The WASHINGTON STATEment

January 2026

As we step into the new year, the Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) is excited about what’s ahead. The past year was marked by meaningful initiatives, strong partnerships, and continued investment in leadership development across Washington State. We’re proud of this progress and look forward to building on it in the months to come. Our momentum continues with the recent onboarding of our new Executive Director. With fresh leadership and a clear vision, the WSLB is ready to move into the second half of the fiscal year.

A message from the WSLB Executive Director

We have hit the ground running and gratitude is the first word that comes to mind when I reflect on my first three months with WSLB. Program participants are engaged and excited for 2026; our team has been hard at work to develop the structure, policies, outreach plans, and organizational strategy WSLB needs to strengthen our position for the future. Board members have been welcoming and ready for new initiatives, and we have tackled the legislative session with passion and preparation. Thank you to all of you who have supported WSLB in this transition.

— Laura Armstrong

Interested in meeting Laura or learning more about our work at the WSLB? Click here to set up a time.

Recent Leadership Board Business

In November 2025, the Leadership Board held its final meeting of the 2025 calendar year. During the meeting, the board took action on a few items that will help guide the agency’s work:

• Strategic Plan Approval: The Board approved the Strategic Plan developed in early 2025. It outlines the agency’s priorities and goals for the coming two years. This plan serves as a living roadmap—designed to be iterative and responsive to community needs and refined over time. View the Strategic Plan on our website

• 2026 Board Meeting Schedule: The Board finalized its board meeting schedule for the 2026 calendar year. Meetings will now be 90 minutes long, instead of the previous 180-minute structure, with the hope of streamlining agency reporting and board efficiency. We are also hoping to bring the board meetings to different locations across the state this year. The board meeting schedule for 2026 is listed below:

  • February 20, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 a.m.

  • May 15, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 a.m.

  • August 21, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 a.m.

  • November 20, 2026, from 9:00–10:30 a.m.

2026 Legislative Session

Legislative session 2026 has begun! In light of the state’s current budget challenges, the WSLB did not request funding. Instead, our legislative focus is on maintaining current funding levels, strengthening how we operate as a state agency, and highlighting the impact of our programs. Here are the legislative initiatives that have progressed since our last newsletter:

• Governor’s Proposed Budget: The WSLB was included in the Governor’s proposed budget for the upcoming biennium. Governor Ferguson's proposed 2026 supplemental budget included the WSLB at a maintenance level operating appropriation, with no new funds for programs. While this is the first step in many to developing the state’s budget, we are pleased to be included, as it underscores the value of our programs and the work we provide for the state.

• Seeking Statutory Authority to Solicit Gifts and Diversify: Bipartisan SB 5825 was pre-filed by our Ex-Officios, Sen. Wilson and Sen. Warnick. If passed, the bill will allow the agency to solicit and receive gifts, grants, and endowments. This authority would help expand leadership development opportunities statewide without relying on additional state funding. You can follow along with the bill progression by visiting our Legislative Work webpage.

• Floor Resolution Celebrating Young Scholars: As in past years, we are preparing for our annual Day on the Hill, which connects program participants with lawmakers and showcases the value of leadership development across the state. A legislative floor resolution recognizing this work is currently being finalized and will occur on February 20th. We look forward to sharing more details soon

• Bill Tracking: We are publicly tracking legislation throughout the session. We invite you to join us in monitoring bills of interest and to stay informed and engaged with state priorities.

If you’d like to follow our legislative work or learn how to engage during this session, visit our Legislative Work webpage.

What: Day on the Hill — program participants come together to engage directly with elected officials and legislators.

When: Tuesday, February 10th, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Where: Capitol Campus, Olympia, Washington

Participants from across the state will gather in Olympia for the first-ever hybrid Day on the Hill, focusing on accessibility. Attendees can engage with legislators and observe the lawmaking process while deepening their understanding of key bills. Before the event, participants will work with WSLB staff to research legislation, learn about legislators, and prepare talking points to advocate for their chosen issues, promoting collaboration between board members, participants, and legislators. Amanat Narwal, a past Day on the Hill participant, said:

“Day on the Hill gave me an opportunity to learn about our legislative process and share my viewpoints with influential people around Washington State. It taught me that my voice can make change.”

For more information about the event, stay tuned for the release of our Day on the Hill Press Release.

The application deadline for the 2026 cohort of Washington World Fellows has been extended to January 31, 2026! This program is designed to empower high school sophomores who show curiosity, resilience, and a drive to overcome barriers in pursuing post-secondary goals, whether that’s a college degree, technical certification, or other training.

We aim for the 2026 cohort to reflect the diverse communities across Washington State, enhancing the Fellows' experience. If you know a potential young leader or represent a youth development organization, please share this opportunity to ensure all talented youth can apply. Learn more and apply at www.washingtonleaders.org/apply-to-wwf.

The Compassion Scholars program is proud to announce its newest cohort of outstanding young leaders and their mentors. This year's 2026 Compassion Scholars cohort includes:

• Evelyn Caine from Spokane International Academy,

• Yastika Chouhan from Eastlake High School,

• Evelyn Maldonado Serrano from Eisenhower High School,

• Yessica Osorio Duran from Charles A. Lindbergh High School,

• Elisa Reka from Hanford High School,

• and Zoe Wilson from Lincoln High School

These (6) six extraordinary scholars were selected for their commitment to empathy, leadership, and community engagement. They will move forward in the program with guidance from their extraordinary mentors:

• Senator Claire Wilson,

• Tania Elahee,

• and Heather Lewis-Lechner.

Upcoming Travel: The scholars will travel to Nalda, La Rioja, Spain, from April 5-15 for a service-learning trip. They will collaborate with local partners on community projects, fostering cross-cultural understanding and focusing on compassion, service, reflection, and leadership development. We look forward to sharing updates on their projects. Learn more at www.washingtonleaders.org/apply-to-compassion-scholars

Boundless Washington

a grant-based outdoor/sports leadership program for young people with disabilities 

Boundless WA is still accepting applications for its 2026 program year! Boundless WA combines grant funding with a leadership and advocacy program led by the WSLB staff.

Eligible participants can receive financial support to pursue new sports or outdoor activities while connecting with peers across the state who share their passion for growth and advocacy. Along the way, participants gain valuable skills in leadership, teamwork, and civic engagement. To help prospective participants and families learn more, Boundless WA will host (3) three virtual information sessions:

• Saturday, January 24 at 11:00 AM

• Sunday, February 22 at 1:00 PM

• Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 PM.

Interested participants, educators, and coaches are encouraged to attend one of these sessions to hear directly from program organizers. Now is the perfect time to apply and make 2026 a year of discovery, adventure, and leadership growth. Learn more and apply at www.washingtonleaders.org/apply-for-boundless-wa

The Washington Leadership Awards

Nominations now open Dec 1 to Mar 31: Nomination Information

Every day in Washington, individuals are making a difference: from dedicated volunteers and community groups to leaders championing equity. The 2025 Washington Leadership Awards give us the opportunity to honor these unsung heroes and share their stories.

This year, we aim to recognize everyday changemakers who enhance our communities but may not see themselves as leaders. If you know someone or an organization that exemplifies leadership, service, and vision, please nominate them!

• Washingtonian of the Year

• Washington Organization of the Year

• Legacy of Service Award

• Equity for All Award

• Emerging Leader Award

Join us in celebrating those who make Washington a wonderful place to live, work, and belong. Submit nominations throughout March at www.washingtonleaders.org.

Leadership Traits this Quarter

As an integral component of our Leadership Programs, participants engage in a robust Leadership and Advocacy Curriculum. Throughout the course of their program enrollment, participants will delve into a specific leadership trait each month.

In addition to exploring these traits, staff will work with participants to hone essential advocacy skills that are applicable in real-world scenarios, such as politics, professional development, or within their communities.

This quarter, we will focus on the following leadership traits:

• January 2026 — Passion: A strong liking or desire for or devotion to some activity, object, or concept; An intense, driving, or overmastering feeling or conviction.

• February 2026 — Open-Mindedness: The ability to be receptive to arguments or ideas.

• March 2026 — Service: The act of serving, such as a helpful act and/or useful labor that does not produce a tangible commodity.