be a strong leader for smart growth, the environment, living wage jobs, and protecting the health and safety of her community.

Kristiana de Leon

Black Diamond City Council

Position 5

Kristiana de Leon was first inspired to contribute to her community through public office because of the leadership of such women as Senator Patty Murray. This inspiration was most recently renewed when Kristiana had the honor of campaigning in the 2018 election for an array of empowering women candidates. As a candidate for Black Diamond City Council and alumnus of the RunVoteLead training, Kristiana plans to use this seat to advocate for greater language and policies around equity and inclusion, including for women, LGBTQI+ people, and communities of color. Most recently, along with other women in the community, Kristiana drafted and advocated for a joint “inclusion proclamation” between the Maple Valley City Council and Tahoma School Board. Indeed, as a public school employee, including as a teacher, Kristiana has striven to find ways in which she could use her positions to advocate on behalf of young women.

Davina Duerr

Bothell City Council

Position 6

Davina Duerr graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor’s of Architecture degree and works at a local architecture firm. Her community involvement includes serving as Chair of Bothell’s Landmark Preservation Board and Vice President of the Northshore Schools Foundation Board. In 2016 she was elected to the Bothell City Council and is the Deputy Mayor. Currently Davina serves on PRSC’s Transportation Policy Board, WSDOT Executive Advisory Board and has served on the Domestic Violence Initiative Task Force. She was recently elected to the Board of Directors of the Sound Cities Association. Davina believes that the best way to advocate for women is to show them what’s possible and to support them in their goals. She was part of hiring a female city manager and enthusiastically supports Bothell’s new Diversity and Inclusion staff committee promoting the hiring and support of women and minorities. She actively seeks out women for city boards and commissions and city council.

Leslie Daugs

Bremerton City Council

District 2

Leslie Daugs is the Vice-President of the Bremerton City Council and in her 3rd term as the Councilwomen for District 2. Like many first generation Filipinos, Leslie’s parents moved to Bremerton because of the Navy. She was born and raised in Bremerton, WA. Leslie, and her husband Daryl, have three children and two grand children. During her tenure on council Leslie has successfully championed legislation to support women, children and families including: protection of immigrant families, minorities, members of the LGBTQ community, banning sale of pets from puppy mills, and banning single use plastic bags. Councilwoman Daugs is a fearless advocate and has spent much of her time on council as the sole progressive woman fighting for women, children & families.

Sofia Aragon

Burien City Council

Position 6

Sofia Aragon is the Executive Director of the Washington Center for Nursing, a 501(c)(3) that which works to improve the health of Washington through nursing. She earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Washington; a BS in Nursing from Seattle University, and a Juris Doctor from Loyola University-Chicago School of Law. Sofia serves on the board of directors for the WA Low Income Housing Alliance with the goal of addressing the homelessness crisis and Asian Pacific Americans for Civic Empowerment. She is currently the 2nd Vice Chair of the 34th District Democrats, services as PCO, and has served as an Obama Delegate in 2012. Sofia has advocated for women’s issues throughout her career. In her former role as Policy Manager for the WA State Department of Health, she worked on efforts to continue funding family planning and Title X programs. As Governmental Affairs Adviser for the WA State Nurses Association, she worked in coalition with NARAL Pro-Choice WA and Planned Parenthood to protect women’s rights. In her current role of Executive Director, she has the opportunity to engage the WCN in Nursing Now!, a global initiative to raise awareness of nursing’s impact to advance economic equity for women worldwide.

Adair Hawkins

Carnation City Council

Position 1

Adair Hawkins is passionate about service and advocating for families, women and children. She works as a Registered Dental Hygienist and is married to a local Fire Fighter. They have 4 children. The reason she will be running for Carnation City Council, position #1 is because through volunteering, she has learned that women in leadership create positive change. Adair has had the opportunity to work in public health, the Good Neighbor Fund, (which provides money for groceries, gasoline and rent to local low-income families,) and is a leader for the Carnation Elementary PTSA committee which focuses on advocating children with special needs and children whom English is a second language. This will be the first time Adair is running for an elected position and is looking forward to listening to community members who have not always had a voice.

Tracey Yeager Blackburn

Carnation City Council

Position 3

A Chicago native transplanted to Seattle, Washington, Tracey Yeager Blackburn has found herself in many roles. Parent, caregiver, patient advocate, cancer researcher, storyteller, and corporate professional. Adding widow to her list was not planned, but has helped her create a new path that validates the grieving process while carving out a new niche of self-realization. She has masterfully taken her experiences as a successful corporate marketing professional turned caregiver and patient advocate into an opportunity to share that life is not always what you plan. Today, she is continuing her passion for public service by running for Carnation City Council Position #3 where she hopes to support and contribute to the community she has lived in for the past 10 years. Prior public service roles include her serving on the City of Carnation’s Planning Board from 2014 – 2017. Tracey’s blog can be found at traceyblackburn.net and on Twitter at @TheOnlyTraceyB.

Luisa Bangs

Des Moines City Council

Position 2

Council member Luisa Bangs is from Spokane, Washington. She majored in Business Administration completing 3 years of college Luisa has had several management positions: Assistant manager with a California branch of Household Finance, experiencing first hand the practice of redlining Hispanic communities behind the scenes. This experience led her to focus on inspiring people of color, especially women from various cultural backgrounds to engage in the political process, to understanding how our city government works.

Luisa has lived in Des Moines since 1996; been active in the community, volunteering on the Arts Commission and the Police Chief’s Advisory Board, was appointed to City Council in 2015 and then elected in 2016, and serves on the SCA Regional Law Safety and Justice Committee. She continues to work to educate her community on how our city government works and how their contributions make positive changes.

Diane Buckshnis

Edmonds City Council

Position 4

Dual Endorsement

Diane Buckshnis seeks a third term Edmonds’ City Council Member. Buckshnis has a proven record of listening and advocating for women, children and minorities. Diane’s record reflects a consistent strong voice and effective legislation for: governmental and financial transparency, environment, and community empowerment. Buckshnis spear-headed financial transparency through revamped financial and budget reporting and crafting financial policies and procedures. To save Mother Earth, Diane has sat on the Water Resource Area Inventory 8 Salmon Recovery Council for nine years. She was instrumental in listing the Edmonds Marsh on WRIA 8 priority list making it eligible for competitive grants. During Diane’s tenure, formal City Board and Commissions have been formed: The Diversity, Youth, and Housing Commissions and Tree Board. Resolutions passed relating to Racism, Diversity, Tax exemptions for Affordable Housing, Domestic Violence, Safe Streets, Gun Violence and more.

Jenna Nand

Edmonds City Council

Position 4

Dual Endorsement

Jenna Nand is an attorney, small business owner, and a first time political candidate. She is a grassroots activist for the Democratic Party and serves as Vice-Chair for the 32nd District Democrats. Jenna provides pro bono legal representation to men and women seeking asylum status to avoid deportation. I plan to advocate for women by ensuring increased access to services for women experiencing homelessness in my community. I am strongly pro-choice and am proud to be a feminist.

Alicia Crank

Edmonds City Council

Position 5

Alicia Crank is a lifelong Democrat and women empowerment advocate. She has served on several boards and commissions in Silicon Valley and Greater Seattle, including Emerge Washington, Edmonds Chamber of Commerce and the KMVT Community Media. Alicia is currently serving her third year on the Edmonds Planning Board and second year as Vice Chair of the Snohomish County Airport Commission. In 2019, Alicia organized the first International Women’s Day event in Edmonds as well as fundraised to have underserved women and girls in the community to see Captain Marvel for free the same day. Her role as a corporate relations officer brings experience and understanding how corporate and nonprofit entities can successfully partner together. Alicia’s previous role as a community leadership director taught her the importance of fostering and maintaining partnerships within the corporate, non-profit, civic and residential communities.

Susan Paine

Edmonds City Council

Position 6

Community leader Susan Paine brings over 30 years of municipal and nonprofit experience to the position, including as a Director of the Edmonds School Board from 2005 – 2011. Paine did her undergraduate studies at the University of Washington, and later received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Seattle University. Susan then had a successful career working in the public and non-profit sectors as a Program Manager and Strategic Adviser in various capacities. Much of her work has included advocating for victims of domestic violence through program development for courts and law enforcement (7 years), worked closely with at-risk youth (12 years), and worked to bring racial and gender equity (5 years) through her work with the city of Seattle. Susan’s community work includes advocating for educational achievement, and environmental issues. Paine’s commitment and her campaign includes inclusive outreach and engagement to all of Edmonds - disrupting how some neighborhoods feel left out of decision making by city government.

Laura Johnson

Edmonds City Council

Position 7

Community organizer, mom, and small-business owner, Laura Johnson has worked with the community in supporting significant city council actions including the protection of the Edmonds Marsh, a resolution prohibiting the transport of coal and crude oil by rail, a moratorium on the use of crumb rubber on kids play and athletic fields, and legislation requiring safe-storage of firearms. Johnson organized a panel discussion on gun safety legislation, moderated a candidate forum for the local 2018 elections, advocated for a school district resolution against arming teachers and in support of state legislation to prevent gun violence, and organized a Safe Playing Fields outreach event which brought in stakeholders and elected officials from across the Puget Sound. Johnson currently serves as chair of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission, she served as legislative lead for the Edmonds Group of Moms Demand Action and is a founding member of the Edmonds Neighborhood Action Coalition.

Liz Vogeli

Everett City Council

Position 4

Liz was born in Fullerton, California and moved to Port Townsend, Washington when she was in the second grade. Due to familial and economic circumstances that are all too prevalent these days, her parents, siblings and self were homeless for a time. She was a young mother by the time she graduated from high school then went on to complete an Associate’s degree in college. Liz got married and became involved in community organizing while working at childcare centers and in the Head Start program. Her world changed when her husband of 12 years died from cancer. She later remarried, moved to Everett, Washington and continued community organizing in a different capacity. She has served as an executive of the Westmont-Holly Neighborhood Association, a volunteer with the NAACP, an organizer with the National Night Out Against Crime and a volunteer Ombudsman with the U.S. Coast Guard. She currently serves as a Member of the Everett City Council and is a member of the Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee that is organized by the National League of Cities.

Brenda Stonecipher

Everett City Council

Position 6

Brenda Stonecipher took office on the Everett City Council in 2004, becoming the only woman member. As a council member, Brenda has distinguished herself as being informed, progressive, and willing to be a minority vote when she believes legislation is not good for Everett residents. Brenda has worked to diversify the Council by recruiting, supporting, and endorsing the candidacies of women running for City Council. Her efforts have led to an historic level of leadership by women in Everett, with three members on Council. Brenda has also supported women running for other elected office, with financial backing, mentoring, and by volunteering her time to canvass neighborhoods on their behalf. Brenda grew up in south Everett, graduating from Cascade High School. She worked her way through college, earning an AA from Edmonds Community College, a BA in English Literature from the University of Washington, and an MBA from the Foster School of Business at the UW. She is a Certified Public Accountant. Over her career, Brenda has held leadership positions as Executive Director, CFO, and CEO at organizations in the region. She currently works as a consultant, providing strategic financial and operational advice to nonprofit organizations in the Puget Sound.

Susan Honda

Federal Way City Council

Position 3

Susan Honda was elected to the City Council in 2011. Served as chair of the Parks, Rec., Human Services & Public Safety Committee (PRHSPS) for 4 years. She served on the Land Use & Transportation Committee (LUTC). Re-elected in 2015, Honda served on the Finance, Economic Development & Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC). She is currently the Deputy Mayor of Federal Way. She is an advocate for volunteer community organizations, Honda attends and supports many events. She served as President; Soroptimists International and has served as Co-President of the Kiwanis Club. Honda also serves as an adviser to the Federal Way High School Key Club. Honda has trained at the Association of Washington Cities and earned the Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership. She is a member of the King County Board of Health, a member of the South County Area Transportation Board and a member of the Federal Way Domestic Violence Board. She was recently named State Director for the National Foundation for Women Legislators. Honda feels that it is an honor to serve the citizens of Federal Way and is always available to listen to concerns and issues of the citizens and business owners in the city.

Jamila Taylor

Federal Way City Council

Position 5

Jamila, (pronounced JAH-MEE-LAH), is a Federal way attorney who advocates for domestic violence survivors and other crime victims. An experienced regional leader, she has more than 20 years of community involvement and advocacy experience. She has served as a member of the board of directors of several local, regional, and national nonprofits since 1993, including her service on the Federal Way Human Services Commission, and on the boards for the Highline College Foundation and the Girl Scouts of Western Washington. Jamila has worked in the private sector for small businesses and in nonprofits. Jamila loves connecting community members with resources and opportunities. Most notably, she was the Central Area Network Coordinator for the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative at the Urban League and Therapeutic Health Services.

Katherine Festa

Federal Way City Council

Position 7

Katherine Festa has lived in Federal Way for 25 years. Katherine's volunteer work includes the Fed Way Coalition Against Trafficking, MMIW WA and The Chief's call for the City of Federal Way Police Department. Katherine leads a weekly support group of women who have experienced trauma, by teaching them to crochet, they open up and have space. Katherine has worked for King County for 17 years as a Housing Coordinator for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities. She is a past Chair for the King County Employee Giving Campaign for 14,000 employees that give $2 Mil to over 900 non-profits. She is also a founding member of the King County Native American Leadership Council. In this last position she is able to advise on policy work to help Women of Color/Native Americans get promoted and have special duty positions. Katherine was instrumental in helping the King County Women's Advisory Board with their proposal to Council about the need for affordable childcare in King County.

Robyn Denson

Gig Harbor City Council

Position 5

Robyn is running for city council to preserve Gig Harbor’s unique character through responsible development that retains the essence of the Gig Harbor we love. Robyn successfully manages a busy life as parent, business owner and volunteer with the Gig Harbor Parks Commissioner (four terms; two terms as Chair), Board Development Chair of Communities in Schools of Peninsula, Pierce County Conservation Futures Board, Founding Board Member of Harbor WildWatch, Peninsula School District Trades Council, Peninsula Emergency Preparedness Coalition and Gig Harbor Suicide Prevention Coalition. Robyn brings 20 plus years’ experience in non-profit program development. She also served the State of Washington Legislature for five sessions as a research analyst and is a former EMT. Robyn believes that busy women of all life-stages have critical and unique contributions to make in our political arena. She believes in encouraging and supporting women to run proud campaigns true to their characters!

Michele Kemper

Issaquah City Council

Position 2

Michele Kemper retired after 35+ year career as VP, Chief Compliance Officer with Symetra/Safeco. As the first woman named to VP position at Safeco Life Company in 1995, Michele understands the need for mentoring woman to take a seat in leadership. She is active in mentoring women for leadership roles through her role as a director on several boards including: Junior Achievement, Starlight Foundation, Camp Fire Boys and Girls, and Tiny Footprints/GAPPS. While serving on Issaquah’s Urban Village Development Council and non-profit boards focused on education, youth programs, and local environment, Michele developed an understanding of the important issues impacting our community. She is passionate in addressing vitality of neighborhoods, access to public services, support for local small businesses, and protecting open spaces, parks and outdoor recreation opportunities. Having been mentored through her career, Michele believes in paying it forward to empower woman in government.

Barbara de Michele

Issaquah City Council

Position 3

Barbara de Michele has lived in Issaquah for 35 years. During that time, she served professionally as the Director of Public Relations for the Issaquah School District (1985 to 1992), Community Relations Planner for King County Metro (1993 to 2010), and Executive Director for the Issaquah Schools Foundation Healthy Youth Initiative (2010 to 2017). From 1995 to 2003, Barbara served two terms on the Issaquah School Board. In 2004 she ran unsuccessfully for state House of Representatives, as a Democrat. She currently serves as a 5th District Democratic PCO. A lack of mental health awareness and services disproportionately impacts women. Barbara is running for the Issaquah City Council to provide a needed voice for the enhancement of local human and health services, with a focus on promoting and increasing mental health services.

Victoria Hunt

Issaquah City Council

Position 6

Council member Victoria Hunt is running to remain on Issaquah City Council. Victoria, appointed in 2018, is passionate about environmental stewardship and about preserving the qualities of Issaquah that residents value. Victoria has a PhD in ecology from University of Illinois. She previously worked as affiliate faculty in the Urban Design and Planning Department of University of Washington, and has consulted for the US Fish & Wildlife Service on large-scale restoration and invasive species management. She is currently a data analyst for Global Good, Intellectual Ventures. Before serving on council, Victoria volunteered for the city’s Planning Policy Commission. Victoria believes in leading by example and supports women by sharing her experience and encouraging civic engagement. Victoria offers the important perspective of a professional mother and wife in a leadership role raising two small children, ages 1 and 4 years old.

Tanaja Gravina

Kalama City Council

Position 5

After graduating from Kalama Class of 2003, I joined the U.S. Army, and deployed to Irag as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom 05-06. After returning home, I became very involved in my community, school sports and activities for my siblings, eventually enrolling my own daughter in Kalama. I have enjoyed all the community involvement and the village this town has built for our children to grow up in. I believe the only way to ensure they have a say in the future of this town, is to promote change and growth that provides them a voice and say in their home town. I plan to advocate for the will of the people and vote based on my constituents' choices, no matter my personal preference.

Suzanne Greathouse

Kenmore City Council

Position 1

Dual Endorsement

Suzanne has over 30 years of experience working with a broad spectrum of individuals, businesses, corporations, and universities. As a highly sought-after consultant and executive at AT&T, Suzanne coached new and experienced leaders, developed and led multicultural/virtual teams, managed complex business environments, and improved motivation and job satisfaction across multiple organizational and cross-functional systems. After retiring from AT&T Suzanne shifted her focus to her community where she serves on the Kenmore Planning Commission, Northshore Senior Center Board, Northshore Fire Department Commission, Kenmore Heritage Society Board, Kenmore Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, and volunteers at Mary’s Place family shelter. Suzanne actively represents the underserved in the community. As a City Council member, Suzanne will advocate for women and others needing to be heard by leveraging the knowledge and contacts developed through representing the community in other capacities.

Melanie O'Cain

Kenmore City Council

Position 1

Dual Endorsement

Melanie O’Cain attended the University of Washington and has worked for the Port of Seattle for 19 years and is currently the Accounting and Financial Reporting Records and Administration Manager and inaugural Chair of the Women’s Initiative Network (WIN) Employee Resource Group. WIN has a membership of over 160 Port of Seattle employees its purpose is to promote the advancement, empowerment, equity, and inclusion of women at the Port. She believes women’s medical/reproductive freedom is a human right and integral to a fair and just society. She believes women’s rights are human rights and impact all members of society. These rights must be protected and will stand up and fight for them.

Corina Pfeil

Kenmore City Council

Position 7

Corina Pfeil is from Kenmore, WA; a Behavioral Social Health Services Undergrad, and Pre-Public Health at the 4-year Lake WA Tech. College; previous study: additional areas of study: Diversity & Social Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Lifespan Psy; Prior work: Dental/Medical, Lake Washington College; Northshore School District Diversity and Equity Committee; NSD Family and Community Engagement; NSD Nutrition and Fitness Committee, NSD Core Strategic Planning Committee. A proven community leader she passed important legislation, contributed to policy language forming equitable policy to serve as a guide to our community. Recently she passed a Naloxone for schools and college dorms bill. Experienced in leadership, she has the respect of the community. She's willing to engage today's complex tough social issues in today's complex growing changing times. As an elected official she plans to share her voice for women's rights, support other women, and create awareness.

Lindy Verhei

Kennewick City Council

Position 7

Lindy was born in Kennewick and graduated from Southridge High School in 2003, then later from WSU Tri- Cities in 2011, with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. Lindy has worked as a mental health counselor and chemical dependency counselor, and is now a leasing consultant for low income housing. Lindy has the temperament and vision to lead Kennewick into the future, ensuring that all citizens are represented and listened to. In 1995, Lindy’s father was hiking in South Kennewick and was nearly killed when a drunk driver hit him head on. She is passionate about making every place handicap accessible during all seasons, and about ensuring public transportation and ride sharing programs the ability to work unhindered so that no one will have the excuse to drive under the influence. Lindy cares about the community and wants to get more people involved with volunteer organizations.

Kelli Curtis

Kirkland City Council

Position 2

Kelli Curtis was appointed to the Kirkland City Council and is running for election. Her experience in Kirkland includes joining the Park Board in 2015 and election to the Houghton Community Council in 2016. She also served on the Kirkland Housing Strategy Advisory Group. As a council member, she sits on the Planning and Economic Development Committee and the Legislative Work Group. Curtis’ early career was in the tech industry as a product manager for companies such as Aldus and Starwave. Later she became a Master Gardener, attended the LWIT Environmental Horticulture program, and launched Pots2Go, a garden design firm. Curtis is an advocate for women in politics and has leadership positions on her campaign for young volunteers. As a council member, Curtis will ensure that city policies support equal pay for women and access to maternal health care. Curtis attended the UW, with a B.A. in Communication and Media Studies and has lived in Kirkland 25 years.

Amy Falcone

Kirkland City Council

Position 6

Amy Falcone has been an active leader in the Kirkland community for several years, serving in her 3rd year as Human Services Commissioner and 4th year on the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance Board. She is also currently PTA President at Thoreau Elementary. As a special needs mom, Amy cares deeply about inclusion in the community. She is running for City Council to ensure that Kirkland remains a great place to live for future generations; by focusing on inclusivity, intentional growth, and community safety. Amy spent over a decade in social science research before moving to Kirkland, focusing on issues such as career advancement of women in the military and sexual harassment and assault in the military. She earned her Master of Arts Degree in Sociology and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Temple University, where she also taught an undergraduate Statistics class. She currently lives in the Finn Hill neighborhood with her husband and their three young children.

Lorri Bodi

Lake Forest Park City Council

Position 2

Lorri Bodi is an environmental lawyer with years of experience in conservation. She graduated from college and law school with honors, working her way through as a waitress, office assistant, and law clerk. She started out as a lawyer for EPA and NOAA, then left to establish the NW office of American Rivers, where a majority of staff and volunteers were women. Lorri’s ability to work with all kinds of people led to her becoming VP for Environment at Bonneville Power, where roughly half her staff were women. Lorri mentored individuals within and outside her group, and supported both the women’s and tribal resource groups. Along the way, she received a national award for environmental restoration and recognition from several Indian tribes. Now Lorri would like to build on this experience. She has been effective in supporting women and minority employees and bringing together groups of people with divergent views. She will continue to do so as an elected representative for LFP.

Mary Dickinson

Lake Stevens City Council

Position 4

I am a retired Spanish and ESL teacher and a longtime volunteer, particularly in organizations that work with children, such as Girl Scouts, PTA, founding member of the Down Syndrome Congress, Friends of the Library, Band Boosters, County-wide school Poster and Essay Contests on Dismantling Racism; working with local ARCs, etc. I have also used my Spanish skills at a local free clinic, ESL Middle School Achievers Program, working with DACA recipients in El Cambio in North Carolina, and when teaching Citizenship classes at a community college. I have always committed myself to doing whatever I can to better my community. I also have marched with Rev. Dr. William Barber and the NAACP Moral Monday marches in North Carolina multiple times and spoken up at State Legislature committee meetings regarding the NC practice of profiling immigrants. I was a founding member of the second chapter of Hispanic American Democrats in North Carolina. My husband and I have two married children and one grandson. We’ve been happily married 52 years.

Linda Farmer

Lakewood City Council

Position 6

Linda is the Chief Communications Officer for the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services. She has led communications for two South Sound cities, Pierce County Library System, Comcast, the Association of Washington School Principals, and Pacific Lutheran University. She got her start as a reporter and features editor for The Federal Way News. Linda holds a Bachelor of Arts in Editorial Journalism and Political Science from the University of Washington and a Master of Science in Communications Management from Syracuse University. Her capstone “Top 10 Secrets of Local Government Communicators,” won an Outstanding Master’s Project” award from the Women Executives in Public Relations Foundation of New York. In 2016, she served as an elected representative to the Pierce County Charter Review Commission where she pushed for ways to make County government less partisan and more accessible. She currently serves on the Community Advisory Board for KNKX 88.5 FM and was actively involved in the Save KPLU Campaign. As an elected official, Linda will continue to support women candidates in order to increase diverse perspectives where decisions are made.

Hillary Strobel

Longview City Council

Position 2

Hillary’s 25 year career has been committed to community, policy, and economic development. Her social science education, coupled with her MBA, has allowed her to serve cities in every stage of economic health, from natural disaster recovery to economic collapse due to industry withdrawal, and given her an extraordinary level of skill, leadership, and determination. Her record on advocacy for women has included participating in Women’s Marches, co-authoring a book exploring female rights in public spaces, advocating for trans women and their specific health needs, and volunteering for strong female candidates in both local and national campaigns.

Ruth Kendall

Longview City Council

Position 4

Ruth has a BS in Chemical Engineering. She worked at Weyerhaeuser for 29 years followed by 8 years as a project engineer for a software company. She worked her entire career in a traditionally male environment, starting as one of two female engineers at the mill. She was proud to be able to pave the way for younger women who followed her. Ruth is also the proud mother of 2 daughters who enjoy successful careers in the software and pharmaceutical industries. She actively encouraged them to not feel limited by their gender as they pursued their education and careers. Ruth is running for an elected office for the first time. She first became actively involved in politics during Carolyn Long's 2018 campaign for Congress. Longview City Council would be more effective with more women to better understand of women's issues and point of view. In addition to being a supporter of expanded opportunities for women, Ruth is a strong supporter of women's reproductive rights.

Harini Gokul

Medina City Council

Position 2

Harini Gokul is a global technology leader, an investor and an advocate for women and under-represented minorities. Her experience includes driving cloud adoption for tech companies, consulting and financial services. Harini is an investor in the Female Founders Alliance and on the advisory board of Future of Us, an initiative dedicated to accelerating the advancement of women of color. Harini is an international speaker, focusing on diversity, equity, innovation and the future of work.

Cynthia Adkins

Medina City Council

Position 4

Cynthia Adkins currently serves as Mayor of the Medina City Council. Born in Seattle, Cynthia received her law degree from the University of Washington. In 2003, Cynthia co-founded Adkins Black LLP, and she has over 20 years of experience as a business attorney providing counsel to biotechnology companies. Committed to elevating the role of women in biotech and STEM, Cynthia co-founded the Seattle chapter of Women in Bio, a non-profit dedicated to promoting careers, leadership and entrepreneurship for women and girls in life sciences.

Cynthia first began her public service in Medina in 2014, successfully leading the community group that saved Medina’s Fairweather Park & Nature Preserve. Cynthia was elected to Council in November 2015, and her fellow council members elected her Mayor for 2018-2019. Cynthia represents Medina at the monthly Points’ Community and Lake Washington Mayors’ meetings. Cynthia encourages efficient and iterative problem-solving, and works to minimize negative impacts from regional projects, such as the SR-520 bridge project. Recently, Cynthia led in collaborating with the State on a sound mitigation study for feasible solutions to reduce noise from bridge expansion joints. Cynthia is committed deeply to women’s rights and equality, and, in particular, to recruiting and electing women to office."

Wendy Weiker

Mercer Island City Council

Position 3

Council member Wendy Weiker was elected to the Mercer Island City Council in 2015. Her focus areas include environmental conservation, effective growth management, diversity and inclusion, and public safety. She also serves on the King County Emergency Management and Conservation District Advisory Boards. Wendy has over 20 years of professional public relations experience facilitating and leading community engagement programs for private companies and nonprofit organizations. As devoted mother of two teenagers, Wendy is committed to advancing social and economic opportunity for all people to fully realize their potential.

Debbie Bertlin

Mercer Island City Council

Position 7

Debbie Bertlin currently serves as Mayor of Mercer Island; she was Deputy Mayor 2016-2017. Her focus and career-long commitment has been on ensuring "good governance" through factual decision-making, transparent and public process, and consensus-based decision making. Debbie has been particularly focused on transportation matters, growth and growth management and has a growing involvement in housing affordability. She currently serves as Chair of the Eastside Transportation Partners, and is Sound Cities Caucus Chair for the King County Growth Management Planning Council. Debbie has had an extensive career in the tech industry. She has lived and worked for Oracle and Microsoft in Central Europe, Africa, and Asia focusing on technical and economic development, government relations, and business/operations management. Most recently she was responsible for strategy and planning for Microsoft's Enterprise and Partner organizations.

Jill Boudreau

Mount Vernon Mayor

Jill Boudreau has served as Mayor since 2012. She has significantly raised community engagement with weekly Mayors Coffee Hours and transparent communications. She holds a Master of Science Business Administration, Advanced Certificate in Municipal Leadership & All Star Advocacy Award from the Association of Washington Cities. She serves on countywide governing boards including Skagit Transit & Skagit Council of Governments. She was appointed by Governor Inslee to the SR539 Landslide Commission. Under her leadership the City completed a $30 million flood protection project, integrated EMS into the fire service, expanded the municipal fiber optic network, and implemented technology in all departments. Jill is a mentor for women in leadership positions throughout Skagit County assisting in a transformation of the City Council from all male to majority women members. She instituted an “infant at work” policy and increased professional development opportunities for employees.

Shelley Acero

Mount Vernon City Council

Ward 1 Position 1

Mount Vernon is a great place to live and work. Shelley’s family has lived here for over four decades and they have seen quite a few changes. Shelley’s experience working in local government, by volunteering and being active in my community has given her the opportunity to meet and interact with community members from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds and life experiences and she will strive to create an environment where citizens and businesses feel welcomed. It is important to have clean, vibrant neighborhoods where citizens are safe from crime and blight. The last six years Ms. Acero has served on the Mount Vernon Planning Commission and made decisions that create opportunities for businesses and citizens. There are certainly challenges that the City of Mount Vernon faces; the need for more affordable housing and the increasing homelessness issue. These challenges will require transparent leadership that will foster community partnerships not only now, but into our future. Safety, infrastructure and economy are Shelley’s main focus points. This includes affordable housing and development of downtown. Shelley will work for the citizens of Mount Vernon and wishes to thank you for your vote this November!

Elisabeth Crawford

Mukilteo City Council

Position 6

Elisabeth Crawford is a first generation American and college graduate. She spent a significant amount of time in Mexico through part of her childhood and young adult life. She is bilingual and bicultural; qualities that she hopes to bring to Mukilteo’s City Council. She was motivated to pursuit public service as a way to give back to the community that she loves. Currently she serves on the Parks and Arts Commission and is currently seeking position 6 of the City Council. Her background is in Public Health, and has experience in the public and private sector. She plans to bring her scientific background and private sector experience to Mukilteo, in form of fact based decision-making and problem solving urgency. Elisabeth is humbled by all the support she has received from her community so far, especially from women. In the future she would like to pay if forward by motivating and helping young women seeking public office.

Kristina Melnichenko

Mukilteo City Council

Position 7

My professional experience in large and small companies, data analysis skills, and business and political education have prepared me to meet the opportunities and challenges of a growing & evolving economy in Mukilteo. I graduated Magna Cum Laude from the UW in 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Policy Studies. I am currently a PCO with the Democratic Party (Mukilteo 10), and worked heavily on the 2018 midterms to get out the vote and support three progressive female candidates, work for which I received the National Women’s Political Caucus of Washington’s 2018 Campaign Heroine award. My mother was the driving force behind my family’s immigrating to America from the Soviet Union, and her success was based purely on vision, ambition, and dedication- just like the half-dozen women I have supported in running for office. I believe advocating for women means leading by example, and pro-woman policy means ensuring equal opportunities.

Kathleen Sherry

Normandy Park City Council

Position 5

Kathleen Sherry graduated from the UW with a BA in Business Administration. She studied contract law and earned a Program Management Certificate She retired from The Boeing Company where she was buyer and procurement manager. She has a proven history of working in a budget-driven, schedule sensitive environment. She retired to become a care giver to family members. Kathy participates in city & church volunteer projects: planning, organizing, coordinating events that contribute to the quality of family life. She is married and has one surviving son and 3 grandchildren. This is her first attempt at elected office, but she is an active attendee at City Council meetings and has worked on the Economic Development Committee to assure small businesses are represented equally.

Heather Koellen 

North Bend City Council

Position 3

Heather has a Bachelor of Science Nursing from University of Washington (Bothell). She is currently a bedside nurse in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit at Harborview Medical Center and has worked as registered nurse for 15 years. Her future career goals are to get into nursing management or administration. In 2018 a social justice class inspired her to get involved politically, after learning that nurses are the largest work force in America and that if they band together, they could make great change. She felt the best place to start was on the local level. She is currently running for North Bend City Council Position 3. At this time the North Bend City Council is all male and is in dire need of female representation. Heather has always tried to have a voice for females from being a girl scout leader to encouraging her own daughters not to settle for traditional female roles in the work force and that women can do anything.

Cheryl Selby

Olympia Mayor

Cheryl was first elected to the Olympia City Council in 2013 and was elected Mayor of Olympia in 2015. Cheryl is known for her optimism, collaboration and diligence. She works hard and values partnerships, seeks out solid information and diverse perspectives, and prioritizes creative and practical solutions. Cheryl was born and raised in Washington state and moved to Olympia in 1994 to raise her family. She volunteered with the Olympia School District, serving as Art Partner, then PTA president, and in 2003 she chaired the successful Olympia School Bond Campaign. Cheryl has served on the governing boards of Sidewalk, Thurston County Chamber, Olympia Downtown Alliance and Olympia Artspace Alliance.

Cheryl worked for the City of Olympia, first in the Parks and Recreation Department, then as director of the Safe and Sober Driving program
and the Thurston County Safe Kids Coalition. For 11 years Cheryl operated Vivala, a popular women’s clothing store in Olympia and Tumwater. Cheryl currently works as a Rural Services Director with the Washington Center for Women in Business where she provides complimentary business coaching for South Thurston County residents. Cheryl and her husband Jeff Engle have two lively labradoodles and love spending time with their blended families.

Jessica Bateman

Olympia City Council

Position 2

From organizing home care workers to working to empower at-risk youth, Jessica has experience building broad coalitions to improve the lives of people in Olympia. She has spent her career advocating for the most vulnerable. Leading the coalition to pass the Home Fund, passing a Sanctuary City Resolution, and assisting struggling families in Thurston County have all reinforced her commitment to making sure no one is left out or left behind. Jessica grew up in the Pacific Northwest, is a first-generation college graduate, and the daughter of working family parents. As a young person she grew up watching her single mom work to provide for their family. This experience helped shape her perspective and understanding of equity. She is a proud graduate of the Evergreen State College where she earned her graduate degree in Public Administration. In addition to serving on the City Council Jessica works as a policy analyst representing community health centers in Washington state.

Dani Madrone

Olympia City Council

Position 3

Dani Madrone has over a decade of experience working on issues in Olympia, including climate change, housing, transportation, food systems, and environmental recovery. As a single mother who once lived paycheck to paycheck, she worked hard to succeed. She studied science, sustainability, and public policy at Evergreen, earning a scholarship from the National Science Foundation. She now has a career working for treaty tribes on Puget Sound recovery, and has built strong connections throughout the community. She wants people to see the Olympia City Council as a partner in solving our biggest problems.

Robin Farris

Puyallup City Council

District 1

Robin’s family has lived in Puyallup for over 100 years. She enlisted in the United States Navy as an electronics technician. As a Chief Petty Officer Robin was commissioned as a limited duty officer, eventually advancing to lieutenant commander. Ensign Farris was the first woman to serve on ships; company aboard the USS Blue Ridge LCC-19 homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. She was subsequently stationed at San Diego, Iceland and the United Kingdom. After proudly serving 23 years of service, Robin retired and returned home to spend time with her extended family in Puyallup. Since retirement in 2004, she worked at a large insurance firm and in a small local business. Robin started her political career when she initiated the recall against former Assessor-Treasurer Dale Washam. Robin holds a BA in Social Science (cum laude) from Chapman University, a MABC in Leadership and Influence (magna cum laude), and a Master of Business Administration from Western Governors University.

Helen Wheatley

Port of Olympia

District 1

Helen Wheatley was voted Thurston County Democrat of the Year in 2018 in recognition of her years of service to the Executive Committee, her environmental and community activism, and her role as a mentor. She currently serves as vice-chair of her Olympia neighborhood association. A former Fulbright scholar with a PhD from Johns Hopkins University, Helen has volunteered for over two decades as an advocate for cleanup of the Hanford nuclear site in Eastern Washington. As an historian, Helen has written and presented on the history of the Deschutes Watershed and its cultural and environmental value. As a candidate for Port Commissioner, Helen emphasizes community inclusion and focus, good governance, environmental sustainability and promoting industries for our carbon-neutral future. When she is elected Commissioner, the Port of Olympia will have majority female leadership for the first time ever, with a woman Executive Director and a women’s majority on the Port Commission.

Angela Birney

Redmond Mayor

Angela was elected in 2015 to the council and is the current Redmond City Council President. She has worked to ensure Redmond is a place people want to call home through extensive volunteering in schools and the community, her elected office, and regional work. Since taking office she has actively recruited women for boards and commissions, councils, and state offices. Regionally, among many other positions, she is the vice-chair of the Board of Health and Regional Policy Committee. These appointments allow her to legislate for an equitable distribution of funds throughout King County so that all women and families have access to services. On the Board of Health, she was instrumental in passing legislation that requires Limited Pregnancy Service Centers to post that they are not a health facility. She is a former science teacher, BA Biology and Masters in Education, and has continued her education through Leadership Eastside (’17) and LE Executive Insight (’18).

Varisha Khan

Redmond City Council

Position 1

Varisha Khan is an activist, whose work has focused on building power for immigrants and American Muslims through organizing, lobbying, politics, PR, and journalism. Born in Dallas, Texas to a middle-class American Muslim family and raised in Woodinville, WA, Ms. Khan received her BA degree from the University of Washington in Communication ⏤Journalism and Political Science in 2017. During the 2016 presidential cycle, Ms. Khan was elected to serve as both one of the youngest Presidential Electors in the historic Electoral College and one of the youngest National Delegates to represent voters from WA State’s 1st Congressional District. While a student at the UW, she helped establish the Middle Eastern Student Commission of ASUW (the Associated Students of the University of Washington) and served as the founding Director. More recently, she is proud of her work at OneAmerica creating political power for marginalized communities, and helping change the media landscape while at CAIR-WA.

Jessica Forsythe 

Redmond City Council

Position 3

Jessica is a small business owner and works primarily with clients whose core values are to improve the community. Jessica is a thoughtful, creative thinker who takes a holistic approach to every endeavor. A firm believer in being active at the local level, Jessica has seen first-hand the impact one person can have. She was active in grassroots organizing for Washington Voting Rights Act, Automatic Voter Registration, I-1000, and I-1639. Additionally, Jessica texted over 10,000 voters before the 2018 mid-terms having meaningful conversations about the issues facing our nation. Jessica serves on the board of the 48th Legislative District Democrats; is a PCO; Founder of Help Portrait International Redmond Chapter, and co-founded the Seattle Symphony PRIDE contingent. She is also a member of American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered for Planned Parenthood, Special Olympics USA & New Zealand, New Zealand Blood Bank, and served on the board of the League of Women Voters SKC as C3 Treasurer.

Vanessa Kritzer

Redmond City Council

Position 5

Vanessa Kritzer is a longtime advocate for gender equity, human rights, and environmental justice. She has worked in the public, private, and non-profit sectors to drive innovation that empowers citizens to take action. Vanessa is currently the State Endorsement Co-Chair for NWPC-WA and has loved working to elect women across our state. Now she is excited to have NWPC-WA’s support while running for office herself this year.

Vanessa has worked at the federal level on international women’s rights and environmental policy. She holds dual MPA-MBA degrees from the University of Washington and was appointed by Governor Inslee to serve as the sole student member of the UW Board of Regents. Most recently, she has been working at Microsoft on public sector technology.

Raised on the Eastside, Vanessa now lives in Downtown Redmond with her husband and young daughter. She serves on the Redmond Planning Commission and is running for office because she wants to ensure that as Redmond grows it can continue to be a thriving, accessible, and inclusive community. As a working mom, she hopes to bring a unique perspective to the council and show other moms that they can – and should – run for office whenever they are ready.

Marcie Maxwell 

Renton Mayor

Dual Endorsement

Marcie Maxwell is a proven leader in Renton civics, neighborhoods, business, schools and community organizations. She has strong experience with public policies and budgets plus relationships built in leadership locally, regionally and statewide that will benefit Renton in solving challenges and growing opportunities. Marcie was elected to three terms as State Representative, eight years on Renton School Board, and appointed to Governor Inslee's executive staff. She's worked to get progressive women elected in suburban legislative districts and to get women appointed to boards and commissions. Marcie is an Emerge WA presenter, is on the board of Win With Women WA, and is an active member of Indivisible and Democrats’ groups. As an all-women small business owner, she has mentored diverse young women for success. Marcie will be a strong advocate for women-owned businesses, gender equity, working families, women's health, and connecting women to leading roles in our city and region.

Ruth Perez 

Renton Mayor

Dual Endorsement

Ruth Perez was appointed to the Renton City Council in 2014 as its first Hispanic person on City Council and the region’s first appointed Hispanic woman. In 2015, she was elected to complete the term and re-elected in November 2017. She has been strong advocate for the working people of Renton and has not looked back. She has an extensive background in public service and is a progressive leader in Renton. Ruth Perez was voted “Renton’s Best Elected Official” in 2018, "Woman of the Year" in 2016, and received an Achievement Award and an Advanced Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities. She holds a BA in Communications and a Master’s in Business Administration. Ruth Perez is currently running for Mayor of Renton.

Valerie O'Halloran 

Renton City Council

Position 3

Dual Endorsement

Valerie is a child of an Air Force family. Born in Germany, Valerie lived in Turkey and Japan before permanently relocating to the U.S. when she was 10. This early exposure provided her with global perspective, an appreciation for other cultures, and love of all people. At age 15 she started working after school for money to pay for bus fare and clothes. When she graduated from high school Valerie immediately began working full time and never looked back. She has 30 years of professional experience in accounting, financial analysis, and systems and process improvement. Valerie has served Renton for more than 20 years in numerous volunteer roles including nine years on the Board of Directors for the Renton Regional Community Foundation. Valerie is known as a collaborative problem-solver committed to positively impacting people’s lives. Valerie’s unique combination of financial skills and passion for the community makes her the ideal candidate for City Council.

Linda Smith

Renton City Council

Position 3

Dual Endorsement

Linda M Smith has a BA, Master of Divinity and Transformative Spirituality, Doctorate in Transformational Leadership and Pre-Doctorate in Prophetic Leadership. Linda served as a Human Resources professional, many nonprofit boards advocating for issues of mental health, homelessness, hunger, housing, wages, and other social issues that impact women. She has served over a decade at a shelter for homeless women Seattle and Founder of the Center of Hope for women and children. In the community, she advocates for women rights by speaking with Mayor’s and City Councils officials in various communities, key events and engaging faith leaders in advocating for issues of housing, women rights and matters that affects the livelihood of women. As an elected official Linda’s passion and belief in equality and justice for all will help to shape her agenda by building relationship within the community, identifying issues and raising her voice to advocate for change on behalf of women.

Kim-Khanh Van

Renton City Council

Position 7

When Kim-Khanh was six years old, her mother took her four kids and fled Vietnam to a frightening refugee camp in the Philippines. Life changed forever when they received a sponsorship from charitable organizations to immigrate to Seattle. Kim-Khanh was the first in her family to graduate college, and then law school. She opened her own law firm helping immigrants find their way through a changing world. Kim-Khanh’s life is all about paying it forward. Her priorities are about supporting women, helping improve our children’s opportunities and working towards equality at all levels. She was recognized as a Youth All Star by the Seattle Mariners for her work with domestic violence and sexual assault awareness. She is a member of the Renton Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force, Renton Rotary, WA State Association for Justice, 33rd District Democrats and NWPC. She volunteers for Northwest Immigrants’ Rights Project, Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment, and OneAmerica.

Lillian "Randy" Slovic

Richland City Council

Position 1

Randy graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in History. She worked part time for Maryland State Representative Jennie Forehand. Later she joined the legislative staff of Senator Ernest F. Hollings. She then became legislative director to Congressman Lane Evans. At the time, few women held that position. Her legislative areas of responsibility in these offices included, transportation funding, rural development, natural resources, military and veterans’ affairs. She served as a Clinton appointee in the office of Rural Development of the Department of Agriculture. Since moving to Washington State, Randy has worked tirelessly to elect women to offices in the eastern part of the state. She remains concerned that women are underrepresented in both the City Councils in the area and the boards and commissions where many people serve before running for elected office. She will work for more women to be placed in these positions.

Christie Malchow

Sammamish City Council

Position 2

Dual Endorsement

Christie is currently serving in fourth year of her 1st term as a City Councilwoman, and her 2nd year as the Mayor. Her education includes a BSE and an MBA with a marketing focus. Prior to her elected status, she served in marketing for Dendreon, a biotech company and a Johnson & Johnson company in the orthopedic sports and spine fields. Currently she is a small business owner with her husband. Christie is an advocate for all residents that she serves, specific to women specifically, she has enthusiastically supported women candidates for both Council and commission appointments, and encourage other women to run for office. She tirelessly demonstrates that women can be multifaceted and provide excellent public service.

Karen McKnight

Sammamish City Council

Position 2

Dual Endorsement

Karen has lived in Sammamish for thirty-nine years, loves her city and intends to use her leadership skills to make the city council more effective. She has a bachelors degree in psychology and minors in education and biology. She has been active politically since her twenties as Walla Walla city campaign manager for a Washington state senator, chairperson of a Walla Walla School district school bond election. She has been a board member for YWCA Family Village in Redmond, WA, donated for years to Planned Parenthood, and donated, phone called for, and voted for good female political candidates.. She has been in leadership positions most of her life and is the current president of the Sammamish Chamber of Commerce. She will advocate for equal pay for equal work and paid family leave as an elected official.

Karen Howe

Sammamish City Council

Position 4

A Sammamish resident for 25 years, Karen Howe is a seasoned business leader with more than 20 years of senior management experience and community service. As a former CEO, she has experience leading successful entities while instilling tight financial and operational controls. Karen has managed multi-million-dollar budgets and negotiated and built enduring partnerships. She became an elected PCO in 2016 and has doorbelled for several outstanding women candidates. Today she leads a conservation non-profit and the Sammamish Huddle, which is focused on affordable healthcare, conservation, as well as immigrant rights. Karen serves on King County’s Children & Youth Advisory Board and as a court-appointed special advocate for children in foster care. She’s held board-level positions with Cancer Lifeline, PTSA, Eastside Eagles Girls Lacrosse, and Atlas Assistance Dogs. Her B.A. is from Whitman College.

Rituja Indapure

Sammamish City Council

Position 6

Rituja is a volunteer, storyteller, activist, artist, and community organizer passionate about women’s education, environment and equality. Currently, she serves on the Washington State’s Women's Commission (appointed by Gov. Inslee), Sammamish Planning Commission, Sammamish Y Advisory Board and King County Sexual Assault Resource Center(KCSARC) Advisory Council. As current PTSA member she serves on the Grants Committee and has served on PTSA boards as a treasurer and co-president. Rituja regularly volunteers with organizations like City of Sammamish, Teen Feed and United Way of King County. Rituja works as a Sr. Analyst at Costco working on information systems. She has a BA and LLB from the University of Pune, and an LLM from the University of Nottingham.

Senayet Negusse

SeaTac City Council

Position 1

Senayet works actively to support and advance womxn’s social and economic equality and equity in the many roles she serves in. She has registered hundreds of women and minorities as WMBE businesses so that they can be included in consulting and purchasing contracts across the city and State, creating more opportunities for women to take on leadership roles in the East African program she leads. She has expanded trainings and resources for immigrant women to include information on domestic violence, reproductive rights, health care and self-defense. Senayet is also working with the King County Immigrant Commission on issues such as economic development due to the displacement of over 55 immigrant and MOSTLY women owned businesses in SeaTac. Senayet will empower and work alongside residents to create lasting and meaningful change in which each individual is protected and able to thrive.

Damiana Merryweather

SeaTac City Council

Position 3

Damiana Merryweather graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelors in History. She spent the first 15 years of her professional life working in state and local policy and as an advocate for human services including long term care, mental health and addiction treatment. During her time in Oregon she also served on the boards of Basic Rights Oregon and NARAL Pro-Choice Oregon. She moved to Washington in 2007 to work as the Statewide Political Director for United Food and Commercial Workers. In 2010 she left the political world and built a new career in food and beverage. She built and operated her own food truck and then went on to manage several restaurants and bars before she and her husband opened their own successful restaurant. They now own and operate three locations of their restaurant in the greater Seattle area. She is also a full time caregiver for two young children aged 4 and 2.

Lisa Herbold

Seattle City Council

Position 1

http://district1forherbold.org/

Tammy Morales

Seattle City Council

Position 2

Tammy Morales is a Human Rights Commissioner and mom of 3. A community planner with a Masters from UT Austin, she currently organizes with Rainier Beach Action Coalition, working to stem displacement in Rainier Beach. Tammy grew up with a single mom. Her lifelong work has been to increase economic power for families. She is committed to community-based solutions that advance the right of everyone to live a life of dignity. Tammy founded Urban Food Link, a food policy firm that placed food security on the agenda of local and state leaders. Her experience includes budget and policy analysis for the Texas Legislature and City of New York, grant-making for community development organizations, and building power for grocery workers. Tammy will use her unique blend of policy chops, grassroots organizing, and fierce feminism to advocate for issues that support women and families – affordable childcare, senior care facilities, equal pay, and an end to harassment in the workplace.

Ami Nguyen

Seattle City Council

Position 3

Dual Endorsement

Ami Nguyen is the daughter of Vietnamese refugees and grew up in poverty. With the support of social services and public education, she was able to attend Stanford University and UCLA School of Law. She has dedicated her legal career to public service. She is a former tenants’ rights attorney and is currently a public defender with King County. Almost daily, she works with people who are homeless, struggling with mental illness and fighting addiction. As a City Council member, she looked forward to advocating for equal pay, for women's rights over their bodies and for needs of homeless women.

Kshama Sawant

Seattle City Council

Position 3

Dual Endorsement

Kshama has used her two terms in Seattle City Hall to build powerful movements of working people to win historic victories in the face of fierce corporate opposition. She led the way to pass a $15 minimum wage and many landmark renters rights, which disproportionately benefit women and workers of color. What's at stake this year is who runs Seattle — Amazon and big business or working people. Council member Sawant is campaigning to Tax Amazon and big business, not working families, to build tens of thousands of city-owned homes. Seattle needs rent control to stop displacement, which overwhelmingly impacts women and people of color. Kshama is working to pass a Green New Deal in Seattle, making our city a real climate leader by becoming 100% renewable by 2030.

Kshama is working to establish an elected, independent office to investigate workplace sexual and gender harassment, with full powers to hold corporations accountable. She’s fighting to end the gender pay gap, beginning with making big corporations open their books to carry out a full audit of party disparity in Seattle. As always, Kshama is “not for sale.” She does not take a penny from corporations, CEOs, business lobbyists or big developers.

Sasha Anderson

Seattle City Council

Position 4

Dual Endorsement

Sasha Anderson is a change maker for women. Anderson works in public service with Big Brothers Big Sisters where she directs a high school mentoring program. She holds a graduate degree from Brandeis University and a bachelor’s from Seattle University. Anderson’s career has spanned the Peace Corps and has focused on service. Anderson knows that Women hold the key to our success as a city and as a nation. Women are the change makers of the world, and Anderson is one of them. Anderson will work to the bone to advocate for women’s rights and advance the needs of those who work the hardest but who still receive such little support from our government. In this hotly contentious field, Anderson was the first to call out the fact that the media had only reported on the two male candidates. With your endorsement she will bring the representation of women to the forefront of city politics and we build a better future for all.

Emily Myers

Seattle City Council

Position 4

Dual Endorsement

Emily Myers is a scientist, union organizer, and activist for women’s rights. As a leader in Seattle 500 Women Scientists, she works to bring scientific leadership into public discourse and to create inclusive environments in science. With her union, UAW4121, Emily has organized to protect women in science from harassment and to remove sexual harassers from supervising students. Emily received training to run for office through Emerge Washington and has used this training to connect with and support women running across Washington state. Her platform focuses on the disproportionate impact of inequity on women and people of color in Seattle. She is proposing a progressive childcare affordability program that helps women maintain their careers and provides a living wage and job security for childcare workers. Emily is an outspoken advocate for a woman’s right to choose. As a council member she would continue this advocacy for women and to work to close the gender pay gap in Seattle.

Debora Juarez

Seattle City Council

Position 5

Council member Debora Juarez grew up on the Puyallup Reservation. She’s an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation. She was first in her family to attend college and then law school. She has two daughters. Working in legal advocacy and economic development, Debora considers advocating for disadvantaged women and girls one of her highest priorities and honors. After serving as a public defender, she represented Native American clients at Evergreen Legal Services and was then a King County Superior Court Judge. Debora led the Office of Indian Affairs under Governors Mike Lowry and Gary Locke.

Debora is honored to serve as the first Native American woman in the 150 year history of the Seattle City Council. She secured funding for women working in the sex trade on Aurora, for Native American women disproportionately affected by homelessness and for vocational education for women at North Seattle College. She advocated for appointing Seattle’s first African-American female police chief. Debora also successfully led efforts to build a new Seattle Center arena – home of 3-time champion Seattle Storm – and an NHL Northgate training facility with 3 rinks serving girls’ hockey – totaling $1.3 billion of private investment (no tax dollars) toward women’s sports in our community.

Kristina Walker

Tacoma City Council

Position 8

Kristina Walker is a 20-year resident of Tacoma, a non-profit executive director, and a mom to two young daughters. She is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University and is passionate about adding more women’s voices to Tacoma City Council. She is a first time candidate, but has served in many leadership roles, including Tacoma’s council-appointed Tacoma 2025, Foss Waterway Development Authority, and Transportation Commission; the governor-appointed Washington State Commute Trip Reduction board; and many local non-profit boards. She is an avid supporter of the ywca because they support women in crisis and help develop system changes that address inequities and put women first. Kristina is running to build a Tacoma for all--one where women have access to health care, birth control, and childcare services they need to succeed in the workplace and close the wage gap.

Preeti Shridhar

Port of Seattle

Position 2

Preeti Shridhar has been a public servant in King County for 27 years, improving our quality of life through her work for the City of Seattle and then Renton. She launched the first Seattle Climate Protection Initiative, as well as introducing water conservation and recycling programs in Seattle, Jordan, and India. In her work supporting economic development she has collaborated closely with employers and labor organizations to develop workforce training programs. Preeti earned a master’s degree in business (finance and marketing), as well as bachelor’s degrees in both business administration and economics. She has a post-graduate degree in international trade and she speaks four languages. In its 108-year history there have only been five women on the Port of Seattle Commission. Preeti would be the sixth and the first woman of color to ever serve. She would advocate strongly for equal pay, family leave, women in trades, and would be a role model for young women of color.

Doris McConnell

Shoreline City Council

Position 4

Doris McConnell graduated from WSU with a BS in psychology. After graduating, she was a computer room supervisor at ATT.  After relocating back to Seattle, she worked at Boeing as an employee forecaster. A few years later, she completed a master’s program in School Psychology at WWU and then worked for the Bremerton School District.  Doris then developed an interest in investment properties and began acquiring residential rental properties. Doris has spent thirty years managing her portfolio of homes. During that time, Doris started a family and eventually became involved in her daughter’s school.  In the elementary PTA, she soon took on executive board roles such as Ways & Means VP, President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Doris received two Golden Acorn Awards because of her extensive work in three schools and the PTA Council. Doris was then asked to run for a city council seat in 2007 and won, removing an incumbent.  She has held this seat for 11 years and is seeking another four-year term. Doris has helped to at least five women elected into public office as well as mentoring. She has a goal of grooming leadership and specifically she looks for women to fill underrepresented organizations.

Betsy Robertson

Shoreline City Council

Position 6

Betsy Robertson spent 20 years working in local television, as a journalist and Community Relations Director for KING 5 Television. She supported dozens of local non-profit organizations in that role and grew the station’s signature campaign 500% in 8 years, generating millions of meals for hungry people in Washington state. In 2006, Betsy moved into non-profit work and now does regional communications for a national humanitarian relief organization. She has lived in Shoreline for over a decade, building community and advocating for local parks. She served on the City’s Parks Board for 6 years before being appointed to the City Council in January 2019.

Elaine Armstrong

Snoqualmie City Council

Position 2

Elaine Armstrong earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and an M.S. Portland State University. She also taught High School Biology, encouraging young women through after school clubs and relationships with local Biotech firms. With Citizens’ Climate Lobby she lobbies directly with members of Congress for climate action. She is concerned with how women are pushed to the background in most encounters, when their unique views and voices need to be heard. As an elected official, Ms. Armstrong will advocate for the needs of families, especially women and children. She will reach out to young women in high school and college and encourage them to get involved in talking to government at every level. Surprised at how much power one individual has when she speaks out, she will empower young women to take their own powerful action to move the communities and organizations they care about.

Naghmana Sherazi

Spokane City Council

District 1

Naghmana Sherazi is a scientist, an educator, a medical professional and a community leader running for City Council District 1 in the city of Spokane. Naghmana has an MA in English, BA in Economics as well as a AS in Bio-Technology and BS in Cytogenetic Technology, She has called Spokane home for over seven years. She serves on the boards of Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane (PJALS), Secretary of Muslims for Community Action and Support (MCAS), and Refugee Connections; she is actively involved with the Center for Justice, Sisterhood of Salaam Shalom, Spokane Coalition of Color, and Spokane Women Together. Naghmana is running for City Council to better represent her district, and because she feels there is a lack of representation of people of color and immigrants on the city council.

Lori Kinnear

Spokane City Council

District 2

Lori Kinnear is a fourth generation Washingtonian from Seattle now living in Spokane since 2000. She has a B.A. in broadcast journalism and A. S. in Horticulture. She has been on the Spokane City Council for over three years. Her first piece of legislation was to sponsor a human trafficking abatement resolution that highlighted the problem and directed resources to mitigating the problem. She is an advocate for Planned Parenthood and has pressured the Spokane police department to enforce laws to protect the Spokane clinic from hecklers and protesters who are disruptive and threatening. She also supported changes to SMC Title 18 that advocates for equal pay and other gender related equality language and practices for Spokane City employees. She is committed to supporting and advocating for women's issues as an elected official and also as a private citizen.

Karen Stratton

Spokane City Council

District 3

Karen was born in Spokane and received her B.A. from Eastern Washington University. She served as a legislative aide in the WA State House of Representatives and worked 14-years in higher education, at WSU Spokane and the Community Colleges of Spokane. Later, she served as an aide to Mayors Jim West and Mary Verner. She has been a Public Information Coordinator for the City of Spokane and a Clerk in the City Clerk's Office. She was appointed to the City Council in 2014 and ran a successful election campaign in 2015. She continues to be a strong advocate for City employees, fighting for women's rights, pay equity, eliminating the gender gap and promoting greater diversity inside City Hall. She supports Planned Parenthood, the Women and Children's Free Restaurant and is currently working to establish an LGBTQ community center in the City of Spokane.

Nancy Manos

Tukwila City Council

Position 2

Nancy Manos lived a life of privilege until she was 18, traveling around the world, going to boarding school, and having plenty. Moving to the USA after graduating from high school, by herself, was complete culture shock, a complete 180 from how she grew up. During her twenties, she was part of many women’s groups. Being a strong independent woman carried her through many trials and tribulations. After her daughter graduated from high school, Nancy was alone for the first time in her life. While always being diligent and voting in every election, she was able to finally participate in the political process, calling politicians about various issues, going to marches and rallies and participating in many fundraisers. She celebrated marriage equality and cried because Black Lives Matter. She donated to Planned Parenthood and supported women in office. In 2016, she was delegate for her caucus, collected signatures, went to rallies, became a member in SEIU925 and a leader in her union.

Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson

Tukwila City Council

Position 4

Cynthia Delostrinos Johnson is a mother, a wife, and a sister. She is the daughter of immigrant parents from the Philippines. She is a lawyer who dedicated her career to fighting injustice through the law. As one of the most diverse cities in our region, Tukwila needs a leader that has experience leading with equity and diversity. In her work for the state government, Cynthia has helped change the way judges see people of color, women, youth, and people who do not speak English. Her work has broken down barriers that people with criminal records face when trying to simply live their lives. Her work has put Washington state in the spotlight for court innovation around issues of race, gender, and language access. If elected, Cynthia will be the first woman of color to serve on the Tukwila City Council. She hopes to focus on issues related to public safety, affordable housing, community preservation, and livability.

Kate Kruller

Tukwila City Council

Position 6

Ms. Kruller is a Tukwila City Council member, with additional duties on both the Public Safety Committee and the Transportation Infrastructure Committee, representing Tukwila with Sound Cities Association (SCA) serving on the Public Issues Committee, Regional Law, Safety & Justice Committee (past Chair), Puget Sound Regional Committee – Transportation Policy Board, Association of Washington Cities Federal Advocacy Committee and as Vice Chair of the National League of Cities – Transportation, Infrastructure and Services Committee. Her professional career spans work in the public sector at municipal, county and state levels, with earlier experience in the non-profit and private sector, including eleven years with the Boeing Company. She has also experienced unique opportunities to live and work in the world community – first as a media relations emissary working to improve eye care in developing countries with ORBIS International, and again in the international business and trade space under the auspices of the Washington Council on International Trade.

Leatta Dahlhoff

Tumwater City Council

Position 1

Helen Wheatley was voted Thurston County Democrat of the Year in 2018 in recognition of her years of service to the Executive Committee, her environmental and community activism, and her role as a mentor. She currently serves as vice-chair of her Olympia neighborhood association. A former Fulbright scholar with a PhD from Johns Hopkins University, Helen has volunteered for over two decades as an advocate for cleanup of the Hanford nuclear site in Eastern Washington. As an historian, Helen has written and presented on the history of the Deschutes Watershed and its cultural and environmental value. As a candidate for Port Commissioner, Helen emphasizes community inclusion and focus, good governance, environmental sustainability and promoting industries for our carbon-neutral future. When she is elected Commissioner, the Port of Olympia will have majority female leadership for the first time ever, with a woman Executive Director and a women’s majority on the Port Commission.

Joan Cathey

Tumwater City Council

Position 3

Joan has been an educator, business owner, minister and Executive Director of a local YWCA. She holds a BA Biological Science/History, MA Psychology, M.Div. Philosophical Theology, and graduate studies in Feminist Creation Spirituality. She was a school board member and is currently in her third term as a city councilwoman and Mayor Pro Tem. Joan’s advocacy for women spans six decades of teaching, marching, speaking and leading during Roe v. Wade, Title 9, ERA, Equal Pay, LGBTQ rights… and the work continues. She believes that her elected position models for women and girls the strong and inclusive personal presence and voice that women must have to ever realize liberty and justice for all

Diana H. Perez

Vancouver City Council

Position 6

Diana Perez has lived in the Pacific Northwest for 25 years, working as a full-time professional for the USDA Forest Service and volunteering her time as a community advocate. Diana has a Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management from Texas Tech University and a Master’s degree in fisheries science from Oregon State University. Diana also participated in the Executive Leadership Institute at Portland State University Hatfield School of Government. She has experience working with local, state, Federal, and tribal governments, as well as non-profit organizations. Diana has a passion for public service. Her heart for volunteering brought her in 2011 to found the Southwest WA League of United Latin American Citizens Council (LULAC) 47013. She has also had the pleasure of serving as the Washington State LULAC Director. She worked hard to establish and nurture key partnerships in order to advance the economic conditions, educational attainment, and equal opportunities for Hispanic youth, adults, and women. Her advocacy for women doesn’t stop there; she prides herself on her mentorship of the community’s best and brightest young women and will actively work to provide opportunities for them while advocating on their behalf at every table she sits.

Eliana Macias

Yakima City Council

Position 1

Eliana studied at WSU before returning to Yakima to work in healthcare for a non-profit organization that focuses on healthcare for women, children and farm worker families. She has advocated for safety improvements in district one of the City of Yakima and is currently the only female candidate in her district race. In the past, Eliana also worked as a daycare provider, and while doing so, advocated for Washington licensed daycare providers to have greater resources, including healthcare for workers, and increase subsidies that enable low-income families to have access to high quality childcare providers. If elected, Eliana will advocate to secure greater resources for victims of domestic violence, and support first-time mothers with nutritional education opportunities. Eliana is also committed to encouraging and supporting other women who aspire to be in leadership roles.

Berenice Ponce

Yakima City Council

Position 3

Not a politician, a proven public servant! Berenice Ponce was born and raised in Yakima. She currently serves on the Yakima School District Board of Directors, and clearly understands governing processes. Berenice has a 15-year career in social services. Her passion lies in giving back to the community that helped shape her future. She will ensure adequate funding for public safety, emphasize the importance of community partnerships that prevent crime, and prioritize housing solutions. Berenice Ponce will be the advocate and strong voice we want and need in District 3!

Holly Cousens

Yakima City Council

Position 7

Councilwoman Cousens has been an active leader in our community for many years. Her first year in college she was active in Delta Eplison Chi where she was elected National Western Region Vice President. Holly earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Admin., Marketing, and H.R.; Her Master of Business Admin. and Master’s in Change Leadership. Her professional experience includes over 15 years of accounting. Holly has been an educator at Yakima Valley College for over 11 years. Her students encouraged her to run for office. Her goals were targeted; budget and financial management, economic development problems, and business discrimination.The kind of problems that demanded the kind of LEADERSHIP that called Holly into action. Holly traveled to Hadong County S. Korea in the spirit of international cultural and educational exchanges. Councilwoman Cousens is an established role model for woman and youth she continues to share her skills, passion and education with our community.

COUNTY POSITIONS

Abigail Doerr

King County Council

Position 4

Dual Endorsement

Abigail Doerr has spent her career bringing together coalitions of labor, business, communities of color, environmentalists and more to tackle some of our regions biggest challenges. Abigail led the campaigns to pass Sound Transit 3 and to bring more Metro Bus service to our neighborhoods. She led the statewide initiative 1631, a first in the nation effort to equitably address climate change by placing a fee on pollution. Improving public transit, creating more affordable housing, reducing homelessness, cleaning our air and water, and creating affordable child care are all women's issues and often impact women and women of color disproportionately. Abigail has committed her career to build healthy, thriving communities and will fight to ensure King County is moving forward on housing and homelessness, public transportation, and our environment. We need fresh energy, new ideas, and bold leadership on the County Council to tackle these challenges.

Jeanne Kohl-Welles

King County Council

Position 4

Dual Endorsement

Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles has spent her career advancing equity and diversity, teaching Women Studies and Sociology at the U.W. and as a long-time legislator for the 36^th District.  She led in passing landmark legislation on human trafficking, child sexual exploitation, reproductive health care and evidence-based sex education, campus sexual misconduct, access to affordable child care and higher education, medical marijuana, gun violence prevention, and workers’ rights. She is an expert witness in Title IX/sexual harassment lawsuits and a Humanities Washington speaker on human trafficking and women as political change agents. She chairs the County Council's Health, Housing, and Human Services Committee and the King County Board of Health. If re-elected, Jeanne will continue leading on expanding access to affordable housing and implementing a regional homelessness governance authority, reducing disproportionality in the criminal/juvenile justice system, behavioral health/substance abuse treatment, affordable child care, and on major public health challenges, including domestic/sexual violence, missing and murdered indigenous women, gun violence, pollution, and the climate change crisis. She’ll continue working to expand transit and environmental protections and implementation of her legislation updating anti-discrimination and harassment policies. She co-founded Win With Women with Sen. Karen Keiser that assists progressive women’s election to the State Legislature.

Julie Wise

King County Director of Elections

Julie Wise has served King County voters for more than 15 years as a champion of best practices in elections. Wise, first elected as the King County Elections Director in 2015, after serving as the Deputy, began her career at Elections in 2000, working as a temporary employee. Since then, she has held positions across the organization. A Washington state and nationally certified Election Administrator, Wise has been recognized at the local, state and national level for her contributions to moving elections forward.

Driven to remove barriers while ensuring accuracy and security, Wise has pursued significant reforms and innovative solutions. She has expanded voter outreach and education through the Voter Education Fund, a government, philanthropic and community partnership, focused on under-served communities. Additionally, Wise has expanded ballot drop box locations from 10 to 66, successfully added two additional languages, and upgraded to a new tabulation and voting system that better serves the County’s growing voter population. Particularly noteworthy is how Wise worked with the King County Council and Executive to prevail in providing prepaid postage for all registered voters throughout the county. This record of proven accomplishments highlights Wise’s commitment to voter access and passion for her community.

Nancy Lillquist

Kittitas County Commissioner

District 1

Nancy Lillquist has lived and worked in Kittitas County for 28 years. Currently she is serving on the Ellensburg City Council in a position she has held since December of 2001, including as Mayor in 2008 and 2009. Nancy has served on and chaired local, county, and state level boards, commissions and committees across a broad spectrum of topics in Kittitas County. She earned a reputation for thoughtfulness, practicality, hard work, and respect for different viewpoints. She earned a Master’s Degree in Water Resource Management from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Bachelor’s Degree in Geography from Central Washington University. Professionally she worked on water issues in Oregon and Utah. Nancy has supported Planned Parenthood and the League of Women Voters. She has celebrated women in politics and the workplace. If elected, she would be the 4th woman elected to the Kittitas Board of County Commissioners. She hopes to demonstrate strong female leadership and management.

Cindy Gobel

Snohomish County Auditor

District 2

Cindy Gobel has over 25 years of experience working in the four divisions of the Auditor’s office. Her first career was 11 years in law enforcement working with Licensing, Records, and Animal Services. As a Communications Manager she was responsible for state and federal reporting compliance for two divisions. Her second career was 12 years in the Snohomish County Auditor’s office Elections division, and recent two years in the Secretary of State’s Election division. Cindy’s current position provides legal compliance training to County Auditor’s and statewide Election Administrators. Cindy has helped thousands of voters during her years of employment in elections at both county and state election offices. Cindy has a Bachelor’s in Human Services, a Master’s in Adult Education, and a Juris Doctor from Seattle University Law School. As an elected official she will use her education and experience to increase access to county services while ensuring legal compliance within each division.

Megan Dunn

Snohomish County Council

District 2

Triple Endorsement

Megan Dunn has a 20-year work and volunteer background of successful environmental protections, improving lives for working families and local policy change. She is the Healthy People and Communities Program Director with the Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides, where she leads efforts to help protect communities from harmful pesticides and chemicals. Dunn spent the last two years leading the successful campaign to establish city council districts for Everett. The Everett Districts Now campaign was a nonpartisan, grassroots coalition dedicated to addressing gender and race disparities in representation and giving communities greater participation in the democratic process. This accomplishment has had a measurable impact on voting rights and representation as the biggest community effort and biggest policy change for Snohomish County in decades.

Megan has a Biology-Geology degree from University of Rochester, New York and a Master of Arts in Policy Studies from University of Washington, Bothell. She has several on several local boards and commissions, including the Everett Charter Review, Everett Planning Commission and the Washington State Pesticide Advisory Committee. She is also a candidate for Snohomish County Council, seeking to represent Everett, Mukilteo and Tulalip.

Jennifer Gregerson

Snohomish County Council

District 2

Triple Endorsement

Jennifer Gregerson is the first woman elected to serve as Mayor of Mukilteo in 2013 after serving on the City Council rooted in her community involvement, local values, and long-term focus. As Mayor, she has prioritized issues including housing affordability, education, transit, and victim advocacy. Jennifer has been a leader in education, partnering with stakeholders to bring students across the city expanded opportunities that open future doors. She invested in Cool Girls in Aerospace, a summer workshop that introduces engineering to middle school girls. She’s fought to support victims of domestic violence, funding the first domestic violence victim coordinator, a program that has now been expanded to victims of other crimes.

Jennifer grew up in Mukilteo where her parents worked in a small, family-owned business. That experience demonstrated the importance of economic opportunity, a priority she has routinely championed as Mayor. Jennifer developed a Women Executive Leaders network and was named the 2015 Woman of the Year by the Greater Everett Business and Professional Women. Jennifer graduated from Kamiak High School before earning a Bachelor’s Degree in French from New York University and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the University of Washington.

Cecilia Wilson

Snohomish County Council

District 2

Triple Endorsement

Cecilia Wilson has built a successful career as a public servant, working for Snohomish County. She is a resident of Everett, where her two sons attend public schools. Cecilia is a respected community leader and works on operational/policy matters for the County Executive: budget analysis, affordable housing, addressing the opioid crisis, and promoting equity and inclusion and constituent affairs. For over twenty years, Cecilia Wilson has worked hard behind the scenes to provide county residents with excellent service. She’s a trusted leader who has helped to shape Snohomish County with her smart, common sense approach. She is uniquely qualified to represent the residents of Snohomish County by leveraging her long-standing working relationships to address pressing issues in our community.

Wilson earned a Bachelor of Science from Seattle University. She is an enthusiastic advocate for advancing opportunities for our community. Cecilia will work every day to lead Snohomish County toward a prosperous and dynamic future. Cecilia’s endorsements include Executive Dave Somers, Council Chair Terry Ryan, Sheriff Ty Trenary, Ret. Judge Ellen Fair, County Clerk Sonya Kraski, former Executive Bob Drewel, Former Council member Karen Miller, Former Council member Dave Gossett.

Stephanie Wright

Snohomish County Council

District 3

Stephwright.com

Karen Burke

Whatcom County Executive

Karen Burke is running to become your next Whatcom County Executive. She has spent her career standing up for those who are vulnerable, and she will use that experience to stand up for you. She will work to make our community safe, healthy and equitable for all. Karen has 18 years executive experience: 12 years as Executive Director of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services where she tripled revenues and expanded support and housing programs across the county; and 6 years as the as the Lummi Nation Tribal Court Director where she helped to develop and manage the Lummi Drug Court and the Lummi Child Support Program. Karen is a proud graduate of WWU with a BA in Women’s Studies, Cultural Studies and Communications. She also attended the UW Evans School of Public Affairs Nonprofit Executive Leadership Institute. Karen is a trusted leader with strong partnerships who will bring people together to get things done— for our children, grandchildren and the generations that follow.

Carol Frazey

Whatcom County Council

At-Large Position B

Carol Frazey is currently serving on the Whatcom County Council. After receiving her Education Degree from Penn State University, she taught several years before obtaining her Master’s Degree in Kinesiology from the University of Colorado. Carol is the founder and president of Fit School, Inc. with the mission of empowering women through walking and running programs in Whatcom County and online. She is a former Board Member for Run Like a Girl and a volunteer for Girls on the Run Northwest. Currently, Carol serves on the Business and Commerce Advisory Committee and the Finance and Administrative Services Committees for Whatcom County because she feels we need more women’s voices in these areas in order to make real change toward equity. Carol will always advocate for women’s healthcare rights and encourage other women to use their voice for positive change.

Jamie Arnett

Whatcom County Council

District 5

Dual Endorsement

Jaime Arnett is a single mother with 3 jobs; she is the Executive Administrator for Boundary Fish Company in Blaine, a grant writer for Animals as Natural Therapy, and a Blaine City Council Member. Nine years ago Jaime stood in a welfare line with a baby strapped to her chest bawling because she didn't know where her husband was, she had no money and she needed help. That became a defining moment in her life and since that day she has worked hard to carve out a life for her and her son utilizing every resource made available to her. Along the way she has hired women directly out of prison with ankle monitoring bracelets still attached, she has written home repair programs to keep low-income families from being displaced from their homes, she has partnered with DSHS to help get mothers on TANF back to work, and has secured funding to provide bully-awareness and leadership programs to local school districts. As a Council Member she will continue to advocate for women and families.

Natalie McClendon

Whatcom County Council

District 5

Dual Endorsement

Natalie McClendon is focused every day on how she can make a better world for future generations. She will work tirelessly to meet the challenges of climate change, transition to a clean energy economy while also ensuring clean water for fish, farms and families, and build shared prosperity. Natalie has served as the Chair of the Whatcom County Democrats for two terms and is currently serving her second term representing the 5th District on the Whatcom County Planning Commission. In addition, she is a small business co-owner, has taught at-risk students and substitute taught in various Whatcom County schools. She holds a BA in Environmental Politics and Economics and a Secondary Teaching Certificate. Her community service activities include the Executive Committee of the Sierra Club Mt. Baker Group; Government Affairs Committee of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce; and Environmental Caucus member of Water Resource Inventory Area.

Joy Gilfilen

Whatcom County Sheriff

Joy Gilfilen, was candidate for County Executive in 2015; staffed WA Legislature 4 terms; Delegate at WA Dem Convention 2016. Two years college: incl: WSU Air Force ROTC; WWU Campus Police: student patrol. 30 yrs business/executive business management incl: Corporate trainer/consultant. Systems: SPIE. Manager: Whatcom County Tourism Bureau. VP: Whatcom Women in Business. Personnel: WA State Fish/Game. Pres. Restorative Community Coalition (9yrs) research and testified on inequity, prejudice and imbalance in justice systems. Authored “Stop Punishing Taxpayers, Start Rebuilding Community” and “Blindspots: Unexpected Findings from Jail Trauma Research”. Spoke at statewide conferences, testified at Incarceration Prevention and Reduction Task Force, County councils, Jail Task Forces, and then chaired the Local Justice Reform Now; Fairhaven 1990 Taskforce. Coached youth sports, PTA, 4-H, in business clubs.

STATE POSITIONS

Carrie Blackwood

State Senate 40th LD

Dual Endorsement

Carrie’s life began with her father watching for Border Patrol as her mother, in labor, swam across the Rio Grande toward opportunity. She was later placed in foster care and adopted by an Army Nurse. With the help of her family and community, she became a lawyer, representing workers and unions as part of her journey towards bringing a voice to the silenced. For over two decades she has organized, marched and advocated for equity and social justice; she’s spoken at #MeToo events, served on women’s and diversity boards, and fought against oppressive systems in her community. Carrie is an activist at heart who believes in effective representation. Women don’t need an invitation to the table, we need recognition of ownership of the table. If elected, Carrie will champion restructuring our regressive tax system, enhancing the legal rights of women, fully funding education, bold climate action, criminal justice reform, health care for all, and tackling the housing crisis.

Liz Lovelett

State Senate 40th LD

Dual Endorsement

Liz has been serving her community for years as a PTA President, business owner, board member, City Council member, and most recently, as a State Senator. She was appointed to the Legislature and hit the ground running championing the rights of women, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and children. As the youngest mom to serve in the Senate whose life experiences mirror her community, she has been a fierce ally for issues that affect women- health and reproductive care and rights, access to education and early learning, school safety, and protecting the environment. She has been a featured speaker at Women's Marches, reproductive rights rallies, and environmental forums. She wrote Anacortes' Affordable Housing Strategic Plan, the first in Skagit County. She believes housing, environmental justice, and support of working families is foundational to public health and community well being. She is the mother of two young girls and is setting the example for being a working mom and strong feminist.

JUDICIAL POSITIONS

Maureen McKee

King County Superior Court

Position 5

Judge Maureen McKee was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to the King County Superior Court bench in 2018. She will stand for election to retain her seat on the bench in November 2019. Judge McKee served King County’s indigent communities as a respected Public Defender for nearly 16 years before joining the judiciary. She managed teams of lawyers and investigators and was known for insisting on a high level of representation for those who cannot afford counsel. She represented both juveniles and adults charged with crimes and those facing involuntary psychiatric hospitalization for mental health issues. A graduate of Cornell University Law School, her work over many years has included a deep understanding of the disparate treatment of minorities in our justice system -- a significant asset to our Superior Court bench. Prior to her work in King County, Judge McKee worked with the American Refugee Committee in Bosnia and provided legal services to prisoners with children in San Francisco. Judge McKee lives in Seattle with her 6-year old son Amias.

Averil Rothrock

King County Superior Court

Position 16

Judge Rothrock attended Seattle Public Schools K-12 and joined a private civil law firm in 1994. Over 25 years, Judge Rothrock litigated a wide variety of civil matters in the trial and appellate courts, rising to become a shareholder at her firm and a practice group leader. The attrition of female colleagues over the years took a toll. Judge Rothrock began writing articles for publication in Washington bar newsletters to keep the issue and solutions at the forefront, mentoring and advocating for female lawyers, and presenting on issues facing female lawyers. Governor Inslee appointed Judge Rothrock to the bench in October 2018. She endeavors to address the important issues affecting women's lives every day in the judicial system. Judge Rothrock is currently updating judges' materials concerning protection orders based on recent legislative changes. Judge Rothrock has two teenagers and a deep connection to the King County community.

Aimée Sutton

King County Superior Court

Position 49

Judge Aimée Sutton was appointed by Governor Inslee to the King County Superior Court bench in February 2019. Prior to her appointment, Judge Sutton was an accomplished trial attorney with 15 years of experience at all levels of Washington State and Federal courts. She has litigated everything from child support enforcement to Class A felonies. Her deep experience has made her uniquely prepared to take on any trial court assignment with skill and a full understanding of the work involved. She has also been an Adjunct Professor at Seattle University Law School and a leader in statewide organizations such as the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington, which she served as President from 2017-18, the WSBA Criminal Law Section, and the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. She has been an acknowledged leader in the community of Minority Bar Associations with a track record of weaving common connections into action. She is fluent in Spanish.

Anna Alexander

Snohomish County Superior Court

Position 7

Anna Alexander is the clear choice for Superior Court Judge because of her exceptional experience and record of accomplishment for the citizens of Snohomish County. As a Pro Tem Judge, Anna has earned a strong reputation for holding criminals accountable for their actions while protecting the rights of victims, ensuring affordable access to justice for the most vulnerable. As a first-generation immigrant whose family escaped communism, Anna’s character and work ethic was shaped early on by her hard-working parents. She worked her own way through college, becoming at the age of 19 the youngest woman admitted to the
University of Washington School of Law. Today, Anna is an accomplished attorney and Pro Tem Judge who was unanimously elected President of the Snohomish County Washington Women Lawyers.  Anna has endorsements from judges at every level of the courts - the Washington Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Superior, District, and Municipal courts.  Anna’s diversity of legal experience, in all areas of the law, is needed on the bench. Anna has the values, knowledge and commitment to our community we expect from our public officials – especially our judges. Anna and her very patient husband are raising two kids and one stubborn dog.

Jennifer Langbehn

Snohomish County Superior Court

Position 13

Judge Jennifer Langbehn was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to fill a vacant seat on the Snohomish County Superior Court bench in 2018. She will stand for election to retain her seat in November 2019. Judge Langbehn is a Washington native who graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2005 and had a 13-year career representing Snohomish County parents and families in dependency and termination actions, adoptions and other family law matters. She served on the Snohomish County Table of Ten, an organization dedicated to improving the dependency process for families and other participants. Judge Langbehn also served as an Arbitrator in child support matters and as a Superior Court Commissioner pro tempore before being appointed to the bench. Judge Langbehn currently chairs the Superior Court’s Family Law Committee and also serves on the Court Operations and Juvenile Court Committees. Judge Langbehn and her husband live in Everett with their 2 sons.

SCHOOL BOARD POSITIONS

Christina Hulet

Bainbridge Island School Board

District 4

Christina Hulet is principal of a collective action consulting firm that convenes organizations to improve results in areas such as health care, equity, and youth mental health. Prior to this, she served as Governor Christine Gregoire’s Executive Health Policy Advisor. In this role, Christina was responsible for developing the Governor's legislative and budgetary priorities in collaboration with state agencies, the Legislature and stakeholders. Prior to this, she was the Process Improvement Manager at Harborview Medical Center implementing business and quality improvement initiatives. She has a BA in Public Policy from Duke University and an MBA in Sustainable Business from Bainbridge Graduate Institute. Christina served on the board of the Center for Women & Democracy, a non-partisan organization committed to strengthening women's voices and supporting women in elected office.

Francine Wiest

Bellevue School Board

District 5

Dr. Francine Wiest has served as a Bellevue School Board Director since February 2019. She is an active volunteer in the district and community and has been recognized for her dedication with two school PTA Outstanding Advocate awards. After K-12 public school she went to Harvard, earned her MD from Columbia University, worked in a primary care women’s health practice, received her MPH from the University of Washington, and now is an independent healthcare consultant. She has been a political intern twice in Washington DC. Francine served on national education policy committees before turning her energy locally. She uses her experience advocating for women’s health services as a model for providing students the tailored supports they need to succeed in a larger system. She believes that exemplary education is achieved by combining dedication to the whole student, teacher supports, evidence-based methods, community and family engagement, and the conviction that all kids can succeed.

Carin Chase

Edmonds School Board

District 1

Carin Chase, of a seven-generation Washington family, lives on the shores of the Salish Sea. She is a Director of the Edmonds School District, Chair of the Snohomish County Human Rights Commission, served on the Snohomish County Charter Review Commission, served as the long-time Chair of the 32nd Democrats. She is a board member of the Washington State Federation of Democratic Women and in 2017, elected President of the organization. She is dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected office; advocates for continued access to the full spectrum of reproductive health care services; and to raise awareness of missing and murdered indigenous people. She received the Snohomish County Democrats’ Henry M Jackson Progress Award in 2014 and the Warren G. Magnuson, Washington State Democrats’ Chair of the Year in 2012. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Seattle, earned a BS in Zoology at the UW, and MPA from the UW’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.

Jennifer Cail

Edmonds School Board

Position 3

Jennifer Cail is a life-long feminist who is eager to bring her sense of fairness and justice to the position of Edmonds School Board. While at the University of Pennsylvania earning her BA in English, Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Jennifer helped produce a television series, Mock Trial, which dealt with issues of sexual assault on campus. Moving to Washington, DC after graduation, Jennifer’s second job was doing fundraising for a now-defunct Political Action Committee dedicated to supporting pro-choice female candidates. After that, she worked as an accountant for education non-profits: the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and the Folger Shakespeare Library. While at ASEE, the executive director was a perpetual sexual harasser of the women in the office. When an outside consultant was brought in for a general office-contentment survey, Jennifer risked her job to use the opportunity to bring to the consultant’s attention the behavior of the executive director. The unprofessional behavior was stopped. After moving to Lynnwood in 2007, Jennifer continued working as an accountant for a tech company. After having her first child, her salary was mostly used for child care. Jennifer focused on her children’s education until the opportunity to run for office availed itself.

Rina Maile Redrup

Edmonds School Board

Position 5

Rina is currently a surgical nurse. Before that, she taught in public schools, was the president of a preschool coop, and the leader of the Parent Group at Meadowdale High School. Her degrees include a BA in Economics, History, and Early Childhood Education; a BS in Nursing; and a Masters in Education. As a woman with native Hawaiian roots, Rina seeks to empathize with the intersectionality of marginalized groups. She supports her daughter, a member of the LGBTQ+ community, and as a school board member would advocate for a curriculum that is inclusive of non-heteronormative, non-cisnormative identities. Moreover, she has encouraged her daughter to reach further as she pursues college athletics and a historically male-dominated degree. Rina’s goal is for students from all backgrounds to realize their value, reach their dreams, and achieve social and economic independence.

April Berg

Everett School Board

Position 2

April Berg and her family live in Mill Creek. Ms. Berg’s children attend the University of Washington, Western Washington University, Jackson High School and Heatherwood Middle School. Currently, Ms. Berg serves on the Capital Bond Planning Committee for the Everett School District as well as the Planning Commission for the City of Mill Creek. She is a former Edmonds School Board Director. Ms. Berg has worked collaboratively with communities of color, diverse socioeconomic communities, students that are first generation college and the LGBTQ+ community. Ms. Berg has advocated for women and girls inclusion and equity for over 25 years. She will insure that all district curriculum, activities and services are inclusive and safe for all women and girls by using a lens of equity in decision making. Ms. Berg’s career of community service began in college when she was the first African American, fifth woman and youngest Student Body President in the history of Oregon State University.

Bethany Rivard

Evergreen School Board

Position 2

Bethany Rivard is a proud parent and has been a teacher for 13 years. Bethany holds a Master’s in Education from Portland State University. She is a member of the Washington Teacher Advisory Council, and was appointed by Governor Inslee to the Professional Educator Standards Board. One example of how Bethany has supported women’s issues is by creating and teaching a high school course that spends a semester on the art that feminists have created in response to issues of oppression. As a high school teacher, Bethany has seen how rampant sexual assaults are both on and off campus. Perpetrators often are not held accountable for their actions. Ms. Rivard experiences and fights against policy such as unfair dress codes that are just another way to target and shame young women. Bethany plans to bring her focus on women’s rights issues to her position on the school board.

Divya Jain

Evergreen School Board

Position 4

Our Evergreen School District is in a budget crisis that has begun to affect the quality of our children’s education. We need leaders with proven problem-solving skills and the foresight to avoid these issues in the future. I believe I am that leader. I have the skills necessary to serve our community well. I work as a change manager and root cause analyst. I’ve served our community by working with the district for 15 years, building inexpensive learning opportunities with proven results. I will take my professional skills and experience working with the schools to the Evergreen School Board to even further develop leadership opportunities benefiting students like young women searching for leadership and empowerment opportunities at their schools. As a woman with daughters in the Evergreen School District, I raised my daughters to see themselves as equal to men. I want to ensure we are supporting every young person to see themselves as equal.

Luckisha Phillips

Federal Way School Board

Position 3

Luckisha Phillips was appointed to the Federal Way Public School Board in October of 2018. Luckisha is a native of Washington and has lived in the greater Federal Way area for 10 years with her husband and four children. Ms. Phillips has over 20 years of experience that centers on children and families. She has worked in birth to three centers, led mental health services teams, worked parents experiencing homelessness, and foster care youth. This experience will help support comprehensive policy for the children in Federal Way. Ms. Phillips has a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Washington. With a passion for addressing school safety, increasing mental health supports, producing college and career ready students, and retaining quality teachers. Ms. Phillips believes in supporting women in office and ensuring the female voice of equity, and inclusion is at the table. She is running to Retain Seat #3 on the Federal Way School Board.

Tracy Castro-Gill

Highline School Board

Position 1

Tracy Castro-Gill is an award winning educator recognized by several institutions for her work on racial justice and ethnic studies in Seattle Public Schools. Through this work, Tracy has been a fierce advocate of the strength and power of women of color in education and created supportive spaces for women of color leading racial justice in education.

Fa'izah Bradford

Highline School Board

Position 5

Fa’izah Bradford is the District 5 incumbent for School Board in Highline Public Schools. After 18 years as a corporate professional, she was drawn to public education. Since 2004, she has worked in and with districts and schools, emphasizing in the areas of equity, engagement, operations, and policy governance. Fa’izah is motivated by her personal experiences, deep conviction and a mandate to help level the field and accelerate pathways for historically and systemically marginalized groups and individuals. In addition to serving the Highline community, she oversees youth education support within her church’s ministry. She is fueled by the need for an education system that honors the strengths and identities of every student, individualizes their support, and equips their leadership journey. Returning to school at the age of 40 and demonstrating for her daughter, strength and will, Fa’izah earned a M.Ed. from Washington State University and a B.A. from Northwest University.

Minal Kode Ghassemieh

Issaquah School Board Director

Position 3

Minal was born and raised in Washington State. She received my Bachelors Degree in Business from the University of Washington and Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law. She has been community organizing for over 25 years, having served on the King County Youth Council, Everywomen’s Delegation, The Northwest Labor and Employment Law Office, Congressman Jim McDermott, the Gonzaga Law Multicultural Law Caucus, King County Prosecutor’s Office, The Federal Defender’s Office and World Relief. For the last 10 years Minal has focused her immigration practice on family-based immigration and humanitarian relief. She recently completed 7 years on the Board of API Chaya. She currently Co-Chair the King County Immigrant and Refugee Commission and on the Board of OneAmerica.

Leslie Kae Hamada

Kent School Board Director

Position 3

Siri Bliesner

Lake Washington School Board

Position 5

Siri Bliesner is an experienced and passionate advocate for students and public education. She is an excellent role model for women of all ages and is a tireless advocate for equitable outcomes for all students regardless of background or gender. As the current School Board President in LWSD and completing her eighth year on the Board of Directors, she is committed to focusing on the strengths and needs of ALL students and ensuring that each and every one graduates prepared for their future plans. With deep roots in the local community, Siri is a proud product of the Renton Public Schools. She graduated from Stanford University and also has a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Washington with a focus on Maternal and Child Health. Fluent in Spanish, Siri lived and worked overseas for several years first through her Peace Corp Volunteer experience in the Dominican Republic and then as a Population Fellow in Bolivia.

Tam Dinh

Mercer Island School Board

Position 5

Dr. Tam Dinh is a mother of three boys and is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Social Work Program at Saint Martin’s University. Her research interests are in cross cultural mental health and intergenerational trauma. She is a Governor-appointed Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs Commissioner. She currently sits on the state Suicide Prevention in Higher Education Work group. She is also a board member for Friends of Little Saigon and an editor for Xin Chao Magazine. Dr. Dinh has worked in many capacities to increase civic engagement in the Vietnamese community. However, this is her first time running for office. She is passionate about diversity, representation, and equity in education. As an elected official, Dr. Dinh’s will continue to use the equity lens to ensure that women are represented in the curriculum and that female students have equal access and opportunities as male students.

Lili Hein

Orcas Island School Board

Position 5

My intention for running is to have a conversation about the state of the district and K-12 education in our small community, as a window, or rather a door to the rest of the country and world. Part-time on Orcas since 2001, full-time since 2015, our family has six cumulative years of student/parent experience at OISD, with two at OIHS and four at OIES. Getting to know several OIHS recent graduates gave me confidence to enroll our first grader at OIES in 2016, and another first grader in 2018. I have been actively involved with the district, from volunteering to fundraising. Some ask why voters without children in OISD are voting for school board directors. I believe and act on the premise that educating our youth is a community responsibility. It takes a village. As a woman of color, if I am elected, it may be a first for our school district. I am passionate about upholding and evaluating the effectiveness of the district's anti-discrimination and affirmative action policy.

Suzette Espinoza-Cruz

Renton School Board

Position 4

Suzette is a mom and community leader with 25 years-experience advocating for education justice, quality affordable childcare, and equitable wages for women. She is running for Renton School Board Position 4 and believes children deserve quality education no matter their zip code, gender, race, or economic status. Suzette witnessed her mom struggle to raise three kids while navigating homelessness and domestic violence. She will fight against wage discrimination and inequitable justice systems that single working mothers face. Suzette is a first-generation college graduate and has a BA from CSU San Francisco and an Executive Certificate in PreK-3 Education from the University of Washington. She is a former PreK teacher; ECE policy specialist; and volunteer Committee Chair with Save the Children Action Network. She serves on the King County Child &Youth Advisory Board ensuring young women and girls from birth to 24 yrs. have a clear path to a healthy successful and prosperous future.

Liza Rankin

Seattle School Board

Position 1

Liza holds an MFA in Scenic Design for Theater and worked as a designer, painter, and adjunct faculty in NYC and regionally for several years before returning to her hometown, Seattle. Now with two children in Seattle Public Schools, she advocates for positive, equitable learning and working environments in SPS, including professional wages and treatment for an educator workforce that is mostly women. Serving on the board of Seattle Council PTSA, she has engaged at the school, city, and state levels for kids, families, and schools. Priorities have included family engagement, identity safety, public ed funding, affordable childcare and early childhood education, school transportation, gun violence prevention, sex ed, and special education, all of which disproportionately impact women, mothers, and girls. If elected, she would continue to focus on equity and identity safety, and support a public education system that values every child and family, and wants all students to succeed.

Chandra Hampson

Seattle School Board

Position 3

Dual Endorsement

As President of Seattle Council PTSA, Chandra Hampson has led parents, community, and elected officials, protected funding and delivered results for Seattle students. She has an MBA from Univ. of WA and municipal finance experience. She consults and advocates on myriad educational issues, including around marginalized students and, as HoChunk, Winnebago Tribe of NE, indigenous families. She will be a strong advocate for equity in education, including reducing disparities along racial and gender lines. She is mother to two girls and daughter of generations of powerful Native women who were tireless advocates for women and people of color. She advocated for equitable pay/promotion in male-dominated banking and graduate environments and now supports neighborhood girls by coaching softball and basketball while advocating for greater funding in girls sports. She has the support of Rep. Gerry Pollet, former Rep. Jessyn Farrell, 46th LD Dems, and School Board Dir. Jill Geary, Zachary DeWolf.

Rebeca Muñiz

Seattle School Board

Position 3

Dual Endorsement

Rebeca Muñiz, is on a mission to ensure that our children learn in the spirit of dignity, peace, and freedom. She graduated from the University of Washington with a Masters in Education Policy. She is the former Program Coordinator University of Washington - Psychiatry, Behavioral Sciences. She has helped advance research with the Seattle Public Schools racial equity teams, and on topics such as cultural competency. She is a former Americorp Service Member and volunteers with the Gender Justice League and One America Votes. She is also an active Democratic precinct coordinator. She plans to use her voice to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality by spread awareness of the immigrant working mothers. She hopes to help mothers in her community navigate the school system, or support other women candidates in her community, who want to make a difference. She hopes to continue to empowering young advocates, and educate them about women’s rights to ensure a better future for all.

Meghan Jernigan

Shoreline School Board

Position 1

Meghan Jernigan is a Staff Scientist at Washington State University’s Partnerships for Native Health. She designs research work that identifies community health priorities, organizes for social action, and generates health improvements for Indigenous people. She also serves as the Co-Lead of the Outreach, Recruitment and Education Core of the University of Washington’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, where she promotes equitable access to clinical research across Washington State. Her public health background has taught her how work gets done, and why it is important to participate in democracy. She is committed to amplifying the voices of women and minorities in Shoreline public schools. In 2017, Mrs. Jernigan was elected the Meridian Park PTSA Board Secretary. Mrs. Jernigan is a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, where she was born and raised. She received a BA in Theater from Oklahoma State University and an MPH in Sociomedical Sciences from Columbia University.

Sara Betnel

Shoreline School Board

Position 5

Sara is the parent of a 4th and 1st grader who has been an active classroom volunteer, PTA member, advocate, and educator. She has worked for educational equity as the legislative chair for the district, as well as with Washington’s Paramount Duty - advocating for fully funded public education, lower class sizes, and essential staff and educators. She has seen how barriers persist between our community and our government, and how women have been left out of leadership, while often being the ones doing the invisible, free labor behind the scenes. She will focus on improving access to information and decision making with the District so more families, particularly working mothers, can be better included, heard, and become future district leaders. She arrives with a background in communications and education with BA in Drama - UW, MFA in Theatre Education - Boston University, over 20 years working in communications, and as the owner of a communications strategy and development firm.

Linda Hamm Grez

Snoqualmie School Board

Position 2

Linda Grez has challenged structural and cultural barriers and gender inequities throughout her entire life. It is critical that we educate our children to develop all their capacities regardless of gender and that we progress socially beyond stereotyping. As environmental education has influenced and shaped our last 2 generations, so cultural attitudes about gender and sexual identity will be influenced by education. Linda has 12 years elected experience as a Commissioner of the Si View Metropolitan Park District. Her community volunteer and leadership experience is extensive: President of Boosters Associations and PTSA/PTAs; organizer of annual Jazz and Blues Walks and Stage Manager for Wintergrass Music Festival. Before becoming a parent, she was Chair of the King County chapter of Washington Conservation Voters. She earned a BA in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College in MD. Occupation: Small business owner/entrepreneur.

Chelsea Rivas

Snoqualmie School Board

Position 3

Chelsea is an honor roll, non-traditional undergraduate student and mother of 4, including a son with mobility impairments. She is finishing an internship with U.S. Senator Patty Murray’s Seattle Office. She recently won an Outstanding Presentation Award for a research project she presented at Central Washington University’s annual SOURCE Conference. Raised by an abusive mother, and herself the mother of 2 teenage girls, Chelsea knows the value of positive female role models. For more than 10 years she has spent hundreds of volunteer hours mentoring girls ages 11-17, including the past 6 years as a summer camp counselor. She is the Regional Disability Specialist for her church, serving 10 congregations on the Eastside. She also serves on a city commission. If elected, Chelsea will continue to advocate for social equity and inclusion. She is on a mission to improve the accessibility of public schools, which often fail to meet federal and state standards for accessibility.

Khalia Gibson Davis

Tumwater School Board

Position 5

Khalia is currently the Compliance Manager for the Office of Equal Opportunity at the Washington State Department of Transportation. Her office ensures that federal guidelines regarding equity and inclusion are followed on all state and federal transportation projects.  Before working for WSDOT, she was an Assistant Attorney General in the Labor and Personnel Division.  Khalia has been chosen as a leader in several community and professional roles.  She currently serves as a School Director on the Tumwater School Board.  She is also the immediate past president for the Capitol Chapter of Washington Women Lawyers.  In 2016, she was chosen to be a Fellow for the Washington Leadership Institute, which is a program that recruits, trains and develops traditionally underrepresented attorneys for future leadership positions in the Washington State Bar Association and legal community. It is a collaborative leadership program between the Washington State Bar Association and the University of Washington School of Law. In all of her leadership positions, Khalia has advocated for issues specifically dealing with women and/or minorities.

Kyle Sproul

Vancouver School Board

Position 1

Kyle Sproul is a VPS parent of three and a business professional with 19 years of experience in Strategic Business Development. Kyle earned a BA from Georgetown University and an MBA from Indiana University. Kyle is uniquely qualified to serve as school board director because she knows how to strategize effective, long-term solutions to address the district’s budget shortfall. She volunteers in our schools to directly support teachers and classroom learning. She understands the changing needs and demographics of our school district and community. Kyle was spurred into action by VPS’s shockingly low achievement scores and its substantial achievement gap among certain demographics. Kyle will challenge the VPS administration to raise the achievement bar and quality of education for all students and she will use her voice as a mother and female business professional to lead the board in making fiscally responsible decisions that support our dedicated teachers and put students first.

Lindsey Luis

Vancouver School Board

Position 4

Dual Endorsement

Lindsey Luis recently graduated from Fort Vancouver High School Center for International Studies as the class of 2019. As a first generation student, she plans to attend Washington State University-Vancouver this fall. During her high school career she started the first debate club, The Junior State of America. While being involved in Key Club, National Honor Society, Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano de Atzlan (M.E.Ch.A), Black Student Union, and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). She currently serves on a nonprofit board as the National Youth President for LULAC. Her background in advocating for women's rights is seen throughout the extensive work she has done as a woman of color going above societals standards. She has acted as a role model for other women by revolving her campaign around representation. She will continue to challenge the status quo by giving young women of color the opportunities and support they deserve in order to prosper in school and beyond.

Lisa Messer

Vancouver School Board

Position 4

Dual Endorsement

Lisa Messer is the mother of two children and a science teacher with 14 years of classroom experience. This combination gives her a unique perspective into what a school district needs. Lisa has worked as an organizer in her teacher union on issues like pay equality, safety and women’s health. Being elected to the Vancouver School Board will be an opportunity for Lisa to continue to use her voice to work on these issues and more. As a science teacher Lisa has worked to increase the number of female students in STEM classes; as a school board member she will continue this work as well but on a larger scale.

Tracie Barrows

Vancouver School Board

Position 5

Tracie Barrows is a school psychologist, wife of a teacher, and has dedicated her life to public education. She has a Master’s Degree in School Psychology and has worked in public schools for over 14 years. While this is her first political campaign, her work with students, families, and teachers is a daily occurrence. Through her position in schools, she advocates for students and helps teachers and families access resources and services through the district and through the community every day. She is a voice of change not only for schools, but for women’s issues and female leadership. As a school board director, she will continue to advocate for women in leadership positions. The teaching profession is female-dominated, yet often administrative and leadership roles are held by men, and Tracie will continue to support women in these decision-making seats. In addition, it is her passion to support female students in gaining opportunities and experiences for their future success.