The
WHy
WHy
We believe that words,
well written and well-spoken, can create opportunity, invite possibility and empower young people to be the authors of their own futures. When we share our stories and listen to others with genuine interest, we gain understanding, build empathy, and the world becomes a better place.
Learn About
The What, Why, Where, When, & Who
Our Story
Our Story
"We want students to own their learning;
You don't learn anything unless you decide to learn it."
–Teri Hein, Founder
The
WHere
Where
FEARLESS IDEAS HAS PLURAL BUREAUX
(try saying that three times fast). That "X" on the end of the word "Bureau" means we have more than one of them!
The
WHaT
WHaT
is a non-profit learning organization where young people ages 6-18 are inspired by words and discover their creative voice.
Fearless Ideas
The Bureau of
GREENWOOD BUREAU
Our first and largest location with more than 1800 square feet of space solely for educational programs and community events. Visitors enter through our storefront, the Greenwood Space travel Supply Co. (offices are in the very back).
YESLER TERRACE BUREAU
Our newest location (since 2017) is on the ground floor of Hoa Mai Gardens Building (enter off S. Washington St.) It has 1300 square feet of learning space for youth from community households and nearby schools.
Wherever our doors open,
inside is a space that belongs first and foremost to the students who fill it; different from school, different from home, it's a place that's theirs.
While the mission remains the same wherever we go, each surrounding community has its own unique stories and style. By being attuned to and engaging with the surrounding community, we make a space where families and community leaders are welcome, and students can feel fully supported.
To the past
To the future
The
WHEN
WHEN
USE THE ARROWS TO SLIDe through time!
Use the arrows to slide through time!
The
Who
WHo
Families, Teachers,
Volunteers, & Donors
Each school year our tight-knit staff, dedicated board, and generous donors team up with over 200 talented volunteers, and teachers from over 120 schools to support more than 2,000 students across Greater Seattle.
As part of what makes Seattle one of the most literate and creative cities in the country, we are able to forge fantastic partnerships with the Greater Seattle's biggest thinkers, boldest artists, and most innovative educators.
Who we are is shaped by the neighborhoods we serve. With two locations in neighborhoods with rich histories and character, we love listening to the stories that define those communities and are grateful to be contributing to new ones every day. As a result, a wonderful diversity of like-minded people come together to build our community because of the role we play in theirs.
(Plus, our potlucks and BBQs totally rock.)
Our
Staff
Staff
KRISTIN LEONG, M.ED.
she/her
Executive Director
Kristin is an awarded educator and multimedia storyteller. She is a three-term Washington State Teacher Leader and TED-Ed Innovative Educator. Previously, she was with KUOW Public Radio and Town Hall Seattle. She publishes a newsletter for misfits and unlikely optimists called ROCK PAPER RADIO.
Learn MORE about Kristin HERE!
Bryan Wilson
he/him
Program Manager
Educator, illustrator and writer, Bryan manages Fearless Ideas’ school-based programs (field trips and in-school projects) and youth writing workshops. He studied English and Geography at UC Berkeley and the University of Washington and enjoys frequent adventures into new books, recipes, and very tall forests.
Chris Robinson
he/him
Development Director
Chris has worked for non-profits in leadership roles that have allowed him to impact communities in need throughout King and Snohomish Counties. He has done financial development for organizations such as The NOAH Center, Volunteers of America, and Providence Hospice & Home Care Foundation.
ROBERTO ASCALon
he/him
Program Manager
Roberto Ascalon is a poet, writer, arts educator, and spoken-word performance artist. He has taught at Nova High School, participated in the Seattle Arts and Lectures Writers in the Schools program, and worked as a teaching artist and mentor for Arts Corps, Youth Speaks Seattle, and the Service Board.
Our
BOARD
BOARD
of Directors