WSLB Quarterly Newsletter

The WASHINGTON STATEment

November 2023 Newsletter

Happy Holiday Season!

While we thought 2022 was a year of remarkable achievements and accomplishments, 2023 has proved to be just as momentous. The Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) has lots of exciting updates from this previous quarter that we can’t wait to share with you, so let’s dive in!

First, we are thrilled to announce that our team has grown, and we have two recent appointments. Join us in welcoming our newest Programs Coordinator and Operations Manager! Stepping into the role of Programs Coordinator we have Claire Muehleisen; Claire has been with the WSLB since September of 2022, working as an Administrative Assistant. Her new role as Programs Coordinator supports the Director of Programming with the planning, coordination, and assessment of our WSLB programs. Claire’s blend of artistry, social media expertise, and passion for equity has already resulted in tangible, beneficial results for the students we serve and our organization. While Claire has transitioned into the capacity of a full-time Programs Coordinator, we have Grace Ramos-Cartagena joining us as our Operations Manager. As Operations Manager, Grace is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations, managing communications, and spearheading special projects. She will also support in furthering organization objectives. Grace graduated from the Evergreen State College with her BA in Organizational Leadership and then her MPA in Public Policy. Before she was appointed Operations Manager, Grace worked in higher education. As we continue to empower the next generation of leaders, it is truly a privilege to be surrounded by dedicated and passionate team members. Welcome, Claire and Grace!

Speaking of dedicated team members, we are hiring! The Leadership Board is currently looking for a part-time Programs Coordinator. This role plays an instrumental role in maintaining the effectiveness of our Boundless Washington and Team SAM programming. If you, or you know of someone who shares our passion for cultivating young leaders, apply now to be a part of something truly impactful.

We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our newest ex-officio member, Representative Joe Timmons representing the 42nd Legislative District. Representative Joe Timmons serves Whatcom and all neighboring counties. Many thanks for your service and welcome to the WSLB, Representative Timmons!

In more news, we’re ecstatic to welcome our newest board members Dr. Suzanne Ames, Ms. Maria Siguenza, and Mr. Michael Meotti! Dr. Ames serves as the President of Peninsula Community College (PCC), Ms. Siguenza serves as the Executive Director of the WA State Commission on Hispanic Affairs (CHA), and Mr. Meotti currently serves as the Executive Director of the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC).

A sincere thank you to all our new members. We are honored to have you join the WSLB.

We’re also excited to announce that the WSLB has several exciting events approaching. If you haven’t heard yet, we have planned an integral in-person workshop as an opportunity for board members to not only shape our organization’s path but also to strengthen our collective commitment. With expert guidance from Michael and Shannon Novakovich of NovaWerx Consulting, we will refine the WSLB’s drafted mission statement, create the organization’s vision statement, and develop a strategic 10-year organizational goal during our time together.

On February 22, 2024, we welcome back the inaugural Day on the Hill held at the Capitol! Similarly, to last year’s event, students from our programs will have the unique opportunity to meet with legislators alongside our board members, to share their voices and champion the causes close to their hearts. Last year's participants showcased remarkable passion and eloquence, prompting conversations that highlighted not just their personal growth but also the power of giving young individuals the platform to speak on matters they care deeply about. We can’t wait to see what mark our students leave this year! After a full day of meetings with legislators, we’ll transition to the Columbia Room to host the 48th Annual Washington Leadership Awards where we will bestow several esteemed statewide accolades.

From everyone at the Washington State Leadership Board, we’d like to express our gratitude for your steadfast support. We can’t wait to see where another year will take us. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday season ahead.

It’s an exciting time in the world of WSLB programming! Our team is committed to creating high quality programs that will resonate throughout the state and beyond. We are working to ensure that every program carries the distinctive WSLB leadership ‘brand’, while embracing the unique perspectives outlined in state statute that each of our programs embody.

The WA World Fellows has had a busy year filled with big changes and achievements. The 2022 cohort had an immensely successful trip to Spain where they organized and participated in the 2023 International Youth Summit, Planet S.O.S.

In August, students and staff embarked on our inaugural College Bootcamp that took place over the course of two weeks. The World Fellows joined with students and staff from our sister program, World Fellows Espana, visiting colleges in both Eastern and Western Washington.

The 2022 cohort of juniors are currently navigating the college application season, with some of them already receiving acceptance letters. The weekly leadership Zooms are back in session and the 2024 cohort is gearing up for their upcoming trip to Spain next June.

Over the past few years, the World Fellows Committee has had many discussions about expanding our programming to include a domestic program for students who are unable to travel for various reasons. We are thrilled to announce that applications are now open for both the WA World Fellows International Ambassadors program and the new, highly anticipated WA World Fellows Domestic Advocates program.

Both programs offer college/post-secondary preparation, leadership development, and a global exchange experience. The International Ambassadors program is the original flagship World Fellows programming, featuring a study abroad component and the International Youth Summit.

The new Domestic Advocates program introduces a three-week immersion camp experience with the same language classes and teachers as our international programming. Additionally, it incorporates a new Youth Advocacy Summit that will take place in coordination with our Annual Day on the Hill starting in February 2025.

Stay tuned for updates as these programs develop in the coming months. Please spread the word to any sophomores you may know, as well as teachers, coaches, counselors, and community leaders who work with high school students.

The 2023 Boundless WA students had an incredible experience at the No Barriers Summit in Colorado, where they participated in accessible activities and fostered new friendships.

As we continue to enhance our programmatic offerings, the Boundless WA Committee has approved a change to our summer programming. To provide Boundless WA students with the opportunity to engage in outdoor activities right here in Washington state, we will be piloting the Boundless WA Summer Adventure in Eastern Washington this August!

This 5-day camp will empower students to participate in various outdoor activities, complete with the necessary modifications and adaptations to meet their varying needs. We will collaborate with local Washington organizations to facilitate the program. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months!

Applications for both Boundless WA and Team S.A.M are now open. Boundless WA applications close on December 18, and Team S.A.M applications close on December 31.

Applications for the upcoming 2024 cohort of the Compassion Scholars closed on October 30th. Our Compassion Committee reviewed the applications and will be conducting interviews this month. We anticipate the announcement of the 2024 cohort by the end of this calendar year.

The 2023 Cohort of Compassion Scholars have been working on their volunteer projects with the help of their mentors. The students will be presenting their projects at our Program’s Celebration in May.

Until next time,

Amy, Audrey, Claire and Grace