Celebrating Barbara! "She has an unwavering commitment to an affordable and equitable Seattle."

Describe your role at Bellwether.

I was a board member from 1993 through 1999 and chaired the board in 1998. I have continued to support Bellwether and was one of its first impact investors.

What did you find most meaningful about your work?

As one of the most successful organizations providing affordable housing in Seattle, we have consistently offered housing for people who work in our city. I am particularly pleased that local companies have supported Bellwether and that they recognized, over forty years ago, that work force housing is essential in a healthy city.

Tell us about a woman that you admire or are inspired by (past or present).

There are so many! Michelle Obama has been a wonderful role model as a strong, independent leader with a consistent moral voice – “When they go low, we go high”! I also have enormous respect for Nancy Smith who was the CEO of Bellwether for many years. She was a tireless, humble leader who guided the organization from a start-up to one of the largest affordable housing providers in the region.

What Colleagues Say:

“Barbara has an unwavering commitment to an affordable and equitable Seattle. Her vision and drive have been the impetus to produce hundreds of affordable homes in our community.”