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, four-year-old daughter and corgi puppy.

Michael Flor 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. He is a lifelong Seattle resident having been raised in Seattle’s Central Area and Rainier Valley before making his current home in West Seattle. He is a graduate of the University of Washington and a proud Husky.

Mindy was born and raised in Beacon Hill. She left the state for college but returned home after graduation. 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.

Vivian van Gelder has worked in schools and in the legal field. She has also served on several school PTAs in Seattle and on Seattle Council PTSA. Vivian’s work at SESEC focuses on identifying opportunities for the Southeast Seattle community to be involved in the educational policy process for greater equity. 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, cycling, and traveling with her family. 

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.