Hourglass: United Way of King County

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our young professionals’ group, Emerging Leaders 365, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary.

Emerging Leaders commit to giving $1 a day (or $365 a year), then come together to participate in volunteer projects and connect with like-minded residents at issue-focused events.

For this episode, we chatted with Emerging Leaders members and United Way staff about the group's 10-year impact.

We will also spotlight another upcoming Emerging Leaders outing, Happy Hours and Hellos, as well as our new giving program, Un...

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Good news happens. This week's episode is the second in a series about civic engagement leading up to next month’s midterm elections.

We sat down with United Way president and CEO Blair Taylor for a conversation on topics including why it’s important for organizations like United Way to have a presence in the public policy/civic engagement arena.

We will also discuss our new giving program, United Circle, as well as an upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event.

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Good news happens. This week's episode is the first in a series about civic engagement leading up to this year’s midterm elections.

Hourglass sat down with Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and Amanda Sandoval, United Way director of Systems change and public policy, for a conversation on topics including what the Secretary of State’s office anticipates amid federal attempts to change the electoral process and how the work of United Way and the Office of Secretary of State intersect?

We will also spotlight our new giving prog...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about a workforce development partnership for youth and young adults in South Seattle.

United Way-supported grantees Reclaiming our Greatness and Glover EmpowerMentoring are teaming up to launch the GEM to Greatness Collaborative. The partnership will equip youth and young adults with the knowledge, skills, relationships, and support needed to build healthy and financially secure lives.

We’ll chat with Reclaiming Our Greatness founder and director Marshaun Barber and Glover EmpowerMentoring founder and director Kendrick Glover about their partnership and each or...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about the sport of ultimate frisbee with staff from All Girl Everything Ultimate Program (AGE-UP), a Seattle-based, United Way-supported organization that uses the sport to foster community, build leadership, and teach social justice.

Hourglass sat down with AGE UP’s Co-Executive Director Ash Escobar and program manager Anthony “Zig” Ziegler to discuss the local origins, growth, and impact of ultimate frisbee. We will also chat with United Way director of Education Strategies, Joy Sebe, about AGE Up’s work as part of United W...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our Engagement Coordinators and highlights Brendlyon Linton, who is stepping down from the role after 26 years in the role.

United Way’s Engagement Coordinators help us strengthen relationships with our workplace partners, support campaigns and events, and connect more people to United Way’s work throughout King County.

In this episode, we will chat with Brendlyon about topics including how she and other Engagement Coordinators inspire and challenge communities to do more to care for their neighbors in need. 

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Good news happens. This week's episode is our monthly commentary and perspective from United Way president and CEO Blair Taylor.

This month, Blair will discuss his take on the state of American education from the perspectives of a parent, an adjunct professor, and the leader of a nonprofit organization. And he’ll also discuss how United Way of King County is working to make quality education affordable and accessible to young people in our county.

We will also discuss an upcoming Happy Hour and Hellos event, and an event sp...

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Good news happens. United Way of King County joined more than 350 attendees from other United Way agencies at the West Regional Conference in Portland, OR.

Members of United Way of King County staff led discussions on many facets of our work, including our public-private partnerships that generate resources and support for community-based organizations running early learning programs.

For this week’s episode, we sat down with our education strategies director, Joy Sebe, and community impact manager, Holly Lackey, for a conversation on topics including the importance of sharing best pr...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about the past and future of the Seattle Indian Services Commission.

The United Way supported commission was launched in 1972 to provide housing and planning services and programs to address the needs of Indigenous residents in King County. 

For this episode, we’ll chat with Commission chair Iris Friday and its Development Manager Demarus Tevuk about the commission’s history and its plans for a Native Village and Gateway project that will provide affordable housing holistic family services, and economic opportunities for I...

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Good news happens. This week's episode is the first in a monthly series that will feature commentary and perspective from United Way president and CEO Blair Taylor.

In July, Blair became United Way’s third president and CEO since 2000, and we’re excited to have Blair speak directly to our listeners on topics including his vision for our organization and the unique impact we can make to address concerns in our communities.

We will also spotlight our Community Partnership Kit Offerings and an upcoming Seattle Storm game that will bene...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our partnership with Puget Sound Energy, a Bellevue-based company that for more than 150 years has been synonymous with providing power to residents and businesses.

We sat down with Carol Wallace, Puget Sound Energy’s director of customer operations, and Carrie Bates, United Way director of institutional philanthropy, for a discussion on topics including our partnership that helps customers save on their energy bills and Puget Sound Energy’s energy assistance programs that folks can take advantage of right now.

We w...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about storytelling.

We chatted with Loren Niemi, lifelong storyteller and founder of the Minneapolis-based American School of Storytelling, about topics including his four storytelling techniques for social change and whether those techniques have been used to address an issue our county has been grappling with for years—homelessness and housing.

We also chatted with United Way chief impact officer Regina Malveaux, our Senior Director of Philanthropic Engagement, Gary Rubin, and marketing strategist Kayla Dunn about how our organization uses storytelling to...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about our partnership with the Stolte Family Foundation.

The foundation’s support for United Way and our programs, like ParentChild+, has enabled us to invest in maternal wellness, early learning, and the strengthening of parent-child relationships.

For this episode, we will chat with Kim Wright, executive director of the Stolte Family Foundation and Stolte Family Organizations/Joy Sebe, United Way director of education strategies, on topics including the Stolte Family Foundation’s commitment to ParentChild+ and its partnership with United Way...

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Good news happens. Perhaps you’ve seen or heard about the outdoor and indoor murals that recently went up at United Way’s Second Avenue office. For this week’s episode, we’ll tell the story behind those murals.

We sat down with mural artists Teddy Stat Phillips and Maya Milton, Alexandra Nason of Urban Artworks, the organization that partnered with United Way on the project, and Taylor Roberson, United Way’s associate director of Marketing, who led the project.

We will also spotlight our Free Summer Meals program and our Co...

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Good news happens. As the FIFA men’s World Cup wrapped up on July 19, this week’s episode closes out our coverage of the tournament’s impact on local communities and organizations.

We spotlight El Centro de la Raza, a local United Way-supported nonprofit that sent two dozen youths from its middle and high school programs to the final World Cup match via free tickets from the City of Seattle Mayor’s office.

We chatted with El Centro youths and staff about the once-in-a-lifetime World Cup experience and about how the...

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Good news happens. This episode features a conversation with Nneka Payne of CHOOSE 180, a United Way-supported, Burien-based organization that works to transform systems of injustice and support young people impacted by those systems.

CHOOSE 180 recently expanded its work into Pierce County and has plans to go statewide. We chatted with Nneka about topics including an update on CHOOSE 180’s expansion, the organization’s efforts to connect with local youths, and an upcoming CHOOSE 180 outdoor event in Pioneer Square.

We will discuss an event celebrating the return of the annual Summ...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about civic engagement with NAWDIM, the Native American Women’s Dialog on Infant Mortality.

NAWDIM is a Seattle-based, United Way-supported collective of Indigenous care providers, community members, grandmothers, and allies who provide advocacy, education, and support for Indigenous infants, mothers, and families in Washington State.

NAWDIM is currently working with the Seattle-based Native Organizers Alliance on a national research project to amplify concerns of Indigenous people before, during, and after elections. 

We’ll chat with NAWDIM co-coordinators Shelley Means...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with our new president and CEO, Blair Hamilton Taylor, who once served as chair of United Way’s Board of Directors. We will chat with Blair about topics including his decision to return to United Way, his time on the board, his vision for the organization, and the words of wisdom he lives by. 

We will discuss an event celebrating the return of the annual Summer Meals Program and our Community Partnership Kit Offerings.

Thanks for tuning in!

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Good news happens. The FIFA Men’s World Cup has taken our area by storm, and on July 1, six youths from the United Way-supported nonprofit 4-C Coalition will take part in the flag-bearing ceremony for the Round of 32 World Cup matchup at Seattle Stadium.

 For this episode of Hourglass, we sat down for a chat with 4-C director Hazel Cameron and Toroid Ryan, Community Strategies Consultant for 4-C, who will serve as a chaperone for the youths during the Flag Bearing Ceremony. The two discussed the importance of being part of the...

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The FIFA World Cup men’s soccer tournament is underway, and the area’s first match will be held on Monday, June 15, at the newly renamed Seattle Stadium. But for all its excitement, the World Cup has raised local concerns, particularly regarding some of our area’s most vulnerable populations. 

Hourglass recently sat down with Derrick Belgarde of the Chief Seattle Club, a United Way-funded organization that provides shelter, services, and spiritual support to Indigenous people experiencing homelessness. Chief Seattle Club is in the Pioneer Square neighborhood, adjacent to Seattle Stadium, where m...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about the Blake Nordstrom Scholarship, which each year provides 20 local college students with $5,000 each for basic needs and other expenses.

We sat down with Emily Portillo, United Way Bridge to Finish Senior Program Manager, to discuss her work with the Nordstrom Scholarship, its impact on local students and colleges, and how students can apply now, as applications are accepted through June 30th.

We will also spotlight an upcoming United Way Happy Hour and Hellos event this month in North Seattle...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with United Way partner Symetra Financial Corporation, a Bellevue-based diversified financial services company. Symetra has partnered with United Way for more than 15 years through programs such as Bridge to Finish, a United Way one-stop resource on local college campuses that helps students access services to complete their education.

We’ll chat with Sharmila Swenson, Symetra's Vice President of Public Affairs and Social Impact, and Beth Osborne, Symetra’s Director of Public Affairs and Strategic Community Partnerships, on topics including how our Bridge to F...

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Good news happens. This week's episode is about Mary's Place, a United Way supported, Seattle-based organization that provides resources and support to King County families experiencing homelessness.

 We’ll chat with Mary’s Place’s prevention & stability director Miriam Clithero, and its community impact director, Alyson Moon, about the organization’s approach to addressing homelessness, its partnership with United Way and ways the organization has pivoted amid the everchanging housing crisis.

 We will also spotlight United Ways June Happy Hour and Hellos event in North Seatle and a July outing in...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Pack the Bus, United Way’s May 20th volunteer initiative in partnership with Communities in Schools Greater King County. 

Pack the Bus is designed to support students and families during the summer months by providing a busload of essential items, including food, hygiene supplies, and activities.

We sat down with Communities in Schools director Jamie Greene and Alexis Silva, United Way senior community and volunteer engagement manager, to discuss the importance of keeping kiddos nourished and engaged all summer lon...

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Good news happens. This episode is the second in a two-part series on United Way of King County staff members visiting Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state.

 Today’s episode looks at our visit to the recent United Way Worldwide Advocacy Forum and Capitol Hill Day in D.C. 

 More than 300 United Way leaders from 47 states and Puerto Rico gathered for the Advocacy Forum to share best practices, craft policy strategies, and meet with Senate and Congressional leaders on Capitol Hill to discuss issues such...

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Good news happens. This week's episode is the first of a two-part series on United Way of King County staff members visiting Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state.

This episode looks at our visit to last week’s Food Research and Action Center National Anti-Hunger Policy Conference in D.C., where we and other advocates nationwide spoke with members of Congress and the US Senate about combatting hunger and food insecurity.

Hourglass sat down with Sara Seelmeyer, United Way’s director of Ending Hunger, and...

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Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about homeownership with Anzhane Slaughter of the Seattle-based organization Young Black Homeowners and Dawn Bennett of the Kent-based, United Way-supported organization African American Leadership Forum. Anzhane and Dawn have partnered on a program that provides six-figure down payment assistance to Black and Brown families seeking to purchase homes in our area. 

We'll also offer one last reminder about this year's Free Tax Preparation Campaign for those who still have time to file, and we'll discuss a local volunteer opportunity. 

Thanks for tu...

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Good news happens. This episode is the third installment of a three-part series on 2026 state, county, and city policy. 

We'll chat with Nancy Lu, United Way public policy coordinator, and Amanda Sandoval, United Way's director of systems change and policy, on topics such as takeaways from this year's State Legislative Session, updates on city and county policies, and an upcoming United Way staff visit to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal lawmakers from Washington state.

We'll also offer one last reminder about this year's Free Tax Preparation Campaign f...

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Good news happens. This episode features a conversation about taxes with Ryan McFerran, United Way Senior Financial Stability Program Manager, and Ramon Ortiz, an Assistant Teaching Professor at the University of Washington Law School and managing director of the law school’s Federal Tax Clinic.

We’ll discuss topics including United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign, which is currently in full swing, and information for ITIN filers. 

We’ll also provide information on one of our most popular Free Tax Prep sites, at Southcenter Mall.

And we’ll als...

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Good news happens. For this episode, we’ll talk about financial planning with James McBain, senior vice president and regional director of wealth planning and trust advisory at US Bank Private Wealth Management. 

Hourglass was pleased to have James on as a guest for a similar episode this time last year. For this episode, James will discuss topics like planned giving and donor-advised funds, and he’ll also offer year-round financial insight for people who qualify for United Way’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign, which is currently in full swing.

We’ll...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Sacred Land Collective, an Auburn-based, Black-owned, 78-acre partnership that offers programs, retreat spaces, and cultural ceremonies for people to gather, rest, and heal. United Way and its partners have held retreats at Sacred Land Collective, and for this episode, we’ll chat with Sacred Land Collective co-founder and Director Omi King and event manager Jaylon Nazario about the collective’s efforts to cultivate healing for Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities.

We’ll also chat Mari Hirabayashi, United Way Events & Marketing Manager, on our...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Bookie Gates of Baseball Beyond Borders, a Kent-based, United Way-supported youth development organization that combines baseball and softball with mentorship and education. 

We’ll chat with Bookie about Baseball Beyond Borders' recent Seattle-HBCU baseball series and how he’s working to keep interest in the sport alive among local youth of color.

We’ll also talk about our Free Tax Preparation Campaign and a local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

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This week's episode features a conversation with Norine Hill, founder and director of Mother Nation, a Seattle-based, United Way-supported organization that provides cultural healing services, housing support, and other resources for Indigenous women and families. 

We’ll chat with Norine about Mother Nation’s origins, its impact, and what she believes King County must do to address its housing crisis.

We’ll also discuss our Free Tax Preparation Campaign and local volunteer opportunity.

Thanks for tuning in!

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Good news happens. This week's episode is a conversation with Kristi Brown, the renowned chef and owner of That Brown Girl Cooks catering and Communion Restaurant and Bar in Seattle.

United Way is proud to say we have supported Kristi on her way to becoming one of our nation’s most highly acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs. For this episode, we will chat with Kristi about her passion and drive for her craft, her connections to United Way, and her new dining venture in Seattle. 

We will also discuss our ong...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation about Parent Child Plus with its new CEO, Stephen Cockrell.

United Way is proud to support the national ParentChild+ program and its local agencies as part of our commitment to early learning. United Way caught up with Cockrell recently when the new leader of the New York-based national organization visited the Seattle area. 

We chatted with him about stepping into his new role, the current state of early learning nationally, and how Washington state and organizations like United Way help p...

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This week's episode features a conversation about SNAP, namely, who is going to cover the costs to keep the federal nutrition program running?

Hourglass recently sat down with Elsa Young, United Way Food Security Impact Manager, about a recent nationwide advocacy effort to delay federal mandates to shift some of SNAP benefits costs to states, how Washington state is responding to impending changes to the program, and ways you can make your voice heard to help determine the fate and future of SNAP.

We will also discuss United Way’s...

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Good news happens. This week's episode features a conversation with Teresa Mosqueda, a current King County council member and former member of the City of Seattle council. 

Teresa has been a steadfast supporter of United Way programs and services that benefit our community, including our Free Tax Preparation campaign that is up and running at locations throughout King County.

In this episode, we chat with Teresa about topics such as the changing landscape of local politics, the county’s recent motion on funding for federal Department of Homeland Security age...

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Good news happens. This episode features a discussion about United Way’s Black Community Building Collective, a group of more than a dozen Black-led nonprofits that share best practices, craft strategies, and use United Way resources to help bring power to King County’s Black community. 

For this episode, we will chat with four members of the Black Community Building Collective about the Collective’s impact since its launch in 2020 amid the George Floyd tragedy.

We will also discuss an upcoming United Way event and a local volunteer opportunity.

Th...

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Good news happens. It’s Tax Season, and that means United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Campaign is up and running. From now until April 19, qualified residents can have their taxes done free, either virtually or at one of our 20 locations across King County.

In this week’s episode, we sat down with Ryan McFerran, United Way senior program manager for tax credits and financial stability, and corporate relations manager, Carrie Bates, United Way, for a discussion about our Free Tax Prep Campaign, what to expect when filing this y...

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Good news happens. This week’s episode is the second installment of a three-part series on 2026 state, county, and city policy. 

We’ll discuss the City of Seattle and King County governments, both of which gained new leaders from last year’s election. 

We sat down with Amanda Sandoval, United Way's director of systems change and policy, to discuss how our elected leaders at the city and county levels will address issues such as housing, childcare, and challenges posed by federal funding cutbacks.

We will also discuss our Free...