Executive Director Reflections

Dear LT Community:

I want to begin by acknowledging the world we find ourselves in—one of rapid change and uncertainty, bringing both chaos and pain. These changes affect each of us differently.

In these heavy times, I ask you not to isolate or hunker down on your own. Instead, take time to reach out to others. And remember, you can draw on the strength of this incredible community of 2,780 alumni.

Leadership Tomorrow staff and board are working to identify how we can meet this moment and be a source of connection, resources, and hope. In March, we will share opportunities to convene and be in community with each other. Later in the newsletter, you'll find a workbook we just introduced at the LT'25 Mid-Year Retreat to help you turn reflection into action.

As we close out Black History Month, I want to share a quote from one of my favorite Black writers, Audre Lorde:

“When I dare to be powerful—to use my strength in the service of my vision—then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

I challenge you to reflect: How will you dare to be powerful? What steps will you take toward a more just and thriving future? If you feel stuck or uncertain, start with community. Pick up the phone. Meet a friend for coffee. We are stronger together.

Thank you for being a valued member of the LT community—I look forward to finding more ways to connect with you soon!

In community,

Bindiya Patel

Executive Director

Introducing LT’s New Staff Member:

Paola Maranan, LT’97

We’re thrilled to welcome Paola Maranan, LT’97 to the LT team as our Flagship Program Manager! She will work closely with C. Marie Taylor, LT’23 to plan and execute the 10-month Flagship Program. Paola brings extensive experience in racial equity and leadership development, having previously served as a consultant and as the Executive Director of Children’s Alliance. Please join us in giving Paola a warm welcome! Paola can be reached at Paola@leadershiptomorrowseattle.org.

"I am thrilled for the opportunity to serve an organization that gave me so many lasting lessons on leadership and community building. Over the years, so many LT folks have 'poured into my cup,' and I look forward to paying that forward. Now more than ever, we must continue learning and growing together, rooted in values of justice and belonging."

Black History Month Reflections: Maria McDaniel, LT'14, City of Seattle

What does Black History Month mean to you? Why is it important to celebrate and honor Black history?

Black history is history! Black people have contributed so much to the world, and history continues to focus primarily on Europeans. Black History Month for me growing up was a time to learn about everything that was not in “day-to-day” history books. I was fortunate to be raised in a household that embraced and shared the history. We must continue to celebrate, honor, and share Black history so it is not omitted and forgotten.

In what ways do you draw inspiration from Black historical figures or leaders?

I’ve drawn inspiration from various Black historical figures and leaders by acknowledging their struggles, victories, visions, and their refusal to be silenced. I am my ancestors' dream, and because of them, I’m doing all I can to continue the work and honor their legacy by taking advantage of the opportunities their efforts afforded me and many others.

Several people have influenced my approach to leadership including Shirley Chisholm, Angela Davis, Coretta Scott King, Nelson Mandela, Anna Murray Douglass, Maya Angelou, Muhammad Ali, Desmond Tutu, Ida B. Wells, Harriet Tubman, James Baldwin, Madam C. J. Walker, Phillis Wheatley, and many others. There are so many more, but ultimately the individuals who influenced me most were my grandmother, mother, and teachers. Their guidance and support framed my leadership style of compassion, empathy, and transparency. Leadership is not about being in front. It is about bringing others along with you and setting examples on how to bring about change.

Applications for the Flagship Program Class of 2026 are now open! Here are three ways you can help us recruit another fabulous group of leaders:

1. Nominate candidates at this link. Nominate as many people as you want, and LT will follow up. By nominating candidates, you'll be entered into a monthly drawing to win a $100 Starbucks gift card!

2. Engaging with Leadership Tomorrow on LinkedIn. Like, comment, and repost our posts.

3. Attend one or more of our recruitment events and bring a friend who might be interested in LT:

March 4, 2025, 5:30-7 p.m. Private Sector Happy Hour and Recruitment Event at Davis Wright Tremaine. Register now.

March 5, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Queer Alumni & Allies Happy Hour and Recruitment Event at an alum's home in downtown Seattle. Register now.

March 17, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Arts & Culture Happy Hour and Recruitment Event at Town Hall Seattle. Register now .

March 19, 2025, 5:30-7:30 p.m. BIPOC Networking and Recruitment Event at Perkins Coie. Register now.

March 26, 2025, 12-1 p.m. Olympia Lunch and Recruitment Event. Register now.

March 26, 2025, 4-6 p.m. Tacoma Happy Hour and Recruitment Event. Register now.

Moving Forward Workbook: A Tool for Action

Leadership Tomorrow is committed to supporting inclusive, community-centered leaders that drive meaningful change. As part of this commitment, the Moving Forward Workbook serves as a starting point for turning reflection into action.

The workbook is structured around four reflections and actions:

Accepting Reality and Taking Action: Identify what you can influence and how to resist harmful systems.
Building Community and Collective Action: Find and strengthen networks for support and impact.
Setting Boundaries Around Communication: Manage information flow and ensure media consumption aligns with your values.
Grounding and Rituals: Create personal and collective practices that sustain engagement and wellbeing.

Download Workbook

Alumni Community Updates: Grapevine

Discover how LT alumni are advancing in their careers and partnering to build a more resilient Puget Sound region. If you have an update to share, email Megan.

Honorary LT: Karen Kalish joined the KUOW Board of Directors.

LT’87: Bernie (Bernadene) Dochnahl passed away. You can read her obituary here.

LT'99: Scott MacCormack started a new position as Partner at Holland & Knight LLP.

LT'11: Tina Vlasaty was selected to serve on the Regional Transit Oriented Development Committee for Puget Sound Regional Council.

LT'13: Shannon Bell started a new position as SVP, Director of Treasury Management at First Fed.

LT'16: Michelle Chen started a new position as Director, Strategic Development at Brawner & Company.

LT'16: Ashley Martin started a new position as Director, North America eCommerce at Brooks Running.

LT'16: Jill Riemer started a new position as Vice President of High Performance Academy.

LT'17: Joy Langley started a new position as Director of Growth (Federal Civilian and Department of Commerce) at RIVA Solutions, Inc.

LT'22: Angela Compton is now President of the Futurewise Board of Directors.

LT’23: Kim Kamolz earned her Professional Certified Coach (PCC) certificate from the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

LT'23: Brittney Moraski became advocacy committee chair for the Seattle Public Library Foundation.

LT'24: Eric Corning started a new position as President at Oregon International Air Show, Inc.

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