Tamar Krames(Olympia) is an arts administrator, a practicing multimedia artist, and an experienced K-12 certified teacher. She oversees grants and collaborative projects that support the creative practices of youth and educators with a focus on access to quality arts learning. Supporting innovative, community-based practices in schools has been at the core of her work for the past twenty years.

Kalei Matsui (Des Moines)‍ ‍is a multiracial teaching artist, indigenous culture bearer, and Founding Leader of Polynesian Dance Troupe Huraiti Mana. She has served as an arts administrator for 11 years and currently supports the Arts for All Coalition and AIE initiatives. Kalei views the arts as a vessel for igniting cultural pride and cultivating belonging.

Manny Cawaling (Seattle) leads a coalition of non-profits and the creative industry, driving programs in science, heritage, and the arts. Prior leadership roles include Executive Director for Youth Theatre Northwest, Managing Director for Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, and Exhibit Developer for Wing Luke Asian Museum. He is a theatre artist, arts educator, heritage specialist and community organizer for access and equity opportunities.

Jessi Wasson(Tukwila) leads the annual Cultural Futures Tour, visiting more than 20 communities across the state, cultivating legislative victories, and providing advocacy tools to organizations. She has held multiple positions as Stage Manager, Development Director, Company Manager, and Production Manager at theatres across the country.

Miranda Hein (Spokane) is a lifelong performing artist, arts educator, and arts advocate. Her artistic passions include the intersection between performing arts disciplines, and the intersection between personal and cultural experiences; her professional passions include advocating for equitable and meaningful experiences.

Naho Shioya (Seattle) is a theatre artist, educator, and consultant. She is a mission-driven and value focused leader with over 20 years of experience. She previously served as the Co-executive Director of Arts Corps, a nonprofit providing free arts education opportunities to youth in Seattle and South King County.

Adonia Cairns (Bellingham) is an artist, teacher, and producer with Children of the Setting Sun Productions, helping create films, arts programs, and cultural events that amplify Indigenous voices.A Makah Tribal member, she leads community and school partnerships that connect students with powerful stories and creative learning rooted in Indigenous knowledge. Trained in fine woodworking, she supports emerging and traditional artists and helps shape the new Setting Sun Circle gallery. Her work is guided by inclusion, creativity, and cultural care.

December 30, 2025

Alyssa de Leon (Port Townsend) currently works as a program manager for creative youth development at an arts and education foundation and serves on the board of directors at a local community radio station. She studied education, philosophy, and politics at the Dominican University of California, and went on to obtain a Master’s of Education. Her professional career has ranged from preschool and forest school director to aquarium naturalist, to Community Radio Station Manager. Most of her spare time is spent being a mom of three, but she finds moments to sing songs on her ukulele and craft homemade brooms.  

December 30, 2025

Beth Fortune (Seattle) is a change-agent in music education. A 21-year veteran classroom instrumental music educator, Associate Director for the Washington Music Educators Association, and current chairperson for the NAfME Council for Orchestral Education, Beth is also co-host of the forward-thinking music education podcast called “The Beth and Kelly Show.”

February 26, 2025

Gail Frasier (Seattle) works toward equitable access to high-quality arts education for students across Seattle Public Schools. Her passions include creating arts learning experiences where students thrive, take risks, and are in community with others.

February 25, 2025

Mark William Moody (Seattle) is an artist and educator based in Seattle and Bainbridge Island, WA. He is known for his work in visual and media arts and has been a K-12/College arts educator for over 30 years, is President of the Washington Art Education Association, is a reader for College Board AP Art & Design, and is an author of the Washington State Media Arts Standards. His work in local film production as well as his partnerships with the Seattle Art Museum, Gage Academy, Cornish at Seattle University, and the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art highlight his engagement with the community and his commitment to arts education.   

December 30, 2025

Nelly Pilares (Walla Walla) is an artist, educator, and nonprofit leader with 15 years of experience as actress, puppeteer, and artist. Her work spanned Peru, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and United States. She holds Doctorate in Hispanic Literature, Cultures, and Linguistics from University of Minnesota and a BA in Arts Education. She has served as Educational, Artistic, and Executive Director and taught Spanish in university, college, and middle school settings. She is committed to arts education, cultural exchange, and community engagement.

December 30, 2025

Shantell Jackson (Spokane) is a multidisciplinary artist, poet, writer, speaker, and educator. She served in Higher Education for 15 years as a multicultural programming administrator. Through her work, Shantell explores the human condition contemporarily and historically, creating dialogue, building bridges, and fostering healing.

February 21, 2025

Soleil Olivera Hernández (Pasco) was a junior at Chiawana High School in Pasco when she was a member of the 2024-2025 WAYAL Cohort. Her curiosity has pushed her to explore all sorts of art mediums and discover a particular interest in mural inspired composition. She stays involved in her community year-round as a member of multiple committees and being selected to have her art featured throughout Tri-Cities.  

December 30, 2025

Tina is a Seattle-based creative with a background in theater. Her work is at the intersection of teaching artistry, arts education and social justice as exemplified through Arts Corps, the award-winning nonprofit she helped found. She currently serves as the Arts Education Project Manager for the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture and as a faculty member for the Washington State Teaching Artist Training Lab.

February 20, 2025