"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, 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
Learn About
The What, Why, Where, When, & Who
The What, Why, Where, When, & Who
is a non-profit learning organization where young people ages 6-18 are inspired by words and discover their creative voice.
"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!
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.
USE THE ARROWS TO SLIDe through time!
Use the arrows to slide through time!
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.)
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
MICHAEL KROLL
President
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.
Sherri Gwizdala
Vice President
Director, local Fortune 50 company; longtime big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound.
Brian Nash
Secretary
Product Group Leader for CloudBees, builders of end-to-end software delivery systems; and volunteer with The World is Fun, which works with Seattle nonprofits to create team-building volunteer opportunities.
MATTHEW KINGSTON
Treasurer
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 at the Bureau of Fearless Ideas.
Pandora Andre-Beatty
Board Member
Reader, writer, and educator.
Rekha Bhatt
Board Member
Chief Program Officer for Washington State Charter Schools Association; advisory board member for Bellevue College's Design Thinking Program; volunteer for Startup Weekend Seattle EDU; and former high school English teacher.
DIOR BIANCOFIORI
Board Member
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.
Nicole Hill
Board Member
Manager, Equity and Inclusion, Sound Transit; former interim executive director and senior director, YMCA of Greater Seattle; and former Community and Youth Development volunteer for the Peace Corps.
Hannah Mistry
Board Member
Senior Development Manager, Seattle's Compass Housing Alliance; former development manager at Rebuilding Together Seattle, Florida's Just in Queso Foundation, and Autism Speaks Central Florida; volunteer for Rebuilding Together Seattle and Puget Sound Grant Writers Association.
CHRIS PRATLEY
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.
TERI Hein
Advisor • Founder
Author, nonprofit consultant, and flower farmer; founding Executive Director of 826 Seattle, subsequently the Greater Seattle Bureau of Fearless Ideas; Fearless Ideas volunteer mentor and workshop leader.
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