Welcome to the newest Futurewise team member! Stephanie is our new Development Director and is here to make sure we have the resources to keep fighting for livable communities for decades to come. Read on to get to know her!

Tell us a little about yourself! How did you end up at Futurewise?

I have spent most of my career in nonprofit fundraising, beginning in 2000. Recently, I spent several years working in the tech sector, an experience that broadened my skills and perspective. Over time, I found herself drawn back to roles that connect closely with community‑focused work, which led me to return to the nonprofit world.

Somewhere along the way, all the things I care about—community, the environment, and making Washington a place people can actually live—lined up perfectly with Futurewise. So when the opportunity came along, it felt like the right place to land.

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

I’ve lived in Washington for most of my life. I left for high school, then came back for college and never really drifted far after that. In that time, I’ve watched this state grow fast. So many new people, so many changes—it’s exciting, but it also puts pressure on the places we love.

I want Washington to stay a place where people who want to be here  can afford to stay. I want growth that actually makes sense, and communities that are sustainable long-term. That’s why I believe in what Futurewise does.

What do you do outside of work?

I’m usually finding a way to be outside. In the summer I’m camping or hiking; in the winter I’m snowboarding. When I’m indoors, I switch gears and go roller skating, and more recently, I’ve gotten into bouldering. (I’m still new, so there’s plenty of falling involved.)

What’s your favorite thing about living in Washington?

Hands down: everything you can do outside. Mountains, water, forests—there’s always something to explore.

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

Housing costs. They’re so high that I genuinely worry about whether my kids will be able to stay in the city they were born in—if that’s what they want. I want them to explore the world, of course, but I also want Washington to be a place they can come back to without being priced out. That’s the issue that hits closest to home for me.

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You can reach Stephanie at [email protected]