“My superpower is harnessing people’s authentic histories to create change within organizations.”
Raised by a single mother in rural Washington, Chelsea was taught from a young age to be proud of who they are and to always advocate for others when something was unfair. Chelsea is a first-generation college graduate, who naturally gravitated towards leadership, developing their voice while studying at the Morse Institute for Leadership at Western Washington University. Acting as a Leadership Mentor, they designed and facilitated professional development training throughout the campus and assisted in the creation of a minor – Leadership Studies. Two of Chelsea’s cousins went on to graduate from college and one even attended their alma mater, Western Washington University.
After graduation, Chelsea packed their bags and moved to New York City to pursue a career in Performing Arts Marketing. They went on to work for world-renowned organizations like New York Live Arts, Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company and Jacob’s Pillow, which received the National Medal of Arts in 2011 by President Barack Obama.
It was during this time that Chelsea found the intersection of equity and business development, and began creating a lasting impact within the organizations they worked and volunteered for. Chelsea acted as the first Chair of the Cultural Competency Task Force at Jacob’s Pillow, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to create and implement diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on race, gender and accessibility. This position sparked a longstanding flame within Chelsea, eventually leading to a career in equitable business development with nonprofits and government agencies.
Chelsea lives on the Kitsap Peninsula with their venturesome husband and very funny and creative 12-year-old son. Their family enjoys camping, hiking, winter sports and cooking. Chelsea currently serves on the Board of Directors for the YWCA Kitsap, volunteers at Fishline Food Bank, and acts as the Project Manager for the Kitsap Racial Equity and Empowerment Fund. Through a lens of equity, Chelsea works to ensure thoughtful, culturally responsive, and engaging project management.