Alex Tadio: A passion for education and equality

This is one of 12 finalists for The Herald Business Journal’s annual Emerging Leaders awards for 2024. The winner will be named at an event on April 17

Alex Tadio, 28

Director of Admissions, Washington State University Everett

As admissions director at Washington State University Everett, Alex Tadio hopes to give more people the opportunity to attend college.

By reducing the entry costs for admission and offering scholarships to Snohomish County residents, he’s helping achieve that goal.

“I have control of a scholarship fund, the Puget Sound Taxpayers Accountability Act,” Tadio said.

Created by the Legislature in 2015, the scholarship is funded from a sales-and-use tax offset fee that Sound Transit pays on construction costs.

To date, the education fund has awarded more than $80,000 in transfer scholarships and other college-related expenses to students in Snohomish County, he said.

Tadio expects to award another $100,000 during the next academic cycle.

“I have a passion for education and equity,” Tadio said. “I believe that knowledge should not reside behind barriers.”

Tadio graduated from Lake Stevens High School, attended Everett Community College, and experienced “the entire transfer process,” he said. In 2020, Tadio graduated from Western Washington University in Bellingham with a bachelor of science degree in environmental science.

“I developed a passion for helping transfer students,” Tadio said. Now, “I’m doing everything I can to help poise WSU Everett to serve as many community members as possible.

Tadio runs the Girls Explore STEM at WSU Everett in a partnership with Snohomish STEM. The group introduces girls and young women, particularly those from underserved communities, to STEM related careers and educational pathways.

He’s collaborated with Future Farmers of America, DECA, a nonprofit that supports students interested in business and other career and education support groups. Tadio also serves on the Technology Student Association board.

A nominator wrote: “Alex’s strategic partnership in the education landscape of Snohomish County and beyond will have a lasting impact on future generations.”

At Volunteers of America in Lake Stevens, Tadio helps provide school supplies, information about post-secondary education opportunities and family photo opportunities for low income families.

Hired by WSU Everett in fall 2022, Tadio inherited a department that was understaffed and lagging, he said. “At that time WSU Everett was seeing record low student enrollment numbers.”

Taking a boots-on-the ground approach, he and his team boosted the numbers. leading WSU Everett to a record high spring recruitment cycle, Tadio said.

“We admitted, confirmed and matriculated the most students in a spring cycle ever,” he said. “I believe that teamwork and collaborative efforts can move mountains, and I am not afraid to dream big.”

Janice Podsada: 425-339-3097; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; Twitter: @JanicePods.