2020 Conference
Please click the speakers' names to be taken to their videos on our YouTube Channel.
Travis Daigle
Travis Daigle is a writer and speaker who is fascinated with how we make decisions and solve problems in everyday life. He shares lessons learned from overcoming childhood obesity, becoming a U.S. Army Green Beret, and much more. The goal of his content is to help people become more resilient and develop the confidence to meet any problem with the mental skills to Adapt and Overcome.
Travis Daigle is a writer and speaker who is fascinated with how we make decisions and solve problems in everyday life. He shares lessons learned from overcoming childhood obesity, becoming a U.S. Army Green Beret, and much more. The goal of his content is to help people become more resilient and develop the confidence to meet any problem with the mental skills to Adapt and Overcome.
Jonathon DeYoe
Jonathan K. DeYoe, AIF & CPWA, is the author of the 2017 Amazon
Bestseller, Mindful Money: Simple Practices for Reaching Your
Financial Goals and Increasing Your Happiness Dividend .
Jonathan is a longtime Buddhist (originally coming to CA to study at the Institute of
Buddhist Studies), has meditated for 25 years, and has been a California-based financial
adviser for 24 years. He managed investments at a variety of Wall Street Companies
before founding his own financial planning firm, DeYoe Wealth Management, in 2001.
This year (2020) “Mindfulness” takes center stage as Jonathan completes the merger of
DeYoe Wealth Management into his financial education & retirement plan services
company, Mindful Money.
Mindfulness, the non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of the present moment, is a
doorway to better financial decision making.
Jonathan and his team work with over two hundred families. He speaks & writes
regularly about personal finance and is an advocate for broadly available financial
literacy education. Jonathan lives in Berkeley with his wife and two children.
Jonathan K. DeYoe, AIF & CPWA, is the author of the 2017 Amazon
Bestseller, Mindful Money: Simple Practices for Reaching Your
Financial Goals and Increasing Your Happiness Dividend .
Jonathan is a longtime Buddhist (originally coming to CA to study at the Institute of
Buddhist Studies), has meditated for 25 years, and has been a California-based financial
adviser for 24 years. He managed investments at a variety of Wall Street Companies
before founding his own financial planning firm, DeYoe Wealth Management, in 2001.
This year (2020) “Mindfulness” takes center stage as Jonathan completes the merger of
DeYoe Wealth Management into his financial education & retirement plan services
company, Mindful Money.
Mindfulness, the non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of the present moment, is a
doorway to better financial decision making.
Jonathan and his team work with over two hundred families. He speaks & writes
regularly about personal finance and is an advocate for broadly available financial
literacy education. Jonathan lives in Berkeley with his wife and two children.
Corinna Essa
Corinna Essa is an online marketing specialist and bestselling author, known internationally for her social media marketing abilities and experience. Corinna specialises in helping businesses around the world leverage the power of social media to accelerate their growth. Corinna has been featured in a number of media outlets including Sky Business news, Working Women magazine, Ymagazine and Channel 7 news. Corinna's highest priority is investing in the future of marginalised children, and has been working closely with children in the foster system as a foster parent.
Corinna Essa is an online marketing specialist and bestselling author, known internationally for her social media marketing abilities and experience. Corinna specialises in helping businesses around the world leverage the power of social media to accelerate their growth. Corinna has been featured in a number of media outlets including Sky Business news, Working Women magazine, Ymagazine and Channel 7 news. Corinna's highest priority is investing in the future of marginalised children, and has been working closely with children in the foster system as a foster parent.
Sidhya Ganesh
Sidhya Ganesh is 14 years old and is passionate about performing arts and community service. She is the reigning Miss Teen India USA, chosen as an ambassador for both her countries, India & America. Sidhya has enjoyed public speaking since a young age and she is a 4-time international champion for Future Problem Solving. She has met with her City Mayor to discuss ways to break mental health stigma. Sidhya believes in giving back to the community in her own special way and encourages everyone to make compassion their passion to spark a change. Through this TEDx event, she hopes to spread the message to always support each other, especially in hard times like this pandemic, since we collectively have the power to make the world a better place. Sidhya's motto in life is "You are never too young to make a difference; Dream. Believe, Inspire".
Sidhya Ganesh is 14 years old and is passionate about performing arts and community service. She is the reigning Miss Teen India USA, chosen as an ambassador for both her countries, India & America. Sidhya has enjoyed public speaking since a young age and she is a 4-time international champion for Future Problem Solving. She has met with her City Mayor to discuss ways to break mental health stigma. Sidhya believes in giving back to the community in her own special way and encourages everyone to make compassion their passion to spark a change. Through this TEDx event, she hopes to spread the message to always support each other, especially in hard times like this pandemic, since we collectively have the power to make the world a better place. Sidhya's motto in life is "You are never too young to make a difference; Dream. Believe, Inspire".
Mia Gregerson
Mia was first appointed in 2013 to represent the 33rd Legislative District of Washington state, which includes SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines and parts of Kent, Burien, Renton and unincorporated King County. As a state legislator, Mia has diligently worked towards increasing voter participation, reducing hunger and helping local food entrepreneurs, fighting for worker’s rights and tackling Washington’s homelessness and housing affordability crisis. She is chair of the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations.
Prior to her service as a state representative she served two terms as a SeaTac city council member and held positions as the mayor and deputy mayor.
Mia has degrees from Highline Community College and the University of Washington. In addition to her political career, Mia worked as a surgical assistant and business manager in the dental field for nearly twenty years.
Mia is one of four generations of her family in the South King County area. Her daughter Alexis resides in Portland Oregon.
Mia was first appointed in 2013 to represent the 33rd Legislative District of Washington state, which includes SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines and parts of Kent, Burien, Renton and unincorporated King County. As a state legislator, Mia has diligently worked towards increasing voter participation, reducing hunger and helping local food entrepreneurs, fighting for worker’s rights and tackling Washington’s homelessness and housing affordability crisis. She is chair of the House Committee on State Government and Tribal Relations.
Prior to her service as a state representative she served two terms as a SeaTac city council member and held positions as the mayor and deputy mayor.
Mia has degrees from Highline Community College and the University of Washington. In addition to her political career, Mia worked as a surgical assistant and business manager in the dental field for nearly twenty years.
Mia is one of four generations of her family in the South King County area. Her daughter Alexis resides in Portland Oregon.
Mehr Grewal
Mehr Grewal is a middle school student in Bellevue who is passionate about community outreach with a focus on public health. Mehr started her campaign, Clean Hands Save Lives, six years ago to raise awareness about hand hygiene. Currently during the COVID-19 pandemic Mehr has set up hand hygiene stations across the greater Seattle area. She sees public speaking as an extension of her community service and an opportunity to positively impact her community.
Mehr Grewal is a middle school student in Bellevue who is passionate about community outreach with a focus on public health. Mehr started her campaign, Clean Hands Save Lives, six years ago to raise awareness about hand hygiene. Currently during the COVID-19 pandemic Mehr has set up hand hygiene stations across the greater Seattle area. She sees public speaking as an extension of her community service and an opportunity to positively impact her community.
Terry Jess
Terry Jess is a social studies teacher at Bellevue High School in Washington State. He’s also an equity leader within his school and district, and a founder and board member of Educators for Justice, a non-profit organization that works with teachers and education support professionals to create safe and supportive educational experiences for all students. He considers himself an anti-racist white educator, who’s determined to spread the message of social justice, equity, and racial justice in white spaces.
Terry Jess is a social studies teacher at Bellevue High School in Washington State. He’s also an equity leader within his school and district, and a founder and board member of Educators for Justice, a non-profit organization that works with teachers and education support professionals to create safe and supportive educational experiences for all students. He considers himself an anti-racist white educator, who’s determined to spread the message of social justice, equity, and racial justice in white spaces.
Associate Planner Taylor Jones
Taylor Jones has been an associate planner with the City of Fife since 2017. She is a University of Washington Tacoma graduate with a degree in Sustainable Urban Development.
Taylor Jones has been an associate planner with the City of Fife since 2017. She is a University of Washington Tacoma graduate with a degree in Sustainable Urban Development.
Manna Ko
Manna Ko is a storyteller, animal lover, laughing-snort seeker, warrior, and dreamer.
One of her rare gifts is the ability to see people’s one-of-a-kind calling – and to know exactly how to help them step into that promise...to know you are Made For More®. So, if you find her looking at you a little longer than a passing glance, she’s admiring the gold in you!
Manna began her career as an entrepreneur in the 1980s in Canada, and within a short time, her work became nationally recognized. In the late 1990s, she and her son moved to the United States, where she used her giftings and expertise to help others in the marketplace providing progressive marketing concepts, effective organizational systems, integrative team-building curricula, leadership mentoring, and strategic partnerships to businesses around the country. In the early 2000s, Manna went back to school and earned an MA in Psychology, a PhD in Philosophy, and graduate certificates in the health industry. As a Speaker for several TEDx events, a prolific Author, a National and International Keynote Speaker, Leader, Visionary, CEO/Founder of several businesses, and Strategic Partner to many others, Manna is passionate about helping people step into their calling, live extraordinary lives, prosper through chaos, be forerunners with unseen opportunities, lead under pressure, and deliver results. Manna is called to teach, stretch, and equip others to live-out their gifts in a world hungry for authentic, honorable, and meaningful leadership and relationships. Now with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has spoken to over 40,000 people in venues around the globe, shared the stage with other renowned inspirational speakers, worked with hundreds of businesses and organizations, guided even more individuals seeking personal excellence, and has taught at many events, including a private writer’s group in Oxford, England. She has clients in more than 10 countries, has contributed to numerous educational, disciplinary, and advisory boards, and is a leader for several community organizations. She is also a marathon runner, a health and exercise enthusiast, an avid reader, is conversant in four languages, plays tennis and the piano, has studied martial arts, loves animals (dogs especially), is active in her community, and is currently enrolled in her second Doctoral program – an EdD in Leadership For Change. Manna has overcome tremendous adversities throughout her life, and is living proof that living happily ever after is possible—even against all odds.
She is a fierce, tenacious, fun-loving, and compassionate modern-day wonder woman who lives a grateful life with her family and furmily because dogs are people, too.
Get ready to have some fun when you work with Manna, and get ready to step into your extraordinary purpose!
Manna Ko is a storyteller, animal lover, laughing-snort seeker, warrior, and dreamer.
One of her rare gifts is the ability to see people’s one-of-a-kind calling – and to know exactly how to help them step into that promise...to know you are Made For More®. So, if you find her looking at you a little longer than a passing glance, she’s admiring the gold in you!
Manna began her career as an entrepreneur in the 1980s in Canada, and within a short time, her work became nationally recognized. In the late 1990s, she and her son moved to the United States, where she used her giftings and expertise to help others in the marketplace providing progressive marketing concepts, effective organizational systems, integrative team-building curricula, leadership mentoring, and strategic partnerships to businesses around the country. In the early 2000s, Manna went back to school and earned an MA in Psychology, a PhD in Philosophy, and graduate certificates in the health industry. As a Speaker for several TEDx events, a prolific Author, a National and International Keynote Speaker, Leader, Visionary, CEO/Founder of several businesses, and Strategic Partner to many others, Manna is passionate about helping people step into their calling, live extraordinary lives, prosper through chaos, be forerunners with unseen opportunities, lead under pressure, and deliver results. Manna is called to teach, stretch, and equip others to live-out their gifts in a world hungry for authentic, honorable, and meaningful leadership and relationships. Now with over 30 years of entrepreneurial experience, she has spoken to over 40,000 people in venues around the globe, shared the stage with other renowned inspirational speakers, worked with hundreds of businesses and organizations, guided even more individuals seeking personal excellence, and has taught at many events, including a private writer’s group in Oxford, England. She has clients in more than 10 countries, has contributed to numerous educational, disciplinary, and advisory boards, and is a leader for several community organizations. She is also a marathon runner, a health and exercise enthusiast, an avid reader, is conversant in four languages, plays tennis and the piano, has studied martial arts, loves animals (dogs especially), is active in her community, and is currently enrolled in her second Doctoral program – an EdD in Leadership For Change. Manna has overcome tremendous adversities throughout her life, and is living proof that living happily ever after is possible—even against all odds.
She is a fierce, tenacious, fun-loving, and compassionate modern-day wonder woman who lives a grateful life with her family and furmily because dogs are people, too.
Get ready to have some fun when you work with Manna, and get ready to step into your extraordinary purpose!
Houston Kraft
Houston is a speaker, curriculum maker, and kindness advocate who has spoken at over 600 schools or events internationally. In 2016, he co-founded CharacterStrong - curriculum and trainings that transform the way schools teach social-emotional learning, character education, and Kindness. To date, they have worked with over 2500 schools globally. In 2019, his face was featured on Lays BBQ chip bags as someone who helps "spread smiles." He was once invited to play on the JV National Lasertag Team. His mom is his hero and her best life lesson is to “hug like you mean it.” His first book, Deep Kindness, is due out 9/22 of this year!
Houston is a speaker, curriculum maker, and kindness advocate who has spoken at over 600 schools or events internationally. In 2016, he co-founded CharacterStrong - curriculum and trainings that transform the way schools teach social-emotional learning, character education, and Kindness. To date, they have worked with over 2500 schools globally. In 2019, his face was featured on Lays BBQ chip bags as someone who helps "spread smiles." He was once invited to play on the JV National Lasertag Team. His mom is his hero and her best life lesson is to “hug like you mean it.” His first book, Deep Kindness, is due out 9/22 of this year!
Rishi Kumar
Rishi Kumar is a Democrat running for United States Congress from CA district 18.
He is an energetic proponent of data-driven solutions to deliver results “cheaper, faster, better,” and has pledged never to accept any PAC or Special Interest Group money.
A Silicon Valley hi-tech software executive by profession, Rishi found his calling as a community activist while advocating for his children’s school many years ago. As a Saratoga City council member, Rishi stood up against San Jose Water and succeeded in reversing, reducing, or rejecting seven rate increases for a million San Jose Water customers. He took on crime in Saratoga, holding over 100 meetings to mobilize neighborhood watch programs. Under his leadership, burglaries in Saratoga fell by 47%.
A major part of Rishi’s efforts have been in youth empowerment, from organizing hackathons and entrepreneurial boot camps for young students to providing online coding classes during the shelter-in-place. His internship program is providing valuable work experience for hundreds of high school and college students all over the country.
When the COVID crisis began, Rishi immediately suspended campaign activities to form the Neighborhood Pandemic Preparedness Team (NPPT), which has called 86,000 seniors to offer help during the shelter-in-place. The NPPT has made and delivered over 4000 masks to Valley Medical Center and held over 25 online town hall meetings with experts to provide residents the latest in pandemic information, health and financial resources, and career and college advice.
Rishi is currently an executive board member and delegate of the California Democratic Party. He is a staunch supporter of Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, term limits, and removing Special Interest and PAC money from politics. He believes in inclusivity for all and stands with the black community against police brutality. Rishi lives in Saratoga with his wife Seema, a networking industry professional, and their two sons.
Rishi Kumar is a Democrat running for United States Congress from CA district 18.
He is an energetic proponent of data-driven solutions to deliver results “cheaper, faster, better,” and has pledged never to accept any PAC or Special Interest Group money.
A Silicon Valley hi-tech software executive by profession, Rishi found his calling as a community activist while advocating for his children’s school many years ago. As a Saratoga City council member, Rishi stood up against San Jose Water and succeeded in reversing, reducing, or rejecting seven rate increases for a million San Jose Water customers. He took on crime in Saratoga, holding over 100 meetings to mobilize neighborhood watch programs. Under his leadership, burglaries in Saratoga fell by 47%.
A major part of Rishi’s efforts have been in youth empowerment, from organizing hackathons and entrepreneurial boot camps for young students to providing online coding classes during the shelter-in-place. His internship program is providing valuable work experience for hundreds of high school and college students all over the country.
When the COVID crisis began, Rishi immediately suspended campaign activities to form the Neighborhood Pandemic Preparedness Team (NPPT), which has called 86,000 seniors to offer help during the shelter-in-place. The NPPT has made and delivered over 4000 masks to Valley Medical Center and held over 25 online town hall meetings with experts to provide residents the latest in pandemic information, health and financial resources, and career and college advice.
Rishi is currently an executive board member and delegate of the California Democratic Party. He is a staunch supporter of Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, term limits, and removing Special Interest and PAC money from politics. He believes in inclusivity for all and stands with the black community against police brutality. Rishi lives in Saratoga with his wife Seema, a networking industry professional, and their two sons.
Conrad Lee
Conrad Lee is Bellevue's first minority member of the City Council, the longest continuous serving member of the council and the first mayor (2012-2013) of Asian (Chinese) ancestry.
He represents Bellevue on the Cascade Water Alliance Board and King County Regional Water Quality Committee, as well as the Greater Seattle Partners Executive Council and Puget Sound Regional Council Economic Development Board. He is council liaison to the Environmental Services Commission and Youth Link Board. The veteran councilmember also serves on the Association of Washington Cities Federal Relations Committee and National League of Cities Advisory Council.
He was the former president and chair of the Society of Chinese Engineers of Seattle, as well as the Chinese American Association for Professionals. He chaired the Ethnic Chinese New Year Festival and was president of the Chinese Garden Society.
Conrad holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Michigan. Conrad is retired, after working as the regional administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and an engineer for the Boeing Co. and Seattle Solid Waste Utility.
Born in China, Conrad grew up in Hong Kong and has lived in Bellevue since 1967. He and his wife Winnie live in the Somerset neighborhood, where they raised their two children, Christopher and Jennifer. They have three granddaughters.
Conrad Lee is Bellevue's first minority member of the City Council, the longest continuous serving member of the council and the first mayor (2012-2013) of Asian (Chinese) ancestry.
He represents Bellevue on the Cascade Water Alliance Board and King County Regional Water Quality Committee, as well as the Greater Seattle Partners Executive Council and Puget Sound Regional Council Economic Development Board. He is council liaison to the Environmental Services Commission and Youth Link Board. The veteran councilmember also serves on the Association of Washington Cities Federal Relations Committee and National League of Cities Advisory Council.
He was the former president and chair of the Society of Chinese Engineers of Seattle, as well as the Chinese American Association for Professionals. He chaired the Ethnic Chinese New Year Festival and was president of the Chinese Garden Society.
Conrad holds a master's degree in business administration from the University of Washington and a bachelor's degree in engineering from the University of Michigan. Conrad is retired, after working as the regional administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration and an engineer for the Boeing Co. and Seattle Solid Waste Utility.
Born in China, Conrad grew up in Hong Kong and has lived in Bellevue since 1967. He and his wife Winnie live in the Somerset neighborhood, where they raised their two children, Christopher and Jennifer. They have three granddaughters.
Councilmember Lisa McClellan
Fife Councilmember Lisa McClellan started her service for the City of Fife as a volunteer on the Fife Planning Commission. She also served on the Fife Parks Advisory Board. She was appointed to a council position in 2017 and then was elected to the council that same year.
Fife Councilmember Lisa McClellan started her service for the City of Fife as a volunteer on the Fife Planning Commission. She also served on the Fife Parks Advisory Board. She was appointed to a council position in 2017 and then was elected to the council that same year.
Representative My-Linh Thai
State Representative My-Linh Thai (D, LD 41, Position 2) is a former Bellevue School District Board President, a healthcare professional, and an award-winning PTSA parent who is committed to improving education, opportunity, and quality of life for all Washingtonians. She has completed her first term as the first refugee serving in WA State Legislature.
Representative Thai has championed and sponsored legislations to guarantee access to quality local schools, prioritize food access and stability for students and families, and ensure that courts are accessible for all regardless of immigration status. She has additionally fought to get funding for the Health Care Authority to examine their economic and racial health disparities data to understand and take action to improve health outcomes for people of color. Serving as Vice-Chair on Civil Rights and Judiciary House committee, Representative Thai has been a champion in advocating for legislations to provide protections for tenants and ensure fairness in policies.
At 15 years old, My-Linh immigrated to Washington State as a Vietnamese refugee with her family. Thanks to the support of teachers and counselors, she graduated from Federal Way High school and went on to graduate from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
State Representative My-Linh Thai (D, LD 41, Position 2) is a former Bellevue School District Board President, a healthcare professional, and an award-winning PTSA parent who is committed to improving education, opportunity, and quality of life for all Washingtonians. She has completed her first term as the first refugee serving in WA State Legislature.
Representative Thai has championed and sponsored legislations to guarantee access to quality local schools, prioritize food access and stability for students and families, and ensure that courts are accessible for all regardless of immigration status. She has additionally fought to get funding for the Health Care Authority to examine their economic and racial health disparities data to understand and take action to improve health outcomes for people of color. Serving as Vice-Chair on Civil Rights and Judiciary House committee, Representative Thai has been a champion in advocating for legislations to provide protections for tenants and ensure fairness in policies.
At 15 years old, My-Linh immigrated to Washington State as a Vietnamese refugee with her family. Thanks to the support of teachers and counselors, she graduated from Federal Way High school and went on to graduate from the University of Washington School of Pharmacy.
Mark Perez
More than anything, I believe that when you and I can create a better life for others, united we create a better world. If there is anything that can be counted on. Its that we all want to make things better, and how we make things better matters more than anything else. As an author and speaker, I write and speak to spread the message of better happens daily. And all you need to know about me, is that much like yourself, im just trying to make things better.
More than anything, I believe that when you and I can create a better life for others, united we create a better world. If there is anything that can be counted on. Its that we all want to make things better, and how we make things better matters more than anything else. As an author and speaker, I write and speak to spread the message of better happens daily. And all you need to know about me, is that much like yourself, im just trying to make things better.
Matthew Polasub
Matthew Polasub is a determined Bellevue High School student who is working to achieve his goal of becoming a splendid engineer. He strives to create better relationships with the people around him and loves to help others. He also committed to becoming an excellent student at Bellevue High.
Matthew Polasub is a determined Bellevue High School student who is working to achieve his goal of becoming a splendid engineer. He strives to create better relationships with the people around him and loves to help others. He also committed to becoming an excellent student at Bellevue High.
Joy Qiu
Hi everyone! My name is Joy Qiu and i’m a current sophmore at Bellevue High School. I chose to talk about my topic because i believe generation Z is extremely underestimated and it is important we understand the change we could make and the impact we have on our world. Thank you :)
Hi everyone! My name is Joy Qiu and i’m a current sophmore at Bellevue High School. I chose to talk about my topic because i believe generation Z is extremely underestimated and it is important we understand the change we could make and the impact we have on our world. Thank you :)
Mayor Kim Roscoe
In addition to serving as Fife’s Mayor, Kim Roscoe was appointed in 2019 to represent Pierce County on the Sound Transit Board of Directors. Mayor Roscoe has served multiple appointed and elected terms on the Fife City Council and has also served on the Fife Planning Commission and numerous other boards and commissions.
In addition to serving as Fife’s Mayor, Kim Roscoe was appointed in 2019 to represent Pierce County on the Sound Transit Board of Directors. Mayor Roscoe has served multiple appointed and elected terms on the Fife City Council and has also served on the Fife Planning Commission and numerous other boards and commissions.
Senator Claire Wilson
Claire Wilson’s legislative work has built on her 25 years at the Puget Sound Educational Services District, where she was an administrator in early education and family involvement. Prior to that, Claire taught pregnant and parenting teens at Mt. Tahoma High School and was a senior grants and contracts manager for the City of Seattle’s teen parent programs.
As vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, Claire’s extensive experience with education and families has informed a wide range of legislation. She has sponsored numerous bills to improve academic success by expanding access to childcare for teen parents attending high school and eligibility to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). Her most ambitious legislation to date has been the Early Care and Education Act — a comprehensive vision of how to most effectively and efficiently coordinate the multitude of services available to help students succeed during their critical early years.
Claire also serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, where provides a voice for the considerable transportation concerns in her district, and the Senate Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation Committee, whose focus frequently involves alternative and continuing education for adults.
In addition to her legislative roles, Claire serves on the Task Force on Improving Institutional Education Programs and Outcomes, whose focus is to improve the coordination and delivery of education services to youth involved with the juvenile justice system, and the Washington State Leadership Board. The board operates Washington World Fellows, a study abroad and college readiness fellowship program, and collaborates with the lieutenant governor to administer Boundless, a sports mentoring program to encourage underserved youth to join or participate in sports, and the Legislative Youth Advisory Council.
Claire Wilson’s legislative work has built on her 25 years at the Puget Sound Educational Services District, where she was an administrator in early education and family involvement. Prior to that, Claire taught pregnant and parenting teens at Mt. Tahoma High School and was a senior grants and contracts manager for the City of Seattle’s teen parent programs.
As vice chair of the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee, Claire’s extensive experience with education and families has informed a wide range of legislation. She has sponsored numerous bills to improve academic success by expanding access to childcare for teen parents attending high school and eligibility to the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). Her most ambitious legislation to date has been the Early Care and Education Act — a comprehensive vision of how to most effectively and efficiently coordinate the multitude of services available to help students succeed during their critical early years.
Claire also serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, where provides a voice for the considerable transportation concerns in her district, and the Senate Human Services, Reentry & Rehabilitation Committee, whose focus frequently involves alternative and continuing education for adults.
In addition to her legislative roles, Claire serves on the Task Force on Improving Institutional Education Programs and Outcomes, whose focus is to improve the coordination and delivery of education services to youth involved with the juvenile justice system, and the Washington State Leadership Board. The board operates Washington World Fellows, a study abroad and college readiness fellowship program, and collaborates with the lieutenant governor to administer Boundless, a sports mentoring program to encourage underserved youth to join or participate in sports, and the Legislative Youth Advisory Council.
Jasmine Zhen
Jasmine Zhen is a student, writer and speaker. She has received the Competent Communicator certificate from Toastmasters International and is a two-time division champion at the District 2 Gavel Club Area Contest. Known for her deep and insightful commentary on today’s society, Jasmine combines her love for people and motivational speaking to inspire those of all ages to take initiative both in their own lives and for the greater good. When she isn’t writing or speaking, you can find her reading, playing the piano, and podcasting.
Jasmine Zhen is a student, writer and speaker. She has received the Competent Communicator certificate from Toastmasters International and is a two-time division champion at the District 2 Gavel Club Area Contest. Known for her deep and insightful commentary on today’s society, Jasmine combines her love for people and motivational speaking to inspire those of all ages to take initiative both in their own lives and for the greater good. When she isn’t writing or speaking, you can find her reading, playing the piano, and podcasting.