Below are our 2017 endorsements. They are listed by county. For candidates who were endorsed in areas of the state where we do not have an active endorsement committee, they are listed at the bottom under "Rest of State."
Are you running for office and interested in endorsement? Email info@nwpcwa.org to learn more about our endorsement process.
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CLARK COUNTY |
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School Board Pos. 1
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Julie Bocanegra was appointed to the Evergreen School Board of Directors in February 2012 and was re-elected in November, 2013. She is running for re-election. Julie manages a branch of the local Columbia Credit Union. She is also a former Chair of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce, former president of the Evergreen Little League and a lifelong Vancouver resident. Julie says, “providing a top education for every student is my top priority. Through education, every child has the opportunity to see their potential come to fruition. I will continue to help bring equity and access to every student throughout the entire district by removing barriers and providing support for families within our schools. My years of service on the school board and my continued community service demonstrate my collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure what is best for our children and our community. |
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School Board Pos. 5 |
Ginny Gronwoldt is the proud Mom of 3 beautiful children. She has worked in the financial industry for over 19 years, mostly in Commercial/Business Lending and is currently a Business Lending Officer for iQ Credit Union. Ginny has called Clark County home for the past 12 years. She moved her family to Clark County for the strong school systems and amazing educators. Her focus is to improve the quality of education for every student by continuing to invest in innovation and technology, ensuring that the quality of educators is of the highest standard, and adhering to a pledge of fiscal responsibility to her community. She will bring useful experience to this position including fiscal planning, community engagement and effective decision making. Ginny has demonstrated dedication to education by serving the past 6 years as a director of the Evergreen School District Foundation. In addition, she has taught Junior Achievement classes for the past 9 years, mentored with the Police Activities League and has been an active PTA member at the school her children attend. Ginny will work hard for the Evergreen School District through common sense decision making, fiscal responsibility and open and transparent communication. |
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Linda was born in Corvallis, OR, a post war baby, as her father was graduating from Oregon State University. Linda grew up in Salem because her dad worked for the State Forestry Office, in the Finance Department. Graduating in a class of almost a thousand kids Linda sometimes felt “lost in the crowd” but when she got out on her own she realized she had talents and passions that not a lot of her friends had. A singer most of her life she started singing competitively in the early 70s which then turned into a semi-professional and then a professional singing career. In the early 80s she got involved in the Miss America program, she loves mentoring, coaching and judging the young girls who participate and does it to this day. She is also the Founder and Director of the Miss Teen LaCenter Scholarship Pageant, now in it's 15th year. These girls represent LaCenter in parades and festivals and they volunteer their time for many non-profit events around Clark County and the Portland Metro area. She's been a business owner, in the political arena with 8 years on the LaCenter City Council and even been a Cruise Director on a cruise ship. She's owned and managed movie theaters and been involved with local Chambers of Commerce. Linda feels her vast experiences in life and in the working World have given her the tools to help govern the impacts of her community and the North County area. |
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Anne McEnerny-Ogle was elected to Council in November 2013 and took her oath of office January 1, 2014. Anne is also Vancouver's Mayor Pro Tem, fulfilling the duties of the Mayor, as needed, in the Mayor's absence. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Education from Southern Oregon State College in 1974 and a Master's Degree in Education from Lewis and Clark College in 1976. Anne retired after teaching 30 years in Lake Oswego Public Schools and serving as the chair of the mathematics department. During this time, she was a consultant to numerous school districts in Washington and Oregon, presented her work at state and national mathematics conferences, and served as editor and author for Oregon's State Math journal. She was a college and university lecturer and continues to supervise student teachers. |
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As your Vancouver City Councilmember I am a committed advocate and champion for public safety, affordable housing, protecting the vulnerable, honoring our Veterans, education, parks and economic opportunity. My diverse interests and dedication to these issues are deeply grounded in my personal values. My story begins with my mom, who raised me and my sister as a single mother. When she had me, she was just 15 years old and working 70 hours or more a week to pay the bills. Her hard work and drive to make a better life for us taught me the value of diligence, learning from those around me, and making fair changes when they were needed. I worked my way through college and earned two degrees along with All-American honors in the 800 meters. I also saw so much of that work pay off when I qualified for the 2000 Olympic Trials. I still enjoy running and cycling though our parks with my husband, a former WSU basketball player Ryan. I am proud to have worked for Vancouver Public Schools, the Fort Vancouver National Trust and now, the Clark County Treasurer’s Office. Whether I’m finding innovative approaches to help students remove barriers to learning; preserving our rich history; building events to support our Veterans; or strengthening public services, I am always dedicated to being sincere, speaking the truth, and doing my homework so I know both sides of an issue. I hope to continue working on behalf of the people of Vancouver to make us all proud to call Vancouver our home. |
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Linda is Executive Director of Gifts For Our Community, a nonprofit organization that provides community resources in the areas of human services, education and the arts. She oversees Divine Consign, an upscale furniture shop and b. divine clothing boutique, an upscale resale clothing shop. Linda began with Gifts For Our Community in 1997 with the Holiday Shop after moving to Vancouver to be near her daughter and her family. She was a teacher and elementary principal in Coeur d’ Alene, ID and although she loved education, she decided to explore something different with the move. Linda has been a very involved community member as was recognized when she received the NW Women’s Journal 100 Most Powerful women in 2007, Altrusa Service Award 2008, the Women of Achievement Award in 2010, Friends of Hospice Caring Award and a Founding Mother o Vancouver the 2016. She serves on the Board of Directors of Vancouver’s Downtown Association, Learning Avenues Childcare Centers, Fort Vancouver National Trust. She is a member of Friends of Hospice, H-Roc and Empowering Women + Girls. Linda believes that together we can accomplish so much, and in the end we will have created something greater than any of us could have imagined. That truly is Vancouver. A community eager to work together to create a place people are proud to call home. Linda and Jay have found Vancouver to be a welcoming and an exciting place to live. Through Gifts For Our Community she has met so many wonderful people and has loved the opportunity to make a small difference in our community. |
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Donna Sinclair is a public historian and educator. She earned both an M.A. in History from Portland State University (PSU) and a Ph.D. in Urban Studies. Sinclair’s public history work includes digital technology projects and public programs at the Center for Columbia River History, writing social histories for the National Park Service and managing major oral history projects throughout the Northwest. She teaches Public History, Western Women’s History, Lewis and Clark and the American West, and U.S. History at WSU Vancouver, PSU, and for Oregon’s Humanities In Perspective program. Her dissertation project focused on the constraints, advancement, and historical agency of women and minorities in the U.S. Forest Service in the late twentieth century. She has several publications and is currently collaborating with Gloria Brown, the first African American woman forest supervisor in the nation, to tell her story (under contract with Oregon State University Press). Sinclair sits on the Washougal Planning Commission and has partnered professionally and as a volunteer with many community organizations. |
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Molly Coston has been a long-time active member of the Washougal community, including her prior service on the Washougal City Council as a council member and mayor pro-ten. She is a strong civic leader in organizations that includes Rotary and League of Women Voters. Molly has the experience, knowledge, commitment to community, and ability to be a strong, informed independent leader. She will use her education and experience in governmental and business project management to make sure there an effective forward looking plan that will manage increasing growth rate and changing demographics for the benefit of Washougal. . |
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KING COUNTY |
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Rebecca Saldaña is a progressive leader with decades of experience fighting for economic, social and racial justice. Raised in Delridge in a union household, Rebecca learned early on the importance of working together in community to fight discrimination and injustice. The values she learned at home are what led her to begin her career as a union organizer. From her work as an organizer with Oregon’s farm workers’ union, PCUN, and SEIU Local 6, to her current role as Executive Director of Puget Sound Sage, Rebecca has dedicated her career to standing up for immigrant rights, a fair economy and a more equitable society. Rebecca is running because now – more than ever – we need fierce advocates for workers, immigrants, seniors, women, children and communities of color. |
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A Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, award winning PTSA mom, anti- domestic violence advocate and community leader, Manka Dhingra is running for State Senate to address critical needs in education funding, mental health, violence prevention, and to protect the rights of women.
As Chair of the King County’s Therapeutic Alternative Unit, Manka supervises the Regional Mental Health Court, which received the Randy Revelle Award by the Washington State Psychiatric Association. She also oversees the Veterans Court that serves veterans with PTSD and the Community Assessment and Referral for Diversion program.
To reform and improve our criminal justice system, Manka has worked with State Department of Social and Human Services, the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, legislators, and the Governor’s office to ensure individuals get the treatment they need to return to being productive members of our community.
A mental health and crisis intervention expert, Manka provides training to law enforcement and recently started a collaborative effort with King County law enforcement agencies to coordinate response and help avoid tragedy. She also works directly with Harborview Hospital, mental health professionals and our courts to improve criminal justice outcomes for mentally ill individuals—seeking to close the revolving door of jail, homelessness, and crime.
A longtime advocate for women and immigrant rights, Manka recognized how often domestic violence in the South Asian community goes unreported. In response, she co-founded Chaya (now API Chaya) and has since led the organization’s work to end systemic violence through education, prevention, and organizing. She also served on the Seattle Police Department Muslim, Arab, and Sikh Advisory Council to address hate crime issues in our region in the wake of 9/11. |
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Senator Patty Kuderer was appointed tin January to the Washington State Senate to represent the 48th District (Bellevue, Redmond, Clyde Hill) and is running for reelection. She wants to run to continue to advocate for full funding of education, gender pay equity, reproductive freedom, and more. She believes in the social, economic, and political equality of women. Patty is also a member of the Financial Institutions & Insurance and State Government Committees where she has worked on legislation to expand voting rights with same day registration and to strengthen consumer protection in financial transactions. She has over 30 years of experience as a trial attorney in both public and private practice. She has specialized in representing clients who faced employment discrimination, and people injured by drunk or negligent drivers. She also volunteers in her community for her local PTA and for numerous nonprofits |
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Dr. Vandana Slatter is a community leader, public school parent, and biotech and health professional. A Doctor of Pharmacy (UW), Vandana has worked for the past twenty-five years in the biotech industry bringing multiple parties together, making sense of complex information, and achieving safe and efficient solutions to best serve patients. In addition, Vandana has served on the Overlake Hospital Foundation's Board of Trustees and has helped raise funds supporting the Cancer Center at Overlake and mental health programs on the Eastside. Vandana earned an Executive MPA Intern to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, and was appointed to the Washington State Board of Pharmacy (now the Pharmacy Assurance Commission) by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2007. She has also served on the Foundation Board of NARAL Pro-Choice Washington where she advocated for medically accurate health education in schools. |
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Karol Brown was born and raised in Federal Way, Washington. After earning Bachelor's degrees in Economics and International Studies from the University of Washington, she graduated from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government with a Master's degree in Public Policy, and then went on to Yale Law School for her Law degree. In 2012, Brown started World One Law Group, a thriving immigration law practice in South Bellevue, where she helps businesses and families navigate complex immigration issues, and manages a growing team of immigration law professionals. Prior to starting her own firm, she clerked for Judge Thomas Zilly of the Western District Court of Washington, worked as an associate at a large local law firm, and served as the Policy and Advocacy Director at OneAmerica. She went on to join the adjunct faculty at University of Washington School of Law, and worked in Microsoft's Law and Corporate Affairs group. Karol has been an Eastgate resident for more than 15 years, and dedicated her career to serving families looking for a better life. She looks forward to continuing that service at a community level and bring the voices of those too often unheard to the City Council. |
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Dr. Lynne Robinson joined the Bellevue City Council in 2014, and she has a long history of supporting women in both her political and physical therapy careers. Lynne advocates for the environment, parks and open spaces, human services, small business and affordable housing in Bellevue. She represents the council on the Eastside Human Services Forum Executive Board, the Mental Illness Drug Dependency Oversight Committee and the King County-Cities Climate Collaboration. A physical therapist with her own business that specializes in older adults, Lynne holds a doctorate in physical therapy from Regis University and a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Northwestern University Medical School. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in community services from California State University Chico. In 2015 Governor Jay Inslee appointed Lynne to the state Board of Physical Therapy. |
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Janice was born in Hong Kong and moved to the United States over 40 years ago. Janice has a double Masters in Structural Engineering and in Public Administration from the University of Washington, has been leading Construction Management for the Port of Seattle for nearly a decade. In that role, she oversees the Port's Major Public Works construction with over 50 employees and consultants and a construction budget of over $250 million in 2017. She has served on the City of Bellevue Transportation Commission since 2013, where she helped shape the Commission's review and recommendations regarding the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan, Vision Zero policy updates, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Implementation Initiative and Multi-modal level of service. She is also a graduate of Advance Bellevue (a legacy program of Leadership Eastside) and is currently in the Leadership Tomorrow program. Janice believes strongly in helping others, to see them engage, grow and prosper. A mother of two daughters, Megan (18) and Leah (16), Janice has been engaged in many ways with the city of Bellevue and the Eastside. She has been a leader with the PTA, first at Puesta del Sol Elementary and currently at the International School where she serves as the Legislative Chair. She has also served 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. Janice Zahn lives in the Greenwich Crest neighborhood with her husband of 27 years, Dwain, and their daughters. |
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Nancy Tosta is a retired public servant, having spent most of her career working for public agencies or consulting to them. She currently serves as a City Councilmember in Burien, WA, a community of 50,000 people in the Puget Sound region. She has a background in science and policy and has held senior and executive level positions in regional, state, and federal government. She also led a nationally respected consulting company, as well as her own consulting business. She has extensive experience working with and within government agencies on environmental policy, technology, environmental health, food systems, economic development, climate change, natural resource management, environmental justice, and growth management. She has worked predominantly in intergovernmental and interagency environments, facilitating complex issues, evaluating and assessing programs and policies, and helping organizations strategize. She was on the forefront of the use of remote sensing and GIS technology, starting in the early 1970’s, culminating in the passage of national policies to facilitate spatial data sharing in the 1990’s. She has held her own as a professional woman in fields dominated by men and has served as a model for other women. She is a soil scientist by education (BS and MS from University of California, Berkeley), with a deep commitment to environmental sustainability, economic and social equity, and a healthier food system. |
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Amy Ockerlander is a two-term Duvall City council member elected in 2009 and 2013. She currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem and is a candidate for Mayor in the November 2017 election. She holds a bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies from Eastern Washington University. From 2004 through 2013 Amy held many positions in politics and government including managing legislative races in the 45 th district, serving as a legislative assistant in Olympia and at the executive management level in county government working on constituent issues, legislation and policy, emergency public information and strategic advising. Amy serves on a number of regional and statewide committees representing the council and assisting with policy formation at the county, state, and federal levels. She also holds a Certificate of Advanced Municipal Leadership through the Association of Washington Cities, Bronze Level Certification through the National League of Cities Leadership Training Instituted and is a 2013 graduate of both Leadership Eastside and Leadership Eastside Executive Insight. She is a strong advocate for women who will work to ensure equal pay, access to full-reproductive healthcare and paid parental leave. |
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Krystal Marx is a longtime South King County resident, wife of an Army combat veteran, and mom of four children. Her recent professional work includes Business Manager at a data science firm and Operations Manager at the King County Medical Society. She has more than a decade of operations and project management experience at various non-profits and organizations. In addition to that work, she was Apprenticeship Services Coordinator for aerospace machinists because believes in supporting and advocating for labor unions. Krystal also volunteers in her community and has long worked to lift up and protect marginalized and targeted communities. Openly LGBTQ, she has provided free self-defense training and has offered Bystander Intervention training to such groups as the Seattle Housing Alliance, Mothers for Social Justice and more. Krystal coordinates groups of volunteers to pick up discarded needles in high-risk areas, organizes homeless outreach initiatives in downtown Seattle, and developed “Veteran Care Packs”; small care packages for U.S. Armed Service veterans experiencing PTSD events. To further advance her policymaking and fundraising skills, and to support local theater, Krystal joined the Board of Trustees for Unexpected Productions (the Market Theater at Pike Place) in 2016. Finally, Krystal currently serves on the Executive Board of the 33rd Legislative District Democrats in her appointed role as the King County Young Democrats Female Representative, is on the Communications Committee, and is the current webmaster for their website. At the County level, Krystal is active in the King County Young Democrats as the co-chair of the South King County Bid Committee for the Young Democrats of Washington 2018 Convention. A Burien resident, Krystal obtained her Associates degree from Highline Community College and lives with her husband, James, and raises their four children: Cora, Bruce, Rex, and Maye. |
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Susan 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) and is currently on the Finance, Economic Development & Regional Affairs Committee (FEDRAC). An advocate for volunteer community organizations, Susan attends and supports many events. Serving as President; Soroptimists International are women at their best helping other women to be their best! As incoming Co-President; the Kiwanis Club annually hosts the Salmon Bake to raise funds supporting college scholarships, various clubs in the Federal Way school district and other community service clubs throughout the local area. Susan also serves as Advisor to the Federal Way High School Key Club. Susan has trained at the Association of Washington Cities and earned the Certificate of Municipal Leadership. She 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 |
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Former city employee, Satwinder Kaur is running for Kent City Council to be the voice of all residents of Kent. She is very active as a volunteer and community leader in the city. She works on finding ways to bring communities together as a chair for Kent Cultural Communities board. She worked for Kent city council when she was getting her MBA from University of Washington. Satwinder and her son regularly volunteer in the Kent Parks removing invasive blackberries and planting natives. She helps organize Kent International Festival, is on the board for Greater Kent Historical Society and is an executive member of PTA. She raised her son as a single parent, while working 2 jobs and attending school. She works tirelessly to improve the lives of those around her, and she plans to continue to do so as a Kent City Councilmember. |
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Tye Whitfield is a mother, small business owner, community advocate, and non-profit director. She has spent over 15 years serving as a liaison between community organizations, city government, and the public. Her non-profit and advocacy work focuses on helping to empower youth and families through skill-building and mentoring. Tye has helped families across our region and community get on their feet by connecting them with job and training programs, as well as by taking part in establishing an emergency food program for those experiencing homelessness. Tye builds the bridge between local nonprofit, faith-based agencies, governmental organizations and the public. Tye Whitfield is a solution builder who delivers real results for the individuals and families she works with throughout our community. |
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After volunteering almost a decade on the Kent Arts Commission and Land Use and Planning Board, Dana Ralph ran for City Council. It was one of the greatest honors of her life to be elected to represent the community on the Kent City Council. Over the past six years, she has worked hard to keep the neighborhoods safe, to repair crumbling roads and sidewalks, and maintain our vibrant parks all while fighting to keep taxes low. But, there is so much more work to be done. Working together, Dana believes we can make Kent an even better place to live. |
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Judge Karli Kristine Jorgensen has served as a Kent Municipal Court judge since 2011. She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration in addition to her Juris Doctor degree. Prior to her appointment and re-election, she served the courts of King County as a Judge Pro Tem for more than 18 years. As a former prosecutor with expertise in domestic violence, Judge Jorgensen has spent her entire legal career in public service. She has also been a committed and dedicated educator on the issue of sexual assault and is broadly respected by her judicial colleagues for her commitment to the improvement of trial courts. |
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A professional with over 37 years of combined experience in the corporate and financial worlds, Denice is a proven problem solver and leader. First at Boeing and now as a business owner of an Investment Advisory Firm, she has worked to develop solutions to complex problems. At Boeing, she solved complex issues as a COBOL programmer. Denice pioneered pilot projects during the early PC years. She started the first Local Area Network (LAN) Administration Group in her division and went on to become a Computing Support Manager for Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales, Marketing, Contracts and Executive Officers. After earning her pilot's license in 1998, Denice decided to apply her talents and skills in other ways. She left Boeing to become an Investment Adviser. At the time, it was the way she saw she could help others the most. Denice helps individuals and families plan for their future, by analyzing their budgets, setting goals and implementing those goals through proper asset allocation and prudent investment selections. She is an Accredited Asset Management Specialist (AAMS) and holds a Certificate in Business Sustainability from the Bainbridge Graduate Institute (now known as Presidio). She has also dedicated her skills to helping others by working for a micro finance non-profit cooperative. A strong believer that healthy communities are strong communities, she serves as a member of the Sustainable Renton Community Farm, where members grow food for themselves and their community. Denice is an elected Precinct Committee Officer for the 11th Legislative District. She is also a member of the League of Women Voters and serves on the Economics and Taxation Committee. |
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A 32-year veteran of the King County Sheriff’s Office, Mitzi Johanknecht has served King County at nearly every rank and is currently a Major commanding the Southwest Precinct. Mitzi was the first woman to command TAC-30, the King County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team, and has served in leadership roles in every division and location in the Sheriff’s Office. As a deputy, she was the first to work with a multi-disciplinary team in King County housing projects. She collaborated with other agencies, community groups and residents to build relationships and trust, promoting public safety. Mitzi is a member of the Board of Directors of Companis, a local non-profit that fills staffing gaps of nonprofit agencies with volunteer professionals these groups may not otherwise be able to afford. Her volunteer work fulfills a broader personal goal to advance social justice causes. She’s an associate member of the Seattle Women’s / Seattle Men’s Choruses (Flying House Productions) where she works on the production team during show runs. An experienced law enforcement leader with a track record of success, Johanknecht is running for Sheriff because she believes the people of King County and the employees of the Sheriff’s Office deserve a progressive law enforcement leader who will restore honor and integrity to the office and focus on the business of public safety. Mitzi is married to Maureen, her partner and wife of sixteen years and the couple live in West Seattle. Their adult daughter, Sydni, lives with her husband Scott in Brooklyn, New York. |
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Uzma Butte is an educator and an activist who advocates progressive values and social justice. She is a candidate for Kirkland City Council. She is seeking to engage in city government to ensure that Kirkland is a place where all families can live, and small businesses can thrive. She will advocate for more affordable housing, improved senior centers, better parks, effective transit, and balanced growth. She is proud supporter of public school education. She has been a member of the PTSA at both her children’s schools. Her affiliations with Kirkland Rotary Club and East Shore Universalists enable her to bring people together to help with women's and children’s issues and bring awareness to causes concerning social justice She believes in building private-public collaborations , when tackling issues, and wants to bring more transparency and fiscal responsibility to City government. If elected, Uzma would be the only immigrant woman of color on the Kirkland City Council, and will actively work to advocate hiring of qualified women and promoting them to supervisory positions in all City Departments. She sees herself as a role model for women and girls of color; diversity is important to ensuring that we maintain a welcoming community where we call can thrive. |
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Amy is currently serving as Mayor of the City of Kirkland. She holds degrees in Law and Political Science and works as CFO of auto dealerships. Amy cares deeply about representing women and families, especially those note participating in the prosperity of our region. Amy believes that every person is essential, and that our society only works when it works for all of us. Equal pay for equal work, paid parental leave and working conditions that allow Moms to take care of their families are values that Amy advocates for. |
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Stephanie Bowman is only the fifth woman elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in its over 100 year history. Stephanie brings to her role more than 20 years of public policy experience on the local, state and federal levels, working on issues of transportation and economic development. She holds an MBA in Executive Leadership from Seattle University, and was honored with a Marshall Memorial Fellowship in 2007. In addition to her elected public service, Stephanie serves as the executive director of Washington ABC, a statewide non-profit organization that promotes policies and programs to help economically-disadvantaged communities build assets through investments in education, homeownership, savings and small business development. Stephanie is a passionate advocate for promoting and supporting women leaders in public policy. Since on the Port Commission she has advanced paid family leave; increased opportunities for small, women and minority owned firms to contract with the Port, and has initiated numerous diversity strategies. Raised in Hilo, Hawaii, Stephanie moved to Seattle in 1991. She lives in the Beacon Hill and is an avid windsurfer and kiteboarder. |
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Preeti Shridhar is a candidate for Port Commissioner, position #4. She is currently the Deputy Public Affairs Administrator for the City of Renton. Prior to this she worked for the City of Seattle, where she helped launch Seattle’s Climate Protection Initiative and worked on Seattle’s recycling and conservation programs. She has been a public servant for 25 years. She has a Master’s in Finance and Marketing, Bachelors in Business Administration, and a Post-Graduate Degree in International Trade. Preeti is committed to ensure inclusion and equity and to make sure the rights of women are protected. As a Port Commissioner she will strengthen our regional economy, maintain our leadership role in aviation, maritime, and tourism. She will promote economic inclusion and support opportunities for women-owned and small businesses. She will emphasize the creation of family-wage jobs in our community and help to build career pathways for young people so they can get good-paying jobs and support their families. She will work to minimize the environmental impacts of growth at Sea-Tac Airport and support programs to make our airport the first in the nation to provide biofuel so we can protect our planet. She will represent our region in the national immigration debate so that federal policies support our community values and all are welcomed here. She will bring strong partnerships with all the cities in King County as well as business and community organizations. If elected, she will be the first woman of color to serve as a Port Commissioner in the Port’s 106-year history. She has been endorsed by the National Women's Political Caucus of WA, Teamsters Joint Council 28, The Urbanist, The Stranger, U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal, U.S. Representative Adam Smith, State Representatives Steve Bergquist, Tana Senn, Vandana Slatter, former Representative Marcie Maxwell, 11th, 33rd , 46th District Democrats, the mayors of Bellevue, Redmond, Renton, Kent, Auburn, and Covington; Leaders from the Indian, Somali, and African-American communities. |
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Jeralee Anderson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Greenroads International, a globally recognized nonprofit organization focused on sustainability education and certification for transportation projects. As CEO, she currently manages the daily operations and oversees all programs for Greenroads. She received her doctorate in sustainability and civil engineering from the University of Washington. Jeralee worked in a variety of structural, geotechnical and construction engineering positions in California after receiving her undergraduate degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She is a licensed professional engineer in Washington State and California, and was recognized in 2013 by the White House as a Transportation Champion of Change for the 21st Century. As an elected official in the City of Redmond, Jeralee will focus on green transportation development to promote building healthier communities for women and families, building STEM education programs for youth girls, and entrepreneurship programs for women and small businesses. |
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Born and raised in Mexico City, Ruth Perez majored in Communications in college and landed a prestigious job as a TV reporter for the largest Spanish-speaking network in the world: Televisa. As a journalist in Mexico, she founded three magazines which dealt with the culture, issues and events which were captivating the public’s interest. Ruth owns and operates her own consulting business, and formerly worked for the Mexico Consulate in Seattle for over 10 years. During her tenure at the Consulate’s office, Ruth traveled all over Washington state bringing educational programs to diverse school districts and developing strategic plans to reduce the educational achievement gap among Spanish speaking students. She also implemented the first educational programs offered to the Spanish-speaking population at the Federal Detention Center. This program provided inmates with an opportunity to spend their leisure time in focused, constructive activities. Ruth moved to Seattle in 1997, studying English as a second language at the University of Washington and then finishing her Master’s Degree in 2000. Before graduation, however, she became involved in Washington’s dynamic economic development potential. In 1998, Ruth became the cultural liaison for Governor Gary Locke’s Department of Trade and Economic Development helping the Governor plan his first trade mission to Mexico. Governor Locke was accompanied by over 100 key business and education leaders from throughout the State, and it was Ruth’s job to arrange press conferences, interviews, and press coverage as well as provide support and advice to the Washington delegation and Governor Locke. |
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Karen Howe has lived in Sammamish for 25 years and is a seasoned business leader with more than 20 years of senior management experience. As a former CEO, she understands how to maintain a strong culture with tight financial controls. Karen has also been a Vice President at AOL and was recruited to bring new products to market from within Microsoft Research. She’s currently a marketing and business development consultant. Her first involvement in the fight for women’s rights was when she was a speaker during the legislative battle over the ERA amendment in Olympia in 1972. Since then she went on to break ground as one of few female CEO’s when she ran Singingfish, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Technicolor in 2004. She also helped grow girl’s lacrosse on the Eastside as an assistant coach and board member. More recently she’s helped lead the Sammamish Huddle in managing their progressive agenda. In addition to logging hundreds of volunteer hours, Karen has held board-level positions with Cancer Lifeline, PTSA, Eastside Eagles Girls Lacrosse, and her HOA. A strong voice for vulnerable populations, she is a CASA, a court appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children. |
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Rituja is a public school parent, tech industry professional and community volunteer. Raised in India, Rituja moved to the United States to pursue her American Dream over 20 years ago. Initially trained as a lawyer, Rituja and her husband moved to Sammamish to raise their family and pursue a career in the tech industry. Rituja has always believed in the value of giving back to her community and has dedicated herself to giving everyone in her community equal access to opportunity. That’s why she got involved her kids’ school first as a Treasurer at Challenger Elementary and then as co-president of the Beaver Lake PTSA. She has volunteered to support homeless youth and with the non-profit Tasveer, has worked to promote arts and culture throughout King County – particularly in underrepresented and diverse communities. In addition to her active community work, Rituja has worked as a software engineer with local high tech companies, and currently is at Costco as a Senior Analyst.Rituja serves on the board of The Seattle Globalist, is on the Speakers Bureau of Humanities Washington and volunteers with United Way. Rituja is passionate about equal opportunities at work for women, equal pay, paid sick and maternity leave and has supported services that help victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. |
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Teresa Mosqueda is a longtime advocate with a proven track record fighting for healthy kids, working families, and equitable communities. At the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Teresa has worked to advance immigrant and refugee rights, protect workplace safety, and chaired the state’s largest health care advocacy coalition–the Healthy Washington Coalition. As legislative director of the Children’s Alliance, Teresa advocated for the successful implementation of the state’s Apple Health for Kids program, including the Cover All Kids law which provided care for low-income children across Washington regardless of citizenship status. With an extensive background in health policy, Teresa was appointed by former Governor Gregoire and current Governor Inslee to serve two terms on Washington’s Exchange Board—the governing body for the Affordable Care Act, now under threat by President-elect Trump and Congressional Republicans. Teresa has a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Washington and spent a year at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez. She later earned her Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Evergreen State College. She is a renter in the Queen Anne neighborhood where she lives with her fiance. |
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Lorena González has served on the Seattle City Council since her election in 2015. She is an attorney and civil rights leader. She has recently served as a senior advisor and legal counsel to Seattle Mayor Ed Murray. Lorena has helped implement historic minimum wage and worker protections alongside the mayor, unions and progressive leaders. Before working for the Murray administration, Lorena represented women, older workers, low-wage workers and people of color in employment, wage theft, and gender discrimination cases. Lorena developed a community-private partnership to organize a free monthly bilingual legal clinic, which has served more than 2,000 low-income Seattle residents. She is also the president emeritus of OneAmerica, the state’s largest immigrant and civil rights organization. As well, she served on the Seattle Police Accountability Review Panel and the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission. Lorena is a past president of the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington’s Board of Directors and was a board member from 2003 - 2008. In 2009, the Hispanic National Bar Association recognized her as one of seven Top Lawyers Under 40 in the country. Washington Law & Politics recognized Lorena as a Rising Star in Employment Law from 2010-2014 |
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Jenny Durkan is a first time candidate with a long history in politics in Washington state. After graduating from college she moved to a remote Yupik fishing village in Alaska where she taught English, coached girls’ basketball, and worked as a baggage handler for Wein Air Alaska. She was a dues-paying Teamster and that union job helped her pay for law school. As a lawyer, she represented victims in the worst of circumstances - like the families of four firefighters who died in the Pang warehouse fire and a woman denied the right to see her partner in the hospital after a flash flood took her life. Outside of work, Jenny was a founding Board member for the Center for Women and Democracy, and travelled with the center to Morocco to train women candidates in advance of their historical elections. Jenny was the first Citizen Observer on the Seattle Police Department's Firearms Review Board. She worked for Governor Lowry as his Executive Counsel, and also led the legal team in the 2004 recount that successfully ensured Chris Gregoire became Governor. In 2009, Jenny became the first openly gay U.S. Attorney in our country’s history. As a U.S. Attorney, Jenny worked with community groups - the ACLU, El Centro, One America, Mothers for Police Accountability, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project - to finally reform the SEattle Police Department. Jenny created a civil rights unit within the U.S. Attorney’s Office to focus on housing discrimination, job discrimination and the rights of returning veterans. She also championed state and federal drug courts and a mental health court in King County to provide an alternative to incarceration. Jenny is currently a partner at the law firm of Quinn Emanuel in their Seattle office. |
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Cary Moon is a civic leader and policy expert who has helped develop solutions to some of Seattle’s biggest challenges. Cary received The Stranger's “Political Genius” award, was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Municipal League of King County, was honored as "Change Agent of the Year" by Real Change and was recognized as one of “Seattle's Most Influential People” by Seattle Magazine. Cary Moon has decades of experience working on systemic solutions to urban problems. She is a member of (but currently on a leave of absence from) the Board of Directors of the Progress Alliance and the One Center City Advisory Board. Cary was the Co-Founder and Director of the People's Waterfront Coalition, which led the advocacy effort for a highway-free waterfront, and transit-based urban transportation solution, to replace the Seattle Viaduct. Growing up, Cary Moon was part of her family's small manufacturing business that was partly owned by its 100 employees. She worked as an engineer in manufacturing companies and at the US Department of Labor. Cary holds a BS in Engineering and Operations Engineering from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Landscape Architecture and Urban Design from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives in Pike Place Market neighborhood with her husband and two children. |
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Eden Mack is parent of 3 children who all attend Seattle Public Schools, and a recognized leader on public education issues in Seattle and in Washington State. Born in Seattle and a product of public schools herself, Eden served as legislative chair for Seattle Council of Parent, Teacher and Student Associations, engaging with diverse community members and driven policy advocacy to improve opportunity and access to great public education for every student. Eden co-founded and served as founding President of Washington’s Paramount Duty, an organization dedicated to full funding for K-12 education. Eden has 12+ years of professional experience with 8+ years of board service, including the Youth, Schools and Education Committee chair for Seattle City Neighborhood Council, and recently served on the SPS Capacity Management Task Force. Eden is a returned Peace Corps volunteer, and holds a BA from Western Washington University and a Masters in Public Administration degree from the University of Washington's Evans School of Public Policy. In 2016 she was recognized as a "Superhero" by ParentMap in for her education advocacy. Her advocacy for education is rooted in the belief that education is a civil right and that particularly for women, it is a critical to achieving independence and equality. |
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Susan Chang supervises the geotechnical engineering review group for the City of Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections. She is a licensed civil engineer in Washington and California, and she obtained her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in civil engineering from UC Berkeley. She currently serves on the City of Shoreline Planning Commission and previously served on the Board of the Richmond Beach Community Association. If elected, she plans to bring her experience as a woman in a male-dominated field, her training in race and social justice concepts and implementation, and her experience mentoring interns and young professionals from underrepresented groups to advocate for women. |
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PIERCE COUNTY |
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Veteran and PTA President, Rylands served in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer, and has been dedicated to improving schools since her eldest son entered kindergarten nearly a decade ago. Since then, she has gone from classroom mom to PTA President, overseeing and coordinating the work of PTAs across the Auburn School District and the state of Washington. Additionally, Rylands and her husband, a federal law enforcement officer, owned DASH, a local oil and vinegar business that employed over 10 people. They shut the business down in 2016 to focus on their family and respective careers in law enforcement. Rylands currently serves as a 911 Operator with a local law enforcement agency. She is the President of The Auburn Council of PTAs, a proud Teamsters member, and is a member of the American Legion in Auburn. Rylands and her husband live in Auburn with their two sons, Colin age 12 and Chase age 10. |
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Lillian Hunter came to Tacoma 48 years ago as a Danish immigrant and has spent her career helping others learn the skills they need to provide for their families with a strong focus on training women for non-traditional family wage jobs. As an educator and volunteer, she has worked in every part of Tacoma. She taught for many years at Lincoln High School, was a Principal at Oakland Alternative High School, an administrator at Lincoln and Wilson, and currently serves as a Trustee of Bates Technical College. She understands Tacoma's neighborhoods because she has already served and lived in them. She believes that too many Tacomans are falling behind, especially women and children. She believes that all deserve quality local jobs, conservation of natural resources, and safe neighborhoods. She has lived in all five of the City’s council districts and knows first-hand that there is a need to invest in all communities. |
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Prior to declaring her intent to run for Mayor of Tacoma in May 2017, Evelyn was the Executive Director of the Washington Public Disclosure Commission, the agency charged with regulating campaigns and lobbying in Washington state. From July 2014 to October 2015, Evelyn was in private practice at Lopez Law PLLC with her husband, Joe Lopez. Lopez Law focused on business/workers’ compensation litigation, and government relations work. Prior to that Evelyn, was the Division Chief of the Labor and Industries Division in the Washington Attorney General’s Office, and was chief counsel to the Department of Labor and Industries. Evelyn served in the AGO from 1990 to 2014 with a one year stint as an Administrative Law Judge. Over the course of her career with the Attorney General’s Office, Evelyn was also the Division Chief of the Government Operations Division, chief counsel to the Department of Retirement Systems, and represented numerous other state agencies. Evelyn’s litigation experience covers cases in most of Washington’s superior courts, and every appellate court, including the Washington Supreme Court. Evelyn was a member of the Management Team under three Attorney Generals, and regularly provided training on ethics, management issues, and litigation topics. Evelyn was born in New Zealand, and grew up in Southern California. She received a BA in Political Science from the University of California at Irvine, where she was selected as the School of Social Sciences Undergraduate of the Year and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Evelyn attended the University of Washington School of Law where she was the Student Bar President. She is licensed to practice in Washington. Evelyn lives in Tacoma with her husband, Joe, and their four cats. She enjoys cooking, reading, and, sometimes gardening. She loves Tacoma and wants to help make it an even more vibrant, nurturing, exciting and thriving community. |
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For over three decades, Victoria has served as a passionate leader in our community having served as former chair of the Washington State Commission on African American Affairs, Trustee for the Washington State History Museum, Co-Chair of the Tacoma Civil Rights Project, and Producer of the region’s largest celebration of diversity “Ethnic Fest”. Victoria was elected to the Board of Park Commissioners in 2005 and served there until 2009 when she was elected to the City Council. During her time on the City Council Victoria worked tirelessly to make Tacoma the best place to live, work and play. She was Deputy Mayor in 2014 and served in several capacities including chair of the Tacoma-Pierce County Board of Health, Community Vitality, and Safety Committee and as a member of the Foundation for Tacoma Students (Graduate Tacoma). Victoria was the former President/CEO of the Tacoma Urban League and currently serves as the Director of Community Development for the Tacoma Rainiers. Throughout her personal and professional life she has been a champion for women. Evidence of her advocacy can be seen in the policies she has supported like raising minimum wage and implementing paid sick days, which has helped many working women. She also worked to create the office of Equity and Empowerment to ensure everyone has the tools and opportunities to thrive. She is most proud of the women she has mentored who have become leaders in the community. |
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Julie Door is running for re-election to Puyallup City Council in District 3. During her first four years in office, Julie was instrumental in streamlining the city’s budget resulting in significant debt reduction for the city. As part of her work to improve safety, Julie worked to reinstate funding for the Sidewalk Link program as part of a Safe Routes to School program. Much of this infrastructure work is underway and Julie will fight to see it completed in her second term. A passionate community leader, Julie has completed the Puyallup Police Department’s Citizens’ Academy, taken the lead on designing and decorating the community float for the annual Daffodil Parade and negotiated a land purchase in town that ensures that Puyallup will continue to have green spaces and not just warehouses in the future. Julie and her husband, Dr. Frank Door own Willows Chiropractic Clinic. Julie is a licensed massage therapist. Together they have served the Puyallup community for more than 20 years and their clinic is active in fundraising for the local food bank and Toys for Tots. Julie and Frank have two school age children in the Puyallup Public Schools. The experiences that Julie has as a business owner, community leader and mom keep her focused on issues that impact women including improving public safety and growing the local economy. |
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THURSTON COUNTY |
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Cynthia Pratt is a two-term Lacey council member elected in 2009 and again in 2013. She has been Deputy Mayor for the last four years. She holds a Masters of Environmental Studies from The Evergreen State College. She worked with other environmental groups to pass state legislation to eliminate the manufacture and sale of plastic sport and food containers, primarily for use by children under 3, which contain bisphenol A (BPA). She is a strong advocate for children, especially girls, helping them to realize they can be successful by providing them with the resources they need. Cynthia is a board member of the South Sound Reading Foundation and is also a member of the North Thurston Education Foundation Board of Directors which enhances educational opportunities for students and schools and to help students overcome obstacles to their success in school, and she is a past board member for TOGETHER!, a non-profit that helps children and youth which provides funding and informational materials that encourages pre-teens and teens to value healthy relationships that support one another.
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Port of Olympia Commissioner E.J. Zita is a scientist, teacher, and farmer. She was recruited to office after a decade of grassroots action - protecting vulnerable neighborhoods, holding the Port to higher standards, and cooperating with local governments. With a PhD in physics, Zita worked in industry and national laboratories, and her college students are improving their communities with renewable energy and sustainability projects. Her undergraduate studies in feminist philosophy launched a lifetime of service and action, from women rights and crisis centers to science opportunities for underserved groups.
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Renata Rollins is an advocate, social worker, writer, and catalytic community leader who has spearheaded and organized numerous local projects and initiatives in Olympia. She was one of the first Olympia Downtown Ambassadors, is vice chair and past president of Partners in Prevention Education (a resource center for young, homeless and LGBTQ+ survivors of violence), served on the city's Artesian Commons Leadership Committee, and is a co-founder of the grassroots homeless rights advocacy group, Just Housing. Renata was raised in a union family and is a member of the queer community. She received a B.A. in Liberal Arts from Evergreen, with emphasis in communications and organizational leadership. She worked in a variety of fields, including journalism, public relations, and management, before becoming a social worker in Olympia. She has strong ties to local movements for social and racial equity and environmental justice, and lives in the Northeast neighborhood with her partner. If elected, Renata will use her experience in outreach and communications to engage the public in solutions, bridge diverse communities, and serve as a much-needed community ambassador for all Olympians. |
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SNOHOMISH COUNTY |
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Jesica Stickles is a strong supporter of women in leadership. She is a past attendee of the NWPC trainings, which helped her become elected onto the Arlington City Council in 2013. She has served for almost four years now and is up for re-election. Her past leadership roles include serving on the City LTAC committee, Sign Code committee, and Chairperson of three Arlington School District levies. Since elected she has excepted roles on the PSRC Economic Development board, Snohomish County Human Rights commission and the Stanwood-Camano YMCA board. She currently runs the Marysville Tulalip Chamber of Commerce as the President/CEO. She also owns a printing business with her husband in Arlington for 12 years. Jesica’s goal is to one day run for State office, but wants to wait until her children are grown. She volunteers with the schools so she can be a positive female leader and role model to the children. She continues to help young girls learn how to run for ASB and other leadership positions. |
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Adrienne Fraley-Monillas is serving her second term on the Edmonds City Council. She retired from DSHS after a 33-year career. Adrienne is an active volunteer in our community, serving at the Edmonds Senior Center, volunteer in her parish, and volunteer guardian for seniors and individuals with disabilities. She is very proud she made the majority of council meetings while recovering from lung cancer. Adrienne worked to cut spending while keeping Edmonds unique. She:
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Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Judge Linda Coburn immigrated to the U.S. when she was just 4 years old. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Washington and a Master’s Degree in journalism at Ohio University. After spending 13 years as a journalist and editor at the Seattle Times, Judge Coburn graduated with honors from Seattle University Law School and embarked on a distinguished legal career as a Public Defender in Snohomish County. She also served as a law clerk to both Judge Stephen Dwyer at the Washington State Court of Appeals and Snohomish County Superior Court Judge George Bowden. Since assuming her judicial role, Judge Coburn has been committed to improving both access to justice and the quality and diversity of the judiciary. She was appointed by the State Supreme Court to the Minority Justice Commission and is a frequent speaker at judicial education programs. Judge Coburn is a 25-year resident of Edmonds, and she and her husband raised two sons in the community. She also finds time to pursue her passion for sports –competitive volleyball on a national and international level and serving as a Little League umpire |
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Cathy Baylor has been a volunteer and activist for education for 30 years. She has lead educational non-profits ranging from the Organization for Parent Education, the statewide lobbying group started by Senator Patty Murray, to the board of The MoodSwings Jazz Band (an all-woman musical group) to her current work with the Edmonds Music Teachers Association. Cathy has been an active advocate for high school girls, helping them with their college entrance essays and counseling them on career choices. She is Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, and is a small business owner with a successful Independent Piano Studio. She has a BA from the University of Washington, with emphases in education, music and Spanish Language and Literature. As a School Board Director, she plans to advocate for leadership programs for girls and young women. She plans to work especially to advance the achievement of students of color. She also will advocate for Arts Education as a pillar of basic education, and for increasing teacher salaries. |
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Deborah Kilgore has been an active volunteer at Lynnwood Elementary for more than 8 years, including serving 3 years as President of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). She has also served in the community as a board member for Terrace Brier Soccer Club, volunteer for We All Belong Emergency Cold Weather Shelter, and member of NAACP Snohomish County. Kilgore is a Research Scientist in the Center for Engineering Learning & Teaching at the University of Washington. She has also worked as an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies and affiliate faculty of Women’s Studies at Iowa State University; and as an Instructor of Business & Management and Assistant Director of the Center for Adult Learning Services at St. Edward’s University in Austin, TX. Throughout her professional career, Kilgore has advocated for women in education in her work with diverse populations: women learners in prison, single mothers returning to community college, African American women religious leaders, Ukrainian professional women, and undergraduate women studying engineering. As School Director, Kilgore will employ her skills and experience to identify diverse stakeholders, encourage and engage them in decision-making, and examine budget and policy decisions to make sure they are equitable and provide every child with a fair chance at an excellent education. |
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Cassie Franklin grew up in the Northwest. She is a passionate community leader who is deeply invested in the greater Everett community. Those that have worked with Cassie describe her as an inspiring and motivational leader with the ability to pull the right people together to get the work done—important tools in developing and carrying out a forward-thinking vision for our community. Cassie is a recognized leader in the field of homelessness and human services. She collaborates with other leaders on these issues locally, regionally and nationally to build healthier communities, empower youth, and find solutions to end homelessness and create brighter futures |
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City Council member Judy Tuohy is seeking the office of Mayor of Everett. In 2014, she was elected to the Everett City Council and in her tenure she has chaired the Public-Safety Committee for two years and currently serves on the Budget Committee. She currently presides as Council President. Her work on the Council includes forwarding the plan to expand the South Everett branch of the Everett Public Library and initiating legislation to ensure that for-hire vehicles meet reasonable safety standards. As Council President she initiated the creation of Council Liaisons to all Neighborhood Associations, ensuring that all neighborhoods would be represented by at least one council member. Judy brings her collaborative approach to the City, inviting all ideas and working with colleagues to address our City’s challenges. Judy has a BA in Education from CWU with teaching and retail management experience. Currently, as the Executive Director of the Schack Art Center, Judy presides over the growth and development of one of the most successful organizations in the community. She hires, encourages and mentors young women to advance their careers and increase their civic participation. |
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Amy Kaestner is a Senior Attorney at the Snohomish County Public Defender Association. She grew up in Everett and attended Everett public schools. She went on to graduate with honors from the University of Washington and earned her law degree at the University of Washington School of Law. Amy joined the Snohomish County Public Defender Association 17 years ago and now has extensive courtroom experience. She has represented hundreds of individuals in criminal and civil commitment proceedings and has seen first-hand the cost-saving potential of alternative sentences for those with mental health and substance abuse issues. She believes that judges play an essential role in ensuring that the unique needs of women and families are considered by the court at all stages of criminal proceedings. Amy has worked as a Judge Pro Tem in both the Everett and Edmonds Municipal Courts and the Snohomish County District Court. She and her husband have two young sons who attend the same Everett elementary school where Amy attended as a child. She has worked as a volunteer at her children’s school for the last five years and is an active member of the school PTA. She also remains involved as a volunteer with the University of Washington Street Law Program. |
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Angela Harris is running for Port of Edmonds Commissioner because she wants to apply her 20+ years of proven business management experience to bring about positive change in her community through leadership, collaboration, economic development and environmental stewardship. Angela is a Senior Business Program Manager at Microsoft, where she has worked for 12 years. She is adept at leading complex projects and managing diverse stakeholders. Angela is a strong advocate for education, human rights, and the environment. She is dedicated to improving education globally and locally, whether she is collaborating to bring a computer lab to a school in Kenya, or building educational expertise for the disabled community here in Washington State. Helping the disabled community is a particular focus for Angela, as one of her four children was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn Syndrome: she has served on the parent advisory committee for Washington Sensory Disability Services, and collaborated with the Styer-Fitzgerald Program for Functional Academics. Angela is also an active advocate for women’s empowerment and safety, both in her community and overseas. She has served as a Volunteer Legal Advocate at the Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, a non-profit that provides free and confidential services to women and children. Additionally, she raises awareness in her community and spurs them to help marginalized young women in the developing world. Through the global scholarship and mentoring nonprofit, Global Give Back Circle (GGBC), Angela has mentored a young woman in Kenya for seven years, serves on the GGBC Advisory Council, and is acting president on Microsoft’s GGBC Mentor Chapter Board. As a result, Angela has helped recruit over 100 women mentors at Microsoft, Gates Foundation and other companies so that more young women gain leadership skills and break the cycle of poverty. Equally passionate about protecting the many natural resources in her community, Angela is partnering with the City of Edmonds and EarthCorps to create a long-term restoration plan for Hutt Park, the oldest last remaining patch of old growth forest in Edmonds. As Port Commissioner, she will focus on bringing money to the local economy in creative, sustainable ways; protecting and enhancing the Port district, its shoreline and the Edmonds Marsh; identifying better solutions for storm water management; and building engagement and collaboration across the city, port and residents. |
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Nicola has served as the Mayor of Lynnwood, WA for the past 3 1/2 years. The city is experiencing rapid and progressive change. She has worked to create new partnerships, renew commitments to collaboration, and made innovation a daily practice. She has worked with her leadership team to create a forward-thinking approach to programs and services; a wholesome and collaborative work environment for city staffers to grow in knowledge and challenge their creativity to better serve the city; and is working hard to strategically plan, fund and develop infrastructure and city center for the arrival of light rail in 2023. Her 27 year experience at Edmonds Community College as a student service administrator prepared her well to assume the role as Mayor. Equity and social justice have always been a priority in Nicola’s personal and professional life. As Mayor, she is focused and committed to undoing institutional racism, creating access for marginalized populations, supporting minority and women small businesses, and mentoring women for professional development and leadership. Nicola has a Masters of Education from Western Washington University and a Bachelors from the University of Washington. She also has certificates for FEMA, Emergency Operations training, Threat Assessment Team training, Safe Zone Facilitator, Ally Training and Client Service Contracts from OFM |
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Vanessa Edwards is an immigrant who joined the Navy to protect America and male her family proud. She graduated with her Associate of Business Administration from Edmonds Community College and her Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration- Human Resources. She chose this degree, with the desire to help people, especially women in the business field. She has worked with many diverse community groups that promote equality, community building, and strengthening women and families. Currently, Vanessa works for the Marysville School District and is the direct marketing representative for the Snohomish County Agricultural Advisory Board. She is running for the Marysville School Board and intends to show women strength by volunteering to represent them and their families in the school system. She would like to be an example that education and determination can make big change.
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Jennifer is the first woman Mayor of Mukilteo and is committed to encouraging and supporting other women leaders. She is a successful small business owner in Mukilteo, and is proud of her accomplishments including introducing the first domestic violence victims support program with Mukilteo’s Police Department. |
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Sarah L. Kneller is a wife, mother of two and perpetual optimist. A graduate with a BA in Broadcast Communications from the Edward R. Murrow School of Broadcasting at Washington State University she currently works as a producer and production manager for several sports networks. She looks for the lesson in every situation and constantly innovates improvements. Never settling on “good enough,” she views challenges as opportunities. As a distinguished television broadcasting professional she has enjoyed great success in her career but has an unrelenting pull to become a public servant. She has cultivated a strong professional circle in a male dominated industry and wants to encourage and empower other women to pull up a chair at the table and show them how smart, compassionate, and strong leading ladies are. |
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Tara is a professional businesswoman who studied at the University of Washington and is making her first run for public office. She has volunteered extensively within her community and currently heads the Maltby Citizens Coalition, a grassroots advocacy group in her hometown of nearly 20 years. Tara grew up in a broken home with a mom who struggled to put food on the table. She is committed to empowering women to use their voices to make lives better for themselves and others, she is a passionate defender of equality, openness, and the fair and equitable operation of county government. |
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REST OF STATE |
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Karen Hardy is running for State Senate in Washington's 7th Legislative District. She is a longtime cowgirl, lifetime country girl and native Washingtonian. She learned about civics in Ms. Mattoni’s AP Civics class at Rogers High School in Puyallup. Ms. Mattoni taught, that civic engagement is required in a representative democracy, and that voting alone will not protect our community- it requires average citizens to participate in our governance. As a mother Karen’s number one goal for her children was that they be good citizens and participate in community, democracy and vote. They have done that and more, but more needs to be done. So now it is time that she takes the next step in civic involvement and runs for public office. It is time that she sets an example for her daughters and her community. And it is time that the women of the 7th LD are represented by a woman who believes in equal rights, in closing the gender pay gap, in access to healthcare and reproductive services, and in protecting the most vulnerable among. The women of Eastern Washington deserve to have an advocate in the Senate and Karen wants to be that advocate. |
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Susan has led a life of public service since leaving high school. From her early days enlisted in the US Navy, through twenty-seven years of federal civil service in numerous overseas locations, to her return to Washington State in 2010, Susan has been a consistent advocate for others. Once at home in Yakima, she became an active member of the Yakima County Democrats, a State Committeewoman, then on to the Okanogan County Democrats as a State Committeewoman and then as Chairwoman. She actively supports women’s issues working from her experiences in federal service that demanded equal treatment advocating for them in the local community life. She plans to carry the fight for strong education opportunities for women, women’s health, and equity in all aspects of social and economic life to the floor of the legislature. |
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Liz Lovelett is thrilled to begin her second term on the Anacortes City Council. She has worked hard to bring the concerns of working families, women, and children to the table during her four years on the Council. Last year, she partnered to create a new Council Committee that focuses on Housing Affordability and Community Resources and helped author a strategic plan to develop the City's role in this critical issue. Her work on the PTA and other school organizations makes her a natural liaison between the School District and the City. She lives with her husband, two spunky daughters, a dog and a cat, and is dedicated to making the world a more equitable place for women. |
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I have lived in Anacortes for over 17 years. I am passionate about our quality of life. I first lived in Anacortes in the early 1980s, moved away when I got married, but longed to return, which I did in 1999. I have three children, two of whom graduated from Anacortes High School where I first started getting active in the community. I served on the newsletter committee and was elected to be AHS PTSA co-president. I have also volunteered at Anacortes Community Theatre, Anacortes Parks, Skagit Land Trust, Skagit Youth Soccer, Anacortes Community Garden and Washington Trails Association. My education started in New England, where I graduated from high school. In my small town, I attended Town Hall with my father. That is where I developed my keen interest in democracy and civic involvement. When I traveled to the Northwest, I knew it was my new home – very similar to New England with its forests and ocean, but without the grueling cold winters. I was a single parent for four years and did not finish college right away. I graduated from Eastern Washington University with a BA in General Studies and Journalism when I was 45. I worked as a Montessori teacher for many years. Later I achieved a Masters in Library and Information Science and also studied legal research. I progressed from library clerk to deputy library director at City of Mount Vernon Library. Working for the city has prepared me to deal with issues facing city council: planning, operations, personnel, legislation and budgets. Additionally, I have been an active citizen, attending and participating in many workshops and speaking at council meetings. Aside from my interest in civic life, I love hiking, gardening, reading (of course), visiting museums and galleries, camping, kayaking, listening to music and dancing. |
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Elected in 2014, Roxanne Murphy of the Nooksack Tribe was the first Native American to join the Bellingham City Council. She has spent her first term focusing on issues of equity and the environment. Murphy has proposed a requirement for paid sick leave for Bellingham businesses, opposed the Cherry Point coal terminal, and led the resolution for supporting the Sioux tribes fighting the Dakota Access Pipeline. Murphy is the Youth Director for the Nooksack and serves on the Whatcom Transportation Authority. |
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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 worked for PSE for 8 years, with businesses, and organizations on Energy Efficiency. Pinky was instrumental in leading Bellingham in a National Energy Prize, (www.guep.org) those efforts awarded her PSE’s “Energy Award” for 2017. She was nominated for “Whatcom Professional Women of the Year” and authored the Resolution for “Public Safety and Support for Mt. Baker Planned Parenthood”. Pinky has been a champion in her community for equity and civil rights for LGBTQ, immigrants, women, the environment, reducing incarceration and economic vitality. |
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Kate Hansen is a first-time candidate running for City Council in Ferndale, WA. For the last twelve years she has worked in human and social services. She’s been involved with public affairs at Planned Parenthood, served in the U.S. Peace Corps, has worked with homeless teens and adults, including adults with mental illness reentering into the community from jail. One of her major accomplishments was running a successful campaign when she interned at Planned Parenthood, defeating a proposition that would have restricted the right of women to reproductive freedom. In her current work she supports many women who face challenges such as domestic violence, homelessness, and discrimination - she connects them with the resources and support they need to live meaningful and fulfilling lives. She has always been passionate about people and a strong advocate for the most vulnerable in her community. She looks forward to a chance to serve her city, affecting change in a broader and more meaningful way. |
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Cheri Van Hoover is a highly experienced health care leader and educator, administrator, policy maker and practitioner, who brings a perfect skill-set to the job of Jefferson County Public Hospital District Commissioner. She has worked her entire life advocating for women and families. Most recently she was honored with several national awards from professional organizations, and received the “Best Review Article Award” from the Journal of Midwifery and Women’s Health entitled “Midwifing the End of Life: Expanding the Scope of Modern Midwifery Practice to Reclaim Palliative Care.” |
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Amber Rosewood is a mother, a community leader, volunteer and lifelong resident of Longview. She believes in service and feels passionately about the issues that face her city. Amber works for a federally qualified health center, and has built her career on fostering partnerships and collaborative efforts to increase access to health care for vulnerable populations. As a working parent, she went back to school twice, earning degrees in business and marketing and will soon return again to pursue a masters degree. She has volunteered for youth sports; has been an engaged member of several coalitions dedicated to healthy living, homelessness/affordable housing, and veterans services; and plays an active role in policy work for her region. She understands the power of community cohesiveness, diversity and equity; and strives to provide a more holistic approach to governing. Amber consistently uses her voice to speak for and support others, specifically on issues such as adverse childhood experiences and violence within families. |
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Melissa is a lifelong and proud Skagitonian. She has spent the past three decades in Mount Vernon working and raising her four children with her husband of 20 years. Melissa’s education includes graduating from Skagit Valley College with her University Transfer Degree, receiving certification from the National Center for State Courts as a Certified Court Manager and graduating from Leadership Skagit. She has spent the last 20 years as a public servant in Skagit County Superior Court working side by side with elected Judges managing the day-to- day operations of the court leading a staff of 10. Melissa is a first-time candidate and plans to lend her voice to equality for all. Melissa leads by example and hopes her continued personal journey will inspire other women to make positive changes in their lives and communities. |
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Germaine Kornegay is running for her second term on Sedro-Woolley's city council. She's the first person of color to ever become elected to public office in Sedro-Woolley's 115 year history. With her bachelor's degree in human services, Germaine focuses on the people of her community and the environment. She currently sits on 3 boards dealing with children and poverty and volunteers with The Sedro-Woolley Boys and Girls Club. In her community, she is heavily engaged as a foster mom, with Sedro-Woolley Soroptimists, and as a community activist. Germaine loves the outdoors and her efforts in environmental stewardship include organizing recycling efforts for city events. As an advocate against domestic violence and sex trafficking, Germaine finds it easy to favor women's rights. Germaine received the Center for Equity, Education and Diversity Award when she wrote a resolution that was passed into state law (HB-1108) in 2013, making spousal Rape in the Third Degree a felony. |
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Elected by the citizens of the Five Mile, North Indian Trail, Balboa/South Indian Trail, Audubon/Downriver, North Hill, Northwest, Emerson-Garfield, West Central, West Hills and Riverside neighborhoods, Candace Mumm is in her third year of service as a Spokane City Council Member. Council Member Mumm has co-led the City's Gender and Racial Equity task force which produced an in-depth report, detailing the need to improve the city's hiring practices of women and people of color. She was also named to the Park Board and Chairs the Council's Planning and Economic Development Committee, and she assisted with the city's largest green bond effort supported by voters to clean up the Spokane River through a series of municipal infrastructure improvements. Prior to being elected to City Council, Mumm was twice elected President of the City's Plan Commission, which helped create the city's first Comprehensive Plan. That plan focuses growth in Business Centers and Corridors, established the foundation for the City's Shoreline Master Plan and revised the land-use zoning code. She has an extensive history of working to improve business districts, parks, schools and neighborhoods, and wants to continue this work as Spokane County Commissioner. |
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Kate Burke is a 3rd generation Spokane native. She prides herself in her ability to take on challenges by identifying the core issues and finding practical solutions. She has followed her passion advocating for community and women’s issues into her role as Legislative Assistant for Andy Billig, Spokane’s State Senator. Kate enjoys promoting women’s rights through her work on the board of the YWCA and volunteering with the great organizations like Transitions, the Center for Justice and PJALS. She looks forward to using her position to find opportunities to further engage these groups and more. |
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Angie Beem is skilled in and passionate about determining people’s needs and exceeding their expectations. She first began her career in sales. Moving on from Sales, Angie entered healthcare, developing her inherent skills in research and science, while at the same time pursuing her BA and then MBA. While in healthcare, Angie developed strong communication, team management, and personnel management skills, both in the lab environment and as a program volunteer for the blood bank. In her work with the Spokane Women’s March, Angie promoted project management through team communication, task prioritization, and general administration. She was also responsible for site logistics, including vendor agreements, safety and police contracts, merchandise sales, and all necessary permits. On the day of the event, Angie coordinated with all committee leads, convention center security, and the local police department to ensure the safety of over 13,000 attendees. As part of the Women’s March state team, Angie is involved in the ongoing encouragement of collaboration between state and local organizations and encouraging people to keep attending community events. |
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Rebecca Boonstra has spent many years working on community development projects in the Mt. Baker area and is now ready to bring her skills and perspective to the greater Whatcom County community. She works in a number of capacities in East Whatcom County. She is the Executive Director of the Mt. Baker Chamber and was recently elected to the Board of Commissioners of the Columbia Valley Parks and Recreation district. She is the Chair of the East Whatcom Community County and serves on the board of directors of the Opportunity Council. Rebecca has spent over 10 years working with visitors to the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest and is passionate about getting people outdoors. She wants to share the beauty of Whatcom County with residents and visitors. |
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Amy Glasser is originally from the east coast where in 1982 she met her husband, Sonny Meehan. Amy landed a job working for the US Army as a civilian Social Worker. After about 5 years of life in Europe and searching for the perfect place to settle, in 2003 they found Custer, where they settled down on a 10-acre plot of land with their 2 dogs and Amy began to develop her own private social work practice. Amy and Sonny moved out of the county in 2014 and have been living in the Cornwall neighborhood ever since. Amy hopes to provide the Whatcom County Council with a different perspective on council issues due to her 38 years of experience working with disadvantaged and underrepresented constituents. |
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