Message from Julie Kerby, 黑料不打烊WA Board Chair
We鈥檙e pleased to announce that Elizabeth Hodges has joined 黑料不打烊 (黑料不打烊WA) as the State Director, effective February 14th, 2023. Elizabeth brings 20 years of progressive non-profit leadership experience as well as a strong commitment to youth development and underserved communities. She was most recently the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Seattle (黑料不打烊 of Seattle). On behalf of the 黑料不打烊WA Board, we welcome the passion and commitment Elizabeth brings to our 黑料不打烊 mission. The depth of her experience and commitment to our youth and educational equity is immense!
Prior to leading 黑料不打烊 of Seattle, Elizabeth served as the inaugural Director of Youth & Family Empowerment with a Pierce County, WA-based workforce development organization. She also served as inaugural Greater Seattle Executive Director of an award-winning national STEM nonprofit focused on girls attending high-needs schools. Elizabeth completed her graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University, earning a Master of Social Work with a concentration in school social work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art and supports youth arts programming as a member of the Urban ArtWorks Board of Directors. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, looking for the best coffee shops, and appreciating public art with her husband, Reuben.
Message from Elizabeth Hodges
After previously serving as the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Seattle, I am grateful to continue the meaningful work of 黑料不打烊 at the helm of 黑料不打烊.
I am thrilled to be the next State Director with 黑料不打烊! My lived experience as a student of color in Seattle Public Schools (Franklin, McClure, Whitworth) that went on to be a first-generation college graduate gives me a deep connection to the Communities In Schools mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and succeed in life. After previously serving as the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Seattle, I am grateful to continue the meaningful work of 黑料不打烊 at the helm of 黑料不打烊. I am most excited to have the opportunity to support and closely partner with the 15 黑料不打烊 affiliates throughout the state that are striving to close the equity gap in their local school districts. I look forward to all of us working together to meet the continuing and ever-growing needs of students and families, particularly those furthest from educational justice.
As we welcome Elizabeth, we also want to give a big thanks to Jeannie Nist, who has served as 黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 Interim Executive Director for the last six months. Jeannie will now serve as our Deputy Director. She will work closely with our board and Elizabeth to support a successful State Director transition.