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Congratulations Graduates! Left to Right- Top Row: Charley Anderson, Mt. Baker Overhead Garage Doors, Inc.; Tamás Bencsik, Coffman Engineers, Inc.; Anita Buchanan-Jones, Shell Puget Sound Refinery; Samantha Cabaluna, Unvarnished::Communications+Marketing; Heather Carter, La Conner Chamber of Commerce; Jessica Culp, Banner Bank Second Row: Andy Dugan, Community Action of Skagit County; Leslie Guyton, Shell Puget Sound Refinery; Ken Hansen, Skagit County; Sarah Hastings, Port of Skagit; Sol Kohlhaas, Marathon Petroleum; James Malcolm Jr., Skagit County Third Row: Claudia Marken, Community Action of Skagit County; Jammie Novak, Skagit Regional Health; Silvia Reed, Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce; Yuliya Rybalka, Whatcom Community College Foundation; Aly Sehlin, La Conner School District; Trevor Smith, Laborers Local 292 Fourth Row: Justin Smock, Skagit Valley College; Ben Thompson, PeaceHealth ; Steph Vervaart, Burlington Chamber of Commerce; Miranda Wilson, Helping Hands Food Bank EDASC www.skagit.org
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W
hile the Leadership Skagit Class of 2021 has the unique distinction of being the first class ever to complete the entire program online, it did not limit their ability to connect and innovate. In fact, many made closer connections and were able to think outside of the box, challenge themselves, and accomplish amazing things. Additionally, while embracing the virtual world, the program created and launched an entirely new curriculum that provided a rich, deep, local and targeted learning experience. This cohort enthusiastically embraced the updates while being immersed in the stories of Skagit County and the wonderfully diverse people, organizations and companies that call this beautiful place home. The Leadership Skagit Class of 2021 has proven that valuable and impactful learning and connections can be made virtually when working with teams and community partners on their leadership development projects. These Leadership Skagit projects continue to provide powerful and positive results for many local nonprofits in Skagit County. Please read more about these amazing projects inside. LS ’21 is already reporting that they have become better leaders, parents, partners, spouses, board members and more. They along with the many Leadership Skagit alumni state that the program is truly transformational. Leadership Skagit is a program of EDASC in partnership with Skagit Valley College. The program is made possible by the support of our numerous and most generous sponsors and volunteers who give their time, money and in-kind support. This investment in Leadership Skagit allows the program to grow, innovate and be inclusive. Congratulations Leadership Skagit Class of 2021! We are looking forward to your continued community leadership that makes our beloved Skagit County stronger and more resilient. John Sternlicht, CEO, EDASC Mary Heffernan Trester, Program Manager, Leadership Skagit LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Congratulations From John Sternlicht and Mary Heffernan Trester .............................. 2 From Laura Flores Cailloux.............. 5
Class of 2021 Class Photo ................................. Cover Alphabetical List ................................ 4 HAPPY TAILS ...................................... 11 STAY AT HOMIES.............................. 14
SKAGIT PUBLISHING
DREAMS TEAM ................................. 16
Challenge Day Sponsors ................... 6
OPEN TABLE SKAGIT...................... 17
Special Event Sponsor ....................... 6
BREAD SPREADERS ........................ 19
In-Kind Sponsors................................. 6
Thank Yous
Our Program
Advisors ................................................. 9
Leadership Skagit FAQs ................... 7
Alumni Committee ............................. 4
Project Partner Quotes ... 13, 18, 20
Facilitators ........................................... 4
Graduates ............................................ 21
Curriculum Committee ..................... 4 Visionary Sponsor .............................. 6
1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 P: 360.424.3251 • F: 360.424.5300
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© Skagit Publishing 2021 | All rights reserved.
Begin your leadership journey today! Now is the perfect time for emerging and current leaders to hone their leadership skills by enrolling in Leadership Skagit, the county’s premier leadership development program. Leadership Skagit, a program of EDASC in partnership with Skagit Valley college, takes learning beyond the classroom, with participants meeting with local leaders to learn and apply skills. Participants also complete a leadership development project for local nonprofit organizations. The deadline to apply is July 30. For questions and to apply, contact Program Manager Mary Heffernan Trester at mary@skagit.org or 360-639-6310.
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A special thanks to our Leadership Skagit Alumni Committee who Charley Anderson James Malcolm Jr. support the Leadership Skagit Mt. Baker Overhead Garage Doors, Inc. Skagit County Alumni events: Rachel Erickson LS Tamás Bencsik Claudia Marken ‘18; Mindy Holland LS ‘17; Amanda Coffman Engineers, Inc. Community Action of Skagit County Hubick LS ‘16; Debra Lancaster LS Anita Buchanan-Jones Jammie Novak ‘04; Nichole Long; LS ‘19; Jill Rohrs Shell Puget Sound Refinery Skagit Regional Health LS ‘10; Carole Strathoff LS ‘07; and Samantha Cabaluna Silvia Reed Becky Taft LS ‘11. Unvarnished::Communications+Marketing Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce Heather Carter Yuliya Rybalka La Conner Chamber of Commerce Whatcom Community College Foundation The most fabulous Facilitators for the Leadership Skagit Class of Aly Sehlin Jessica Culp La Conner School District Banner Bank 2021 are Jorge Estefan LS ‘20 and Trevor Smith Andy Dugan Tina Tate LS ‘15. Both bring energy, Laborers Local 292 Community Action of Skagit County heart, and kindness with a bit of fun Justin Smock Leslie Guyton to each Challenge Day. Skagit Valley College Shell Puget Sound Refinery Ben Thompson Ken Hansen PeaceHealth Skagit County Steph Vervaart Sarah Hastings Burlington Chamber of Commerce Port of Skagit Miranda Wilson Sol Kohlhaas Helping Hands Food Bank Marathon Petroleum •
Leadership Skagit Class of 2021
While moving the Leadership Skagit program to the online world, LS also took on the enormous task of updating and rolling out cutting edge leadership curriculum. Led by Dr. Laura Flores Cailloux, the Curriculum Committee includes Jarrod Ball LS ‘20; Morgan Curry LS ‘20; Locke Elder LS ‘20; K.C. Knudson LS ‘13; Kevin Meenaghan LS ‘14, Kara Stamback LS ‘12 and Mary Dumas.
Skagit County is a better place because of your leadership. Sincerely, Lisa Janicki, Commissioner District 1 LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
Peter Browning, Commissioner District 2
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Ron Wesen, Commissioner District 3 4
To learn more about participating or becoming a sponsor, contact Leadership Skagit Program Manager Mary Heffernan Trester at mary@skagit.org or 360-639-6310
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f there was ever a year that called us to question our assumptions about ‘normal’, this was the year. Some of us were thrown into the epicenter of response to the pandemic. Some became sick or lost loved ones. Some of us no longer left home and experienced the blur of work and home together in convenient and uncomfortable ways. Some of us added the extra responsibility of educating our children. Some rediscovered the bonds of family. All of us faced these changes as the fault lines of our nation grew larger and rumbled in a way we couldn’t ignore. And all of you, the courageous Leadership Skagit Class of 2021, did not withdraw into isolation and hunker down, but instead chose this year as the time to invest in yourselves as leaders and to engage more deeply in this beautiful place we call home. The curriculum design team realized the leadership required in this time had to reckon with fraying community bonds, a climate crisis, and our national history of systemic racial oppression that created the stark disparities in wealth, education, incarceration and health that we see today. As we prioritized curriculum content, our central question was, ‘What knowledge and tools do community leaders need in order to be inclusive and wise in these times?’ Our curriculum design team included Leadership Skagit graduates and volunteers Jarrod Ball, Morgan Curry, Mary Dumas, Locke Elder, K.C. EDASC www.skagit.org
Knudson, Kevin Meenaghan, and Kara Stamback. This team clarified essential learning into six themes, and wove them throughout the traditional Leadership Skagit program days, retaining the elements that have made the program strong: experiencing Skagit county, building networks of relationships, and engaging in service. With this shift in focus, your completely unprecedented leadership journey began, online in Canvas for resources, in small groups for in-person activities, and on Zoom for networking in breakout rooms and
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Skagit Regional Health has proudly supported a team member in every Leadership Skagit class since the program began in 2003. Congratulations and thank you to Jammie Novak, MSN, RN, Class of 2021, and to all Skagit Regional Health employees who are Leadership Skagit alumni, for your dedication to learning and leading in our organization and greater community.
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our long Challenge Days. You began with a look inward to clarify your values, and build on your strengths, knowing that ultimately leadership development IS self-development. Then you built on this self-awareness with reflection on the ways your experience and identity might have shaped and colored the lens through which you understand the world. You prepared to explore ideas that might challenge your worldview through awareness of your physiological reactions, and building stamina and curiosity to hang in there through discomfort, and to listen and learn. We sought to become more expansive in our thinking and open in our hearts by immersing ourselves in powerful stories from diverse voices that are often unheard. This layering of story helped us see our Skagit county home in many dimensions. We heard from native people, fishermen, farmworkers, elected officials,
business leaders, and unsung heroes. We learned how history shows up in present as we explored the grave consequences of dehumanizing decisions. We learned that Skagit County has innovative models for addressing some of our toughest social problems, and reaffirmed that small actions each of us undertake can make a difference. We adapted to COVID by switching to small group activities and explored the natural wonders from mountains to sea, and met the people who are working to preserve and create a just and safe space for humanity. You practiced inclusion and listening, as you leaned into all these stories, becoming curious and seeking to understand the complexity and interrelatedness of our ecosystems and social issues. Then we practiced forming strong teams through sharing our stories, embracing the vulnerability of learning together, seeking engagement from the community members who would be served, and creating a space for
co-creation. Now each of you has claimed a leadership challenge that you will continue to work on after our program year ends. You used powerful storytelling to connect your values and vision into a story that is memorable and inspires action. You are approaching the work that is needed in our community, not from the stance of an authoritarian ‘hero leader,’ but as an inclusive listener who can embrace difference and co-create change. As I look at our class picture sheet, each of your bright faces in a little square much like our Zoom sessions, I am so grateful to have gotten to know you, learn your stories, and have a peek at your hopes for the future. I am sure our paths will continue to cross as you work toward making our community more just, healthy and sustainable. Congratulations Class of 2021! Dr. Laura Flores Cailloux, Curriculum Manager
Leadership Skagit is a program of EDASC in partnership with SVC and operates on a small non-profit budget that is supported by generous sponsors and donors.
Leadership Skagit’s Visionary Sponsor
Challenge Day Sponsors
Special Event Sponsor
In Kind Sponsors: Bayside Specialties, Inc.; Farmstrong Brewing Co.; Fidalgo Coffee Roasters; Jorge & Jenna Estefan; Marathon Petroleum; Skagit’s Best Salsa; Skagit Valley College; Swinomish Indian Tribal Community; Tulip Town; Skagit Publishing; Skagit Valley College; Skagit Land Trust; Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group; Mary McGoffin; City of Mount Vernon; Tina Tate; Sakura Japanese Steakhouse; Mount Vernon Downtown Association; Hotel Services Group
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Leadership Skagit FAQs 1. What will I learn? During the 9-month program you will hear the diverse stories and histories that made Skagit County what it is today and explore the abundant natural and human-made resources that make this place special. You will develop awareness of yourself as an individual and as a leader and deepen your understanding of community issues as systemic, complex, and rooted in our history. You will build relationships and skills to engage in these issues starting with reflective leadership practice, listening, design thinking, collaborative problemsolving, and communicating to build trust and motivate action toward a more just, equitable and sustainable future in Skagit county.
2. How does Leadership Skagit impact our community? Leadership Skagit graduates community leaders who are informed, engaged, and skillful in collaborative problem-solving centering the voices of marginalized people. The 550+ alumni network creates a unique and powerful resource for collective action.
3. How much does it cost? Are scholarships available?
4. Who participates? Each Leadership Skagit class is composed of 25-30 current and emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds representing the private, nonprofit and public sectors who share a common interest in this beautiful place we call home.
5. Will Leadership Skagit’s 2022 cohort meet face-to-face or online?
The Leadership Skagit 2022 cohort will meet face-to-face for rich, experiential scheduled Tuition for the Leadership Skagit Class of 2022 is $2,800 for for-profit program days, supplemented by online resources and small group companies and $2,200 for small non-profit organizations, individuals, activities. Leadership Skagit will follow all CDC and Washington and companies with 10 or fewer State health guidelines for COVID At the end of the Leadership employees. safety protocols and will move to the Skagit program you will be able to: If you are interested in learning virtual learning platform if advised. • Articulate a vision for a just, more about our community and healthy and sustainable engaging more fully, do not let the community in Skagit County 6. What does Justice, tuition be a barrier. We want a diverse class that represents many Equity, Diversity and • Claim a leadership challenge different experiences and areas of Inclusion (JEDI) have and identify the relationships, interest. We will make every effort resources and skills needed to to do with community to support those who cannot pay the impact this challenge leadership learning? full tuition with scholarship funds • Develop a framework and Community leaders must and payment plans. Due to generous reflective practice for the leader address the disparities that have donors, Leadership Skagit has you want to be been created in health, wealth, scholarships available. To request tuition assistance, you will be asked education, and many other areas to fill out a form stating your specific as the result of systemic racism and other forms of oppression. To financial need. lead effectively in this environment requires self-awareness and growth To learn more about participating or becoming a sponsor, contact Leadership in understanding the way each of us Skagit Program Manager Mary Heffernan Trester at mary@skagit.org or 360-639-6310
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checking in with the Program Manager and may result in not graduating or receiving college credit.
never have missed a year of sending at least one staff member to Leadership Skagit – and sometimes more than one, participates in maintaining systems and sometimes a board member too. of oppression. This awareness We know our organization’s mission combined with the leadership skills In addition, there will be four has benefited by the blossoming of this of listening, engaging respectfully, hours of pre-work each month amazing group of leader-full people in and amplifying the voices from that will involve small group or our midst. How gratifying it has been to marginalized populations, individual activities to prepare for watch our team grow their leadership considering historical context and the Challenge Days and retreats, skills, voice, confidence, connections, the systemic nature of these issues, plus time to meet with your team networks, understanding, and even and co-creating solutions will allow to discuss, plan and execute your Leadership Skagit graduates to leadership development project. The love for this special community we live and work in. So much good has come create a more just and equitable amount of time spent on teamwork community. varies between teams, but is often a from this that it truly is impossible to track that difference it has made for significant time commitment. us as an organization, and individually 7. What is the time as professionals and community 8. How do I convince my members. I will say this, though, my commitment? employer to support my own choice to join the class of 2009 in Alumni of our program often my first year as a new and somewhat participation in LS? say that Leadership Skagit is overwhelmed executive director “transformational” and a significant Employers benefit from the was both a crazy decision — and the time commitment. Please review the skills, knowledge, and network absolute best schedule for the Leadership Skagit their employees gain through crazy decision Class of 2022 to ensure you are at a the Leadership Skagit program. I’ve ever made. time in your life when you can fully Leadership Skagit offers participants Servant leadership commit. a broad network of contacts across set the course of all sectors and industries, and Our nine-month program begins everything that Leadership Skagit helps them build in September and ends in June. was to come.” knowledge of county-wide issues. There are two mandatory two-day Bill Henkel, Executive Director, retreats, one in September and one Employers tell us Leadership Skagit Community Action of Skagit County graduates are better leaders, team in May, as well as eight day-long members and overall contributors in Challenge Days. You are allowed the workplace. eight hours of excused absence for 9. Is the application the monthly Challenge Days over “Since the dawn of Leadership Skagit, process competitive? the course of the program. Missing Community Action is proud that we Yes, the Leadership Skagit more than eight hours requires program reviews all applications for commitment to learn and engage in community life in Skagit County. In addition, we believe the class benefits when a diversity of experiences and demographic characteristics are represented in the class. If your application is not accepted, please plan to re-apply the following year.
Congratulations Leadership Skagit Class Of 2021 Skagit County’s Future Will Strive Because Of This Program!
Paul Tinnon, LS ’13 LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
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10. How do I submit my application?
13. How does the scholarship process work?
Applications for the Class of 2022 are due June 30, 2021. You can learn After submitting your program more about applying online at www. application, you will fill out a tuition skagit.org/our-services/ls assistance request form addressing your specific financial need. Your request form and your answers to 11. What can I do the application essay questions will to strengthen my be sent to the scholarship committee application? for review. Scholarships range from $250 to $2,000 and are based on Make sure you fully understand need and the amount of scholarship the time commitment Leadership funds available. Skagit entails and what you can expect from participating. Carefully fill out the application form in its entirety. We want to know what you care about in our community and why, and how you will benefit from engagement in Leadership Skagit. Feel free to contact Program Manager Mary Heffernan Trester at mary@skagit.org or 360-639-6310 for more information.
12. What happens after I submit my application? After you submit your application and non-refundable fee, you will receive an email from the Program Manager with an application signature form requiring signatures from you and your employer.
Leadership Skagit Advisors are dedicated individuals who make this program possible!
Master Advisor Danny Hagen
Paul Spencer
Britta Eschete
Jill Rohrs
Mary Staley
Michael Stark
14. What is the Leadership Skagit Network? The Leadership Skagit Network is made up of 550 alumni, including local officials such as city and town mayors to county commissioners; small and medium-sized business owners; and numerous employees at large corporations and non-profit organizations that are the heartbeat of the county.
15. What else do I need to know about Leadership Skagit?
Leadership Skagit was founded in 2003 as a program of the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit All applicants to the Leadership County (EDASC) in partnership with Skagit program will be interviewed. Skagit Valley College (SVC). At the You will be contacted to coordinate culmination of the program year, a time for your interview. Interviews participants qualify for 17 college will take place in June and July credits in Leadership from SVC. and are conducted by the Program Manager and Curriculum Manager. After interviews are completed, applicants will be evaluated and notified of your acceptance into the Class of 2022 cohort.
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Building Leaders Today to Shape Our Tomorrow
A Special Congratulations from Leadership Skagit Alumni Kathryn Bennett
Becky Larsen
Class of of 2004 Class 2004
Class of 2014 Anne Clark
Tamara Thomas
Class of 2014
Class of 2006
Tamara Thomas
Becky Larsen Dani Baird Russell
Melissa Duby Kirk Petit Class 2016 Class of of 2016
Duby Petit
Jackie Cress Class of 2016 Class of 2018
Class of 2014
Jackie Cress
Class of 2008
Dani Baird Russell
Class of 2018
Tyler Steinman Danielle Martin
Class of 2014
Danielle Class of Martin 2006
Class of 2014
Pam Davis
Class of 2011
Class of 2008
Pam Class Davis of 2015
Annette Booth
Class of 2015
Class of 2012
Dorothy Elsner
Tina Pullar Class of 2013
Class of 2015
Paul Tinnon
Rick Star
Class of 2015
Class of 2013
Tina Tate
Paul Tinnon
Class of 2015
Anne Class ofClark 2013
Tina Tate
Class of 2014
Class of 2015
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Sara Fish
ClassFish of 2018 Sara Class of 2018
KellyReep Reep Kelly Class of 2018
Class of 2018
Brad BradTuininga Tuininga Class of of 2018 Class 2018
Nichole Long
Class of 2019 Nichole Long
Class of 2019
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Happy Tails: Top left to right: Andy Dugan, Charley Anderson, Tamás Bencsik; bottom left to right: Silvia Reed, Mary Staley (Advisor), Justin Smock
Happy Tails MEMBERS: Charley Anderson Tamás Bencsik Andrew Dugan Silvia Reed Justin Smock ADVISOR: Mary Staley PARTNER: Skagit Animals in Need (S.A.I.N) PROJECT NAME: Skagit Pet Pantries Silvia and Tamás painting the pantry.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: In an effort to keep families and their beloved pets together and as part of our Leadership Skagit community project, “The Happy Tails” team, LS Class of 2021 has launched the Skagit Pet Pantries Project. Our team is partnering with Skagit Animals in Need continued on pg. 12
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(S.A.I.N) and the different food banks in Skagit County where pantries will be placed and will be available to those who need pet food. To secure the sustainability of this project we are also partnering with 4-H groups who will be in charge of food distribution.
Above: Charley Anderson poses with her family and pets. Below left: Pet-pantry food drive. Below: Members of the Kidz-N-K9’s 4-H club help at the food drive.
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The Leadership Skagit Team Happy Tails has been so easy to work with. Their compassion for animals has been evident throughout our entire time working together; from the detailed plans for their pet pantries, how quickly they built them once receiving the materials, to their plans on how to keep them running after their project time is complete. It is obvious they want Skagit Pet Pantries to continue serving the community long after they graduate. The team has been communicative with what they need from us and has been very responsive with what we need from them. The team has been wonderful to work with and we look forward to serving more animals in need alongside the Leadership Skagit Team Happy Tails!
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I can tell you it is such a privilege to be part of a (Leadership Skagit) team project in a small way. I am contacted every year and this is the first partnership that has blossomed! It is a great fit, 4-H members that love animals and love to help, one part of our 4-H pledge is “Hands for Larger Service” if our program can help this get off the ground this year and then keep it operating in the future it would be wonderful! Dorothy Elsner, WSU/Skagit County 4-H
Megan Galbreath, Skagit Animals in Need (SAIN)
Nicely Done. Congratulations to the graduates of this year’s Leadership Skagit program. We’re honored to have Jessica Culp from our Mount Vernon Westside Branch as one of the graduates. Thank you for your dedication to our local community. Let’s create tomorrow, together. 800-272-9933
bannerbank.com EDASC www.skagit.org
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Stay at Homies MEMBERS: Ken Hansen Alyse Sehlin James Malcolm Jr. Ben Thompson ADVISOR: Danny Hagen PARTNER: Northwest Youth Services (NWYS) PROJECT NAME: NWYS Survival Drive PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Northwest Youth Services (NWYS) is a non-profit organization that assists at-risk, runaway and homeless youth (ages 13-24) by cultivating self-reliance in Skagit, Whatcom and Island Counties. NWYS focuses on working collaboratively to meet the increasing needs of youth through a variety of outreach, housing, behavioral health, education, and restorative justice programs. Leadership Skagit’s 2021 Team “Stay at Homies” chose to partner with NWYS due to their close alignment in mission and values related to the support and enrichment of marginalized youth during life’s transitions. The service project benefiting NWYS was a countywide Survival Drive in which gently used clothing, outerwear, footwear, toiletries, backpacks, tarps, cleaning supplies and monetary donations were collected across Skagit County to assist NWYS in supporting Leadership Skagit Class of 2021 youth. Other objectives included raising awareness of NWYS and the Congratulations to all of the 2021 needs of youth in Skagit County. Leadership Skagit graduates, The response from the community including Skagit Valley College resulted in several hundred pounds employee Justin Smock. We of donations delivered to NWYS’ office in Skagit County and monetary appreciate your leadership and donations including a $5,000 gift dedication to our students from the Washington Education and the community. Association.
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During our journey, Stay at Homies members refined our leadership skills and strengths related to communication, education and organization while developing relationships that will last for many years to come.
SVC is a proud supporter of Leadership Skagit.
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Above: Stay at Homies: Danny Hagen (Master Advisor), Ben Thompson, Aly Sehlin, Ken Hansen, (James Malcolm Jr. not pictured). Below: Stay at Homies Donation Boxes Right: Donation Box delivery.
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Dreams Team: (clockwise from left) Claudia Marken, Sol Kohlhaas, Heather Carter, Jessica Culp.
DREAMS TEAM MEMBERS: Heather Carter Jessica Culp Sol Kohlhaas Claudia Marken ADVISOR: Jill Rohrs PARTNER: Burlington Chamber of Commerce PROJECT NAME: “Sky’s the Limit” Leadership Journal PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Dreams Team is excited to introduce - Sky! The Leadership Journal features Sky, a 10-year-old girl, who is puzzled with what she wants to do when she grows up. The team is publishing an interactive journal telling the story of Sky and how she is inspired by her surroundings and Skagit County leaders. The journal will allow girls to reflect through journaling, coloring and other activities. 1,000 copies (250 in Spanish) will be distributed through Skagit County libraries this summer. LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
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Open Table Skagit MEMBERS: Sarah Hastings Miranda Wilson Anita Buchanan-Jones Steph Vervaart Samantha Cabaluna
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Above: Team Open Table: Britta Eschete (Advisor), Samantha Cabaluna, Anita Buchanan-Jones, Sarah Hastings, Miranda Wilson, Steph Vervaart. Below: Little Free Pantry
ADVISOR: Britta Eschete PARTNER: Helping Hands Food Bank PROJECT NAME: Project Open Table Skagit PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Project Open Table Skagit is a collaboration between Leadership Skagit’s Team Open Table (TOT) and the Helping Hands Food Bank (HHFB). TOT is building four, free standing “Little Free Pantries” to serve as an extension of the HHFB services to address food insecurity. This project will help to alleviate the inability of some community members to visit a food pantry during normal business hours and reach those who are reluctant to ask for help. These pantries will be regularly stocked by HHFB with non-perishable food and open 24/7 to the community.
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I have really enjoyed working with the Leadership Skagit team so far and I am very excited about the project we’re creating. I believe this project is meaningful to the community because it’s about the community. The book tells the story of a young girl who doesn’t know what she wants to be and ends up dreaming about flying through several locations throughout Skagit Valley. She meets various women who give her advice throughout the book. These bits of advice are quotes from community members around Skagit Valley. Additionally, as a coloring and interactive book with questions and drawing sections, it is my hope that this book encourages and inspires youth even if it’s just to be creative. Overall, I have loved working with the team and have learned so much along the way. I am also very blessed to have my wife, Catherine Yazzie, partner with me in creating THANK YOU this book. It’s the first project Helping Hands would like to thank Leadership Skagit Team Open Table for their collaboration on an we’ve worked on together amazing new program. Project Open Table Skagit consists of four, freestanding “Little Free Pantries” to and it’s wonderful to bring serve as an extension of the HHFB services to address food insecurity. These pantries will be regularly her words to life with my stocked with non-perishable, ready-to-eat food and illustrations. open 24/7 to the community.
Miranda Wilson Leadership Skagit Class of 2021
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Thayne Yazzie, Northwest Indian College
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Bread Spreaders MEMBERS: Yuliya Rybalka Trevor Smith Jammie Novak Leslie Guyton ADVISOR: Paul Spencer PARTNER: WSU Breadlab PROJECT NAME: Spreading Bread to Skagit
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PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Breadlab is partnering with the Bread Spreaders of Leadership Skagit to create an accessible community outreach curriculum for school-aged children in Skagit County. The curriculum will be a virtual reading of the book Breadlab! and feature fun activities that educate about the value and importance of whole grains, and how to make your own sourdough culture at home! This collaboration will help the Breadlab transition and test virtual strategies for outreach and fundraising to remain competitive in a post-pandemic environment.
Right: Bread Spreaders: Trevor Smith, Yuliya Rybalka, Jammie Novak, Leslie Guyton and Paul Spencer (Advisor).
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We are having such a positive experience working with Leadership Skagit. Not only do we feel like we are finding ways to be more connected with more of our community, we really like the group! Yuliya, Jammie, Leslie, Trevor and Paul are engaging, creative and fun collaborators.
Q u o t e s
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Leadership is not something that can be trained from just a book. It needs to be taught, executed, and evaluated. When I went to Leadership Skagit, I had already been sent through leadership training while I was in the military. This program is very different. This program taught me to follow and support those that had not been leaders before. I learned that failure is growth, listening is exploring, strength is supporting others and being a leader is modeling the way. As a supervisor I supported Miranda Wilson going through this year’s class and will support my staff to go through in the future. I want leaders in my organization and community that learn this way. This team Open Table has been great to work with and passionate about feeding their community. I know with leaders in the community like them we have a great future here in Skagit County.
WSU Breadlab is a world-renowned plant breeding program and laboratory, yet many people in Skagit County do not know we exist. We knew that partnering up with local business leaders would be a great way to increase visibility in our region and amplify our message of making diverse, sustainable, nutritious food more affordable and accessible to all. Mostly, however, we are using this opportunity to connect with local schools and teach kids about science, baking, whole grains and food literacy—and also hoping to inspire a few future scientists!
Rebecca Skrinde, Helping Hands Food Bank
Janine Johnson, WSU Breadlab
My experience with Leadership Skagit has been one of great joy. The Stay at Homies team members were passionate in learning about youth homelessness and how it impacts communities and families in Skagit County. From the initial meeting with Alyse to check-ins with the entire team, everyone seemed eager to learn how to tackle this issue in order to give Skagit youth a solid foundation. After talking about needs versus capacity, we collectively agreed that a Survival Drive would be a great way for them to support the youth we serve. I’m extremely impressed at how far and wide they were able to get community donation boxes. From Concrete to Anacortes, the brightly colored donation boxes were filled to the brim with coats, backpacks, clothes, and toiletries. The team generously stored them and helped deliver the donations to our Mount Vernon office. Our team members were overwhelmed with the success the Stay at Homies achieved for young people experiencing homelessness. Thank you Alyse, James, Ben, Ken, Mary, and John for supporting Skagit youth through action and advocacy! Mandy Rothman, Northwest Youth Services LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
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www.skagit.org EDASC
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L e a d e r s h i p
CLaSS of 2004 Jon Aarstad Arden Ainley Bonnie Anderson Brad Barton Kathryn Bennett James Bishop II Laurel Browning Peggy Flynn Georgiann Dustin Brian Gentry Jerold Heller Jan Iverson Michael Killien Debra Lancaster Jean Leib Mary LouMeader Anita Ordonez Ellen Rak Dee Raudebaugh Kraig Rosencrantz Gary Rowe Daniel Stahl Barbara Strauss Rissa Warner Don Wick Carrie Youngquist Jeanne Youngquist CLaSS of 2005 Rebecca Bradley-Lowell Mindi Brock Dave Brookings LuAnne Burkhart Suzanne Butler Elizabeth Detillion Linda Duffield Ron Feld Steve Flude Millie Fosberg Lisa Geil Elizabeth Hoffman Lisa Janicki Leon John Russ Johnson Bruce Klewer Jennifer Larson Jodi Monroe EDASC www.skagit.org
S k a g i t
Alan Muia Karen Parnell Katie Philbrick Karen Pitt Roger Ridgway Steve Schultz Kauleen Shelton Bill Short Alison Studley Peggy Taylor Mark Watkinson John White Sue Williamson Margie Wilson
G r a d u a t e s
Mavis Betz Tonya Bieche Debbie Blunt Neta Simpkins Cahill Joyce Cardinal Tina Davis Michelle Fry Amy George Allen Grenz Rena Guadagnoli Trisha Logue Elinor Nakis Doug Noblet Lou Petersen Elizabeth Risser Ryan Sakuma Josh Scott Sherri Stites Carole Straathof Andrea Vallee Amy Wilcox
CLaSS of 2006 Jean Alden Michael Almvig Letty Alvarez-Gubitosi Michelle Dietz-Date Kent Egging Britta Eschete Glenna Finney Kendra Gentry-Decker May Haley Tawni Helms Stephen Hopley Stephanie Hooper Cathrin Hughes-Davies Travis Huisman Gary Lorenz William Malcomson Kevin McKeown Tina McNealey Jill Reid Andrew Rice Joyce Shoop Robert Shrumm Sue Stolpe Tamara Thomas Lin (Wm) Tucker Lyle Turner Nelia Viloria
CLaSS of 2008 Linda Bishop Tony Cook Jeff Drayer Kirk Dunn Maureen Enegren Kristin Garcia Delilah George Kim Grams Danielle Martin Susan Hirst Kirk Johnson Sue Krienen Erin Long Jeremy McCullough Dale O’Brien Kristen Ohlson-Kiehn Glenn Sakuma Corin Schneider David Scott Peggy Stowe Graeme Wilson Joan Youngquist Shegay Vanderpool Ed Zavala
CLaSS of 2007 Mary Anstensen Janie Beasley Terry Belcoe 21
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CLaSS of 2009 Barbara Atterberry Jody Ayon Kerri Cook Rod Dalseg Tracy Donovan Mary Ann Douglas Michael Fredland William Freitas Bill Henkel Tom Howard Nancy Rytand Barbara Jensen Ellen Johnson Marge Milnor Brian Nicol Theresa Nording Lou Ann Reed William Reichardt Karen Rose Keith Rubin Liz Stoddart DeWolfe Sally Straathof Sandy Swartos Stacie Watnie Becky Williams Rose Mary Wilson CLASS of 2010 Janita Aalto Lennart Bentsen Cindy Bjorklund Stefanie Boyer Kate Bratches Paul Budrow Lynn Christofersen Debbie Connolly Camille Danon Guy Davidson Cory Ertel Linda Jones Kimberly Geariety Aldi Kllogjeri Kathy Larson Barbara Leander Irene Millay Issac Nelson Barbara Perusse LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
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L e a d e r s h i p
Colleen Powell Regan Robertson Jill Rohrs Kari Russom Pamela Santangilo Scott Sutton Mike Trafton Tammi Wells Anthony Young CLaSS of 2011 Debbie Allen Kris Atkins Melissa Beaton Diane Bobko Deb Davis Bundy Richard Delaney Lindsey Dostart Cynthia Doussard Cynthia Eichner Kristen Ekstran Jennifer Fix Jessica Gigot Jim Gordon Pola Kelley Kristen Keltz Karen Kipling Susan Lange Ann Leason Parrish Miller Philip Prud’homme Julie Speck Tyler Steinman Joe Stewart Billie Stormont Becky Taft Nida Tautvydas Kelli Tolf Henry Van Larry West CLaSS of 2012 Becky Abel-Moore Josh Baldwin Annette Booth Marilyn Brink Julie Cowen Stephanie Hamilton LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
S k a g i t
Renee Majumdar David Malsed Marie Marchand Darcy Owings Martin Pedro Perez Leileah Petty Elena Roppel Jessica Samora Ryan Schols Sally Schroeder Quinn Slayton Jason Smolsnik Kara Stamback Lisa Swanberg Joe Thurmond Kim Walley Stacie Zinn Roberts
G r a d u a t e s
Paul Tinnon Lanny Ulrich Tiffany Urland Thomas Williams CLaSS of 2014 Megan Anderson Rose Brierley Troy Buechler Anne Clark Alice Collingwood Sean Cornett Bekki Cox Wende Dolstad Ellen Gamson Libby Grage Stephanie Harper Lynne Jordan Jennifer Kerkvliet Pitner Lisa Knowles Kevin Meenaghan Rod Merrell Jeff Paxson Jesus Robles Wendy J. Rohrbacher Dani Baird Russell Chris Schaffner Becky Schlaht Christopher Shainin Diane Smith Melissa Snodgrass-Wold Rhonda Tingley Kelly Tuohig Carrie Wallace
CLaSS of 2013 Apryl Anderson Michelle Beach Tammy Belisle Felicia Boettger Carmen Anderson-Bruner Jackie Brunson Stephanie Calkins Tyler Claus Laura Fletcher Michael Frazier Jenny Goss Jessica Haag Bryan Harrison Christina Hansen Linda Henley Eric Irelan K.C. Knudson Eric Landon Brittany Litaker Mary Ellen Lykins Tammy Masalonis Mary McGoffin Karen Mills Marci Plank Tina Pullar Lisa Rumsey Melissa Self Patricia Slater Angie Strunk
CLaSS of 2015 Carol Anderson Cameron Bigge Nate Biletnikoff Shanée Coachman Michelle Cook David Cope Pam Davis Dorothy Elsner Anthony Esposito Diane Fox Raymond Goda Kim Gray 22
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Natalie Hood Robin Hoover Roland King Troy Kunz Danielle Lothrop Marna McLatchy Carpenter Linda Wise Miller Amy Moe Caroline Nazareno Mathew Nolan Dan Peek Eric Petersen Jeniffier Provalenko Ken Rogers Holly Shannon ReBecca Shotton Roosevelt Smith, Jr. Rick Star Tina Tate Melody Young CLaSS of 2016 Andrea Bachman Kelly Bardford Rebecca Carroll Wendy Fauver May Fine John Gischer Beverly Harrington Tara Havard Amanda Hubik Christi Kinney Melissa Kirk Germaine Kornegay Justin Krupa Vernoica Lopez Jorge Manzanera Andy Mayer Beth Meenaghan Sue Mondello Amy Muia Lynn Murphy Steve Omdal Isabela Ordonez Mindy Otterstedt Duby Petit Rosalinda Sanchez www.skagit.org EDASC
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L e a d e r s h i p
Carla Schipper Michelle Stahl Philip Steffen Allen Stockbridge James Walker Lene Watson CLaSS of 2017 Sandra Benton Heather Brennan Jess Brown Sean Connell Melanie Horowitz-Coyne Alma Garibay Matt Gill Andy Heiser Mary Hudson Julia Johnson Ken Johnson Rosemary Kaholokula Jeri Kaufman David Lervik Ed McLaughlin Helen McPeak Kati Ortiz Andrea Petrich Amber Robinson Yadira Rosales Celia Ponce Sanchez Kimberly Savage Erika Savoy Jennifer Sheahan-Lee Adele Skinner Mary Staley Stefania Strzyzynski Sarah Tchang Jason Tyler Hilda Valdespino Sarah Ward Ross Wilson CLaSS of 2018 Debbie Aldridge Anne Basye Bill Blake Mike Cavanaugh Jackie Cress Erika Davis EDASC www.skagit.org
S k a g i t
Neil Davis Peter Donovan Stephanie Edson Rachel Erickson Sara Fish Kevin Gardner Danny Hagen Claver Hategekimana Anusha Hewawasam John Howe Michelle Johnson Conor Keeney Michael Lumpkin Colleen Maxwell Paul Nielsen Katelynn Orellana BC O’ Tierney Connie Pangrazi Diana Peregrina Spencer Pope Kelly Reep Heather Rudolph Therese Rudzis Racheal Scholler Amanda Sloan Carolyn Tucker Brad Tuininga Lisa Yandrich
G r a d u a t e s
Laura Cowan Kory Dyer Rory Eaton Lisa Grentz Adilene Hernandez Elizabeth Johnson Sandy Jordan Gautam Kini Lory Lorimer Lawson Nichole Long Diane Marx Dan McCarthy Mindy Mejia Eddie Rogge Lisa Sedano Dean Snider Daniella Wartner Michael White Allison Wilhonen Kimberly Williams Debbie Wintermeier Phillip Yi CLaSS of 2020 Jarrod Ball Tamsin Bell Jeremy Carter Rebecca Claus Jacob Clem Shrene Clement Kathy Corrion Morgan Curry Kris Desmarais Locke Elder Jorge Estefan
CLaSS of 2019 Shelley Acero Luz Barajas Bonnie Bowman Cindy Brooks Erika Bugbee
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Krysta Fast Lyn Highet Katie Holmstrom Will Hunter Kevin Jackman Mark Jurkovich Robin Kallman Christy Lyman Tracy Montaron Holly Nielsen Todd Owsley Monica Pavlovich Kaila Roberts Angel Rocha Soraya Snipes Paul Spencer Michael Stark Edgar Tampinco Rodrigo Valdes HONORARY GRADUATES Jim Duffield Laura Cailloux Jim Frey Maureen Harlan Pat Hammond Jennifer Korn-Leech
To learn more about participating or becoming a sponsor, contact Leadership Skagit Program Manager Mary Heffernan Trester at mary@skagit.org or 360-639-6310
Congratulations Leadership Skagit Class of 2021 Congratulations to Sarah Hastings and the entire Class of 2021 for your leadership and dedication to our community.
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LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
Congratulations from the Marathon Anacortes Refinery to Sol Kohlhass and The Dreams Team for making a positive difference in the lives of Pre-Teen girls in the Skagit County and beyond.
Top Left: Claudia Marken, Community Action, Bottom Left: Jessica Culp, Banner Bank, Top Right: Sol Kohlhaas, Marathon Petroleum and Bottom Right: Heather Carter, La Conner Chamber Advisor: Jill Rohrs, Skagit’s Best Salsa (not pictured)
“My Leadership Skagit journey began like I imagine many others did. While in my own comfortable life I heard stories of peers participating in a program and having an experience that I wanted to have as well. I signed up for Leadership Skagit. What I have experienced in Leadership Skagit is very different from what I expected. Every month I am given new tools or shown new ways to use tools I already had. On a more frequent basis I worked with an awesome team on a project that brings me close to tears when I share it with people outside of our team. Through this project I have been thrust into the spotlight as
LEADERSHIP SKAGIT 2021
a presenter at multiple service organizations, I have made connections with new groups and organizations that will last long after my graduation of the program. Leadership Skagit has been challenging and rewarding; there were some exhausting days in front of a screen and some truly inspirational moments. The value of participating in Leadership Skagit is not measurable. Through this journey I have become a better husband, father, board member and professional. Leadership Skagit has been much more, in so many ways, than I expected.” Sol Kohlhaas
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www.skagit.org EDASC
