Members of the Jackson Fellows Network traveled to Olympia, Washington to meet and learn from our state leaders. The day began with Jackson Fellow and State Representative Kristine Reeves briefing us on this year’s legislative issues.
At Representative Reeves’ invitation, the Fellows were included in the Washington State Democratic Caucus’ morning meeting. She shared how she first learned of the program during a similar visit in 2019, and encouraged other state legislators to consider applying.
We also met with Senator Sharon Shewmake, who is a professor of Economics and Energy Policy at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington and fielded questions about current environmental legislation in the state.
After a tour of the Treasury vault, the Fellows met with Lt. Governor Denny Heck, the Foundation’s partner in the Project for Civic Health, for a candid discussion about polarization and challenges facing the state.
Jackson Fellows in Olympia provided book ends for the day, with our final meeting with Jackson Fellow Joe Nguyễn, the new Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce. Joe left his elected post in the State Senate to join Governor Ferguson’s executive team, and he talked about his experience in leadership in elected office and heading an agency.
It was a full day of connections, commitment, and deep conversations about public service. And our thanks to Representative Reeves for her part in facilitating this special experience.