Our Board

Nicole works as senior director of knowledge management at Casey Family Programs, identifying and disseminating best practices related to improving and ultimately preventing foster care. She has worked in a variety of other roles in the education and youth development fields locally and nationally, most recently at the Community Center for Education Results where she focused on reconnecting 16- to 24-year-olds to education and career pathways. At the Forum for Youth Investment her work centered on youth engagement, research-practice partnerships, building expanded learning systems and improving youth program quality.

Nicole is inspired by efforts to increase equitable access to informal learning environments and sees SOWA as a critical system builder.

Gina has 20 years of experience in organizational development, strategy, program design, complex partnerships, network building, and grantmaking. She brings the values of equity and community voice to her work. A utility player for Foundations and nonprofits, Gina employs her generalist content expertise and cross-cutting knowledge to organizations and collaborations to achieve results.

Carlina Brown-Banks is a community leader and advocate committed to advancing equity, parent leadership, and systems change in education and public institutions. Her work centers on building partnerships between families, schools, and communities to ensure that those most impacted by decisions have a voice in shaping them. She brings lived experience, strategic leadership, and a deep dedication to serving communities with grace, humility, and purpose.

Luis (he/they) is a multidisciplinary storyteller, educator, narrative strategist, and the founder and director at Storytellers for Change.

Over the last 16 years, Luis has worked with youth, educators, and cross-sector leaders to harness the power of narrative to co-imagine, craft, and share stories to build an equitable world. Luis has a BA in Political Science from the University of Washington and a Master’s in Education Leadership from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Luis was born and raised in Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) and now lives in the unceded and ancestral lands of the Duwamish and Coast Salish people (Seattle).

Judy Yasutake is a proud Sansei (third generation Japanese American) and the first in her family to graduate from college. Her dedication to education and community is evident through her personal achievements and ongoing commitment to service. Her academic background includes an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in education and psychology and a Master of Education in Administration and Reading from Seattle University. Professionally, Judy has held diverse roles in six King County school districts, including teaching and administration. She has also contributed to three nonprofit organizations, serving in both direct service and administrative capacities.

Judy Yasutake brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and community engagement to the SOWA Board. This experiences have allowed her to develop a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities present in the nonprofit sector. Through her leadership, Judy has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting individuals and communities, helping them achieve their goals and realize their potential. Her expertise in fostering collaboration and advancing organizational missions makes her a valuable asset to SOWA’s Board, ensuring the organization continues to make a meaningful impact in the community. Judy is excited about continuing her work in youth development and making a lasting impact.