Nicole Gomez
WAIDF Executive Director
Nicole “Nikki” Gomez (she/her) brings a diverse background spanning government, for-profit, and not-for-profit sectors. She’s a former Board Member and former Chair of the 36th District Democrats, and Co-Founder of Alliance for a Healthy Washington, which focuses on health system reform. Governor Inslee appointed her to Washington State’s Universal Health Care Commission, championing legislation she drafted and passed.
Known for her strategic vision, Nikki excels in launching organizations, managing operations, navigating politics, fostering inclusive cultures, and advocating for progressive causes. Currently, she serves as a union lobbyist for AFSCME Council 28/WFSE. She holds degrees in Political Science and Communications from the University of Washington, a magna cum laude Master’s in Public Administration from Seattle University, and actively volunteers. Nikki joined as Executive Director of Institute for a Democratic Future in November 2021 after relocating from Austin, Texas to Washington over twenty years ago.
Rachel Alger
WAIDF Program Director
Rachel Alger comes to WAIDF with a background in political and government affairs, communications, public policy, event planning, grants, and program management.
Professionally, she is the Policy Director for Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck and has previously held positions with Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, the House Democratic Caucus at the WA State Legilsature, state Rep. Tina Orwall, and the WA State Democratic Party.
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 WAIDF’s 2018 Class.