Emerging Leaders 2023

Emerging Leader Russell Wiita (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Emerging Leader: Russell Wiita guides his hometown through flames

The mayor of Sultan is taking lessons learned from the Bolt Creek fire into the future.

 

Michael Adams of Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish; activist and founder of Change the Narrative in Granite Falls  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Michael Adams: promoting race equity, inclusion and justice

“There is so much work to be done.” Adams hopes to help build a community based on respect.

 

Emerging Leader Melissa Siv (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Melissa Siv: Helping students boost their financial literacy

The banking professional organized a group of volunteers who teach the basics of personal finance.

 

Emerging Leader Marlena Powers (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Marlena Powers: Creating a community in which kids can excel

The founder of AVODAH Business Collective aims to empower moms and minority women to create a brighter future.

Emerging Leader Marlena Powers (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerging Leader Lynsey Gagnon (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Lynsey Gagnon: Her personal experience guides her

The social services director worked tirelessly to launch a cold weather shelter in east Snohomish County.

Emerging Leader Lynsey Gagnon (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Emerging Leader Kaitlyn Davis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Kaitlyn Davis: Turning quick coffee into a community enterprise

At 24, Davis bought her first espresso stand. She has since grown into a local business advocate.

Emerging Leader Kaitlyn Davis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerging Leader Jonnathan Yepez Carino (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Jonnathan Yepez Carino: Helping underserved communities

He teaches financial empowerment classes in Spanish and English, and financial literacy classes.

Emerging Leader Jonnathan Yepez Carino (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerging Leader John Michael Graves (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

John Michael Graves: Speaking out against hate

Graves strives to provide a nuanced approach to combating antisemitism through his work with StandWithUs.

Emerging Leader John Michael Graves (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerging Leader Heidi Schauble (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Heidi Schauble: Offering access for those who struggle

She struggled in a traditional school setting. Now, she helps others find employment or pursue an education.

Emerging Leader Heidi Schauble (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerging Leader Hayley State (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Hayley Statema: Stepping up to help those without a voice

She believes that building a stronger community means breaking down barriers and communicating “a little more.”

Emerging Leader Hayley State (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Emerging Leader Alex McGinty (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Alex Zitnik-McGinty: Find a group you like and volunteer!

Her volunteer activities cover the spectrum. Fitting in “service work is important as we grow.”

Emerging Leader Alex McGinty (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)