Equity Ambassadors

Equity Ambassadors are a network of paid, part-time outreach workers who assist us in connecting with people across Washington State. They are an essential part of the Nonprofit Association of Washington’s community engagement efforts. They increase the visibility of the nonprofit sector, identify unmet needs, enhance program relevance, and extend the reach of programming within underserved communities. We prioritize recruitment of individuals who have lived experience and connection to Black, Indigenous, Persons of Color, immigrant, rural, LGBTQ+, and disability communities.

Equity Ambassadors provide support for NAWA’s programs by recruiting and communicating with member organizations, promoting learning events and advocacy opportunities, and encouraging participation in regional Nonprofit Network meetings and our Community Slack. They also provide valuable feedback on the relevance of our programming in different communities, identify opportunities to support nonprofits using an equity lens, and bring ideas from events and meetings back to the organization to help improve our services.

Equity Ambassadors – Cohort 3

Washington State with headshots of Equity Ambassadors placed over where they are located. Richland, Pullman, Peshastin, Seattle, Bellingham, Vancouver, Olympia, Gig Harbor
Headshot of Eada Al-Soodani with dark curly hair and brown eyes

Eada Al-Soodani 

she/her

Peshastin

Eada currently works at Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center as the Program Coordinator. She helps provide conflict resolution services and training to her community by providing scheduling and volunteer coordination for mediations as well as many other program tasks.

Eada attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Society, and Identity. During her time at the university, Eada co-founded the Mixed Student Union, a safe place for people of multiracial and multiethnic backgrounds. In 2022, Eada co-founded an organization specifically for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color to tackle the disparities in the healthcare system.

Chaune Fitzgerald a black woman with wavy black hair, brown eyes, and a bright beautiful smile.

Chauné Fitzgerald

she/her

Richland

Chaune’, an award winning community leader, activist and influential business owner for over 20 years. Chaune’ is firmly committed to education, public service, community involvement and entrepreneurship. She engages her community through business development, social justice, activism and global citizenship -our shared human experience.

Chaune’ obtains a Master of Science MBA degree with emphasis on Organizational Leadership and Business Management . Chaune’ is a native of Illinois and graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management -HCM

Chaune’ has a Master of Cosmetology license in Washington State and is a world renowned International Instructor in the beauty industry and stylist for Miss Teen, Miss USA and ‘Miss Universe Pageants.

Chaune’ is the founder and CEO of Women of Wisdom (WOW Tri-Cities) which supports equity, economic development and bridging the gaps of social, justice and economical disparities among low-income and marginalized communities.

Chaune’s Community Engagement & Equity Leadership includes her nomination as Commissioner on African American Affairs 2020-22, The MYTRI 2030 Inclusion Council -Member , Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Director, The Links, Tri-Cities, WA |VP Member Development, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusive Consultant and economic development chief director at Washington African American Chamber of Commerce-TriCities.

Chaune’ is a southern -girl at heart, migrating from Chicago to Georgia then Washington and is the proud mother of three children and the wife of Eric Fitzgerald, Nuclear Engineer -Hanford site in Richland WA.

Melodie Garcia a light skinned woman with short curly brown hair, glasses, and a big smile with feather earrings.

Melodie Garcia

She/Her

Burien

Melodie Garcia is a public sector consultant and leader in harm reduction and community health & safety in/around the greater Seattle area. Melodie has over 10 years’ experience in direct service & outreach, program development, and strategic planning for clients reaching highly marginalized communities, and identifies as a peer in behavioral health. Melodie has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington. She is a full-time employee of BDS Planning & Urban Design and has her own consulting practice called Orange Cap Consultation.

Erick Seelbach

Deanna Lane

she/her

Bellingham

Deanna currently works with Allied Arts of Whatcom County as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. Her family is her top priority, as well as being a mother to a 13-year-old daughter. Deanna has enjoyed working in the arts throughout her career with the National Museum of the American Indian-Smithsonian Institution early in her career and Native Arts 360, most recently.

Erick Seelbach

Victor Loo

he/him

Seattle

Victor is a principal consultant, executive coach, strategist, national leader who addresses health disparities and leads with equity. He is 1 of the 25 national leaders in the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions’ Addressing Health Disparities Leadership Program, and 1 of the 15 national leaders in the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Healthy Youth Leadership Institute. He represents US Department of Health & Human Services’ Region 10 -Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington on the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health Steering Committee, and Washington State Commit to Change Steering Committee.

Besides the passion to serve Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, immigrants, and refugees, he is also an active community advocate/leader for the LGBTQ+ community and is Co-Chair with the City of Seattle LGBTQ Commission.

Elizabeth Perez a woman with dark curly hair and brown eyes and a big smile

Elizabeth Perez

she/her

Pullman

Elizabeth is Deputy Director at the Washington Homeownership Resource Center. She has extensive experience in learning and development, fostering inclusive workplaces, community engagement, and leading highly effective teams in times of change. Elizabeth’s other loves include personal finance, baked goods, Palouse sunsets, cafecito, and being a working mom.

Melissa Rasmussen a light skinned woman with light redish/brown hair and a closed smile.

Melissa Rasmussen

she/her

Olympia

Melissa works with the People of Color Community Coalition in Olympia on advocacy and outreach programs. Her pursuit of ecological community development has taken her to Indonesia, Central America, Ghana, Native communities in Cascadia, and the Evergreen State College. She is proud of her immigrant heritage and passionate about shared justice, equality, and community collaboration. As the Principal of Haven Consulting, she brings her knowledge of systems science, network coordination, and administration to organizations that build community.

Erick Seelbach

Meghan Shroeder

she/her

Ferry and Stevens Counties

Meghan is a dedicated community volunteer with decades of customer service, event planning and project management experience. She has a keen interest in childhood literacy, rural food security, and rural community development. Living in isolated, rural communities throughout the PNW and Alaska has given her a deep appreciation for the challenges faced and values held by rural residents, particularly the issues around securing access to good food, quality education, and reliable medical services. She has spearheaded successful efforts to develop nutritious school lunch infrastructure, community gardens, medical transportation programs for rural residents, and local library programs including children’s storytime, crafting and music nights. She currently serves as the Vice President of the Friends of the Kettle Falls Library and on the board for Libraries of Stevens County Foundation. She is the mother of two and an enthusiastic baker, gardener, and forager enjoying all that life has to offer at the base of the Kettle Crest.

Erick Seelbach
Pamela Williams

she/her

Federal Way

Pamela is an experienced social service professional and advocate who is currently a Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). She is also a member of The Mayors Council on African American Elders and a board member with Sound Generations.

Pamela serves on multiple Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) committees, focusing on long-term outcomes, inclusivity, and social justice. Pamela is a native of Chicago, IL, and came to Washington State with 40 years of experience working with the aging community in Medicaid/Medicare case management and home community-based programs before becoming an advocate for Washington State long-term Care Program over 3 ½ years ago.

She combines her extensive work experience and social service background enabling her to be a voice for vulnerable adults and seniors living in long-term care facilities.

Her firm belief is that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience fulfilling lives. Therefore, in her work, Pamela embraces compassion, and heartfelt concerns for this special slice of humanity.

Pamela is proud to be a mother of two successful beautiful children. Pamela Williams earned a B.A. in Social Science from Chicago State University, and a M.S. in Human Service Administration from National Louis University.

Equity Ambassadors – Cohort 2

Washington State with headshots of Equity Ambassadors placed over where they are located. Richland, Pullman, Peshastin, Seattle, Bellingham, Vancouver, Olympia, Gig Harbor
Headshot of Eada Al-Soodani with dark curly hair and brown eyes

Eada Al-Soodani 

she/her

Peshastin

Eada currently works at Wenatchee Valley Dispute Resolution Center as the Program Coordinator. She helps provide conflict resolution services and training to her community by providing scheduling and volunteer coordination for mediations as well as many other program tasks.

Eada attended the University of Oregon and graduated with a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Society, and Identity. During her time at the university, Eada co-founded the Mixed Student Union, a safe place for people of multiracial and multiethnic backgrounds. In 2022, Eada co-founded an organization specifically for Black, Indigenous, and Women of Color to tackle the disparities in the healthcare system.

Chaune Fitzgerald a black woman with wavy black hair, brown eyes, and a bright beautiful smile.

Chauné Fitzgerald

she/her

Richland

Chaune’, an award winning community leader, activist and influential business owner for over 20 years. Chaune’ is firmly committed to education, public service, community involvement and entrepreneurship. She engages her community through business development, social justice, activism and global citizenship -our shared human experience.

Chaune’ obtains a Master of Science MBA degree with emphasis on Organizational Leadership and Business Management . Chaune’ is a native of Illinois and graduate of Southern Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management -HCM

Chaune’ has a Master of Cosmetology license in Washington State and is a world renowned International Instructor in the beauty industry and stylist for Miss Teen, Miss USA and ‘Miss Universe Pageants.

Chaune’ is the founder and CEO of Women of Wisdom (WOW Tri-Cities) which supports equity, economic development and bridging the gaps of social, justice and economical disparities among low-income and marginalized communities.

Chaune’s Community Engagement & Equity Leadership includes her nomination as Commissioner on African American Affairs 2020-22, The MYTRI 2030 Inclusion Council -Member , Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Director, The Links, Tri-Cities, WA |VP Member Development, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusive Consultant and economic development chief director at Washington African American Chamber of Commerce-TriCities.

Chaune’ is a southern -girl at heart, migrating from Chicago to Georgia then Washington and is the proud mother of three children and the wife of Eric Fitzgerald, Nuclear Engineer -Hanford site in Richland WA.

Melodie Garcia a light skinned woman with short curly brown hair, glasses, and a big smile with feather earrings.

Melodie Garcia

She/Her

Burien

Melodie Garcia is a public sector consultant and leader in harm reduction and community health & safety in/around the greater Seattle area. Melodie has over 10 years’ experience in direct service & outreach, program development, and strategic planning for clients reaching highly marginalized communities, and identifies as a peer in behavioral health. Melodie has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Washington. She is a full-time employee of BDS Planning & Urban Design and has her own consulting practice called Orange Cap Consultation.

Denisse Guerrero a woman with long straight brown hair, brown eyes, glasses, and a large smile

Denisse Guerrero

she/her/ella

Spokane

Denisse manages membership and policy with WA Community Alliance. She engages closely with WCA coalition members and networks, as they lead several projects on a statewide level. She is a graduate from Whitworth where she studied political science, philosophy, women’s and gender studies, and law & justice. She is a proud Mexican woman, with lived experience and loves connecting community to her work.
Richard LaManna a white mail with short brown hair, a goatee and mustache. Brown eyes and a closed smile.

Richard Lamanna

He/Him

Seattle

Richard is passionate about community outreach, capacity building, and amplifying the amazing work happening within them. He is an experienced and dynamic trainer, facilitator, curriculum designer and capacity builder who has spent the last decade working to end the HIV epidemic while addressing systems of stigma and bias. He currently works as a consultant and contractor for organizations such as AIDS Healthcare Foundation and has a demonstrated history of working in non-profit and community organizing. He believes in centering community members voices in problem solving. In his free time he can be found reading too many books at once and dragging an unacceptably large pile around on hiking trips. He would love to see pictures of your dog or cat and will definitely ask to pet them.

Erick Seelbach

Deanna Lane

she/her

Bellingham

Deanna currently works with Allied Arts of Whatcom County as the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator. Her family is her top priority, as well as being a mother to a 13-year-old daughter. Deanna has enjoyed working in the arts throughout her career with the National Museum of the American Indian-Smithsonian Institution early in her career and Native Arts 360, most recently.

Erick Seelbach

Victor Loo

he/him

Seattle

Victor is a principal consultant, executive coach, strategist, national leader who addresses health disparities and leads with equity. He is 1 of the 25 national leaders in the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions’ Addressing Health Disparities Leadership Program, and 1 of the 15 national leaders in the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Healthy Youth Leadership Institute. He represents US Department of Health & Human Services’ Region 10 -Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington on the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health Steering Committee, and Washington State Commit to Change Steering Committee.

Besides the passion to serve Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, immigrants, and refugees, he is also an active community advocate/leader for the LGBTQ+ community and is Co-Chair with the City of Seattle LGBTQ Commission.

Elizabeth Perez a woman with dark curly hair and brown eyes and a big smile

Elizabeth Perez

she/her

Pullman

Elizabeth is Deputy Director at the Washington Homeownership Resource Center. She has extensive experience in learning and development, fostering inclusive workplaces, community engagement, and leading highly effective teams in times of change. Elizabeth’s other loves include personal finance, baked goods, Palouse sunsets, cafecito, and being a working mom.

Melissa Rasmussen a light skinned woman with light redish/brown hair and a closed smile.

Melissa Rasmussen

she/her

Olympia

Melissa works with the People of Color Community Coalition in Olympia on advocacy and outreach programs. Her pursuit of ecological community development has taken her to Indonesia, Central America, Ghana, Native communities in Cascadia, and the Evergreen State College. She is proud of her immigrant heritage and passionate about shared justice, equality, and community collaboration. As the Principal of Haven Consulting, she brings her knowledge of systems science, network coordination, and administration to organizations that build community.

Erick Seelbach
Lucretia Robertson

she/her

Kitsap Peninsula

Lucretia serves as the Director of DEI for a regional library system where she works to operationalize equity, create space for race-conscious conversations, and cultivate an inclusive culture where staff and patrons feel a sense of belonging. An experienced DEI leader and strategic planner with a background in organizational development, human resources and training, Lucretia brings proven leadership to complex workplace, organization culture and change management issues. She is also the principal of Clarity Partnerships, a black-owned, women-led micro-consultancy firm providing development and mentoring to women of color (WoC) desiring to accelerate their leadership and become more effective, confident and resilient leaders. Clarity works with WoC led nonprofits, sidepreneurs, small businesses and organizations committed to accelerating WoC leadership. More recently, she is the founder of Women Who Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating women-powered leadership by providing WoC access to positive mentorship, leadership development, board governance training and tools for confident and resilient leadership.
Erick Seelbach
Pamela Williams

she/her

Federal Way

Pamela is an experienced social service professional and advocate who is currently a Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). She is also a member of The Mayors Council on African American Elders and a board member with Sound Generations.

Pamela serves on multiple Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) committees, focusing on long-term outcomes, inclusivity, and social justice. Pamela is a native of Chicago, IL, and came to Washington State with 40 years of experience working with the aging community in Medicaid/Medicare case management and home community-based programs before becoming an advocate for Washington State long-term Care Program over 3 ½ years ago.

She combines her extensive work experience and social service background enabling her to be a voice for vulnerable adults and seniors living in long-term care facilities.

Her firm belief is that everyone deserves the opportunity to experience fulfilling lives. Therefore, in her work, Pamela embraces compassion, and heartfelt concerns for this special slice of humanity.

Pamela is proud to be a mother of two successful beautiful children. Pamela Williams earned a B.A. in Social Science from Chicago State University, and a M.S. in Human Service Administration from National Louis University.

Equity Ambassadors – Cohort 1

Washington State with headshots of Equity Ambassadors placed over where they are located through the state. Seattle, Spokane, Olympia, Wenatchee, Pullman, Federal Way, Bellingham
Erick Seelbach
Liliana Fausto

she/her

Wenatchee
Liliana attended Central Washington University where she graduated with a double major in law and Justice and Sociology. Liliana is currently the community organizer for a local organization in Wenatchee. She hopes to attend law school in order to serve as an immigration attorney in partnership with a non-profit organization in Washington.
Erick Seelbach

Denisse Guerrero

she/her/ella

Spokane

Denisse manages membership and policy with WA Community Alliance. She engages closely with WCA coalition members and networks, as they lead several projects on a statewide level. She is a graduate from Whitworth where she studied political science, philosophy, women’s and gender studies, and law & justice. She is a proud Mexican woman, with lived experience and loves connecting community to her work.
Erick Seelbach

Deanna Lane

she/her

Bellingham

Deanna currently works with Allied Arts of Whatcom County as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator. Her family is her top priority, as well as being a mother to a 13-year-old daughter. Deanna has enjoyed working in the arts throughout her career with the National Museum of the American Indian-Smithsonian Institution early in her career and Native Arts 360, most recently.
Erick Seelbach

Victor Loo

he/him

Seattle

Victor is a principal consultant, executive coach, strategist, national leader who addresses health disparities and leads with equity. He is one of the 25 national leaders in the SAMHSA-HRSA Center for Integrated Health Solutions’ Addressing Health Disparities Leadership Program, and one of the 15 national leaders in the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Healthy Youth Leadership Institute. He represents US Department of Health & Human Services’ Region 10 (Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, & Washington) on the National Network to Eliminate Disparities in Behavioral Health Steering Committee, and Washington State Commit to Change Steering Committee.

Besides the passion to serve Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, immigrants, and refugees, he is also an active community advocate/leader for the LGBTQ+ community and is Co-Chair with the City of Seattle LGBTQ Commission.

Erick Seelbach

Elizabeth Perez

she/her

Pullman

Elizabeth is Director of Recruitment and Retention for undergraduate student programs at Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS). Elizabeth has extensive experience in teaching, community engagement, college access, student success programs, and leadership. Elizabeth’s other loves include baked goods, Palouse sunsets, cafecito, and being a working mom.
Erick Seelbach
Lucretia Robertson

she/her

Gig Harbor

Lucretia serves as the Director of DEI for a regional library system where she works to operationalize equity, create space for race-conscious conversations, and cultivate an inclusive culture where staff and patrons feel a sense of belonging. An experienced DEI leader and strategic planner with a background in organizational development, human resources and training, Lucretia brings proven leadership to complex workplace, organization culture and change management issues. She is also the principal of Clarity Partnerships, a black-owned, women-led micro-consultancy firm providing development and mentoring to women of color (WoC) desiring to accelerate their leadership and become more effective, confident and resilient leaders. Clarity works with WoC led nonprofits, sidepreneurs, small businesses and organizations committed to accelerating WoC leadership. More recently, she is the founder of Women Who Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to elevating women-powered leadership by providing WoC access to positive mentorship, leadership development, board governance training and tools for confident and resilient leadership.
Erick Seelbach

Sarah Solomon

she/her

Seattle
Sarah is passionate about improving institutional systems and processes to include and serve the communities in which they exist. As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) with a demonstrated history of working in non-profit and community organizing spaces, Sarah sees the opportunity and potential nonprofits have in centering equity and championing community-based solutions as key drivers for reaching success. Sarah loves collaborative problem solving and tries to approach all work with open curiosity and a determination to find solutions even in complex environments. In her free time, you can find her plotting sweaty pursuits in beautiful places, sharing meals with friends and family, and seeking out the next great cup of coffee while she catches up on the news.
Erick Seelbach
Pamela Williams

she/her

Federal Way
Pamela is an experienced social service professional and advocate who is currently a Regional Long-Term Care Ombudsman for the Washington State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (LTCOP). She is also a member of The Mayors Council on African American Elders and a board member with Sound Generations. Pamela serves on multiple Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I) committees, focusing on long-term outcomes, inclusivity, and social justice. Pamela had 40 years of experience working with the aging community in Medicaid/Medicare case management and home community-based programs before becoming an advocate for Washington State long-term Care Program. She combines her extensive work experience and social service background enabling her to be a voice for vulnerable adults and seniors living in long-term care facilities. Pamela earned a B.A. in Social Science from Chicago State University and a M.S. in Human Service Administration from National Louis University, and is proud to be a mother of two successful beautiful children.

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