The Edmonds Waterfront Center Legacy Circle Founders met with special guest Angelique Leone from the Community Foundation to discuss how to ensure EWC’s strength and continuity for generations to come.

Olympia Edwards, Director of Community Coalitions at CFSC, was honored as the Lynwood Chamber’s Businesswoman of the Year for 2025. Olympia is also the Founder and CEO of Project Girl Mentoring Program.

DanVo’nique Bletson-Reed raised the roof at the 2025 Snohomish County Juneteenth flag raising event. DanVo’nique is the President of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee (SCBHC) and works at the community foundation as the Nonprofit Program & Office Coordinator.

Board Chairs Nashika Stanbro (left) and Dr. Gloria Ngezaho accept the 2024 Beloved Community Award by the Lift Every Voice Legacy (LEVL) board of directors on behalf of the Community Foundation.

Catching up with partners at One Voice Snohomish County. (Left) Pa Ousman Joof, Executive Director from the Washington West African Center and (right) Karri Matau from the Community Foundation.

Just a little side trip from their planning, fundraising, strategy session from these two. (Left) Executive Director Mary Bredereck from the Community Resource Center of Stanwood-Camano and (Right) Community Foundation VP Angelique Leone. We will warn you all next time they are on the town.

The best staff meetings are in community. Learning about the work of the Community Healthcare Worker Coalition for Migrants and Refugees (CHWCMR).

Staff and board attended the best party in town at the Entre Hermanos Día de Muertos Gala a celebration of the journeys of our LGBTQ+ Latine community, with a special tribute to our trans sisters.

Sharing a moment of camaraderie during the Talent Night of the 2025 NCPACA National Convention, John Sese warmly greets attendees and guests. The lively evening showcased the creativity, fellowship, and cultural pride of Filipino-American and Filipino-Canadian CPAs, along with CPAs from the Philippines, who gathered in Seattle to celebrate their shared heritage and professional excellence.

Gathering for an official group photo during the 2025 NCPACA National Convention in Seattle, the NCPACA Board of Directors stands united in its mission to promote leadership and collaboration across chapters nationwide. Among them is John Sese, Regional Vice President for the Pacific Northwest and President of FAACPA Seattle, representing the host chapter for this year’s convention.

DanVonique Bletson Reed was recently honored by members of SCBHC Youth Initiative during the 32nd Annual Nubian Jam Community Celebration. Held each July at Forest Park in Everett WA, Nubian Jam is a signature event of the Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee (SCBHC), whose mission is to enrich the residents of Snohomish County through education, cultural awareness, and the celebration of Black heritage.

CFSC celebrates the Leadership Advisory Team (LAT) for guiding community-led change across Snohomish County. Through the Community Reinvestment Account, funding has supported Black, Latine, and Tribal communities. Guided by the LAT, regional councils—made up of those most impacted by the war on drugs—this group led grant reviews and funding decisions.

CFSC remains committed to removing barriers and providing flexible grants that empower communities to lead meaningful change.

CFSC staff member DanVonique Bletson-Reed, along with community partners Pa Ousman Joof (WAWAC) and Donnie Griffin (LEVL), came together in a joyful drum circle, making sweet music in celebration of Mountlake Terrace’s Annual Juneteenth Celebration.

CFSC staff had the chance to step away from our daily routines and connect with one another at the Hibulb Cultural Center & Natural History Preserve on the Tulalip Reservation in Marysville, WA. Surrounded by rich cultural exhibits, powerful stories, and beautiful natural surroundings, our team shared meaningful conversations, reflection, and plenty of laughter. It was a memorable day that brought us closer together and reminded us of the value of community and connection.

Olympia Edwards, Director of Community Coalition for CFSC, is leading a Strategic Planning Session with Snohomish County Black Heritage Committee, (SCBHC), guiding the organization through a structured process to redefine their vision, strengthen organizational goals, and establish a sustainable path forward.

Celebrating progress! Team photo with CFSC & SCBHC after a powerful Strategic Planning Meeting filled with honest conversations, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to the work ahead.