Leadership Skagit graduates 28 in Class of 2026

EDASC’s Leadership Skagit program graduated 28 participants in the 2026 program cohort on June 2.

Participants live and/or work in Skagit County, with representation from the public sector, nonprofits and business. 

The nine-month community leadership development course is a program of EDASC in partnership with Skagit Valley College, which provides the curriculum. Class sessions examine different facets of the community, including economic vitality, environmental stewardship, and building a healthy community.

At the same time, participants learn frameworks for leadership and how to foster a team. 

Participants put this knowledge and their new skills into practice, completing team projects to benefit a Skagit County organization of their choosing.

Projects this year include: 
Discover the Heart of O.U.R. Journey – Team “Ctrl + Alt + LEAD” partnered with O.U.R. Journey to help the nonprofit supporting troubled youth gain familiarity with community leaders, law enforcement and residents by hosting two open house events. Team members are: Alex Blade, Marissa Guerrero, Madalyn Heil, Ian Houben, Ashley Penner. Team advisor is Armando Franco.

Give Us a Sign – Working with Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation, Team “FETA” created an interpretive sign for Bonnie Rae Park on South LaVenture Road, sharing the park’s history as a homestead. Team members are: Silvia Alvarez, Karina Borja-Hurtado, Mariana Brandt, Lora Claus, Jacob Leander, Chuck    Messinger. Team advisor is Jenn Eddleman.

Skagit Gleaners Garden – Team “Rise Together” partnered with Skagit Gleaners to build a garden for the nonprofit, located at the First United Methodist Church. Gleaners will use the produce grown in the garden to support its members. Team members are: Juan Farias Torres, Jennifer Flynn,
Janine    Holt, Treva King, Ky Parrott, Amanda Washington. Team advisor is Karla Dills.

Help me Grow on the Go with Andi the Ambulance – The “River of Leaders” partnered with the Children’s Museum of Skagit County and its Family Resource Center to repurpose a decommissioned ambulance to serve as a mobile resource center, providing basic needs items such as diapers. Team members are: Colby Allen, Ambralee Faisy, Garret Gladsjo, Ken Huste, Heidi Murphy, Karl Tantuico. Team advisor is Lauren Christian.

Rainbow Connecting – A panel and group discussion about queerness and community – Team “Sassysquatch” partnered with PFLAG Skagit to convene a panel of LGBTQ+ speakers to share with LBGTQ+ teens and their parents what they wish someone had told them when they were teenagers. Team members are: Alicia Berk-Sohn, Morgan Cagingin, Lourdes Edralin, Erika Garcia, David Walde. Team advisor is Michele Metcalf.