Advancing Leadership polishes Federal Way's finest

Advancing Leadership Class of 2007:

Jo Boyer, Federal Way Public Schools

Paul Bucich, City of Federal Way

Paula Curtis, Federal Way Public Schools

Gloria Durant, St. Francis Hospital

KarlaRae Ellis, Weyerhaeuser

Ed Fadler, Federal Way Police Department

Heidi Gailey, community volunteer

Manuela Ginnett, Multi-Service Center

Niccole Heritage, HomeStreet Bank

Dennis Hollinger-Lant, Wayside Church

Kendra Kay, South King Fire and Rescue

Marcia Lightfoot, Woodstone Credit Union

Mari Lopez, Prudential NW Realty

Dave Mataftin, South King Fire and Rescue

Lisa Michaels, Comcast

Tom Nutt, Federal Way Public Schools

Bridget O'Connor, Federal Way Chamber

Angela Ou, Weyerhaeuser

Alexis Patten, Brantley Janson Yost Ellison

Nikole Penman, Valley Cities Counseling

Debra Robinson, Weyerhaeuser

Jenni Sandler, Highline Community College

Eileen Sonnier-Bell, Weyerhaeuser

Chad Stalder, Smith Barney

Eric Stavney, DeVry University

Learn more

Advancing Leadership was established in 1998 by the Federal Way Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. Participants meet one full day a month to learn leadership skills as well as the inner workings of city government, diversity, culture and quality of life. The class completes a project with a lasting impact on the city. To learn more, call Teri Hickel at (253) 838-2605, Ext. 102, e-mail terih@federalwaychamber.com or visit www.advancingleadership.org.

Mirror staff

Advancing Leadership marked another chapter of enriching Federal Way's talent pool.

The program's class of 2007 celebrated this year's achievements June 13 at the Knutzen Family Theater with a photo slideshow along with recognizing the legacy of a former community leader.

Advancing Leadership's board of directors established a memorial scholarship fund in honor of Mike McIntosh, a Federal Way pastor who died March 24. McIntosh became a role model for community service in Federal Way and assisted in founding the Advancing Leadership program.

"His contributions to us individually were only outweighed by contributions to his community," said schools superintendent Tom Murphy about the late McIntosh. "We think Mike would be smiling about his continuing contribution to the wealth and growth of Federal Way."

The scholarship fund, for which the board hopes to raise $20,000, will provide financial aid to future program candidates who might not otherwise be able to participate.

Each year's Advancing Leadership program culminates in a community service project. On May 18, the class of 2007 held a "Sweets for Success" dessert benefit auction that reeled in more than $12,000.

The money will help students pay for sports and instrument rentals as well speech, debate and art fees. Participation fees for secondary students can cost hundreds of dollars a year.

"Our class project hit that need directly," said class of 2007 graduate Dave Mataftin, noting the number of students who will benefit from assistance with participation fees. "That was probably the best project we could have picked."

About 25 participants have been selected for Advancing Leadership's class of 2008. They will begin meeting in September.

"Be brave, be bold, be fearless," said class of 2007 graduate Bridget O'Connor to the next class. "It's really more about building a team and strengthening community."

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