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"We want students to own their learning;
You don't learn anything unless you decide to learn it."
–Teri Hein, Founder
The
WHy
WHy
well written and well-spoken, broaden possibility and invite opportunity. Strong writing and communication skills prepare young people for a successful future and allow them to speak their mind articulately, share their stories passionately, and bond with their communities in meaningful ways. Words and stories promote creativity and critical thinking to make growth, bravery, and curiosity ever-present qualities in a young author's life and character.
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!
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Learn About
Learn About
The What, Why, Where, When, & Who
The What, Why, Where, When, & Who
is a non-profit learning organization where creative writing and storytelling empowers youth aged 6-18 to be the authors of their own future.
"We want students to own their learning;
You don't learn anything unless you decide to learn it."
–Teri Hein, Founder
GREENWOOD BUREAU
8414 Greenwood Ave. N.
Seattle, WA 98103
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
221 10th Ave. S. #174
Seattle, WA 98104
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.
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.
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USE THE ARROWS TO SLIDe through time!
Use the arrows to slide through time!
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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.
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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.)
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Erica Mullen
she/her
Executive Director
Erica spent over 20 years at the YMCA of Greater Seattle to become their Executive of Education Initiatives. She is deeply committed to educational equity and creating programs that prepare youth for college, career, and the life they choose. She enjoys running, cooking, and travel adventures.
ian bell
he/him
Creative Director • Vol. Coord.
Ian received his BA from Bennington College in Vermont and continued his education studying graphic design at the School of Visual Concepts here in Seattle. When Ian is not designing graphics and creatively directing things, he's an actor, director, playwright, and theatrical producer.
Bryan Wilson
he/him
Program Manager
Bryan earned his bachelor's degree in English from the University of Washington, focusing his research on contemporary African literature and theory. When Bryan is not at BFI, he enjoys exploring and writing about nature, from Seattle to the redwood coast of northern California, where he is from.
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.
Casey Magee
he/him
Operations Manager
Casey spent three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine, where he managed programming for a youth organization and advised nongovernmental leaders. He has a master's in nonprofit management from the University of Central Florida and speaks Russian and Ukrainian.
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.
humaira barlas
she/her
Senior Accountant
Humaira received her MBA in marketing from the University of Hartford, Connecticut, and a Bachelors of Commerce from Hailey College of Commerce in Pakistan. Before coming to BFI, she worked for the Lupus Foundation for nine years. She can communicate in English, Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi.
faith Eakin
she/her
Lead Program Manager
Faith earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Florida. She spent two years in the U.S. Peace Corps as a Teacher Collaborator and Community Outreach Facilitator in Thailand.
Nat Neville
they/them
Program Manager
Nat is a passionate youth worker, educator, and writer, as well as an activist, friend, and dog parent. Nat earned their bachelor's degree in International Studies and Human Rights from New College of Florida, and currently serves as co-chair to the Seattle Tutoring Coalition.
Director, local Fortune 50 company; longtime big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound.
Sherri Gwizdala
Chairperson
Middle school French and religion teacher, Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart; former middle school assessment and curriculum coordinator at Forest Ridge; active volunteer for St. John's overnight women's shelter.
Jenny McGovern
Secretary
District Manager, Sephora; former district manager for Edie Bauer, Fossil, and Gymboree; volunteer for Construction for Change, West Side Baby, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
DIOR BIANCOFIORI
Board Member
Head of the Bing homepage and editorial team at Microsoft; former teacher, children’s magazine editor, copywriter, brand strategist, and creative director; singer, songwriter, and recording artist.
MICHAEL KROLL
Board Member
Former CEO of PopCap (sold to Electronic Arts); CEO and founder of Diamar (sold to Getty Images); Advisory Board member for SeaDoc Society and the UW's Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship.
DAVE ROBERTS
Board Member
Reader, writer, and educator.
Pandora Andre-Beatty
Vice President
Writer; Training and Development Specialist for Verity Credit Union; former staff member, mentor, and reviewer for the University of New Hampshire's Connors Writing Center and Online Writing Lab; volunteer high school tutor for BFI.
MATTHEW KINGSTON
Treasurer
Former Director and Executive Producer of Interactive Media at WGBH Boston; member and former chair of Plan USA’s Board of Directors.
Howard Cutler
Board Member
Corporate Vice President, Microsoft, in charge of the Office Media Group; founder of the OneNote and Sway products; holder of over 20 patents; world traveler.
CHRIS PRATLEY
Board Member
Author, nonprofit consultant, and flower farmer. The Founding Executive Director of 826 Seattle and subsequently The greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas.
TERI Hein
Founding Advisor • Executive Director Emeritus
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