Honoring local changemakers
Washington State Fair Foundation
Holly Ball, the Executive Director of the Washington State Fair Foundation, is preserving one of Washington’s most cherished traditions. Since 2007, the Foundation has been committed to supporting educational programs and has awarded over $2 million in scholarships to students throughout the state, ensuring that the Fair remains a vital resource for future generations.
Holly has led several key projects that underscore the Foundation’s dedication to agricultural education and community engagement. The Traveling Farm, for example, reaches over 10,000 elementary students each year, offering hands-on lessons in agriculture, nutrition, and the farm-to-table journey—at no cost to the participants. The Scholarship Program, which predates the Foundation, has expanded under Holly’s guidance to include students from across Washington State, with $158,000 in scholarships planned for 2024. The Foundation also revitalized the Historic Grandstand Lounge in 2017, creating a nostalgic spot where guests can relax and enjoy fun moments.
Holly’s leadership has been a major part of the Washington State Fair Foundation’s success and legacy. Her support for students and agricultural education not only enriches the community but also ensures the fair’s continued legacy. Through these initiatives, she and her team continue to inspire and educate, keeping the fair a vibrant and integral part of Washington’s cultural and educational life.
Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF)
Juliet Buder, the Executive Director of the Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF), is at the forefront of transforming educational opportunities for students in Bellevue, Washington. Established in 1979, BSF was the very first foundation in Washington State that dedicated itself to raising funding for public K-12 initiatives. This year, with contributions from nearly 1,000 donors, the Foundation will distribute nearly $900,000 to support all 28 schools in the Bellevue School District. Over the past 45 years, over $37 million dollars has been secured by the Foundation thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers, committee members, trustees, and staff.
An important initiative BSF funds in partnership with the Bellevue School District is the Mental Health Assistance Team, which has received high praise in The Seattle Times for its positive impact on students’ well-being. With youth mental health issues on the rise since the pandemic, the program screens elementary, middle, and high school students in the district for signs of suicide risk and other challenges, and should they need it, provides mental health support and intervention. The Foundation and Juliet’s team also funds high school robotics teams and the district’s Computer Science initiative, which the Microsoft’s TEALS program historically supported. By introducing a tech curriculum as early as elementary school, girls and historically underrepresented students have experiences with coding that can smash stereotypes about who can be a computer scientist. And BSF’s preschool funding transforms the lives of the littlest learners in Bellevue, whose families deserve access to early education--regardless of their ability to pay for preschool tuition.
Juliet Buder’s passionate leadership at BSF has been instrumental in creating equitable educational opportunities and fostering a supportive learning environment. Her team’s dedication to increasing access to mental health resources, computer science, and preschool is not just inspiring change—it’s shaping a brighter and healthier future for students in Bellevue.
Seattle Aquarium
Kim Hickey, the Corporate Partnerships Officer at the Seattle Aquarium, is passionate about inspiring marine conservation. “We’ve been using ROV Nereo to survey seafloor sites in Elliott Bay and learn about kelp abundance and distribution,” Kim shares. With the help of AI analyzing the images and video captured by ROV Nereo, Seattle Aquarium researchers are uncovering the secrets to nurturing healthy kelp forests and other marine life. This work is done in partnership with the Port of Seattle.
“Artificial intelligence helps us analyze why kelp is thriving here, so that we can support kelp restoration and healthy coastlines everywhere,” said Dr. Zachary Randell, Research Scientist at the Seattle Aquarium.
The Seattle Aquarium, a hub for marine education and conservation, welcomes over 850,000 visitors each year and distributes more than 60,000 complimentary tickets through 500+ community partners. Their educational initiatives reach over 40,000 students and their teachers annually, fostering a deep connection with marine life.
Kim is energized by the innovative use of AI to protect and understand our marine environments. The Aquarium’s work to integrate technology into conservation efforts not only advances marine science but inspires others to engage in this mission. Through these efforts, the Aquarium is making waves in the quest for healthier, more vibrant oceans.
National Night Out
Creating one-to-one connections that foster safer communities is the essence of National Night Out. On August 6, 2024, communities in Bellevue, Redmond, and Seattle came together to strengthen relationships between neighbors and law enforcement reviving a true sense of community. This event included dedicated individuals from local police departments, such as Seattle Police Department (SPD) Sgt. Matthew Roberson. According to Dorian Korieo, Outreach Sergeant for SPD, individuals like Matthew are vital to helping make our neighborhoods more caring places to live.
National Night Out strengthens the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement, reviving and reminding one another about this truth: we’re all partners in safety. Officers like Matthew actively participate, demonstrating their commitment to getting to know their neighbors. It starts by showing up. When engaging in fun activities together, people can see their role in making our neighborhoods safer. “We participated in over 900 National Night Out events this year alone. Our goal is to engage with the community in unfiltered and positive ways outside of crisis situations,” says Dorian Korieo. For over 25 years, the SPD Outreach Unit has fostered community connections through various events and activities. Weekly activities, such as Kids Crime Camps and sports events with SeaPal, help build trust and open lines of communication between the SPD and the community they serve.
Across the Puget Sound, officers are giving back in numerous ways such as Bellevue Police Department holding a National Night Out celebration event in the city’s Crossroads Park and Y in Redmond. Through these initiatives, our local police departments remain committed to strengthening community ties and improving public safety, one human connection at a time.
Pike Place Market Foundation
Furthering the mission of a community treasure “By helping our neighbors who work, learn, and live in and around the Market, the Foundation’s mission is to nurture a thriving community,” says Ashley Mouldon, the corporate engagement specialist at the Pike Place Market Foundation in Seattle. Since 1982, the Foundation has been a cornerstone in fostering community well-being, granting over $41 million to support housing, healthcare, nutritious food, and more for downtown and Market neighbors.
The Pike Place Market Foundation is deeply rooted in its mission to enhance the health and stability of the Market community. Their model focuses on promoting education, access to healthy food, community support, and economic stability. Through their community resource center, The Market Commons, they operate critical programs and partner with a network of social services in the Market. Notably, Zoé Freeman and Sandra Dunn of the Pike Market Senior Center and Food Bank have dedicated over 60 years combined to the Market, organizing wellness events and establishing outreach programs that make a tangible difference in the neighborhood.
Ashley is inspired by the collaborative spirit of their staff, partners, and volunteers, all working toward a common vision. The Foundation’s impact highlights the power of community support, helping everyone in the Pike Place Market to thrive and live their best lives.
Lake Washington School Foundation (LWSF)
Al Veillette, a volunteer who has dedicated 27 years to mentoring students through the program, loves “guiding students through challenges, boosting their confidence, and helping them thrive academically.” For 20 years, the Lake Washington Schools Foundation (LWSF) has been a cornerstone in the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) community, funding initiatives like the Lunch Buddy mentoring program that make a meaningful impact on the next generation. In addition to the Lunch Buddy program, LWSF supports many other life-changing programs and funding initiatives, including the Pantry Packs Program. This Foundation-funded and volunteer-run program assembled and distributed over 32,000 weekend food packs to students facing food insecurity in the 2023-2024 school year. Each October, groups of Microsoft Employees volunteer at our warehouse to pack food packs for students.
LWSF is also fulfilling a significant five-year commitment to partner with school librarians in building more inclusive library collections in all schools in LWSD. With 5,500 new books already added to 28 school libraries—and more to come—this effort ensures that students can see themselves and their peers represented in the stories they read. The LWSF Team leverages technology and AI to improve the quality and efficiency of their work by utilizing CRM automation, AI-assisted grant writing, and AI-assisted content generation. These tools help streamline operations, optimize fundraising efforts, and enhance communication with stakeholders.
Dedicated community members like Lunch Buddy mentors, Pantry Packs volunteers, and school librarians, are an integral part of how LWSF achieves its mission to raise funds and amplify community resources to provide students with what they need to thrive both now and in the future.
Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF)
Laura Ni’s purpose is clear: “connecting and engaging all of our parents by providing information on how to navigate the school system, support students, and access community resources.” As the Cultural Bridges Manager and current Parent-Teacher-Student Association Council President of the Issaquah School District (ISD), Laura leads the publication of online magazines that deliver vital information about programs and resources—all available in 8 different languages—to support over nearly 19,000 students across 27 schools in the district.
Through the years, Microsoft’s generous support has empowered the Issaquah School Foundation to pilot and foster the scaling of programs across the Issaquah School District such as the VOICE Mentor Program, Hot Breakfast Pilot Program, and Microsoft's TEALS initiative, which brings computer science skills and curriculum to high schools. Microsoft’s ongoing partnership continues to help ISF deliver programs and resources in the areas of Academic Support, Academic Enrichment, Student Well-being, and Community Outreach. ISF recently provided roughly 1,000 students in need with back-to-school supplies, provided over $30K to high school student clubs such as Robotics and DECA, and supported 2,503 kindergarten and 1st graders with decodable books.
Laura’s commitment shines through in every aspect of her work, from breaking down language and cultural barriers to championing programs that foster success. With dedication and empathy, she helps Issaquah parents and students stay well-informed about everything they need to succeed.
Northshore Schools Foundation
“Education is power.” This belief fuels the passion of Patsy Treece, a dedicated volunteer with the Northshore Schools Foundation. Since 1995, this conviction has driven the Foundation’s mission to support exceptional education in Kenmore, Bothell, and Woodinville, Washington. What began with classroom grants has evolved into a comprehensive support system, enhancing student readiness for college and careers while fostering strong connections between local businesses and the district.
Patsy exemplifies the profound impact the Foundation has had on local students and their families, including her own. As a mother of two, she became active in the PTA, co-founded Northshore Music Partners, serves on the Bond and Levy committee, and has spent six years as a member of the Foundation Board of Directors. Her journey with the Northshore Schools Foundation has culminated with her serving two terms as President of the Board.
“Public education is key to strong communities,” agrees Cara Anderson-Ahrens, Executive Director. Each year, the Foundation provides assistance with school fees, human services mini-grants, and much-needed school supplies and materials. The 2024 school supply drive, hosted by 43+ local businesses and entrepreneurs, filled almost 800 backpacks brimming with essentials students need for success. Additionally, the Foundation offers annual financial support for teachers supplies and training and helps underwrite district programs.
None of this would be possible without the dedication and hard work of local volunteer changemakers like Patsy Treece. Her commitment demonstrates the deep impact of community engagement and why it takes a village to make their work easier and help expand their reach. Powered by tireless volunteers like Patsy, the Northshore Schools Foundation continues to make a meaningful difference in students’ lives.
Alliance for Education
The Alliance for Education has been supporting students, families and educators as Seattle’s only local education fund since 1995. Their work is designed to challenge systemic inequities in public schools and create a more equitable and just education system. This commitment is exemplified by the 2024 Thomas B. Foster Award for Excellence, which was awarded to Principal Eyva Winet of Nova High School and Principal Huyen Lam of Rising Star Elementary for their outstanding contributions. The Alliance also works as a convener, connector and collaborator, stewarding philanthropic funding, innovation and expertise to ensure that every public school in Seattle has the community support they need. The Alliance is home to programs like the Seattle Teacher Residency and Educator and School Awards. The Seattle Teacher Residency, for example, has graduated 265 educators since 2012 and teaches nearly 5,000 students daily. Coming from the communities they serve, 60% of graduates identify as Black, Indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC). Program graduate and teacher at Lowell Elementary School Laís Seus reflects that, “The Seattle Teacher Residency’s emphasis on social justice push me forward to always have equity top of mind in my teaching.” Ultimately, none of this would be possible without dedicated educators like Eyva and Huyen, who make a significant impact by creating inclusive and equitable learning environments. Together, the Alliance for Education continues to strive for a more just public education system that allows all Seattle students to thrive.
One Future
Empowering the Special Olympics
