Latest Emerging Leaders 2023

Emerging Leader Alex McGinty (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

Alex Zitnik-McGinty: Find a group you like and volunteer!

Her volunteer activities cover the spectrum. Fitting in “service work is important as we grow.”

Emerging Leader Hayley State (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

Hayley Statema: Stepping up to help those without a voice

She believes that building a stronger community means breaking down barriers and communicating “a little more.”

Emerging Leader Heidi Schauble (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

Heidi Schauble: Offering access for those who struggle

She struggled in a traditional school setting. Now, she helps others find employment or pursue an education.

Emerging Leader John Michael Graves (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

John Michael Graves: Speaking out against hate

Graves strives to provide a nuanced approach to combating antisemitism through his work with StandWithUs.

Emerging Leader Jonnathan Yepez Carino (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

Jonnathan Yepez Carino: Helping underserved communities

He teaches financial empowerment classes in Spanish and English, and financial literacy classes.

Emerging Leader Kaitlyn Davis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

Kaitlyn Davis: Turning quick coffee into a community enterprise

At 24, Davis bought her first espresso stand. She has since grown into a local business advocate.

Emerging Leader Lynsey Gagnon (Ryan Berry / The Herald)

Business

Lynsey Gagnon: Her personal experience guides her

The social services director worked tirelessly to launch a cold weather shelter in east Snohomish County.

Emerging Leader Marlena Powers (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

Marlena Powers: Creating a community in which kids can excel

The founder of AVODAH Business Collective aims to empower moms and minority women to create a brighter future.

Emerging Leader Melissa Siv (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

Melissa Siv: Helping students boost their financial literacy

The banking professional organized a group of volunteers who teach the basics of personal finance.

Michael Adams of Boys and Girls Club of Snohomish; activist and founder of Change the Narrative in Granite Falls  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)

Business

Michael Adams: promoting race equity, inclusion and justice

“There is so much work to be done.” Adams hopes to help build a community based on respect.

Emerging Leader Russell Wiita (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)

Business

Emerging Leader: Russell Wiita guides his hometown through flames

The mayor of Sultan is taking lessons learned from the Bolt Creek fire into the future.