Dear LT Community:

As we welcome the arrival of fall, we are excited to mark the beginning of a new year for Leadership Tomorrow. Our fiscal year runs from September 1-August 31, and this year is particularly special as we celebrate our 40th anniversary! In the upcoming months, we will share stories of community impact, honor leaders from the past and present, and set the stage for the next 40 years of civic leadership. 

LT’s 40th class recently held their Fall Retreat. It was a powerful weekend where we fostered community and belonging, explored Collective Leadership, and delved into the knowledge, skills, behaviors, and self-awareness needed to be successful in LT and as civic leaders. You can read more on our website. Special thanks to the dedicated servant leaders of the Curriculum Committee for designing and implementing this year's Flagship Program curriculum.

The need for greater civic engagement and skilled cross-sector leadership to solve entrenched and interconnected problems has never been clearer. The work of LT is essential. As I look ahead at the possibilities for our region and LT, I am optimistic and honored to be part of building a better future. I am grateful to be in community with you as we work together to make our region a place where people from all identities and communities thrive.

In community,

Sue Bennett, LT'94

Executive Director

We are thrilled to introduce LT's two new board members. LT's Board of Directors is comprised of 25 leaders from the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. They are united by their commitment to educate, inspire, connect, and catalyze cross-sector leaders who work together for collective impact. See our full list of board members here.

Sofia Voz, LT'19, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Goalbook



I joined the LT Board because I believe cohort experiences are unique and powerful -- and at LT, an opportunity to build community and relationships with our neighbors where productive conflict, diverse and divergent thinking, and intentional awareness of power dynamics are at the center. As Chair of the Curriculum Committee, my focus is working with LT staff and other members of the committee to ensure a high-quality experience for participants. If we want to build a future Seattle that is truly for everyone, we need diverse leaders across sectors who understand that call and how to intentionally collaborate for more just outcomes. LT is uniquely situated to be one part of the ecosystem working toward those outcomes, and I am excited to be a part of the work this year!

Amelia Ransom, Honorary LT, VP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Smartsheet

I joined the LT Board because Leadership Tomorrow is uniquely positioned to create and support leaders who understand and can respond to the unique challenges of our region and society. 

Join us in welcoming two new inspiring leaders to LT's small but mighty team.

Erica Lane is LT's Fundraising and Alumni Relations Manager. In her role, she'll focus on fundraising and alumni programming and engagement. As Flagship Program Consultant, C.Marie Taylor, LT'23, is responsible for overseeing and executing our 10-month Flagship Program.

You have been a consistent donor for the past few years (thank you!). Can you tell us why you support LT?

I am impressed by LT's commitment to developing leaders who are equipped to address the complex challenges facing our region and society today. I have seen firsthand the impact that LT can have – alumni who are making a difference in the community by working on issues like racial equity, climate change, and economic opportunity. Now more than ever, it's important to pay this opportunity forward and extend the reach and impact of LT. 

How did your LT experience impact your leadership?

I have become more confident in my ability to lead and take on new challenges, and I have developed a more inclusive and collaborative leadership style. In my board position with the Center for Sustainable Energy, it's helped relate our work to accelerate the transition to a clean energy future with the community impact we explored in LT.

Which of LT’s values resonates most with you? Why?

Community Stewardship is serving for the greater good, leading and acting from any position, with joy and love. It is about using our gifts and talents to make a difference in the world, and doing so in a way that is authentic and heartfelt. This resonates with me because what I've learned is that life is more rewarding when you lead from the heart, set good intentions, and anchor your success to the people around you. 

Meet Your LT Neighbor on October 26, 2023

Connect with LT alumni in your neighborhood at one of our meet-ups. Visit our website to see the full list of locations and register.

Follow LT on LinkedIn

To get real-time information about what's happening at LT, follow us on LinkedIn. To help us spread the word about LT and help you connect with other alumni, please add your LT experience to your LinkedIn profile using these instructions.

Update Your Information in the LT Alumni Database

The LT Alumni Database is a powerful resource that helps you connect with the LT community, unlock exciting professional and volunteer opportunities, and foster meaningful connections. If you already have a login and password, log in here. If you need to set up your profile, follow these instructions to create your login. If you have questions about the LT Alumni Database, email Megan.

Read the updates below to see how people in our community are growing in their careers and fostering changes to make our region a place where people from all communities and identities thrive. If you have an update you would like to share with the LT community, email Megan.

LT'88: Jim Greenfield was named by Business Today as one of the Top 10 Most Influential Real Estate Lawyers in Washington for 2023.

LT'93: Bill Block recently passed away. A former colleague wrote this article to honor Bill and his work to make our region a better place. Read his obituary here.

LT'04: DS Benbow was selected as Co-Chair of Billow and serves on Zillow's ERG council, helping create a more transparent, equitable, and inclusive work environment for all.

LT'05: Ceil Erickson started a new position as Director of Community Impact at Verdant Health Commission.

LT'08: Jacquie Estep started a new position as President and CEO at ESTEP Consulting LLC.

LT'16: Erin Hobson joined Seattle Center Foundation Board of Directors.

LT'16: Tara Lee joined the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center Board of Directors.

LT'16: The company Xiao Wang founded, Boundless Immigration, has acquired Bridge Immigration to become the first technology platform helping immigrants across family, travel, and work categories.

LT'17: Nicole Bascomb was named the Head of Community Lending at Umpqua Bank, a Subsidiary of Tacoma-based Columbia Banking System Inc.

LT'17: Shaun Hazen joined The Center for Sustainable Energy Board of Directors.

LT'17: Leslie O'Brien started a new position as Director, Channel Partnerships at One Medical.

LT'17: Janice Zahn received the Asian American Service and Leadership Award from the Chinese Institute of Engineers.

LT'18: Justin McMahon started a new position as Electrical Sales Associate at Home Depot.

LT'20: Erin Gagnon was promoted to Chief Revenue Officer at DTG Recycle.

LT'20: Desireé Wilkins Finch completed her EQ-I 2.0 and EQ 360 certification, a tool she uses as a tool in executive coaching, team and leader evaluations, and assessments.

LT'21: Jessica Bhuiyan started a new position as Director of Donor Relations at the King County Library System.

LT'21: Sam Cho was appointed by Mayor Bruce Harrell to serve as Director of Strategic Initiatives, a job that includes leading the mayor's downtown revitalization effort. He was also appointed to the new Intergovernmental Policy Advisory Committee. In this role, he'll advise the Biden Administration and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on the nation's trade policies.

LT'21: Joanna Gangi started a new position as Communications Specialist IV at King County.

LT'21: Dana Ulrich joined the King County Sexual Assault Resource Center Board of Directors.

LT'22: Karen Dove obtained a new certificate: Inclusive Behaviors Inventory℠ Certification from Aperian Global.

LT'23: Antje Helfrich obtained a new certification: Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach from Gallup.

LT'23: Ciera Young started a new position as Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Crisis Connections.