January 2025 As we prepare for the new year and all the opportunities it brings, the Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) is eager to reflect on the significant highlights and developments that have taken place over the previous quarter. This last year has been marked by impactful initiatives, collaborative efforts, and meaningful progress, all of which we are eager to celebrate and build upon as we move forward into the new year. Before we take a moment to recount the previous quarter, we invite you to read a brief message from our Executive Director: As we step into a new year, I can’t help but feel proud of what we’ve accomplished together and excited for what lies ahead. This past year was filled with growth, meaningful milestones, and plenty of moments that reminded me why the work we do matters so much. From strategic planning to celebrating the successes of our programs, every step we’ve taken has been with purpose and heart. Looking ahead, I’m especially energized by the opportunities we have to deepen our impact. A key focus this year will be implementing the strategies developed during our recent strategic planning session, ensuring they guide us in empowering young leaders, fostering meaningful connections and collaborations, and navigating the legislative session with clarity and determination. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our board, staff, and community. Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here’s to building on our momentum and making 2025 another year to remember! — Audrey Baker, Executive Director
To end 2024 on a strong note, the board convened at the Rita Koontz Community Center in Seattle, WA for a strategic planning workshop. This workshop was a valuable opportunity for board members and staff to engage in meaningful discussions and align our organizational pillars with the refined mission and vision we collectively developed in December 2023. This workshop was integral, and the insights gained will serve as a guiding framework as we move forward, helping us advance our goals with purpose and clarity. We are eager to implement the strategies discussed and remain committed to fostering impactful initiatives that serve our programs, communities, and state effectively. In our October 2024 newsletter, we shared an overview of the four funding requests (also known as “decision packages”) submitted by the WSLB to the Governor for the 2025-2027 biennium. Click here for a high-level overview of each package and its intended impact. We are pleased to announce that two of the four decision packages have been included in the Governor’s proposed budget for the upcoming biennium. This includes $300,000 in ongoing funding to restore previously eliminated resources essential for sustaining our core operations and ensuring the continuity of our programs. Additionally, the proposed budget allocates $25,000 for WSLB staff to pursue trauma-informed training certificates. This investment reflects our commitment to professional development and strengthens our ability to continue supporting young leaders with care, empathy, and expertise. While we recognize that the proposed budget encompasses two of the four decision packages submitted, we remain grateful for these allocations. Securing funding amid the state’s significant budget deficit speaks to the importance of our mission. With these resources, the WSLB will be better equipped to navigate any challenges ahead and continue to thrive, ensuring that we can effectively serve our program participants during these statewide financially turbulent times. The Washington State Legislative Session commenced on Monday, January 13, marking the start of a dynamic process where lawmakers craft, debate, and enact policies that shape our state’s future, including the critical task of reviewing and finalizing the state budgets. To provide our program participants with an insider’s perspective on the legislative process, the WSLB, in partnership with the Legislative Youth Advisory Council (LYAC), is excited to announce its 3rd Annual Day on the Hill (DOTH) event. This engaging event is scheduled to take place on February 2nd and 3rd alongside LYAC’s Youth Action Day at the historic state Capitol. DOTH aims to empower young advocates and aspiring leaders by immersing them in the legislative process and offering opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions with state legislators. Participants will gain firsthand insight into policymaking, highlight the positive impact of their experiences in WSLB programs, and build connections with decision-makers. Scheduled networking opportunities will also foster dialogue and provide insight into the workings of state government. This year’s event is particularly exciting as it restores our partnership with LYAC, rekindling a valued collaboration and adding fresh perspectives and energy to the experience. For the first time, we will also be publicly tracking legislation throughout the legislative session. We invite you to join us in monitoring bills of interest and by staying informed and engaged, we can collectively support our priorities and amplify our voices at critical moments. For the latest updates on our legislative agenda and tracking efforts, please visit the WSLB Legislative Work webpage. Now let's shift gears and dive into some exciting programming news!
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