2025 Endorsements

Catti is running for Sunnyside School Board to ensure every child is prepared to learn, feels safe, and graduates with a plan. Her lived experience as a daughter of farmworkers to being a teen mom and first-gen college graduate, gives her a deep understanding on how education transforms lives and opens doors. With over a decade of experience in higher education and nonprofits supporting first-generation and low-income students, she’s ready to serve her community. She believes in strong partnerships between schools, families, and community. 

Visit Catti Alvarez Villanueva’s website to learn more.

Julie was appointed to the Evergreen Board of Directors in 2012, elected in 2013 and re-elected in 2017 and 2021. Julie is proud of increased graduation rates. Her focus and primary goal is to serve the students, staff, families and communities of Evergreen Public Schools. Her belief to provide opportunities for all students to be engaged in their learning will help them become career/college ready. She believes that a strong public education system is key to building successful communities. In addition to serving on the Evergreen Board of Directors, Julie was elected by her peers to serve on the Washington State School Directors Board of Directors in 2020, where she advocates on the behalf of students and public education throughout the state of Washington. Julie is a community leader, in the past she was actively involved in youth sports, as the President of Evergreen Little League. She previously served as the Chair of the Battle Ground Chamber of Commerce.  Julie has a strong background in leadership and finance as her entire career is in the banking industry.

Visit Julie Bocanegra’s website to learn more.

A lifelong public servant, Erika is dedicated to building a safer, fairer, and more inclusive city. A proud Pacific Northwest native, Erika earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington and her law degree from Seattle University School of Law. Erika previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington, where she prosecuted high-level fentanyl and firearm traffickers, hate crimes, violent offenses, and crimes against children in federal court.

Before her federal service, Erika was a pro tem judge in several local municipal courts and worked in the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, as both a City Prosecutor and later as an Assistant City Attorney focused on complex civil litigation. These roles gave her deep insight into both the criminal and civil divisions of the office she now seeks to lead. Erika is deeply engaged in her community. She is a past president of the Loren Miller Bar Association (LMBA) and spent seven years reviving and leading LMBA’s bar studies program to support diverse law graduates entering the legal profession. She also co-chaired the Charles V. Johnson Youth and Law Forum and served on the Washington State Public Engagement and Education Committee. In 2023, she was named co-chair of the Washington Leadership Institute, which prepares diverse young attorneys for leadership roles across the state

Visit Erika Evans’ website. 

Dionne Foster has spent the last 15 years working towards improved access and outcomes for all people, but especially the most vulnerable. Dionne put herself through college with grants, loans and working part-time jobs. She was honored to earn the Spirit of King Award as an undergraduate for her commitment to civil rights and justice and the Dennis-Weathers award for dedication to increasing cross-cultural awareness. While working as a waitress after graduation, Dionne welcomed her son and was able to do so with the support of affordable healthcare through Apple Health. She then went on to earn her Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington, where she returned to train students as an adjunct faculty member. Later, the Seattle Downpayment Assistance Program made homeownership possible for Dionne and her family, providing the foundation for housing stability and generational wealth.

Because of the opportunities she was given, Dionne has been able to commit her career to the service of improving people’s lives through work in nonprofits, government and philanthropy.

She lives in South Seattle with her son and their COVID rescue dog. She’s a lifetime WNBA fan (Go Storm!) and loves to be outside, rain, snow or shine. Dionne is a proud gardener and donates some of her yield every year to our local food banks.

Learn more by visiting Dionne Foster’s website. 

As a parent of three children, Ginny wants the best learning opportunities for her children and for all students in our community. She has seen first-hand the positive impacts a collaborative team can have on a student’s success. She will continue to work hard to put students first and to dedicate myself to making decisions that will best benefit our students and schools. Her focus is to improve the quality of education for every student by continuing to invest in them through equity and inclusion, innovation and technology, quality educators and facilities that foster growth.

Visit Ginny Gronwoldt’s website.

As a mother, therapist, and longtime resident of Sunnyside, Monica is running because she believes our students and families deserve a strong advocate on their side. For over 24 years, she has been supporting youth and families through trauma-informed mental health services. She believes in a whole-child approach—supporting students’ academic, emotional, and physical well-being.

Monica will lead by listening first, working collaboratively, and building trust through action and transparency. From classroom resources and student safety to parent engagement and real mental health support, she is committed to making sure our schools work for every family and every child has the opportunity to thrive.

Note: OneAmerica Votes has issued a dual endorsement for Position 1 on the Sunnyside School Board.

Visit Monica Guillen’s website.

First elected in November 2021, Kim D. Harless has served on the council since January 2022, bringing a deep commitment to the environment, equity, and affordable housing. Harless currently works full-time as the Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement Manager for the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) at their Vancouver office. Harless represents the City Council on multiple regional boards and commissions, including as Chair of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency, and as an alternate on the C-TRAN Board of Directors. Harless also personally serves on the board of Fourth Plain Forward, a community development corporation that supports BIPOC entrepreneurs, small businesses, and advances revitalization in historically underserved neighborhoods. Harless is also an alum of Heritage High School, Clark College, Washington State University Vancouver with a degree in Environmental Science. Harless also previously served as an elected official serving as Clark County Charter Review Commissioner representing District 1 and elected co-chair by the other fourteen elected commissioners. Harless identifies as Two-Spirit, Indigenous, Chicana, multi-racial, and is a parent of a teenager in high school.

Visit Kim Harless’ website. 

Raquel is a proud Latina, lifelong Sunnyside resident, and Nurse for the Migrant Education Program, where she advocates for migrant students and their families to break down barriers to education, health, and opportunity.

As a proud daughter of immigrants Raquel has lived the challenges our communities face, systemic inequities, language barriers, and underrepresentation in decision making. She is running for school board to be a strong unapologetic voice for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, immigrant, and historically marginalized students. Together, we can ensure our schools become safe, inclusive, and equitable spaces where every child’s brilliance is recognized and nurtured.

Visit Raquel Isquierdo Lopez’ website to learn more. 

Joe Mizrahi is a longtime Seattle neighbor, labor leader, parent, and advocate for equity in public education. A first-generation American and person of color, Joe grew up in a public school system where he saw firsthand the impact of systemic inequities—and the power of dedicated educators. Both of his parents were special education teachers who championed inclusion, and his wife, Liz, is an elementary school principal focused on dual-language learning and equity-based leadership.

As a parent of three SPS kids, Joe brings professional experience and a personal investment in our district’s success. His background in law, nonprofit leadership, and coalition-building makes him a thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded leader for District 4.

Visit Joe Mizrahi’s website.

Edwin Obras immigrated to the United States as a child from the Philippines and was the first in his family to graduate from college.

He earned a B.A. from the University of Washington and later a Master of Public Administration from Northeastern University, reflecting his strong academic foundation. Professionally, Edwin has over 25 years of experience in the human services field, working for nonprofit organizations in King County and for the City of Seattle. He spent 17 years with Seattle’s Human Services Department, rising to the position of Deputy Division Director, and previously served as the division’s Budget and Policy Director and Contracts Manager.

His work in Seattle focused on critical social issues – homelessness, anti-hunger efforts, youth development, community safety, and supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Representative Edwin Obras just finished his first session in the Washington State Legislature. He’s a member of the Healthcare & Well-Being Committee, the Labor & Workforce Standards Committee, and the Community Safety, Justice, & Reentry Committee—demonstrating his strong focus on improving quality of life, protecting workers’ rights, and enhancing public safety.

Visit Edwin Obras’ website.  

Alexis Mercedes Rinck has a reputation for bringing people together around solutions – and making them happen. She has spent her life taking on the tough fights: championing regional agreements at the Sound Cities Association and KCRHA, organizing marches against the actions of the Trump Administration, and educating communities about corporate money’s influence in elections and policy.

Having witnessed firsthand the impacts of incarceration, homelessness and substance use disorder, Alexis fights for progressive change and housing equity because she knows what it is to struggle. Having won a special election for District 8 on the city council last fall, she believes that it’s time for the next generation of Seattle leaders to step up and shape the city’s future.

A renter, transit rider, former restaurant worker, and multi-racial woman, Alexis will bring important representation and an abundance of expertise to the City Council to ensure Seattle is affordable, safe and welcoming for all.

Visit Alexis Mercedes Rinck’s website to learn more. 

Anna M. Saenz, a passionate advocate for education and dedicated member of the Sunnyside community, is running for School Board Position District 1. As a single mother of two, Anna understands the importance of quality education and the impact it can have on the lives of students and families.

Born and raised in Sunnyside, Anna is deeply connected to the community. Her parents, immigrants to the United States, worked tirelessly to provide a better life for their children. Growing up witnessing their sacrifices, Anna developed a strong work ethic and a profound appreciation for opportunity education can offer.

Note: OneAmerica Votes has issued a dual endorsement for Position 1 on the Sunnyside School Board.

Visit Anna M. Saenz’s website.

Osman Salahuddin was raised in Redmond, where he has spent nearly his entire life. His drive to serve his community is rooted in his parents’ immigrant journey in pursuit of the American Dream. His mother has dedicated 20 years as a union-represented special education preschool paraeducator, while his father is a 35+ year small business owner. When hate surged during Trump’s first term, Osman was inspired by his parents’ resilience to stand up for the values that protect everyone.

After graduating from local public schools in the 48th LD, Osman attended the University of Washington, where he graduated with a BS in neurobiology while serving in his first foray in elected office as Student Body President, representing 45,000 students. He led on student issues like equity, international student health insurance, and affordable housing.

Before being elected, Osman worked as a researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center as well as the UW Medical Center in the Emergency Department. He has served his community on the Redmond City Council, worked for the King County Council, and contributed to non-profit boards and committees, including the Transportation Choices Coalition Board, LWSD Career and Technical Education Committee, and Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment Board.

Visit Osman Salahuddin’s website. 

Evaristo’s father is an immigrant; he came to this country for a better life for him and his family. He was to able create that life for Evaristo and his sisters. He has always been a hard worker and instilled in his children the belief that they could have anything they wanted so long as they were willing to work for it.

Evaristo’s goal is to showcase the great things that immigrant brings to this country, and to strive to teach immigrants like his father that their voices matter and they too can be leaders in the communities that they have given so much for. 

Visit Evaristo’s website to learn more. 

Sharn Shoker is a mom, policy leader, and lifelong Kent resident with a bold vision for a more connected, inclusive, and thriving city. She and her husband are raising their son in the same neighborhoods where they grew up, and where her husband’s family business continues to serve the community. Rooted in family and fueled by purpose, Sharn brings heart, strategy, and a results-driven mindset to every space she enters.

With over a decade of leadership in social and human services, Sharn has built a career advancing policies that improve lives—especially for youth and families. She began her public service in education policy with the Kent School District and went on to lead major initiatives at Asian Counseling and Referral Service and The Mockingbird Society, where she most recently served as Director of Public Policy and Advocacy. Her work has directly shaped statewide reforms and increased access to critical services for underserved communities.

Sharn holds a Master’s degree in Policy Studies from the University of Washington and is a proud product of Kent’s public schools—including Emerald Park Elementary, Meeker Middle School, and Kentridge High School. She currently serves on the board of the Kent-based Randhawa Foundation, is an active member of the Kent Rotary Club, and frequently partners with local leaders to advance grassroots solutions.

Visit Sharn Shoker’s website to learn more. 

Wendy Smith was first elected as Vancouver Public Schools Director in 2017. As a classroom teacher of 21 years and the mother of two, she understands from firsthand experience that children and communities do better when strong school boards use leadership and initiative to serve students first. A product of VPS, she was first in her family to graduate from college, earning degrees from both University of Washington and Washington State University. She is an active leader in her local labor union, and has also mentored and trained several women leaders as school board candidates and newly elected directors. Wendy has dedicated her life to public education, and is committed to creating a school system that is equitable for all, responsive to community needs, and provides each and every student an innovative, excellent education that will prepare them as future leaders, thinkers, creators, and contributors.

Visit Wendy Smith’s website.

Brianna Thomas represents the 34^th District, which includes West Seattle, Vashon Island, Maury Island, White Center, west Burien, downtown Seattle, and Georgetown. Brianna has spent her entire career in public service and community advocacy. Prior to her appointment to the Legislature in 2025, Brianna worked as a staffer in the Washington State Senate, policy advisor in the Seattle Mayor’s Office, field director at the Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund, and a campaign manager for the $15 minimum wage in SeaTac. Brianna is a graduate of the University of Washington. Brianna lives in West Seattle and loves dinner theater.

Girmay Zahilay, Chair of the King County Council, is a proven leader committed to tackling the region’s toughest challenges: housing, public safety, and economic opportunity. Now, he’s running for County Executive to deliver bold, collaborative solutions that improve life for everyone in King County. 

Girmay’s urgency comes from personal experience. Raised in South Seattle by a single mother after his family arrived as refugees, he experienced homelessness, lived in public housing, and relied on food stamps. He knows firsthand how hard it is to make ends meet. Today, he’s a husband and father raising his own family in King County, and that’s what drives him to make government work better for everyone. 

As Council Chair and a Sound Transit board member, Girmay has delivered real results for the region. He helped raise the minimum wage for thousands of workers, led the charge to build crisis care centers across the county, invested in thousands of new affordable homes near public transit, championed transit safety in the Rainier Valley, and secured long-overdue investments in underserved neighborhoods like Skyway. These wins reflect his commitment to action and equity.

Visit Girmay Zahilay’s website.

My name is Sandra Zesati, and I am the daughter of two wonderful immigrant parents. I have been married for the past 20 years, and have three children that attend Sunnyside School District.

I was born and raised in Sunnyside and decided to run for School Board Director for District #4 to represent our community, students, and families. I am very passionate when it comes to volunteering and advocating for my community. I currently work in higher education, where I am able to help students in their college journey and walk along side them through the barriers that come with underrepresented, first generation, and marginalized communities. I have a very supportive family and community and I want to be able to give my time back to the community that has seen me grow and be successful.

Visit Sandra Zesati’s website to learn more.