Katie Watkins: Florist, Blooms and Twine Floral Design, explains how her small floral business supports the local economy and community. By focusing on inclusion, Watkins showcases the experiences and products of her environment, improving the local community for all. As a community business owner, she shows how her experiences allowed her to create the world that she wants to see on a small scale.
David B. Williams: Naturalist and Writer, discusses the connections between people and place, exploring how the landscape influences people and how people influence the landscape. Through his writings about the natural history of the Puget Sound, he inspires his readers to protect the places in which they live. He encourages people to be observant of the natural world, allowing the realization that everyone’s actions matter in our civil society.
Christopher Williams: Former Acting Superintendent, Seattle Parks, explains how his experience with the public parks system taught him about the power of authenticity and being an engaged and interested listener. These skills allow for disagreements without villainization when communicating with others. Williams showcases how he listened to and empathized with a community’s concern while continuing to amplify the park system’s mission of equity, inclusion, and access.
Purcell Parker: A lifelong football and baseball coach, Central Area Youth Association (CAYA), speaks to how sports are more than just sports. Parker reflects on life lessons learned and taught in his time working with young people in Seattle’s Central District. In particular, he discusses the role of development, the journey of life, and taking the long view as young people grow into adults and as we affect the communities around us.
Annette Heide-Jessen: Small Business Owner, KaffeeklatschCoffee shop owner and entrepreneur Annette Heide-Jessen speaks to the role of a small business owner in civic life. In addition to providing a community gathering space in her coffee shop and bakery, Heide-Jessen provides connections for neighbors and support for others who aspire to start their own businesses. In particular, she speaks to the importance of listening, using your voice, and developing “the courage to go out there and talk to people.”
Steve Boyd: Former President of the Governors’ School for Citizen Leadership, reinforces the importance for each of us to step up and take action to build our community. In his work at the Washington Governor’s School for Citizen Leadership, he created opportunities for students to discover how they make a difference in our community, and to be empowered to take initiative to shape our region.
Kyle Boyd: Vice President of Fan Development, Seattle Kraken, explains his work of leveraging the power of sport to develop young people, foster community, and engage in civic life. Working on behalf of the Seattle Kraken, Boyd dedicates his time to developing fan interest around hockey by connecting with schools and other partner organizations using sport as a way to promote personal and community health, well-being, and connection.
Knute Berger: Editor-at-Large, Cascade PBS; Writer and Host, Mossback’s Northwest, explores the value of local history in rooting us in place and informing our civic process. In his work at Cascade PBS, he tells stories that explore our history from the perspective of now, investigating the complexity of our past and how our region has changed over time. He works to build our historical foundation to enable citizens to engage in the civic process with greater creativity and sense of possibility.
Overview: Discover what it takes to run for public office in Washington state, from filing for candidacy and raising campaign funds to meeting voters and handling the pressures of public life. Featuring insights from former state senator Laura Loveland and political consultants, this video explores the personal motivations, challenges, and rewards of campaigning for office. Viewers learn how candidates connect with communities, build trust with voters, and navigate the realities of modern elections while strengthening democracy through civic participation and public service.
Overview: Out of the many Party Leadership roles, the Whip is perhaps the most commonly recognized, why is that? Go behind the scenes of Washington State’s legislative process to explore the role of the caucus whip. This video explains how whips help manage legislative floor operations, count votes, track member attendance, and coordinate communication within House and Senate caucuses. Learn why bills are rarely brought to the floor without enough support to pass, how whips work with lawmakers to address concerns, and why collaboration—not “arm twisting”—is often the key to moving legislation forward in Olympia.