About
Mission
Recognize Leaders. Cultivate Leadership.
We steward Washington’s leadership continuum for those furthest from opportunity by investing in empowering programs that develop and celebrate models of leadership.
The Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) is a trustee agency of Washington state that specializes in delivering equitable leadership development programs for the State of Washington. Our theory of change is this: To change the world, we need to start by empowering young leaders.
Vision
To inspire leaders to change their world through personal growth and service to their Washington communities. In 10-years, we hope to see that 100% of our participants are from Washington state priority populations and experience sustainable, high-quality programs that have specific learning outcomes.
The WSLB endeavors to empower the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities for young, talented individuals to take on influential roles in various settings. This may include positions of leadership within the State Legislature, organizing in their own communities, or at universities throughout the country and abroad. To achieve this objective, the WSLB delivers a number of equity-focused leadership and honors programs:
History
A Unique Relationship with Washington State
By state law, the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, and a bipartisan group of 4 legislators serve on the Washington State Leadership Board.
First established in 1971 by Lt. Governor John Cherberg as the “Association of Washington Generals,” the founding purpose of the organization was to recognize outstanding service and leadership in Washington. In 2005, the organization was codified into state law by the State Legislature. This legislation authorized the WSLB to use the image of the state flag to promote its mission, which included bestowing official honors on behalf of the state.
In 2018 and 2020, the State Legislature updated the Leadership Board’s mission to include “Expand[ing] educational, sports, leadership, and/or employment opportunities for youth, veterans, and people with disabilities in Washington state,” specifically naming the Washington World Fellows and Boundless Washington programs. During this time, the State Legislature also supported the Leadership Board’s programs by establishing some dedicated revenues from specialty license plate sales of the Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, Storm, Sounders, and Kraken license plates.
In 2022, the Washington State Legislature designated the Washington State Leadership Board a trustee agency of the state of Washington with the signing of Bill 5750.
Today, the Leadership Board continues its long legacy of recognizing service and cultivating leadership in Washington through educational programs, public service, international engagement, and bestowing statewide honors including Washingtonian of the Year.