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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Olympia, WA — July 6, 2026. The Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) is proud to announce the statewide honorees for the 50th Annual Washington Leadership Awards, celebrating extraordinary Washingtonians whose leadership uplifts communities, champions equity, and inspires positive change. The WSLB is a trustee agency for the state of Washington that recognizes leaders and cultivates leadership statewide.
Keenen Allen Ladd, Washingtonian of the Year. Keenen is celebrated for his demonstrated leadership, selflessness, generosity, and compassion supporting families as they navigate the education system. Keenen has raised awareness about paternal postpartum depression and mental health, is a committed educator, and is a mentor to many. Keenen’s leadership continues to make a positive impact in his Seattle community and more broadly across Washington State. Dean Brazle, Legacy of Service Award. Dean shared his centennial birthday with our nation on July 4th. Dean is a World War II combat veteran and rancher in rural Oroville, WA. He attended public school and graduated in a class of two. Dean demonstrates an ongoing commitment to mentoring and supporting future generations and has modeled a lifetime of leadership, selflessness, generosity, and compassion in his service to others and our state. Dr. Ashley DeMoville, Equity for All. Dr. DeMoville, a Spokane-based higher education leader, scholar, and arts advocate, centers mentorship and inclusion. She has used theater as a tool for leadership development and expression among young people, ensuring all feel seen, welcomed, celebrated, and safe. Dr. DeMoville has had a profound impact by centering and uplifting communities, advancing systemic change, increasing accessibility, and collaborating with the communities. Raquel Nelson, Emerging Leader Award. Raquel is a dedicated student leader and public servant about to enter her second year of college. She has already led numerous local service projects in Clark County focused on violence prevention, transportation equity, youth mental health, food/hygiene drives, and has successfully helped expand college access and reduce financial barriers for students across the state. She is an inspiring young leader and a strong representative of the State of Washington and the leaders it produces. Raquel is celebrated as a Washington young adult who is stepping up as a leader and making a positive impact in her school and community. Women of Wisdom (WOW) Tri-Cities, Organization of the Year. WOW is a Tri-Cities-based community-led organization focused on advancing equity, economic opportunity, and civic engagement for women, youth, families, and small businesses in Eastern Washington. In the past year, WOW has supported more than 300 small businesses through direct technical assistance, business development workshops, and access-to-capital programming. WOW is celebrated this year for making a meaningful difference to strengthen the lives of people in Washington
The WSLB hosts an annual celebration to honor these awardees. Due to state budget constraints, the agency has chosen to host a virtual awards ceremony this year. It will be on October 8th, 2026, from 6:00 - 7:00 pm. Registration is required to attend and will be available in late summer at www.washingtonleaders.org. About the Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB):
The WSLB is a state agency dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders by offering a variety of free, equity-focused statewide leadership programs. Founded in 1971 by former Lt. Governor Cherberg as the "Association of Washington Generals," the WSLB transitioned to a trustee agency in 2022. Its statutory mission is to enhance educational, sports, leadership, and employment opportunities for youth, veterans, and individuals with disabilities throughout Washington State (RCW 43.388). The Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) hosts the annual Washington State Leadership Awards, a legacy recognition program that has been in place since 1975. By state statute, the WSLB is among select trustee agencies authorized to officially confer honors on behalf of the state. For more information about the Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB), please visit www.washingtonleaders.org.
Press Release Contact: Laura Armstrong, WSLB Executive Director
+1 (360) 250-0553
info@wslb.wa.gov
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