Greetings!

 

2013 Award Winners Lori & Bob

In 2012, the Advancing Leadership Board of Directors created the Bob Wroblewski Servant Leadership Alumni Award.  The BWSLAA recognizes our alumni who are engaged in transformational servant leadership.

The 2013 recipient of the BWSLAA - or Bob Award - is Lori Santamaria, AL '10.  Lori has given her time to support the arts in schools, FUSION and many other nonprofits, and led efforts to bring the US Dive Trials to Federal Way.  She donated her services as bartender at the AL Evening with the Stars event in October, where her selection was announced.

In her nomination, Alex Charoni, AL '10, stated: "Lori is one of the most well-known servant leaders in our community. Once she commits to a project or idea Lori is full steam ahead! Pairing skills and experience with her unique spirit produces results that not only meet objectives but lift others up as well. Lori represents the perfect blend of competence and compassion."  

Bob Wroblewski, AL founding member and the BWSLAA namesake, was on hand at Evening with the Stars to congratulate Lori.  What he didn't realize was that the AL Board had an award to present to him as well!

"We recognized Bob for his legacy of being a servant leader. His willing desire to immerse himself in organizations, as a volunteer, with a goal  of improving the overall community, coupled with his support of leadership development, led to his choice as our special Legacy Award winner," explained Chief Al Church, AL '99 and Board President.

 

Also nominated for the 2013 BWSLAA, or 'Bob' Award:

 

Lydia Assefa

Margery Godfrey

 

Margery Godfrey, AL '13: "Margery has had a major impact on Federal Way for the good, creating working relationships, growing awareness of the challenges within out community and working on sound evidence-based solutions."

 

Diana Graddon, AL '12: "Diana has spent countless hours with all three AL programs to improve our training. I know AL

Diana Graddon

consumes a chunk of her "third eight" but I believe we steal a bit of her "first eight" as well. AL and ALY are part of her legacy."

 

Don Hall

Don Hall, AL '13: "Don has taken the mission and lessons of AL to heart. As a recent graduate he has invested his heart, his time and his energy in the cause his class adopted - human trafficking. When Don saw a need in our community and realized that he had the power/potential to affect change - he jumped in with both feet."

 

Andy Hwang

Andy Hwang, AL '00: "Andy is a good citizen, and outstanding law enforcement leader, and someone who is active and volunteers consistently in the community.  He is a person of character and integrity and he represents the organizations he is involved with in a positive, professional, and competent manner."

Jon McIntosh

 

Jon McIntosh, AL '99: "Jon continues to exemplify that which Advancing Leadership is all about. He has a personal vision that often challenges current processes, leads from his heart, empowers others along the way, and creates a shared and inspiring image of a better future.

 

Janice Siebenaler

Janice Siebenaler, AL '10: "With so many different fields of involvement she is known throughout the community; if you ask Janice to help she will get the job done.  She does it with a cheerful and committed  attitude.  Just being around her helps to give you a positive outlook and she reflects that in everything she does."

Francie Thomas

 

Francie Thomas, AL '04: "Francie quietly serves and always promotes the AL and ALY programs. She is an advocate for Sunnycrest families who reside in one of the highest poverty areas in Washington State. Francie gives a great deal of time and talent to doing things that help remove barriers to students having a successful educational experience."

 

Thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination, and congratulations to all of this year's nominees!

 

Celebrity waiters shine at Evening with the Stars!

October 5th was a night to remember this year, as over 150 guests filled the Federal Way Community Center to celebrate leadership development for all.

Advancing Leadership's 2013 Evening with the Stars dinner and auction boasted a star-studded staff, with local dignitaries in aprons and smiles serving the tables.  The auction tables were filled with more goodies than ever before, and the introduction of a dessert auction and no host bar had guests enjoying a fun and filling dinner as they talked, laughed and tried to outbid each other.

Thanks to the hard work of the AL Alumni Committee, the Grace Church 'catering' team, and dozens of volunteers, as well as the humbling generosity of the AL Nation, our only fundraising event of the year raised close to $20,000!

Once again, we are grateful to everyone who participated in Evening with the Stars, including event sponsors Sterling Savings Bank, Umpqua Bank and Woodstone Credit Union.  Make sure and mark your calendar for Saturday, October 4th, 2014 and join us for next year's event.

Deanne Plunkett, AL's new staffer

One of the exciting changes at Advancing Leadership this fall is the addition of a new staffer: Deanne Plunkett.  Deanne joined us in September, just in time for the kickoff of our adult program and our big fundraising dinner.  She jumped in with both feet, and has already made herself an invaluable part of our team.  In addition to working for us, she is in the AL '14 class.

 

We asked Deanne to tell you a little bit about herself:

 

"I am a native Washingtonian - I grew up in Burien.  I went to Western WA University, where I got a BA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. After college I worked as a manager in the medical field until I had my first daughter, Kaitlin.  I stayed home and raised my two daughters until I went back to work two years ago.  I worked as a front office manager at a community health center in West Seattle for two years until I started working for Advancing Leadership.   I am very active as a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  My youngest daughter, Alison, is living with CF, so we formed a team called "Alison's Angels" and participate in and plan several events throughout  the year. I am very excited to be a part of Advancing Leadership - both as a staff person, and a member of AL 2014!"

 

Please join us in giving Deanne a very warm welcome.

 

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.

Kelly Maloney, AL '08, has been elected to retain her seat as a City of Federal Way Councilwoman. 

 

Laura Belvin, AL '12, has been appointed to the City of Federal Way's Parks and Recreation Commission.  

 

Amy Johnson, AL '08, has co-authored a new book: 

 

Matt Tibbles, AL '06, is the chairperson for the Empowering Youth Task Force in Ketchikan, Alaska. This task force oversees Ketchikan's Challenge Day, a program that inspired activities now used in our ALY curriculum.  Matt is also on the board of directors for the Ketchikan Youth Initiative.