Alumni Advocating for Change at the Intersection of Education and Foster Care

Wednesday, October 6, 2021 • 2 – 3:30 p.m.

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Change For Youth Experiencing Foster Care

Equity Campaign: Alumni Advocating for Change at the Intersection of Education and Foster Care

Advancing equity and racial justice is key to delivering on our mission. That work includes centering equity within the Treehouse organization, advancing equity in foster care and education systems, and engaging in equity work alongside society at large. One of our new initiatives is an Equity Campaign, which will position Treehouse as a convener of conversations around race, equity and foster care.

Our second event in the Equity Campaign is on October 6. This will be a live conversation – streamed online – with community leaders including Senator T’Wina Nobles, Sam Martin, Veronica Gallardo, and Erika Ramirez. The amazing Angela Poe Russell from KING 5 Evening will be moderating the conversation.

We believe that you are a pivotal part of this conversation and we are so grateful you are here.

October 6th | 2-3:30pm PDT | Free

Panelists

  • Erika Ramirez (Alumni of Care) I am 22 years years old and a member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. I am attending Central Washington University majoring in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising. I am also the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising program ambassador. I plan on graduating in June of 2022. I enjoy sewing, doing makeup for weddings, and hanging out with my dog Louis. My goal in life is to set an example for people to look up to and help others get to where they want to be in life.
  • Samuel Martin (Alumni of Care) Samuel Martin is the CEO and Head Lobbyist of S.D. Martin Consulting which works with government administrations, corporations, and non-profit organizations to develop legislation and policies to positively impact the lives of the community. He has also done legislative agenda setting and advocacy with organizations like Casey Family Programs, Foster Club, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), and Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA).
  • Veronica Gallardo (Assistant Superintendent, OSPI) Veronica Maria Gallardo is an Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington State. As a K-12 educational leader, Veronica partners with communities, districts, and state educational leaders in Washington and across the United States to design, expand and maximize services and funding for Pre-K through 12th-grade students and historically underserved youth.
  • Dr. Oscar Harris (Chief Officer, Spokane Public Schools) Dr. Oscar Harris is the Chief Family and Community Engagement Officer with Spokane Public Schools. Oscar relocated to Spokane in 1996 in pursuit of educational and employment opportunities. To date he has earned a BA in History, a master’s in social work, and an Educational Doctorate Degree (Ed.D) in Transformational Leadership. His research interests include community engagement and advocacy to/for marginalized families and improving the service delivery efforts of agencies.
  • Erika Ramirez (Alumni of Care) I am 22 years years old and a member of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. I am attending Central Washington University majoring in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising. I am also the Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising program ambassador. I plan on graduating in June of 2022. I enjoy sewing, doing makeup for weddings, and hanging out with my dog Louis. My goal in life is to set an example for people to look up to and help others get to where they want to be in life.
  • Samuel Martin (Alumni of Care) Samuel Martin is the CEO and Head Lobbyist of S.D. Martin Consulting which works with government administrations, corporations, and non-profit organizations to develop legislation and policies to positively impact the lives of the community. He has also done legislative agenda setting and advocacy with organizations like Casey Family Programs, Foster Club, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), and Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA).
  • Veronica Gallardo (Assistant Superintendent, OSPI) Veronica Maria Gallardo is an Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction in Washington State. As a K-12 educational leader, Veronica partners with communities, districts, and state educational leaders in Washington and across the United States to design, expand and maximize services and funding for Pre-K through 12th-grade students and historically underserved youth.
  • Dr. Oscar Harris (Chief Officer, Spokane Public Schools) Dr. Oscar Harris is the Chief Family and Community Engagement Officer with Spokane Public Schools. Oscar relocated to Spokane in 1996 in pursuit of educational and employment opportunities. To date he has earned a BA in History, a master’s in social work, and an Educational Doctorate Degree (Ed.D) in Transformational Leadership. His research interests include community engagement and advocacy to/for marginalized families and improving the service delivery efforts of agencies.

Speakers

  • Senator T’wina Nobles

    Keynote Speaker

  • Dr. Lisa Chin

    Treehouse President & CEO

  • Angela Poe Russell

    Event Host