LEADERSHIP
Liz Huizar, Executive Director, 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, four year old daughter and corgi puppy. [email protected]
Michael Flor, Associate Director, joined SESEC with a wealth of nonprofit experience. His extensive career includes working as an executive director, corporate grants maker, development director and non-profit management consultant. At SESEC he is responsible for fundraising, building relationships with funders, strategic planning and managing SESEC’s operations. Outside of work he can be found running across soccer fields refereeing youth and high school games and cooking delicious meals for family and friends. He is a lifelong Seattle resident being raised in Seattle’s Central Area and Rainier Valley before making his current home in West Seattle. He is graduate of the UW and a proud Husky. [email protected]
Mindy H., Coalition Relations and SEED Director, was born and raised in Beacon Hill. She left the state for college but returned home after. Throughout her college career she found herself constantly drawn to work in community non-profits. 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 trip. [email protected]
Vivian van Gelder, Advocacy and Policy Director, has worked in schools and in the legal field. She also served as PTA president. Originally from Australia, Vivian came to Seattle via the East Coast. When not working or thinking about school funding Vivian can be found taking black and white photographs, cooking, and cycling. [email protected]
Meghan Bedell, Operations Coordinator, joins SESEC with 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 3 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. [email protected]
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Carmen Loh, Chairperson, Group Health Foundation
Devin Bruckner, Consultant
Nimco Bulale, Western Washington University
Ariel Davis, Seattle Housing Authority
Heather Otieno, Rainier Avenue Church
Ryan Quigtar, Renton Innovation Zone Partnership
Emily Tomita, Neighborhood House
Sofia Voz
ADVISORY BOARD
Steve Bury, Urban Impact Seattle
Vu Le
Dave Okimoto
Colleen Oliver
Ron Sims