The WAIDF Class of 2025 gathered last weekend in Snohomish and King Counties with learnings focused on themes of labor, transportation, and local government. With discussions ranging from US Highway 2 to affordable housing, to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), we dove deep into the political landscape of the region in addressing pressing issues like transportation, housing, and immigrant rights.
We spent Saturday at IBEW 191 in Marysville getting an organized labor 101 overview from Political Director Andrew Vander-Stoep (Class of 2022) Snohomish County leaders, including Snohomish County Councilmembers Megan Dunn and Jared Mead, and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Wil Johnson, shared strategies for building equitable policies, whether through county council investments in housing or grassroots organizing against community displacement. We visited Connect Casino Road and met with Alvaro Guillen and Jillian Robinson to learn more about the incredible work they do to serve low-income families. Additionally, our amazing staff team compiled a “Know Your Rights” training, reinforcing the importance of legal First Amendment protections.
In King County, Bothell Mayor Mason Thompson and Kenmore Mayor Nigel Herbig (Class of 2006) and King County Metro underscored the need for bold leadership to push through resistance to change. Plus, alumni Rep. Osman Salahuddin (Class of 2023) and Newcastle City Councilmember Paul Charboneau (Class of 2022) shared about their recent experiences navigating the legislative appointment process.
As a fun wrap to our weekend, we visited the team at Port of Seattle, including Port Commissioner Sam Cho (Class of 2019) to learn about their efforts to expand the port and the airport to maximize efficiency. The overarching theme was clear—change happens when communities organize, advocate, and step into leadership roles themselves. Special Thanks!
Huge shoutout to Emily Wicks (Class of 2013) and Snohomish City Councilmember Karen Guzak for planning and hosting a beautiful reception Saturday night.
Save the Date, March 13, for Trivia!
We hope each of you will join us on March 13 at Ozzie’s in Seattle for trivia. This event will support the WAIDF organization and support our class in attending the Washington, D.C. portion of our program! See more details and buy your tickets here: https://secure.anedot.com/idf/events/2025trivia