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Community leadership

Board of Directors

The Launch Board of Directors plays a critical role in supporting our mission by providing strategic and financial oversight for our organization. It’s an exciting time at Launch — our agency is in a period of growth, and we’re in need of passionate, creative, committed, and qualified individuals to join our board. Board service provides members an opportunity to give back to the community, learn new skills, and make a significant difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.

To learn more about Board service or apply for membership.

Please email us at: info@launchlearning.org

ADAM PETKUN

GATES FOUNDATION
SEATTLE
TESSA FRANCHINI
PAXSON FAY
SEATTLE

REBECCA GRUSSGOTT

BOARD SECRETARY
MARITIME HIGH SCHOOL
RENTION

TRANG MARQUEZ

BOARD TREASURER
FRED HUTCHINSON CANCER RESEARCH CENTER
SHORELINE

NICK HEYER

BATELLE/RETIRED
SEATTLE

JOANNA STODDEN

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CENTER
SEATTLE
JULIE ZHANG
LOOP
SEATTLE

HITOMI WHITLOCK

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
SEATTLE

JESS ANDRE

GATES FOUNDATION
SEATTLE

LAUREN ELLIS

IMPACT PUBLIC SCHOOLS, FORMERLY
SEATTLE

Why Launch

Jess Andre
★★★★★
I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the important work happening at Launch. Access ...
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Jess Andre
Board Member
★★★★★
I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the important work happening at Launch. Access to affordable and high-quality preschool and after-school programming should be available to every family, regardless of socio-economic background or zip code. I'm inspired by Launch's commitment to continue to grow and support more families and communities.
Jess Andre
Lauren Ellis
★★★★★
I joined the Launch Board because I deeply believe in their commitment to providing high-quality...
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Lauren Ellis
Board Member
★★★★★
I joined the Launch Board because I deeply believe in their commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences for all children.  Their community and equity-based approach is evident in how they make decisions, how they support families, their support of staff, and the experience of the children.
Lauren Ellis
Hitomi Whitlock
★★★★★
As a mom of two young children, I know firsthand how difficult it can...
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Hitomi Whitlock
Board Member
★★★★★
As a mom of two young children, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to find affordable, high-quality childcare, preschool, and summer programs. When families struggle to find the right care, it can disrupt daily life and add unnecessary stress. I deeply value Launch’s mission to provide equitable, high-quality early learning programs and support for families. I’m honored to contribute to an organization that is committed to making a meaningful difference in the community.
Hitomi Whitlock
Joanna Stodden
★★★★★
I joined the Launch Board to be part of a dedicated community who see the ...
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Joanna Stodden
Board Member
★★★★★
I joined the Launch Board to be part of a dedicated community who see the value of experiential education and prioritize educational justice and providing high-quality care to all families regardless of their background.
Joanna Stodden
Danya Clevenger
★★★★★
I was inspired to join Launch's Board of Directors because I...
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Danya Clevenger
Former Board Member
★★★★★
I was inspired to join Launch's Board of Directors because I had just moved to Seattle as a brand new mom to start a graduate program. I was floored by how difficult it was to find the basic childcare I needed to go to school. In my time on the Board I’ve learned that childcare is an intersection point for many of the fundamental challenges of our time. To be intentional in addressing the issues of the childcare sector also means addressing the effects of racism, sexism, income inequality, exclusion from political decision-making, and more. Launch strives to both continually improve the care for children in our services as well as take on the bigger picture to lead the change toward a better future for all children.
Danya Clevenger
Adam Petkun
★★★★★
I support Launch because I’m deeply committed to ensuring that every...
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Adam Petkun
Board Co-Chair
★★★★★
I support Launch because I’m deeply committed to ensuring that every child in King County has access to high-quality preschool and aftercare. This organization plays a vital role in our community, nurturing young learners and supporting their families with compassion and expertise. As both a parent of two children enrolled in Launch’s programs and a board member, I’m proud to help shape its future.
Adam Petkun
Tessa Franchini
★★★★★
I joined Launch because I believe childcare and education are the...
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Tessa Franchini
Board Co-Chair
★★★★★
I joined Launch because I believe childcare and education are the foundation of a thriving society, and Launch is making a meaningful impact on creating quality educational opportunities for every child in Seattle. During the summer, I’ve seen parents in our city left with no choice but to leave their children at a playground for the day - no parent should face that reality. As a Launch Board member and preschool parent, I’m dedicated to supporting its work and ensuring all families have the resources they need to succeed.
Tessa Franchini
Nick Heyer
★★★★★
I’ve enjoyed being on the Launch Board for almost 30 years...
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Nick Heyer
Board Member
★★★★★
I’ve enjoyed being on the Launch Board for almost 30 years. I joined as a parent because my daughter was thriving at Launch (then Community Day School Association). I found that being a part of Launch kept me in touch with issues such as diversity and equal opportunity which are so important for our society to thrive. I’ve stayed on the Launch Board for all these years because throughout the organization - the staff, the administration and the Board, I have found a community of loving people devoted to making lives better for those around them.
Nick Heyer
Trang Marquez
★★★★★
I proudly joined the Launch Board in 2024 because as a...
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Trang Marquez
Board Member
★★★★★
I proudly joined the Launch Board in 2024 because as a mother of two boys, Launch’s mission aligns with my family's beliefs and values. Launch supports working families from all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds and works diligently to provide children equitable access to the highest-quality learning and care.  This line of work is essential to the well-being of all walks of life for a sustainable, healthy community.
Trang Marquez
Safi Sadiq
★★★★★
I care deeply about children and education, and Launch's mission to lead ...
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Safi Sadiq
Former Board Member
★★★★★
I care deeply about children and education, and Launch's mission to lead the charge to brilliant outcomes for the children in our community by ensuring equitable access to the highest quality learning and care resonates strongly with my personal values. What inspires me most about Launch is its unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for every child, regardless of their background, to reach their full potential through excellent education and care. I'm proud to show up and support Launch by contributing my skills and resources to the organization's vital work of driving educational equity for all the children in our community, knowing that together we can make a lasting impact on young lives.
Safi Sadiq
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