October 2024 Newsletter

As we transition into the colder weather and reminisce on the fleeting moments of summer, the Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) is eager to delve into the various highlights of our recent programming, strategic initiatives, and board activities that have unfolded over the past quarter. Additionally, we are excited to share our upcoming priorities for the rest of the year, especially as we approach the holiday season.

After a summer filled with extensive and impactful programming, we are thrilled to share that our Board Co-Presidents, Brian Moreno and Colin Pierce, had the opportunity to observe and participate in the 2024 International Youth Summit in Logroño, Spain alongside our Washington World Fellows (WWF) International Ambassadors. Their participation was integral in fostering deeper connections with international partners, gaining valuable insights into global leadership trends, and ensuring our programs remain aligned with the best practices in youth leadership development. This engagement reinforced our commitment to global education, youth empowerment, and creating meaningful cross-cultural learning experiences for our students. Their presence highlighted our dedication to driving impactful and sustainable leadership initiatives that extend beyond our state borders.

Building on this momentum, our recent quarter 3 board meeting focused on members reviewing the WSLB’s upcoming biennium budget request packages. In this biennium, we’re focusing on a few key areas that will help us continue to grow and enhance our statewide impact. These include updating staff compensation practices, funding for staff trauma-informed care certifications, and a request for 2.5 full-time equivalent positions to join the WSLB team. Each of these initiatives is aimed at strengthening our team and improving the services we provide. Visit our Legislative Work webpage for more information.

With these requests underway, we are also thrilled to welcome two new board members, Seferiana Day and Joshua Cunningham. Each bring a wealth of experience and dedication to our mission of recognizing and cultivating leadership throughout Washington State. Learn more about our board members by visiting https://washingtonleaders.org/board-members.

We also say goodbye to Executive Committee member, Andrea Ornelas. Andrea Ornelas has been an invaluable member of the Leadership Board over the last few years and her outstanding commitment and contributions as the Chair of the Boundless Washington & Team S.A.M. Committee has left a lasting impact.

Looking ahead, we are excited to announce our upcoming Strategic Planning Workshop in December. This workshop serves as a key opportunity for us to continue aligning our organizational objectives with our mission and vision, and continue to move forward with purpose and clarity. For additional workshop details, please visit https://washingtonleaders.org/board-meetings.

Now let's shift gears and dive into some exciting programming news!

All WSLB program applications are open now!

The WA World Fellows programs have been busy over the past few months. The 2023 cohort of International Ambassadors completed their study abroad programming in early August. A group of these scholars traveled directly from Spain to Eastern Washington University for a week of College Boot Camp. This week included college visits, preparation activities, and an experience of living in a university residence hall. This opportunity allowed our Seniors to start their final year organized, prepared, and gain a head start in their post-secondary planning. The highlight of the season was this year’s Writing Weekend. From October 4-6, all WSLB Seniors participated in a Zoom session filled with staff and volunteers who assisted them in revising and editing their personal statements. Many seniors have already submitted college applications, with several receiving their first acceptance letters!

In August, we also launched our first year of Domestic Advocates programming. Participants experienced global exchange and immersed themselves in a Spanish language and history program—all within the boundaries of Washington State. Our Domestic Advocates also learned about various forms of advocacy to inspire ideas for their personal advocacy projects and our lawmakers will have the chance to see them in action at our annual Day on the Hill this upcoming legislative session.

The programming academic year has now commenced and in addition to monthly cohort meetings, all participants are required to attend one leadership session and one academic mentoring session each month. Both the leadership and academic mentoring sessions are offered four times a month to accommodate students' schedules. Additionally, participants have the opportunity to join an informal Zoom meeting on Thursday nights to connect with other participants and WSLB staff.

Applications for the 2025 cohorts of International Ambassadors and Domestic Advocates are now open. The application cycle will close on January 6, 2025.

For more information visit the WA World Fellows programming page.

Our Compassion Scholars are making impressive strides in their service-learning projects, with many students actively engaging and positively impacting their communities. To recognize and evaluate their achievements, mentors have been tasked with conducting mid-year evaluations of their scholars. These assessments will help us celebrate their progress and will be submitted to WSLB staff by the end of October.

We also eagerly anticipate the upcoming cohort meeting on Wednesday, October 23, where scholars will showcase their project milestones. This meeting will provide a valuable opportunity for them to exchange insights and learn from one another’s experiences.

As a final highlight, we are excited to announce that applications for the 2025 cohort of Compassion Scholars are now open and will be accepted until October 31, 2024. As we gear up for the application review process, we encourage board members to participate in reviewing applications and conducting interviews, which are scheduled to start the first week of November.

For more information visit the Compassion Scholars programming page.

Our Boundless students participated in their Boundless Summer Adventure at Eastern Washington University from August 12-16. During this immersive programming, students experienced a variety of adaptive athletic activities with Parasport Spokane; including fencing, basketball, bocce ball, and goal ball. They also participated in swimming sessions with EWU Aquatics and engaged in yoga practice at The Union studio in downtown Spokane.

The group also visited Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, where they learned about the local flora, fauna, and landscape of Eastern Washington. Additionally, students attended group outings to a Spokane Velocity soccer match and a Spokane Indians baseball game.

To cap off the week, students also had the exclusive opportunity to attend an inspiring leadership talk delivered by Representative Timm Ormsby, representing the third legislative district in Spokane. His insights and experiences left a lasting impression, offering invaluable perspectives on leadership and civic engagement. Thank you, Rep. Ormsby!

Overall, it was a week filled with bonding and adaptive experiences for the cohort. Boundless Washington has begun its new school year programming, which includes monthly cohort meetings.

The 2025-2026 cohort application process is now open and will remain so until February 3, 2025.

• Student applications can be found here.

• Student Nominations by school/community leaders may be made here.

In other news, the Sports & Mentoring (Team S.A.M.) fourth quarter application is now OPEN through November 30. Please share the 2024 Quarter 4 Nomination form with eligible 501(c)(3) organizations.

For more information visit the Boundless Washington and Team S.A.M programming pages.

The Honors Committee is diligently reviewing an impressive pool of over 65 awardee nominations submitted for this year's WA Leadership Awards. They will carefully choose three finalists in each category, who will then be presented to the Executive Committee for the final decisions in November. Exciting plans are being developed for the WA Leadership Awards celebration, promising to be a memorable event. Stay tuned for the announcement of this year’s awardees in the coming weeks!

For more information and to stay updated on this year’s awards, please visit the State Honors webpage.

Thank you for taking a moment to explore the highlights of our programming!

As we move forward, we’re excited about the progress we've made and the opportunities that lie ahead. Your support and engagement are invaluable to us. Be sure to check out our next newsletter for all the latest updates, and make sure to follow @TheWALeaders on all social media platforms.

Until next time,