Staff

Liz Huizar grew up in Southern California and is the daughter of Mexican immigrants. As a first-generation college graduate, Liz knew she wanted to make a difference and thus pursued a career in education. In 2018, Liz moved to the Pacific Northwest starting as a direct service staff and eventually leading and directing youth programs throughout the county. Her areas of passion align in developing leadership capacities and integrating culture into educational spaces. Whenever not working, Liz enjoys traveling to Mexico with her husband, five-year-old daughter and corgi puppy.

Mindy was born and raised in Beacon Hill on stolen Duwamish land. She left the state for college but returned home after graduation. Throughout her college career, she found herself constantly drawn to work in community-based organizations. Prior to joining SESEC, her experience ranged from community organizing in Seattle politics, public health in Uganda, and conservation in Indonesia. Outside of work she can be found hiking, jigsaw puzzling, making jewelry, and planning her next international trek/trip.

Meghan Bedell has an expansive background in small- to mid-sized business growth with a focus in private wealth. Meghan is using her passion for community building by serving as Treasurer for a local Parent Teacher Organization, Finance Chair for SE Seattle Fundraising Alliance, and sits on the executive board for Seattle Council PTSA. When she is not running after her three kids, you will find her crunching numbers or marking things off her to-do list. If she can catch a nap she is in heaven. Meghan grew-up in White Center and now calls Rainier Beach home.

Ji Ho (Geo) Yang is a PhD Candidate at the UW School of Education and a Research Fellow at SESEC. He writes a monthly academic blog for the SESEC website.

Hong was born and raised in South Seattle, and comes from a journalism background. She was most recently a TV news producer. She graduated from the University of Puget Sound with degrees in Politics and Government and Spanish Literature. She is also a founding member of Take on College, a nonprofit that provides college app mentorship to low-income and first-generation students.