In the past months we introduced you to Sia Gaind and Seth Gebauer, two new members to our statewide team. This week, meet Francine Myles, the Campaign Intern in the Eastside area. Read more to get to know her!

Share a little about your story!

I’m from Brazil and moved to the United States in 2018. My experiences in Brazil shaped my perspective on the government’s role in society, sparking a deep interest in building a more affordable and equitable community. I’m pursuing an associate of arts and science at Bellevue College, with an emphasis on economics and political science.

Why do you believe in Futurewise’s work? Why do you think what we do is important?

Having experienced long commutes to school and work both in Brazil and the U.S., I strongly resonate with Futurewise’s mission. Their commitment to fostering an equitable community while safeguarding natural resources profoundly impacts lives. I aim to leverage Futurewise’s knowledge to inspire our community, advocating for improved quality of life while supporting environmental protection in Washington State and beyond.

Share a little bit about the work you do outside of Futurewise.

When I’m not working, I serve as the vice president of the Brazilian Club at Bellevue College – helping organize events to share our culture and learn from others. Additionally, I am a council member on the Student Association Governance (ASG) board – contributing to advocating for a positive change and prioritizing students’ needs in college decisions.

What’s your favorite thing about living in Washington?

What I love most about living in Washington are the different seasons. In Brazil, it’s warm most of the year, so I enjoy the colorful fall, the serene beauty of snowy winter, the blooming flowers in spring, and the warm summer. I particularly like going to all the beautiful lakes and camping in the mountains.

If you could snap your fingers and fix one issue facing our state, what would it be?

I would prioritize reducing the number of people driving every day to combat global warming. The extreme heat waves I’ve witnessed in Brazil have intensified my concerns, not only for the future of our planet but also for the immediate impact on our lives. I believe it is crucial to urgently decrease the greenhouse effects caused by human activities, safeguard our environment, and ensure a sustainable future.

Once again, we are so excited to have Francine join our team through the upcoming legislative session, and if you want to say hello or learn how to get involved with her, you can always email her at francine@futurewise.org.