From the Director: Sue Bennett, LT'94 |
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Dear LT Family:
This newsletter is coming to you just two weeks after the killings in Atlanta and during a year in which our Asian American communities have experienced increased violence and racism. LT stands unequivocally in solidarity with our AAPI community and against hate in all forms. Xenophobia and discrimination toward Asian Americans are part of a longer history in our country, and we know it will take sustained, strategic, and committed actions to change them.
As we've said before, inequity and systemic racism impede our ability to create a healthy community for all. Dismantling systems that deny any of our communities safety, dignity, and wellbeing is work civic leaders must do. That includes dismantling systemic racism and working together to build a better, more just world.
Today, I’d like to amplify the voices of three LT alumni from the Asian community who have written recently about their experiences. Please read their stories and calls to action.
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My Tam Nguyen, LT’09, Network Catalyst, National Innovation Service, writes “I still love this country and see its promise in where we go from here.”
Read her reflections and suggestions for allyship HERE.
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Julie Pham, LT’16, Founder and CEO, CuriosityBased, asks in her newsletter “How do we step up and take the mic when it’s given to us?”
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Xiao Wang, LT’16, Co-Founder and CEO, Boundless Immigration, writes “Unfortunately, by prioritizing outward success, Asian Americans like me ignored an equally important imperative: to stand up for ourselves, our history and our rights.”
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You can find more ideas for how to help HERE (scroll to the bottom of the page). Thank you for working together to create a community where everyone is safe and valued. |
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LT'21 Class Member Reflections |
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Brittney Jackson, LT'21, University of Puget Sound |
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In this 3-minute video, Brittney Jackson, LT'21, reflects on what she’s learning in LT and her goals for participating in the Flagship Program. She came to LT for professional development, networking, and the opportunity to better understand regional issues. Now, more than halfway through the program, one of the most impactful parts of the program has been watching her white colleagues labor for antiracism and justice. |
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Mary Johnstone, LT'21, Google
What are you learning?
If I had to put my learning into three broad categories, I'd say I'm first learning about different issues that affect our communities here in the Puget Sound, second how to be more antiracist and equitable in my daily life, and finally leadership qualities that I want to cultivate and emulate.
What has surprised you? Have you had any “aha” moments?
I thought I knew a lot about my city; however, with every Challenge Day, I find that not only was my knowledge surface level, I still have so much to learn. Leadership Tomorrow has shown me that being a great leader is to always seek out learning and understanding.
What has challenged you?
I think the biggest challenge for me is to bring my learning back to my workplace. Tech is one of the biggest industries right now, and there's so much more they could be giving back. I want to influence my workplace and industry to be better stewards and enact truly antiracist practices, but I often feel like a tiny fish in the giant ocean that is Tech. I know I can make changes, and my challenge is to be a leader who does that.
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Andy Reynolds, LT'84 Scholarship Fund |
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Andy Reynolds, a member of LT's first class and a beloved community leader, recently passed away. To honor his legacy, the class of 1984 and the LT African American alumni group raised $3,900 to create a one-time scholarship in his name for an African American participant accepted into the LT Class of 2022.
Friends and colleagues of Andy remember him as a giant of a man who lived his values. He was a great teacher. He had a way of making whomever he was talking to feel there was no one more important than you at that moment. He Modeled the Way about how to be a leader and still be humble in all you do. Andy never lost sight of the importance of Leadership Tomorrow, for both the individuals that were a part of the program and the city that he loved so much.
If you'd like to make a gift to the Andy Reynolds Scholarship Fund, you may do so HERE.
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Alumni Reflections: Gary Cooper, LT'18, Amazon |
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Tell us a little about who you are and what you do at Amazon.
I’m a straight, cis, currently able-bodied, white man, and I'm married with two kids. (I think it’s important to ground that perspective in the way I operate and experience the world.) My role at Amazon, and more broadly, is focused on driving an inclusion where equity is the outcome. The team I’m on seeks to build awareness of the systemic reasons for inequities and develop resilience to change those systems.
As a white person in DEI, my role is to disrupt the systems from which I benefit. As companies make statements about Black Lives Matter or communicate that the inequitable treatment of Black people (BIPOC communities) is unacceptable, my role is to hold leadership accountable to put statements into action.
What motivated you to participate in LT?
When I decided to apply for LT, I felt like I had a strong handle on how race and racism dictate outcomes for various communities. However, I knew I had gaps and, whatever I did know, existed in academic theory or in the abstract. Additionally, I wanted to shift my career into an equity-focused role, and I did not have a good handle on what that transition might look like or what type of roles existed within private, public, or nonprofit organizations.
You’ve changed roles at Amazon since participating in LT. Can you tell us how, if at all, LT influenced that shift? Can you tell us how you apply what you learned in LT to your current role?
As mentioned above, I came to LT with the mindset that a change was needed. LT provided me with a new set of skills and perspectives through which to make that change.
During one of our Challenge Days, a corporate leader was discussing unintended consequences. Wyking Garrett was on the same panel and he pushed back on the concept of unintended consequences. Garrett emphasized that as an individual the outcomes of decisions may not have been intentional, but the system being discussed always intended for those outcomes to take place. That moment solidified impact over intent. It forced me to acknowledge how many times I let the language of unintended consequences go uninterrupted. That moment sits with me in every decision in my work and social sphere. I must be willing to put into action the call for equity, no matter the personal cost.
Are there articles or resources you’d like the LT community to read?
This story has been condensed for space. You can read the full article HERE. If you have a story or perspective you would like to share with the LT community, email Megan.
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Stay Connected with the LT Alumni Community |
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LT Alumni Lunch with Leaders: LueRachelle Brim-Atkins, LT’86 and Lonnie Lusardo, LT’90
April 21, 2021, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
What is the role of racial equity work in achieving institutional, social, and personal change? Join us to hear from LueRachelle Brim-Atkins, LT’86, (Brim-Donahoe & Associates) and Lonnie Lusardo, LT’90, (The Diversity Collaborative) about the role of racial equity work in a transforming world. Learn more and register HERE.
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The Alumni Database helps you stay connected to our community of leaders. If you haven't already, please complete your profile in the LT Alumni Database using the instructions HERE. If it has been awhile since you've last logged in and you've moved, switched jobs, etc., please log in to update your information. |
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Read the updates below to see how LT alumni are driving change, growing in their careers, and much more. If you have an update ( career changes, appointments, new family arrivals, etc.) you would like to share with the LT community, email Megan.
1988: Miller Adams was recognized by the Boy Scouts, Chief Seattle Council, as the 2021 Pillar of Puget Sound.
1990: Sue Byers was featured in the South Seattle Emerald for her lifelong dedication to service as part of its annual series honoring Black History Month that pays tribute to the living legacy of Black history in our community and beyond. You can read the article HERE.
1996: Steven González was sworn in as Washington's new Chief Justice, becoming the first Chief Justice of color in state history. He’s also the first Jewish Chief Justice in Washington state. You can read the announcement HERE.
2000: Pamela Baade has started a new position as VP, Client & Community Relations Director at PNC.
2001: Larry Loo has started a new position as CFO at San Francisco Health Service System.
2002: Michelle Sarju is running for Seattle School Board, District 5. You can read the announcement HERE.
2003: Erin Kahn has joined The Russell Family Foundation as its Director of Strategy and Programs to help advance their strategic grantmaking and programming.
2004: Charles Knutson has joined Amazon as their Senior Manager, Public Policy.
2005: John Chen's book, Engaging Virtual Meetings, was recently published. Learn more about John's book and his work HERE.
2007: Ruth Dickey, the Executive Director of the literary nonprofit Seattle Arts & Lectures, will become the National Book Foundation's new Executive Director.
2007: Ken Lederman has started a new position as an Attorney at McCullough Hill Leary.
2009: Stuart Frank passed his PHR certification test, as well as started a new position as a Recruiter at Aegis Living.
2009: Debbie Geiger was promoted to Vice President of Financial Operations for Timberlands Real Estate Energy and Natural Resource Business at Weyerhaeuser.
2010: Becky Kelley has started a new role as Senior Policy Advisor for Climate for Washington State Officer of the Governor.
2011: Anthony Shoecraft has started a new position as Senior Director, Strategy and Business Development at Kingmakers of Oakland.
2011: Tina Vlasaty has accepted a new role as Senior Program Officer for Elevate Health/OnePierce's Community Resiliency Fund.
2012: Jason Johnson was interviewed by the Seattle Times, reflecting on why the city is spending so much money addressing homelessness and the issue isn't improving. You can read the article HERE.
2012 & 2019: RaShelle Davis, LT'12, and Kayla DeMonte, LT'19, were interviewed for the Civic Commons podcast, sharing why they decided to enter into civil service and how they got started in the work of democracy. Listen to the podcast HERE.
2013: Josh Hall was promoted to Commissioning Manager at Brighton & Hove City Council.
2013: Ryan McFarland has started a new position as Government Relations Manager for The Northwest Seaport Alliance.
2014: Justin Clark was the recipient of the Rosa Parks Diversity Leadership Award WTS Puget Sound Chapter 2021.
2014: Kia Franklin has started a new position as Executive Director for Stand for Children.
2014: Shira Rosen has started a new position as Co-Executive Director at Literacy Source.
2015: Nick Anderson has started a new position as Vice President, Senior Relationship Manager at Banner Bank.
2015: Emily Carrion has started a new position as VP of Marketing at Esper.
2015: Clover Codd was named Moreland School District's Superintendent.
2015: Liv Faris has joined Brooks Running to lead the Creative Production team, focused on video and photography.
2016: Hans Anderson was promoted to Senior Director at Slalom Consulting.
2016: Kelly Griffin recently shared her perspective with CoreNet Global about designing workspaces to accommodate employee's range of styles and needs. You can read the article HERE.
2016: Nicey Hilton wrote an article for the University of Washington Career Center about the importance of a liberal arts education. You can read the article HERE.
2016: Meghann McNiff wrote an article reflecting on the 2020 election. You can read the article HERE.
2017: Chisulo Mulenga has started a new position at Sellen as a Project Manager.
2017: Marya Sea Kaminski was featured in the New York Times for her work at Pittsburgh Public Theater, where they have streamed shows to their residential communities. You can read the article HERE.
2017: Tom Tidyman has accepted a new role as Director of Operations and Finance at The San Juan Preservation Trust.
2017: Justin Walsh has started a new position as Adjunct Professor of Law at Seattle University School of Law.
2018: Clarice Chan has accepted a new position at Facebook as Product Manager in Facebook Open Research and Transparency Team.
2018: Chris Franco was featured in the South Seattle Emerald for his decision to run for King County Council, Position 9. You can read the article HERE.
2018: Rob Saka was appointed as one of four Members to the nonpartisan 2021 King County Districting Committee. The Committee will redraw the boundaries for King County Council districts using 2020 census data in a once-in-a-decade process that runs parallel to state and federal redistricting.
2018: Jamie Strobble has joined The Nature Conservancy of Washington as its Climate Director.
2019: Kelly Olson is working for the Civil Survival Project, a program under the Public Defender Association. For the past few years, they have worked on the Voting Rights Bills, which just recently passed. This bill allows those under community supervision, but out in the community working and paying taxes, to be able to vote when the law goes into effect. You can learn more about this bill HERE.
2019: Monica Parker will be recognized as National Diversity Council's DEI Champion awardee at their 2021 National Diversity & Leadership Conference on April 21-22.
2019: Heidi Tuttle was promoted to Lieutenant Community at the Seattle Police Department.
2019: Nicole Ver Kuilen has joined the ROMP Global Team as Associate Director of Development.
2020: Ashraf Hasham is co-hosting a podcast on how art, culture, and creativity – as applied by youth – can change the world, one community at a time . It’s called ‘Why Change?’ and led by Creative Generation. You can listen to it HERE on Spotify, HERE on Apple, and this page connects to the Soundcloud link + has a transcription PDF for accessibility.
2020: NiiAmah Stephens was promoted to Engagement Manager at Camber Collective.
2020: Geni Venable has started a new position as Communications Program Manager, Global Associate Experience at Amazon.
2020: Jennifer Ward joined the Board of Directors of Communities In Schools of Seattle.
2021: Shannon Benya has started a new position as Program and Construction Manager at Construction for Change.
2021: Yingying Huang Fernandes has accepted a new role as Transportation Planner III at King County Metro.
2021: Paul Neville has accepted a new position to work at the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok Thailand to be the U.S. liaison to the UN’s Asian headquarters starting in April.
2021: Sadie Zeller has started a new position as Principal Product Manager at Tasso, Inc.
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