Nicole Gomez
IDF Executive Director
Nicole (she/her) joined IDF with years of experience in government, for-profit, and not-for-profit organizations. She is a former Board Member and Chair of the 36th District Democrats, a Co-Founder of Alliance for a Healthy Washington where she is an advocate for health system reform and is appointed by Governor Inslee to the first-in-the-nation permanent Washington State Universal Health Care Commission — legislation she drafted and passed.
Nicole’s ability to see the big picture means she is often sought out to help launch organizations and campaigns, manage operations, develop strategy, create and manage programs, build budgets, navigate the political landscape, engage communities, foster a positive and inclusive culture, develop workforce talent, and advocate for progressive causes.
Nicole moved from South Texas to Washington over twenty-years ago, and holds Political Science and Communications degrees from the University of Washington and a Master’s of Public Administration from Seattle University where she graduated magna cum laude and serves on the Alumni Board of Governors. When she’s not at work, you’ll find Nicole volunteering, spending time with family and friends, cooking, or learning something new. Nicole joined Institute for a Democratic Future in November 2021.
Rachel Alger
IDF Program Director
Rachel Alger comes to IDF with a background in political and government affairs, communications, public policy, event planning, grants, and program management.
Professionally, she is a Community Liaison and Grants Coordinator for Congresswoman Suzan DelBene’s District Office working on a portfolio of issues including health care, reproductive justice, worker and family assistance, technology, labor, local government, small business and economic development, arts, humanities, museums and libraries, and science and space.
Personally, she lives in Seattle with her husband and Boston Terrier, loves art/design, podcasts, warm caffeinated drinks, and trolling her two young nieces. She was born and raised in Henderson, Nevada – a suburb of Las Vegas.
She holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, where she focused on Public Policy and Administration, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Nevada, Reno. She was a member of IDF’s 2018 Class.