BB Denton (they/them) was born and raised in the Seattle area. They bring to the CLI an interest in environmental justice, as well as a grounding in the Just Transition Framework and social reproduction theory. 

Earlier this year, BB graduated from UW, earning a degree in International Studies. There, they found camaraderie in their community - nurturing an interest in social justice activism. They served in organizations such as SARVA (Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence Activists) and UW Sustainability, accumulating experience in community outreach, education, and organizing. In this work, they largely focused on highlighting the experiences and needs of QTBIPOC students through campus collaborations. Now, BB has been working to hone their advocacy skills to serve their communities and those around them more effectively. 

Outside of this work, you can find BB spending time with friends and family, trying new crafts (or at the very least, attempting to), and going on long walks. In the CLI they are most excited to learn about public health and housing equity with their peers!

Saddiqullah Faizi was born in Afghanistan and came to the United States as a refugee at a young age. Growing up, he was profoundly influenced by his grandfather, Mohammadullah Faizi, who instilled in him the values of faith, family, and community. These principles have shaped Saddiqullah's character and aspirations, driving him to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

He graduated from the University of Washington with a master’s degree in International Relations, with a focus on Diplomacy and International Development. This academic background has equipped him with a deep understanding of global issues and the skills necessary to address them effectively.

Since graduation, Saddiqullah has dedicated his career to public service. He has worked as a project manager in public health, where he played a vital role in responding to the COVID outbreak, coordinating efforts to ensure community health and safety. Additionally, he served as a resettlement coordinator at the International Rescue Committee (IRC), helping fellow Afghans and others who recently arrived in the U.S. due to evacuation efforts. In this role, he provided critical support and resources to assist them in their transition and integration into American society.

Saddiqullah is passionate about serving others and believes in the importance of building lasting relationships within the community. Fluent in multiple languages, he connects with diverse populations, enhancing his ability to understand and address their unique needs. His commitment to community engagement and advocacy reflects his desire to foster understanding and collaboration among different cultural groups.

Driven by a vision of making a global difference, Saddiqullah aspires to be a leader who instigates meaningful change. He is dedicated to advocating for solutions to pressing global challenges and inspiring others to join him in this mission.

With a strong foundation built on his heritage and values, Saddiqullah Faizi continues to strive for excellence and make a significant impact in the world around him.

Valeria Herrera Salazar (she/her) hails from Colombia and is driven by a passion for answering questions, which takes her on many adventures. This curiosity has led her to take art classes, baking classes, and courses in data and impact evaluation.

Since moving to Seattle, she has been dedicated to community building and social impact. She has organized community events, taught computer skills to Spanish-speaking adults, and worked on immigration issues. Her background as an economist in Colombia has given her valuable experience in public procurement and policy research.

Currently, she contributes to community development with the City of Seattle. She loves collaborating with people from different backgrounds, and when she's not working, you can find her exploring the outdoors, reading, or experimenting in the kitchen.

Kahnya Humphery (she/her) hails from Lansing, Michigan, with roots in Saginaw. She has called the Seattle area home for the past eight years. In 2023, Kahnya earned her B.A. from the University of Washington - Seattle where she majored in Political Science, specializing in International Security, and minored in Law, Societies, and Justice. 

Before joining King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks in early 2024, where she works in the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD), Kahnya was part of the Central Procurement Office - Service Agreements team at the Port of Seattle. There, she engaged with non-profits and community-based organizations in the SeaTac area. At King County, Kahnya contributes to protecting public health and the environment by enhancing water quality, planning for regional growth in the wastewater system, and recovering valuable resources for a resilient Puget Sound.

Kahnya is dedicated to addressing injustices and diversifying spaces traditionally overlooked by people of color, such as outdoor recreation. She is involved with EDGE Outdoors, where she is honing her snowboarding skills while introducing BIPOC individuals to the sport and providing a supportive learning environment. Additionally, she participates in the Trail Mixed Collective Community Leadership program, focusing on creating outdoor activities over the coming year to foster community among BIPOC women in Seattle and encourage their exploration of the outdoors. In her spare time, Kahnya enjoys watching video essays on YouTube, cooking, exploring the outdoors, and, most importantly, spending time with her family.

Guadelupe Hurtado is a dedicated harm reductionist who proudly represents as BIPOC and aims to amplify minority voices. Drawing from her own lived experiences with drug use and homelessness, Lupe has found a path to recovery and has channeled their journey into meaningful work as a Peer Counselor and community health advocate. Their firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by those struggling with substance use and housing instability has fueled their drive to make a difference. Her mission has been centered around advocating for equity, eradicating stigma and providing support to underserved communities.

She has worked at the Tacoma Needle Exchange in Pierce County, providing harm reduction education and distributing supplies to community members. Additionally, she has been a member of the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department's Opioid Task Force's Anti-Stigma campaign as well as mutual aid collectives and community based art projects. She currently works at DESC in the Opioid Treatment Network program in Seattle and lives in Federal Way.

Lupe's professional aspirations include advocating for policies that expand substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs and promote public health.

Daaniya Iyaz (she/her) is a climate professional and long-term resident of King County. Originally from south India, Daaniya has spent most of her life in King County, and she has seen how climate change affects the places she calls home. Daaniya's passions include supporting local communities in navigating a changing climate in an equitable and just manner and bringing people together via recreational scheming and community events. Her educational background, completed at the University of Washington, focused on interdisciplinary interventions to prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change. Her career has focused on the impacts of climate stressors on health, environmental and social justice, resource conservation, and social entrepreneurship. Her prior work experience includes the Campus Sustainability Fund, Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship, and the Collaborative on Extreme Events Resilience at UW, as well as Front and Centered and Public Health-- Seattle & King County.

Daaniya currently works in King County's Executive Climate Office as an Extreme Heat Mitigation Strategy Specialist. She is grateful for the opportunity to co-develop climate solutions with community members, local government staff, and other partners. She also finds fulfillment and personal growth by volunteering and spending time in community. In her free time, you can find Daaniya checking out too many books from the library, playing badminton, exploring fictional lands in video games, or attempting to make the perfect caramel latte.

Kevin Lam is a Pisces-Aquarius cusp with a natural gift for connecting with others. He is an educator, a creative thinker, and someone who believes deeply in the power of community. His passion lies in building a more equitable world, whether through meaningful conversations with strangers or facilitating parties/gatherings that make people more curious about the world. From karaoke nights to dinner parties, he is always looking for ways to create inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome.

Teaching has been a major part of his journey and working with students in China (via Americans Promoting Study Abroad), Taiwan (via Fulbright), and U.S. (via International Friends School) has taught him a lot about kindness and empathy. Through these experiences, he has seen firsthand how meaningful connections can bridge cultural gaps and bring people closer together.

Now, he is ready to take on a new challenge by pursuing an MBA. His aim is to apply business skills within the government sector, focusing on real estate. He wants to contribute to solutions for the housing crisis in the US, bringing together his experience in education, community building, and a commitment to social equity.

When he is not engaging with his community, you’ll find him at the gym or practicing kung fu—movement keeps him grounded and focused.

Judith Lamptey is a dedicated finance professional with over a decade of experience in empowering businesses and communities. Her expertise spans business policies, general finance consulting, business strategy negotiations, investor relations, market research, and product value. 

She is currently the Senior Accountant at St. Leo Parish, Emergency Services & Food Connection under the Archdiocese of Seattle. She also volunteers at the Food Connection, serving Pierce County, where she manages the general ledger, financial reporting, and budgeting. Judith collaborates closely with WE-Feed, the City of Tacoma, and the City of Lakewood, ensuring timely reimbursement and precise financial categorization. Her commitment to social justice and community welfare stems from her experiences as an immigrant. 

While in Ghana, Judith served as a Business Development Consultant at an investment firm, championing the financial growth of entrepreneurs. She provided crucial support for those seeking funds, guiding them through all stages of investment—from crafting business proposals to completing due diligence before finalizing joint venture agreements. Her efforts have led to successful investments across diverse sectors, including health, food and beverages, e-commerce, and farming. 

In 2022, Judith moved to the U.S. to join her family and further her financial expertise at Cornell University, specializing in financial management. She holds a first degree in accounting and a second degree in finance. Her goal is to use her expertise to accelerate economic liberation and positive impact for BIPOC and immigrant communities. 

Favian Mares (he/him) was born and raised in Toppenish, WA, to Mexican parents from Jalisco and Nayarit, Mexico. His upbringing in a Mexican American family with a rich history rooted in migrant agriculture has given him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, particularly those of migrant and indigenous backgrounds. This personal history fuels his commitment to uplifting others, ensuring they have the tools, support, and opportunities to advocate for themselves and their communities.

Driven by his passion for systemic change, Favian co-founded and directs an organization called Fostering Educational Excitement Designed for Bold and Academically Curious Kids (FEEDBACK). Through this organization, he has cultivated a focus on gathering college and career readiness resources, as well as STEM opportunities available in cities like Seattle, and making them accessible to rural communities like the Yakima Valley. With an emphasis on cross-sector collaboration and strength-based approaches, FEEDBACK continues to break down barriers and empower students through culturally relevant mentorship and cutting-edge STEM workshops, enabling them to envision themselves in higher education.

Favian’s dedication to education, advocacy, and systemic change is not just professional but deeply personal, rooted in his own experiences and heritage. Through his work with FEEDBACK and his broader efforts, he continues to create meaningful opportunities to break down barriers and address systemic injustices.

Marina Ortiz was born in El Salvador and is a survivor of the war that raged for 12 years in the 1980s. As she grew up, so did her conviction for the search for truth and her commitment to respect human rights.  

She later continued her work as a human rights defender and dedicated herself entirely to the investigation of cases of human rights violations committed by gangs and state institutions in El Salvador.   

As a result of her commitment and state persecution, she had to emigrate with her family seeking protection in the United States. She arrived in the United States in 2016, where she continued working for migrant rights. Since then she has supported different causes such as the search for decent housing for migrants, educational support, empowerment through the Church Council of Greater Seattle, where she currently serves as a community organizer. 

Adja Phipps is a Legal Scholar, Human Rights Advocate, and the Founder of the start-up media company, Shouting Silence Media Inc. 

Adja is also a Poet. She is the author of the book Shouting Silence: My Black Skin is Too Heavy to Carry. Buoyed by a deeply felt poetry, Shouting Silence is part memoir, part critique, and part analysis of the interlocking challenges of race, gender, and the impact of colonialism. It’s a story driven by deep curiosity, a love of humanity, and a passion for social justice and fairness.  

Adja left her native country Burkina Faso, West Africa, to travel to the US alone as a young girl in pursuit of knowledge in terms of academic credentials as well as gaining a deeper understanding of both African and Western cultures.  

Her experience in Burkina Faso and the US has infused her with a commitment to positively impacting the lives of others. A human rights advocate, she is always looking for opportunities to build bridges of understanding when addressing social issues such as race, gender, and class equity.  

Adja Phipps graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington, with a B. A. in communications and political science (with a focus on geopolitics and international relations) and a Master of Jurisprudence (with a focus on sustainable international development law), and currently in pursuit of her JD. 

Fun facts about Adja: She loves telling jokes, watching funny movies, and spending time with friends and family. 

Vanessa Sanchez-Mexicano (pronounced Meh-he-cah-no) is a first-generation Latina and has lived in Seattle for a little over 2 years after moving here from Portland, OR. Growing up in a farmworker community in rural Oregon with immigrant parents, one of whom was a traditional health worker, Vanessa developed a passion for community work from a young age and has been involved in various projects over the years that aim to lessen health and equity disparities for marginalized identities.

Her personal experiences and cultural background led Vanessa to obtain her Master’s in Social Work and for over 10 years she has worked within social service programs supporting youth and adults experiencing domestic violence, substance use disorders, justice involvement, immigration impacts, homelessness, and various intersections of mental health conditions. She strives to change and improve systems she touches with the goal to improve the quality of life for marginalized communities. Currently, Vanessa is the program director of a shelter program at a local Seattle organization supporting immigrant and refugee youth. 

Outside of work you can find Vanessa exploring the Seattle area in the search of the best bubble tea and tacos, adding to her “to-read” pile, attending concerts and sporting events of all types, and spending time with friends and family.

Lacee Shepherd (she/her) is an enrolled Odawa tribal member and a proud Michigander who relocated to Seattle in 2022 after accepting a position with a local, tribally-owned business. In this role, she supports her team through business development and advancing decolonizing efforts within the organization.

Shortly after her move, Lacee completed her Master of Arts in Strategic Communications from Michigan State University, further building on her expertise in the field. She is an experienced communicator with a background in public transit, where for nearly five years she focused on enhancing clarity and effectiveness in communications to support essential community services. Her work reflects a deep commitment to supporting her community and using her skills to make a positive impact.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Lacee finds joy in writing, traveling, and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She is also deeply engaged in studying her ancestral language, Anishinaabemowin, as a way to honor and connect with her cultural heritage

Kimberly Zamora Delgado (she/her) was born in Culiacan, Mexico and immigrated with her parents to Arizona at the age of four. Since then, she has chased every opportunity to pursue her passion for creating positive social change through policy and action, where marginalized communities are uplifted. 

Graduating from Claremont McKenna College with a major in Environment, Economics, and Politics and a minor in Public Policy, Kim is pursuing a career in environmental policy and advocacy, particularly in the areas of biocultural conservation, food systems, land-use management, and climate resiliency. These passions are rooted in her background as a first-generation, immigrant, Latina who has seen and experienced the effects of negative environmental decisions. 

The last two years working at Triangle Associates, a local facilitation and community engagement firm, Kim has witnessed how an inclusive process can make or break a community member’s experience with government. She strives to advocate for those who have felt unheard and uplift those who have felt unseen.

In her free time, Kim explores the Pacific Northwest landscape, watches movies, and makes new memories with loved ones. 

Alondra Abrego-Viveros Alondra Abrego-Viveros, Grew up in a small town of Brewster Washington. Having grown up in an agricultural town and worked in the fields and packing sheds from a young age with her mother Beatrice. She learned the importance of labor rights and improving the working environment for agricultural employees. As a first-generation graduate, she completed her A.A at Wenatchee Valley Community College where she learned that she had a passion for Psychology and Social development. She went on to pursue her B.A. at Washington State University. Although she was initially fearful of moving to a place where she did not know anyone. She was accepted among different communities through Vancouver Washington.

Currently, she is the Latino Club Advisor and WSU GEAR Up Site Manager at Mountain View High School. She hopes to help underrepresented students pursue their dreams with confidence while working on increasing college access and opportunities for exploration. She is also dedicated to empowering underrepresented students to speak up and stand for what they believe.

V/Oscar Beltran Leyva was born in Tepic, Nayarit, Mexico moved to the US at the age of four and has called Vancouver, WA home since the age of seven. V is a child of immigrants and an immigrant themself, first generation, latine, passionate and social individual.  

V graduated from Clark College with a transfer do WSUV where they graduated with a Bachelors in communications and psychology. Since graduating high school, they have worked mainly in the social services realm working with unaccompanied and homeless youth, later in suicide prevention and mental health, and now working in education to help the next generation. Their passion sits in working with youth and marginalized communities as much as possible.  

Overall V wants to be of service to those who need it the most. They do this through their work in education. Working with grassroots organizations like Conexion Cultural bringing fun, engaging, and resourceful events to their community. They also engage in scholarship committees with the Community Foundation. They are excited to try new things and start the challenge of working in policy change.  

Ana Karen Betancourt Marcias Ana is a Washington State University-Vancouver alum, where she studied sociology with a focus on equity, diversity and inclusion. She supports Latino youth through after-school programming assisting students to explore higher education, or trades. Ana is deeply passionate about sharing Xincanx studies with youth. Her goal is to earn her masters in Xincanx studies, and later a PhD to one day be a professor at a community college. 

Sam Garrison they/them) is a proud Afro-Latinx born and raised in Southern California. Sam Garrison is a passionate advocate for social justice and equity, dedicated to creating meaningful change in their community. Their commitment is evident through a diverse career and academic history focused on leadership, community outreach, and advocacy. Sam has worked extensively on social action projects aimed at addressing systemic inequalities, particularly in areas of gender, sexuality, and racial justice. As a student in the American University School of Public Affairs’ Leadership Program Sam created programming for peers that focused on informed and enthusiastic consent, educational resilience programming for at-risk youth, and mentoring students as they create and execute their social action projects. Sam additionally worked as a Peer Educator at their university working with on-campus fraternities and sororities and on-campus organizations to provide Bystander Intervention Training. Their track record of mentoring, educating, and organizing programs that empower marginalized communities, reflects a deep-seated dedication to fostering inclusion and resilience. 

Since moving to Vancouver, Washington in 2023, Sam has continued to demonstrate a deep passion for building community and serving marginalized populations first in their role as an LGBTQ+ Domestic Violence Advocacy Specialist at the YWCA Clark County where they provided crisis intervention and advocacy services to survivors of domestic violence. Sam proudly served as an advocate before transitioning to the Prevention Program of the YWCA Clark County earlier this year, where they now serve as the BIPOC Youth Outreach Coordinator where they now conduct outreach to BIPOC youth to get them engaged not only in prevention programming, but also to get youth to become engaged in social justice work within their communities. Whether through public speaking, peer education, or leadership roles, Sam consistently demonstrates a drive to advance equity and social justice in all their endeavors.

Virginia Gomez is first-generation Mexican-American and grew up in Los Angeles, California. In Los Angeles, she witnessed first hand gang violence and experienced poverty. Her parents were very involved in her life and instilled in her the value of education. From an early age, she was raised to pursue a higher education and to break the stereotypes of Latinx women.

Ms. Gomez’s family moved to Portland, Oregon about 20 years ago. She and her sister were the first Latinas to work at the local community center in North Portland. She worked to engage local families and to foster a sense of community by planning and facilitating events to serve communities of color. At this time, Ms. Gomez discovered her passion of providing social and mental health services to children, young adults and their families.

Ms. Gomez is the second in her family to graduate from a four-year university and to earn a Master’s in Social Work. In addition, Ms. Gomez is a Licensed School Social Worker and a bilingual-bicultural therapist.

Ms. Gomez recently launched her own private practice and consultation services naming it RAICES as she believes each story begins with planting the seeds that will grow roots to help each individual to transform. Her work experience includes individual and family therapy, community and family engagement, and implementation of Social Emotional Learning curriculum, Empowering self-love support groups for identified females, and Latinx support groups in school settings and in the community. She is proud of her Mexican roots and wants to continue to be a role model for BIPOC young adults. She is enthusiastic about providing services to empower young people to be self-sufficient and successful in their transition to adulthood.

Shyquilia Hampton Shyquilia Hampton was born in Vancouver, Washington, and raised by her grandmother, who played a pivotal role in shaping her values and aspirations. Her grandmother's unwavering support and guidance instilled in her a deep sense of compassion and resilience. This upbringing inspired her journey into the field of counseling, where she became a registered certified drug and alcohol counselor. Her authentic approach allows her to connect with clients on a meaningful level, fostering an environment of trust and understanding. She is driven by a passion for helping others and believes in the transformative power of genuine relationships in the healing process.

In addition to her work as a counselor, she serves as a case manager for Community Mediation Services, where she focuses on training youth in conflict resolution and peer mediation. This role allows her to empower young individuals to navigate their daily challenges and develop the skills needed to resolve conflicts peacefully. She is dedicated to creating a supportive space where youth can express themselves, learn from one another, and find constructive solutions to the issues they face. Her commitment to hard work and dedication drives her to ensure that each youth she works with feels valued and equipped to handle the complexities of their lives.

She is passionate about self-care, both for herself and those she serves, recognizing that personal well-being is essential for effective support. By modeling healthy coping strategies and encouraging youth to prioritize their own mental and emotional health, she aims to foster resilience and growth. Her work is not just a job; it's a calling that she embraces wholeheartedly. She is committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of the youth she works with, helping them build a brighter future through empowerment, education, and understanding.

Miracle Joslin is a proud 4th generation descendant of enslaved Black Americans, born into a life rich in purpose and passion for social justice. Her dedication centers on uplifting the Black American community and culture through a commitment to justice. Growing up in predominantly white neighborhoods in the Pacific Northwest, Miracle had an upbringing of little cultural refuge, experiencing habitual racial harm in the multiplicities of life.

Despite the adversities she always found herself grounded in Church, the foundation that bloomed her confidence and sincere love for people. Through her career and volunteerism she is always striving to stamp out undervaluation, underrecognition, and lack of acknowledgment faced by communities of color. Recognizing the profound effect of social connections, she creates and joins spaces for connection, empowerment, and transformation. From thoughtfully organized community events to mentoring younger youth, she aims to blend encouragement with robust support, cultivating an inclusive atmosphere that inspires collaboration and generates momentous power. Devoted to addressing critical, long-overlooked issues, Miracle raises awareness of essential human needs while pushing innovative ideas that enhance holistic well-being of marginalized and underserved communities. Her unwavering pledge to promote belonging and equity, positions her as a visionary voice in the pursuit of a more just society.

This is merely the start of her journey. Miracle is eager to grow alongside her neighbors, share opportunities, and continue to advance community driven goals. Apart from her passion for service, you can find Miracle being a creative learner - exploring the natural environment, meeting new people, and putting together cute outfits.

Salvador David Magallón was born and raised in San Diego, CA and moved to the PNW region in 2018. He is a first generation Mexican-American and United States Air Force Veteran. He is currently working as a Cardio-Vascular Technologist at Peacehealth SW Washington Medical Center where he is also a union steward representing his fellow employees for the Oregon Federation of Nurses and Healthcare Professionals, AFT Local 5017.

Having grown up in a border community, he witnessed abject poverty and the struggles of those less fortunate throughout his childhood and into adulthood. He participated in clothes and food drives as well as helped build homes for charity organizations in Tijuana, Mexico. His family also assisted immigrants as they transitioned to their new lives in the US. He has developed a deep sense of social justice as he continues to explore various paths to serve his community. As a father, he feels we must improve society for future generations.

Salvador has a passionate interest in the history and inequity of urban expansion and migration. Housing, public transportation and pedestrian-focused infrastructure are where he feels he can make the greatest impact on improving the lives of our working class community members. He enjoys spending time with his lovely family and pursuing various hobbies.

Cristian Olivares (He/Him) was born and raised in White Salmon, Washington. His parents are first-generation immigrants from Colima, Mexico. After graduating high school Cristian began working in the local packing houses. During his time at the packing houses he got to experience first hand the discrimination towards farm/labor workers. After a few years at the packing houses he attended Chemeketa Community College to pursue a degree in AutoCad.

After college Cristian moved back to White Salmon. He started working in the Aero-Space field when he realized that he had a true passion for helping the latino community. Since then he has joined Washington Gorge Action Programs as their Co-Director of Civic Engagement. He is working hard to educate the latino community on Civics with the hopes of getting them more involved in their local government and voicing their concerns.

He is very passionate about the outdoors, when he isn’t working you can find him fishing at the local lakes, mountain biking or hunting in the fall. He enjoys cooking, spending time with his Wife and kids the most.

Jason Paggett grew up in Vancouver, WA. He experienced homelessness for a few years and struggled with addiction and alcoholism. Now he’s 3 years sober and working in the community at the Council for the Homeless. There he uses his own life experiences to help others get better lives. In his free time he likes to watch movies and go out to eat with friends. He hopes to learn about being an efficient leader.

Elisha Reynolds I was born in Portland, Oregon, and relocated to Vancouver at the age of 15 to attend high school. During this time, I became actively engaged with the YWCA, an experience that significantly shaped my commitment to community service. After graduating, I deepened this commitment by serving as a Prevention Intern, where I contributed to creating safer and more supportive environments.

My journey  in community service didn’t stop there. I’ve also volunteered with many organizations like BMBB  lifestyle and Vancouver Elite Outreach as an example. Joining the VCLI program was a deeply personal decision for me, driven by my desire to address issues like addiction, abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence in my community. This mission is close to my heart, as I’ve personally experienced the impact of sexual assault and mental health struggles from a young age. These experiences have fueled my passion for making a difference and helping others navigate similar challenges.

Outside of my professional and volunteer work, I have a deep passion for playing football, going to the gym, researching cars, and spending quality time with my beautiful wife.

Natalie Scott  Natalie was born in Fort Riley, Kansas. While she considers herself raised in Lacey, Washington as that’s where she spent the majority of her childhood, she was afforded the opportunity of experiencing many parts of the United States as an army brat. She came to the Portland Metro area in pursuit of her Bachelor’s degree in 2013. In 2017, she graduated from University of Portland with a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education. 

Since graduating, Natalie has had the opportunity to build upon her experience within various public elementary school classroom settings and fuel her passion for empowering youth to use their voice. She has also recently returned to the classroom herself and is nearing the end of her pursuit towards a Master’s degree in curriculum and instruction. Natalie brings many perspectives to the conversation as a black woman with an immigrant parent. She is excited to hear her peers’ perspectives and continue having tough conversations about the racial inequalities and injustices within our community. When Natalie isn't in the classroom, she enjoys reading, playing sports, and listening to music. 

Kelvin Thompson, After 17+ years in the healthcare industry, is currently a System Director at PeaceHealth.  

In his professional career Kelvin has served in the roles of Healthcare Chaplain, Chaplain Manager and Associate Director, along with his current role.  

Education wise Kelvin holds three master’s degrees with concentrations in Theology, Pastoral Care and Healthcare Administration. Kelvin is passionate about holistic healthcare for every patient every time. He is also a champion of all Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work.  

Kelvin is married and has three teenage children. Traveling is their favorite family activity. 

Eduardo Torres Diaz is a proud immigrant with immigrant parents, Eduardo's journey from Mexico City to Vancouver, Washington at the age of 6 has been shaped by both challenges and triumphs. Becoming a young father while still in high school led him to make difficult choices, including leaving school to provide for his family. This experience ignited his passion for supporting others navigating similar journeys and advocating for alternative pathways to success. 

Today, Eduardo works in commercial construction reading building plans for large-scale projects, a field he discovered after leaving high school, and he is dedicated to empowering youth to build their futures, regardless of their background or educational journey. He recently co-founded an immigrant and latine firm to help small businesses and nonprofits thrive, spearheads "Vamos, Vancouver" to ensure the Latino community receives essential resources in Spanish, and serves as Vice President of the SW Washington LULAC council, championing civic engagement and advocacy for underrepresented communities. 

Eduardo's seven years of service in a refugee shelter instilled in him a profound understanding of the challenges faced by newcomers, further fueling his passion for supporting migrant, immigrant, and refugee communities. During the pandemic, he also launched free sports programs for at-risk youth, demonstrating his proactive approach to addressing community needs. On weekends, you might find Eduardo volunteering, hiking with his family, or enjoying some delicious tacos at El Viejon.  

Rashan Williams Jr. serves our youth and communities in the PNW through youth mentoring ( Shifted Theory LLC) as well as providing Restorative Justice to k-12 school settings. This is not work for him, but a passion in life.

Rashan was born in the early 90’s in Los Angeles, CA to two teenage parents, one particularly engulfed in the gang culture and who is now currently serving a life sentence. As a child of an incarcerated parent Rashan had to maneuver life's hurdles from a different lens and teach himself certain skills. Growing up he knew the impact a positive role model could have on someone's life or lack thereof. Throughout life Rashan was afforded the opportunity to find mentoring through sports, some of his friends were not awarded these same opportunities, this drove his passion for focusing on kids who slipped through the cracks.This is the reason he is here, these interactions molded the intentionality for becoming a dedicated mentor, community activist, father, and coach to many at-risk youth. Rashan possesses a strong belief system, core values, and his (why’s) for being in this line of work are strong. He is not only a devoted father to two beautiful daughters, but also has teenage siblings growing up in today's generation. With social media , drug culture , and rigid lifestyles being the influence of the youth today his focus is on shifting the theory and mindsets of youth and young adults. With a rich background in youth advocacy, the aim is to inspire individuals to reach their full potential in life alongside giving back to the next generation that follows them.

Through work for BIPOC communities & youth mentoring, Rashan is striving to help underrepresented populations gain and regain their independence to thrive successfully.