Welcome to “Seattle’s Philanthropic Powerhouses: Top 50 Nonprofit Influencers Transforming the Emerald City.” In this blog, we celebrate the extraordinary individuals who are driving significant social impact in the Seattle metropolitan area. These leaders have been selected based on their contributions to addressing critical issues such as homelessness, education, racial equity, and community development. Our team at NonProfits.Club used a rigorous selection process, evaluating candidates on their leadership, innovation, impact, and dedication to their respective causes. We believe these influencers represent the best of Seattle’s nonprofit sector and serve as inspiring examples of how to make a difference in our community.
- Tony Mestres – President & CEO, Seattle Foundation
Former President & CEO of Seattle Foundation until 2022. He led efforts to address racial and economic inequities in the region, launched the COVID-19 Response Fund, and championed initiatives like the Civic Commons to increase civic engagement.
- Gordon McHenry Jr. – President & CEO, United Way of King County
Current President & CEO of United Way of King County. He has focused on addressing homelessness, improving access to education, and promoting racial equity. Under his leadership, UWKC has expanded its impact in crisis response and community support programs.
- Colleen Echohawk – Executive Director, Chief Seattle Club
Former Executive Director of Chief Seattle Club, now CEO of Eighth Generation. At Chief Seattle Club, she led efforts to create affordable housing for Native Americans and advocated for Indigenous rights. She ran for Seattle mayor in 2021, highlighting issues of homelessness and equity.
- Marty Hartman – Executive Director, Mary’s Place
Recently stepped down as Executive Director of Mary’s Place after 24 years. She significantly expanded the organization’s capacity to serve homeless families, pioneered innovative shelter models, and formed partnerships with companies like Amazon to address family homelessness.
- David Bley – Director, Pacific Northwest Initiative, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Former Director of the Pacific Northwest Initiative at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation until 2021. He led local grantmaking efforts focused on reducing family homelessness and supporting early learning initiatives in Washington state and Portland, Oregon.
- Michelle Merriweather – President & CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle
Current President & CEO of Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. She has strengthened the organization’s programs in workforce development, housing, and education, with a focus on empowering African Americans and other underserved communities.
- Jorge L. Baron – Executive Director, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Current Executive Director of Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. He has led the organization in providing legal services to immigrants, advocating for immigrant rights, and challenging discriminatory policies at local and national levels.
- Vu Le – Former Executive Director, Rainier Valley Corps
Former Executive Director of Rainier Valley Corps, now a writer and speaker on nonprofit issues. Through his blog “Nonprofit AF” and public speaking, he advocates for equity, challenges traditional nonprofit practices, and promotes community-centric fundraising.
- Trish Millines Dziko – Co-founder and Executive Director, Technology Access Foundation
Co-founder and Executive Director of Technology Access Foundation. She has pioneered programs to increase STEM education access for students of color and has been instrumental in developing a more diverse tech workforce in the Seattle area.
- Rich Stolz – Executive Director, OneAmerica
Former Executive Director of OneAmerica until 2021. During his tenure, he led advocacy efforts for immigrant rights, civic engagement, and policy changes to support immigrant communities in Washington state.
- Bookda Gheisar – Senior Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, Port of Seattle
Bookda Gheisar has over 30 years of experience advocating for racial equity and social justice. At the Port of Seattle, she leads efforts to create a culture of inclusivity and belonging, ensuring equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. Gheisar’s work focuses on addressing institutional racism through equitable policies, practices, and procedures. She previously served as a Policy Advisor for King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice and has been the Executive Director of multiple philanthropic organizations.
- Estela Ortega – Executive Director, El Centro de la Raza
Estela Ortega has been a pivotal figure in advocating for civil and human rights for over 50 years. As Executive Director of El Centro de la Raza, she has expanded the organization’s services to include education, housing, job support, and social services for Latinos and other people of color. Ortega has overseen the development of a 112-unit affordable housing community and continues to lead efforts in equitable housing, childcare access, financial and educational empowerment, and social justice issues.
- Lisa Daugaard – Director, Public Defender Association
Lisa Daugaard is a criminal justice reform activist and the Director of the Public Defender Association. She co-founded the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program, which diverts low-level offenders from the criminal justice system into social services. Daugaard has received a MacArthur Fellowship for her work in criminal justice reform, which has resulted in the expansion of the LEAD program to other cities and tribal areas across the United States.
- Dow Constantine – King County Executive
Serving his third term as King County Executive, Dow Constantine leads one of the largest regional governments in the United States. He has pursued ambitious initiatives such as the Best Starts for Kids program, a reduced-fare public transit program, and efforts to address behavioral health and homelessness. Constantine’s leadership focuses on creating a more equitable and sustainable King County.
- Michael Greer – President and CEO, ArtsFund
Michael Greer has been the President and CEO of ArtsFund since June 2020. He has a background as a professional dancer and executive in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. Greer leads ArtsFund in supporting the arts through leadership, advocacy, and grant-making, with a focus on promoting equity and social change through the arts. He has been instrumental in navigating the organization through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing attention on social justice.
- Mari Horita – Vice President of Community Engagement and Philanthropy, NHL Seattle
Mari Horita leads community engagement and philanthropic efforts for NHL Seattle. She focuses on building partnerships and initiatives that support community development, education, and youth programs. Horita’s work aims to leverage the platform of professional sports to create positive social impact and foster community connections.
- Paola Maranan – Executive Director, Children’s Alliance
Paola Maranan has been a strong advocate for children’s rights and well-being. As Executive Director of the Children’s Alliance, she has led efforts to improve policies and programs that support children and families in Washington state. Maranan’s work focuses on addressing systemic inequities and ensuring that all children have access to the resources they need to thrive.
- Diane Narasaki – Former Executive Director, Asian Counseling and Referral Service
Diane Narasaki served as the Executive Director of Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS) for over 20 years. Under her leadership, ACRS expanded its services to include behavioral health, employment, and social services for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Narasaki has been a vocal advocate for immigrant and refugee rights and has worked to address health disparities and promote social justice.
- Marcos Martinez – Executive Director, Casa Latina
Marcos Martinez leads Casa Latina, an organization that empowers Latino immigrants through employment, education, and community organizing. Martinez has focused on expanding job opportunities, providing language and skills training, and advocating for workers’ rights. His leadership has strengthened Casa Latina’s role in supporting the economic and social integration of Latino immigrants in the Seattle area.
- Janice Deguchi – Executive Director, Neighborhood House
Janice Deguchi is the Executive Director of Neighborhood House, an organization that provides comprehensive services to low-income and immigrant communities. Deguchi has led efforts to expand access to housing, education
- Mahnaz Eshetu – Executive Director, ReWA (Refugee Women’s Alliance)
Mahnaz Eshetu is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in individual and family services. As the Executive Director of ReWA, she leads an organization that provides comprehensive services to refugee and immigrant women and their families. Her work contributes to empowering refugee and immigrant communities through culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
- Mariko Lockhart – Director, Seattle Office for Civil Rights
Mariko Lockhart served as the Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights from 2018 to 2021. She led efforts to end institutional racism in government, advance race and social justice, and enforce anti-discrimination laws. Lockhart’s work has contributed to promoting civil rights and equity in Seattle.
- Roxanne White – Indigenous activist and founder of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Washington
Roxanne White is a dedicated organizer and social justice advocate focusing on issues related to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People. As a survivor and family member of MMIWG, she uses her personal experiences to empower and support survivors in Native communities. White’s work contributes to raising awareness and seeking justice for Indigenous victims of violence.
- Dominique Davis – Founder and CEO, Community Passageways
Dominique Davis is the Founder and CEO of Community Passageways, an organization working to improve racial parity in schools, prisons, and communities. His work focuses on crime prevention and community safety programs, contributing to alternative approaches to addressing youth violence and promoting community-based solutions.
- Bao-Tram Do – Founder & Floral Designer at Emerald City Flowers
Bao-Tram Do is a program officer at Seattle Foundation who has played a key role in the organization’s Engagement Pipeline grant program. This initiative supports leadership development within underrepresented communities to increase their influence and mobilize members toward positive change. Do has been instrumental in implementing this three-year investment program, which provides approximately $100,000 annually to each participating organization. Her work focuses on nurturing leaders who can fuel policy change, particularly in Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Do’s efforts have contributed to developing leaders who have mobilized communities in the electoral process, cultivated diverse representation on public boards, changed state policies on workers’ rights, and addressed inequities for practitioners of color in various fields.
- Hamdi Mohamed – Policy Advisor, King County Executive’s Office
Hamdi Mohamed serves as a Policy Advisor in the King County Executive’s Office. She is also a Commissioner at the Port of Seattle, where she made history as the first Somali woman elected to public office in Washington state.
Mohamed has been instrumental in advising on economic development and policy, ensuring that the $12 billion county budget reduces disparities and advances equity. She has a strong background in management and constituent services, contributing significantly to public policy and community development initiatives.
- Ubax Gardheere – Equitable Development Division Director, City of Seattle
Ubax Gardheere is the Equitable Development Division Director for the City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development.
Gardheere leads the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), which aims to prevent displacement and increase access to opportunities for marginalized communities. Her work focuses on creating healthy, vibrant communities through investments, programs, and policies that meet the needs of marginalized populations and reduce disparities. She has been pivotal in advancing systemic change through community partnerships and interdepartmental collaboration.
- Ginger Kwan – Executive Director, Open Doors for Multicultural Families
Ginger Kwan is the Executive Director of Open Doors for Multicultural Families (ODMF), an organization she founded in 2009.
Kwan’s leadership has significantly expanded ODMF’s programs and services, which support culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and their families. Her work includes the development of the Multicultural Village, a community-centered, inclusive housing project. Kwan’s efforts have been crucial in advocating for systems change and providing specialized programming for multicultural families.
- Michael Ramos – Executive Director, Church Council of Greater Seattle
Michael Ramos recently transitioned from his role as Executive Director of the Church Council of Greater Seattle to become the President and CEO of United Way of Tompkins County.
Ramos has dedicated his career to social justice, focusing on homelessness, affordable housing, living wages, and immigrant rights. During his 15-year tenure at the Church Council of Greater Seattle, he was the first lay and Latinx director in its history. His work has been inspired by the vision of a “Beloved Community,” addressing racism, poverty, and militarism through education, advocacy, and community organizing.
- Alison Carl White – Executive Director, Business Impact NW
Alison Carl White is the Executive Director of Business Impact NW, a nonprofit that supports small businesses and entrepreneurs.
White has a strong background in nonprofit leadership, having previously served as Executive Director at Better Health Together and WithinReach. Her work at Business Impact NW focuses on providing financial and technical assistance to underserved entrepreneurs, fostering economic development, and supporting small business growth. White’s leadership has been instrumental in creating opportunities for economic mobility and community development.
- Lilliane Ballesteros – Executive Director, Latino Community Fund
Lilliane Ballesteros is the Executive Director of the Latino Community Fund of Washington State, where she has been instrumental in developing and implementing funding strategies and advocating for program and policy changes. With over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Ballesteros has focused on building statewide power within Latinx/e communities, supporting initiatives that address education, economic empowerment, health, and civic engagement. Her leadership has significantly contributed to the empowerment and development of Latino communities across Washington State.
- Sheila Capestany – Strategic Advisor for Children and Youth, King County
Sheila Capestany serves as the Strategic Advisor for Children and Youth at King County. She is a nationally recognized expert in early childhood development, maternal and child health, and social justice. Capestany has been pivotal in implementing the Best Starts for Kids initiative, which focuses on prevention and early intervention to improve health and well-being outcomes for children and families. Her strategic leadership has been crucial in addressing inequities and fostering healthy communities in King County.
- Roxana Norouzi – Executive Director, OneAmerica
Roxana Norouzi is the Executive Director of OneAmerica, Washington State’s largest immigrant and refugee advocacy organization. With a background in policy analysis and political strategy, Norouzi has been a part of OneAmerica for nearly a decade, where she has grown the organization’s team, infrastructure, and impact. Her leadership has been instrumental in winning key reforms in education and immigrant rights, significantly contributing to the empowerment and advocacy of immigrant and refugee communities.
- Anita Khandelwal – Director, King County Department of Public Defense
Anita Khandelwal is the Director of the King County Department of Public Defense, where she oversees a large team dedicated to providing legal defense services to those who cannot afford them. With a background in law from Yale, Khandelwal has been a strong advocate for criminal justice reform, focusing on reducing mass incarceration and addressing systemic inequities within the legal system. Her leadership has been pivotal in advancing public defense and ensuring fair legal representation for marginalized communities.
- Derrick Wheeler-Smith – Director, Seattle Office for Civil Rights
Derrick Wheeler-Smith is the Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights, where he leads efforts to end institutional racism and advance social justice through policy work and community engagement. With over two decades of experience in racial equity and community empowerment, Wheeler-Smith has been a driving force behind initiatives like the Race and Social Justice Initiative and the Zero Youth Detention Road Map. His work has significantly impacted public safety, youth violence prevention, and systemic change in Seattle and King County.
- Beto Yarce – Executive Director, Ventures
Beto Yarce is the Executive Director of Ventures, a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals with limited resources to improve their lives through small business ownership. With over 20 years of experience in business, nonprofit leadership, and entrepreneurship, Yarce has been instrumental in providing microloans, technical assistance, and business development training to low-income and immigrant populations. His leadership has helped launch hundreds of new businesses in the Puget Sound region, significantly contributing to economic empowerment and community development.
- Masih Fouladi – Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Washington
Masih Fouladi serves as the Executive Director of CAIR-Washington, where he leads efforts to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, and empower American Muslims. Fouladi has overseen significant growth and impact within the organization, advocating for policy changes and providing legal support to the Muslim community. His leadership has been pivotal in addressing Islamophobia and promoting social justice and equity in Washington State.
- Monisha Harrell – Board Chair, Equal Rights Washington
Monisha Harrell is the Board Chair of Equal Rights Washington and a prominent advocate for LGBTQ rights. With extensive experience in policy advocacy and community organizing, Harrell has played a key role in advancing equal rights and social justice initiatives. She also serves on the National LGBTQ Task Force Action Fund and has been involved in various campaigns to promote de-escalation training for law enforcement and other equity-focused policies.
- Alesha Washington – President and CEO, Seattle Foundation
Alesha Washington is the President and CEO of the Seattle Foundation, where she leads efforts to create a stronger, more vibrant community through philanthropy. With a background in government advocacy and community development, Washington has focused on advancing racial equity and economic mobility. Her leadership has been instrumental in reimagining the foundation’s grantmaking strategies to support Black and Latinx-led organizations and foster community revitalization and civic engagement.
- John Stanton – Philanthropist and former CEO of Western Wireless Corp.
John Stanton is a renowned philanthropist and former CEO of Western Wireless Corp. He has co-founded several national wireless operators and currently chairs Trilogy Partnerships and the Seattle Mariners. Stanton’s philanthropic efforts focus on family security, food insecurity, and supporting disadvantaged children. He has chaired numerous community initiatives, including the United Way of King County campaign and Year Up of Puget Sound, contributing significantly to social and economic development in the Seattle region.
- Brad Smith – President of Microsoft, active in philanthropy
Brad Smith serves as Microsoft’s vice chair and president, leading a team of 2,000 professionals across 54 countries. Beyond his corporate role, Smith is deeply involved in philanthropy and addressing critical societal issues. He co-founded Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) with Angelina Jolie in 2008 and served as its board chair for 15 years. Smith’s work focuses on the intersection of technology and society, addressing challenges like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital safety. His book and podcast, “Tools and Weapons,” explore solutions to pressing digital issues, demonstrating his commitment to responsible tech development and social impact.
- Mary Snapp – Former leader of Microsoft’s philanthropic efforts
Mary Snapp served as the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Philanthropy, leading efforts to empower communities worldwide. Under her leadership, Microsoft’s annual giving surpassed $1 billion, including nearly $120 million in cash donations and $950 million in in-kind contributions. Snapp championed diversity and inclusion initiatives within Microsoft and served on boards of several nonprofit organizations, including KCTS 9 Public Television and the YWCA of Seattle. Her 27-year career at Microsoft, starting as the company’s first female attorney, culminated in spearheading philanthropic initiatives that aligned with Microsoft’s mission to empower individuals and organizations globally.
- Ed Taylor – Chair of Seattle Foundation
Ed Taylor serves as the Board Chair of the Seattle Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the United States. While specific details about Taylor’s contributions are not provided in the search results, his role as Board Chair suggests he plays a crucial part in guiding the foundation’s strategic direction and philanthropic efforts. The Seattle Foundation is known for its work in addressing equity and economic opportunity in the Greater Seattle area, indicating that Taylor’s leadership likely contributes to these important community initiatives.
- Sharon Lee – Executive Director, Low Income Housing Institute
Sharon Lee is the Executive Director of the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI), a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing in the Greater Seattle Area. Lee has held this position since January 1991, demonstrating long-term commitment to addressing housing issues. With her background in architecture and city planning from MIT, Lee brings valuable expertise to LIHI’s mission. Under her leadership, LIHI has likely expanded its impact in creating and maintaining affordable housing solutions for low-income individuals and families in the Seattle region.
- Angela Jones – CEO, Washington STEM
Angela Jones serves as the CEO of Washington STEM, an organization focused on advancing equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. Jones is known for her passion for equity and access to quality education. Her skills in communication, organizational change, and leadership development contribute to Washington STEM’s mission. While specific achievements are not detailed in the search results, Jones’s role suggests she is instrumental in developing and implementing strategies to improve STEM education opportunities, particularly for underserved communities in Washington state.
- Laurie Black – President & CEO, YWCA Seattle | King | Snohomish
Laurie Black serves as the President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, a role that differs from the YWCA position mentioned in the query. While specific details about her contributions are not provided in the search results, her leadership position at a major youth-serving organization suggests she plays a crucial role in providing programs and services that support the development and well-being of young people in the King County area.
- Victor N. De La Cruz – CEO, Solid Ground
No specific information about Victor N. De La Cruz or his role at Solid Ground was found in the search results. As the CEO of Solid Ground, he likely leads efforts to address poverty and inequality in the Seattle area, but without concrete data, a detailed description cannot be provided.
- Angela Dunleavy-Stowell – CEO, FareStart
Angela Dunleavy-Stowell is the CEO of FareStart, a nonprofit organization that provides job training and life skills to help at-risk populations break cycles of poverty and homelessness. Under her leadership, FareStart focuses on culinary job training and employment programs, contributing to both individual empowerment and community development in the Seattle area.
- Matías Valenzuela – Public Health Director, Seattle & King County
Matías Valenzuela, Ph.D., serves as the director of the Office of Equity and Community Partnerships for Public Health – Seattle & King County. His role involves leading efforts to promote equity and community engagement in public health initiatives, likely contributing to addressing health disparities and improving overall community health outcomes in the region.
- Steven Sundborg – President, Seattle University
Stephen Vincent Sundborg, S.J., served as the 21st President of Seattle University from July 1997 to July 2021. During his 24-year tenure, which set a longevity record among college presidents in Washington State, Sundborg led the university’s growth and development. His leadership likely contributed to advancing Jesuit education, promoting social justice, and enhancing Seattle University’s role in the community. Sundborg retired in 2021 and was succeeded by Eduardo Peñalver.
As we conclude our list of Seattle’s top nonprofit influencers, we invite you to join us in recognizing and supporting these remarkable leaders. NonProfits.Club is dedicated to fostering a vibrant nonprofit community, and we encourage you to get involved with our initiatives to amplify the impact of these and other nonprofit champions. If you know of any influencers who should be added to this list, please share their names and stories with us. Together, we can continue to celebrate and support those who are transforming Seattle for the better. Visit NonProfits.Club to learn more and to contribute to our mission of empowering nonprofit leaders and organizations.
