2 minute read
Project Partner Quotes ...13, 18
We are having such a positive experience working with Leadership Skagit. Not only do we feel like we are fi nding 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. 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!
Janine Johnson, WSU Breadlab
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.
Rebecca Skrinde, Helping Hands Food Bank
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 fi lled to the brim with coats, backpacks, clothes, and toiletries. The team generously stored them and helped deliver the donations to our Mount Vernon offi ce. 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!
