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Spring 2013
| Vol 5, Issue 2
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Envision eNewsLeft: AL '13 is looking good and ready to walk on May 18th! Read on to find out how you can join them.
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| Greetings! | Spring is full of new growth for Advancing Leadership; the AL '13 adults are preparing for their ambitious team project, and we're reviewing applications for the 2014 class. The ALY students have finished their program and are preparing for their second year of development in our newest offering: ALY 2.0.
Please consider supporting us in one or more of the following ways: donate to your favorite program, join the AL '13 class for their 5K walk, and encourage a friend, neighbor or coworker to apply for the AL Class of 2014.
Thank you for being an active part of our community!
Teri Hickel
Executive Director
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AL '13 Works to Break the Chains of Human Trafficking
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On Saturday morning, May 18th the Advancing Leadership 2013 class invites you to join them for their team project, "Break the Chains of Human Trafficking 5K Walk, Bike & Scoot".
Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery, and the I-5 corridor is a main artery for transporting trafficked victims. The Seattle area has some of the highest incidence of sex for hire because of it's many ports, major airport, and available hotels along the interstate.The average age of a girl recruited into prostitution in the USA today is 13, and this crime is happening right now in Federal Way.
The "Break the Chains" 5K will kick off at the Federal Way Farmers' Market in the Federal Way Commons parking lot, and follow the BPA trail. Walkers, cyclists and scooter riders of all ages are welcome to attend. Funds raised from this event will support the Federal Way Coalition Against Trafficking (FWCAT) and their work in educating youth in our schools about protecting themselves from traffickers. Click here to register for the event, or to make a donation.
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AL Grad Enables ALY '13 to Act
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 | | Francie Thomas, AL '04 & Students in ALY '13 |
When Francie Thomas, AL '04, was working with her Advancing Leadership class on their team project, she had no way of knowing how it would come back around to her almost a decade later.
The AL '04 class founded Advancing Leadership Youth, which began in the fall of 2004 and has since served over 300 local high school students.
When Francie learned about the ALY '13 project, Volunteen, she was inspired to reach out and invite them to share their anti-bullying message with the students at Sunnycrest Elementary School, where she is the office manager.
"Seeing the huge success of their project and knowing what impact it could have on elementary school students, I just had to call Teri Hickel and ask her if the youth would be open to giving an assembly at Sunnycrest, where I've worked for 17 years," she explains.
The high school students talked to the Sunnycrest students about what bullying is, its effects, and how they could take action to support each other and stop bullying. Hands on activities and a chance to write their names on a "Kindness is Cool" sign as a pledge to be positive kept the kids engaged.
Francie was deeply moved by ALY's influence on her students. "When I saw the ALY kids interacting with Sunnycrest kids at the assembly I was brought to tears. I felt so proud to be a part of the AL group who started the ALY program, and I felt so happy for the Sunnycrest students to whom I am totally committed."
At their graduation, many of the ALY 2013 students cited the Sunnycrest assembly as the highlight of their year. Seeing the way they could inspire younger kids brought home the Advancing Leadership concepts of servant leadership and "leaving a legacy".
Thank you Francie, for enabling our youth to act, and encouraging the hearts of your students.
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ALY Alum Models the Way by Giving Back
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 | | Joshua Mussa, ALY '07 |
When it comes to paying it forward, a little goes a long way. With that in mind, Joshua Mussa, ALY '07, recently took a small stipend given to him as part of a college scholarship and donated it to the Advancing Leadership Youth program.
During the past three years of his attendance at Haverford College, Joshua has been a recipient of the Magill-Rhoads Scholarship, based on his leadership activities during high school and continuing in college.
"As a Magill-Rhoads Scholar, I have the privilege to donate $300 to a non-profit organization of my choice. I wanted to make that gift to ALY - I could not think of a greater organization that impacted my perception of community leadership and engagement."
AL Executive Director Teri Hickel was thrilled to hear from Joshua and discover how far he has progressed. "Joshua's commitment to community involvement and exceptional leadership is a great example for all our ALY participants, and his example of giving back helps pave the way for the new classes. It's what this program is all about."
Joshua has an exciting year ahead. During his senior year, he will be a Global Academic Fellow in Writing at NYU Abu Dhabi, working as a teaching assistant, writing tutor, student life ambassador, and traveling throughout Africa and Europe during the holidays.
Thank you, Joshua, for remembering ALY as you move forward on your leadership journey.
Are you an alum who appreciates the benefits of Advancing Leadership? Consider supporting future leaders by clicking here.
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Applications Available for AL Class of 2014
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 Do you know someone who's ready to lead in Federal Way? Applications are open for the 2013-14 Advancing Leadership adult program. The application is short, simple and online, and tuition assistance is also available.
AL has been training, connecting and inspiring hundreds of emerging leaders in our city since 1998. If you or someone you know is ready for The Leadership Challenge, click the link to the left, or visit our site: advancingleadership.org.
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AL Grad Uses Training to Challenge the Process
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 | | Susan Finn, AL '06 |
Susan Finn, AL '06, is a very busy person, working for a hotel and managing two online businesses, all while studying for her business degree from Highline Community College. But when she moved to the small North Cascades town of Twisp last fall, Susan saw a big need that she couldn't ignore.
"The town is so small they don't even have a bowling alley or anywhere for the kids to hang out," Susan notes. "I saw they had a new teen center and I wanted to volunteer to help so it could stay open. In a small town where there is nothing to do it is easy for the kids to start getting in trouble."
Spare time was hard to come by, and being new to the community, Susan didn't have any connections to the teen center. What she did have was a heart for youth, and her AL leadership training.
"AL gave me the confidence in my abilities so that I have been able to look for volunteer opportunities and take them on without hesitation. It was instrumental in helping me see just how many opportunities are out there to be a community leader if you just look. Because of what I received from attending the AL '06 class I was able to muster up the courage to go see what I could do to help. They asked me if I would head up fundraising and join their board of directors and I said, YES!"
Susan is now deeply involved in the Valley Teen Center, and already seeing some great results. It's quickly becoming the hub of activity for local teens, who are excited to help organize more activities and extend open hours. This experience shows that even just a little time, a little idea and a little initiative can make a huge impact.
If you're ever in the area, visit Susan at the teen center or her 'day job' the Freestone Inn, and look for her online work at ComputerWorks and SonoraJane's.
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Federal Way Soroptimists International Show Support
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A big thank you from all of us to the Federal Way chapter of Soroptimists International for their generous donation of $500 to support our leadership training for local women.
Soroptimist and AL Board Director Janice Siebenaler, AL '10, saw the connection between the personal and professional development offered by Advancing Leadership and the community goals of the Federal Way Soroptimists. Several chapter members are also AL alumni.
Soroptimist's mission is to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. In order to accomplish this goal, the organization administers several international programs, including the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards, which assists women by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills and job prospects.
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AL & ALY Alums in the News
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Don't miss any of the latest updates on your fellow alums: join the AL/ALY Linkedin Group, an exclusive benefit for participants, alums, parents of ALY alums and current/former board members. 
Danielle Dowd, AL '12, had her first baby, Madison, 9/6/12. We're slow in reporting, but it's never too late to enjoy a great baby photo!
Kayla Rhodes, ALY '11, was named Federal Way Rotary's Student of the Month; click here to listen to what she said about ALY during her acceptance of the award at the 4/9/13 FWPS school board meeting (5 min. into video).
Douglas Smith, ALY '13, has been accepted into the 2013 Washington Aerospace Scholars Summer Residency program. Only the top scoring students who complete Phase One of the WAS program are selected for this residency.
Amanda Sahli, AL '12, is the new Director of Employment and Education Programs at the Multi-Service Center. From Amanda: "I couldn't be more grateful and excited for the opportunity. Thank you to AL for all the program taught me about the leader within."
Joshua Dawson, ALY '13, has been elected ASB President at Federal Way High School for the 2013-14 school year.
Rick LaBoyne, AL '02, has been appointed to the City of Auburn Transportation Committee.
Reesha Flavors, ALY '11, is participating in a college study abroad program in Costa Rica.
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