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 Alicia Berk-Sohn, Morgan Cagingin, Lourdes Edralin, Erika Garcia, David Walde. Team advisor is Michele Metcalf.

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 Silvia Alvarez, Karina Borja-Hurtado, Mariana Brandt, Lora Claus, Jacob Leander, Chuck Messinger. Team advisor is Jenn Eddleman.

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 Juan Farias Torres, Jennifer Flynn, Janine Holt, Treva King, Ky Parrott, Amanda Washington. Team advisor is Karla Dills.