The WASHINGTON STATEment

July 2025

The Washington State Leadership Board (WSLB) is excited to reflect on the legislative session, outline our initiatives for the upcoming year, and share exciting updates on this summer’s programming. Let’s get started!

As you may know, the State of Washington is currently facing a significant funding deficit for the upcoming biennium. In response, the WSLB has been diligently working to reduce agency costs. At the end of April 2025, the WSLB chose to eliminate the part-time Programs Coordinator position.

Additionally, after years of service, we also say goodbye to Board Member and Washington World Fellows (WWF) Committee Member, Vivian Song-Martiz, after her years of dedicated service. We are truly thankful for her unwavering commitment to our mission. Over the past few years, Vivian has been an invaluable part of the Leadership Board, and her exceptional dedication and contributions will leave an everlasting impact.

In the April 2025 Newsletter, Executive Director Audrey Baker shared the news of her decision to step down from her position at the WSLB. As we continue the search for her successor, we anticipate making an announcement soon. We encourage you to stay tuned for a Press Release with additional information.

As we navigate this transition in leadership, it's important to recognize the significant efforts made during this legislative session by the WSLB and its partners in securing vital funding to uphold our core agency functions. On May 20, Governor Ferguson approved the 2025-2027 Operating Budget. The WSLB received the full funding outlined in the Conference Budget, totaling approximately $1.7 million. This legislative session was challenging, and we could not have achieved this funding without the advocacy and support of our ex-officio members, board members, program participants, and you.

In other legislative developments, the passage of SB 5444 (2025)—which is related to special and personalized license plates— diverted all funds from the Mariners’ license plates away from the WSLB and directed them to the Mariners Foundation. Additionally, it included provisions that led to the statutory repeal of the WSLB’s Sports Mentoring (Team S.A.M.) program, effective November 2025. If you're curious about other bills that might have influenced the WSLB during this legislative session, feel free to check out the WSLB Legislative Work webpage.

Although this outcome was unexpected, it doesn't diminish the positive impact of the WSLB’s Sports Mentoring (Team S.A.M.) program, which has awarded over $30,000 in grants since its inception in 2022, benefiting various 501(c)(3) organizations focused on creating opportunities for underserved youth in local sports. Looking ahead, the WSLB remains dedicated to expanding educational, sports, and leadership opportunities through its other youth programs. In particular, the revitalized Boundless Washington program has allowed the WSLB to continue fostering and creating pathways for youth engagement in local sports and outdoor activities.

In line with these efforts, the Executive Committee gathered in May to discuss a recommendation from the Boundless Washington Committee. The Boundless Washington Committee proposed the official merger of the Sports Mentoring (Team S.A.M.) program with Boundless Washington. This recommendation fits well with the WSLB's mission, vision, and strategic objectives. The Executive Committee's approval of the recommendation has set the Boundless Washington staff to work diligently on updating the application and the website in preparation for the next application cycle, which is scheduled to open later this year. You can read more details about the committee’s recommendation in the Boundless Washington update.

Building on this momentum, we are excited to share that the WSLB hosted this year’s Annual Programs Celebration Day on May 10th at Lake Sammamish State Park. This wonderful event brought together students, families, board members, and community partners from all over the state to celebrate this year’s program participants. It was a heartwarming occasion that reflected the WSLB’s mission to nurture the next generation of leaders in Washington. If you haven't had the chance yet, we encourage you to take a moment to check out our event Press Release and recap the highlights of this successful celebration. As we continue to reflect on these achievements, we are also excited to share the latest updates from our programs.

It’s a busy summer for the Washington World Fellows! Our 2024 Domestic Advocates are deep into their summer programming. They have been joined in Washington by their Spanish counterparts, and together they are building friendships while participating in the WSLB Leadership Curriculum and language classes. This year, the Domestic Advocates started their program staying in Airbnb’s in Lynwood, before moving into dorms at The Evergreen State College. As part of the college preparatory experience, students are given food budgets and work as a cohort to plan meals, cook together, and navigate the joys (and challenges) of communal living!

So far, our group has had the chance to experience the Seattle Pride Parade, relax at the beach in Long Beach, and enjoy a scenic ferry ride to Bremerton. Coming up, they will be touring the State Capitol with Senator Claire Wilson, celebrating the Fourth of July, and participating in other local festivities around Olympia.  

Meanwhile, our 2024 International Ambassadors are getting ready for their five-week trip to Spain! On July 18, 2025, they will fly alongside the Spanish students that they will be living with, offering a perfect chance to bond before arriving overseas. Once in Spain, the ambassadors will begin Spanish language and history classes, take part in our Annual International Summit, and explore the country through weekly excursions and time with their host families.  

Our 2025 alumni are preparing to head off to college this fall. Many were excited to reconnect with their Spanish host siblings during our recent Domestic Advocates excursion in Seattle, proof that the friendships built through this program last well beyond the summer. Looking ahead, our 2025 cohort has already held their first Zoom meeting and set a record for the most messages sent in a cohort group chat within the first few days. If their energy and enthusiasm are any indication, next summer in Spain is going to be unforgettable.

The 2025 Compassion Scholars are off and running! Each scholar has submitted a thoughtful and inspiring project proposal and has now begun laying the groundwork to bring their service-learning projects to life. Now, in the early stages of implementation, the cohort is already exemplifying the WSLB leadership pillars of passion, vision, and service.  

The first full cohort meeting since returning from Spain and launching their projects will take place on July 22, 2025. This meeting will be a chance to share updates, celebrate early progress, exchange ideas, and collaborate on strategies to strengthen their projects. We’re excited to experience the ongoing evolution of these service-learning projects, and we take great pride in the momentum this group is already generating.

Boundless Washington

This has been a quarter of change for the Boundless WA program. During this year's legislative session, it became clear that the WSLB would need to implement substantial cuts to its programming for the upcoming biennium. As a result, the staff found a creative way to utilize a provision in WSLB’s statute. This provision allows the Boundless WA program to meet the requirements of the Sports Mentoring (Team S.A.M.) program if it receives approval from the Executive Committee.

In line with this provision, the Boundless Committee recommended the adoption of Boundless WA 4.0 to the Executive Committee in May 2025. The latest version of the Boundless WA program combines the Sports Mentoring (Team S.A.M.) initiative with the Boundless Washington program. This updated program allows high school youth with disabilities from around the state to apply for grants to help them reach their personal goal of overcoming the barriers that keep them from participating in sports or other outdoor activities. While the participants will pursue their own sports or outdoor activities, they will also participate in our monthly leadership and advocacy programs. These programs are a required component of programming for all participants and will help bring together our Boundless WA participants with our other extraordinary participants throughout the state.

The Washington Leadership Awards

On Friday, May 16th, the WSLB hosted the 49th Annual Washington Leadership Awards, where we recognized and celebrated leaders who have made an impact on the State of Washington. Our award recipients came from diverse backgrounds and age groups, yet they all shared a common goal of implementing solutions that uplift and enrich the lives of their fellow Washingtonians. The event was both reflective and inspiring! The Honors Committee will gather in July to discuss this year’s 50th Annual Washington Leadership Awards.

UNTIL NEXT TIME,