A Look Back at Recent Seattle NOW Events
6th Annual Shero Awards
On Thursday, November 10th, Seattle NOW held its 6th Annual Shero Awards at El Centro de la Raza. The lovely Hillary Moralez, our lively emcee, led guests through an inspiring evening honoring our Sheros: Estela Ortega, Agaiotupu Viena, and Linda Tosti-Lane. We had beautiful live music by board member Cathy Baylor and two of her piano students, Margaret Speedy and Sydney Tang, and ended the night with an exciting live auction. The event was sponsored by Roy Hsu, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, Derby Salon, Dry Sodas and Georgetown Brewing Company.
Over the week of silent auction activity and throughout the evening, we beat our goal and raised nearly $9,000 to help fulfill our mission of fighting for equality and justice for women! Thank you to all of our volunteers, entertainment, Board and Committee members, sponsors, and our Sheros! Click here to see photos from the event and to learn more about our incredible Sheros.
2022 Annual Meeting
On Thursday, December 8th, several Seattle NOW members and allies convened for our 2022 Annual Meeting. Co-President Lisa Weber read a land acknowledgment before attendees made introductions around the Zoom. Co-President Chantele Machado gave the 2022 year in review, Co-Legislative Coordinator Cathy Baylor provided a legislative summary, and attendees broke out into small groups to discuss goals and ideas for 2023. Throughout the event, attendees participated in trivia for various prizes and participated in lively conversation. Here are a few highlights from 2022:
Seattle NOW partnered with WA State NOW to donate $8,000 to Northwest Abortion Access Fund
Participated in the Fremont Fair
Sponsored and participated in Edmonds International Women’s Day
Held NOW Lobby Week
Hosted the most Community Meetings this year than in any previous year, including “Women and Social Media,” presented by PSARA, “Intergenerational Trauma and Indian Boarding Schools: One Family’s Story,” presented by board member Cathy Baylor, and “The Impact of Religious Control Healthcare in Washington,” presented by Save Secular Healthcare WA.
Members helped conduct interviews for endorsement recommendations led by the Washington State NOW PAC to boost women and strong progressive candidates, raise the visibility of NOW in the community, and enhance relationships with local policymakers.
Elections for Officer Roles
Co-Presidents: Chantele Machado and Lisa Weber
Treasurer: Heather Loebe
Secretary: Diane Mikhlin
Co-Legislative Coordinators: Cathy Baylor and Linda Tosti-Lane
At-Large Board Members: Dennis Barnes, Carin Chase, Maralyn Chase, Kjersten Gmeiner, Linda Jenkins, Hilary Reddy, Alexander Snow, Pat Weber, Mary Williams, France Giddings
Emeritus: Thalia Syracopoulos
1st Quarter 2023
We’ve come in hot in 2023, starting off with a Board Retreat in January, where the new year’s board reflected on previous achievements, shortcomings, leadership, and goals for 2023. Lobby Week training and activities followed in early February, as well as our first Community Meeting of the year, featuring Seattle Women’s Commission Co-Chair, Tana Yasu, Mary D. Williams with Real Escape from the Sex Trade (REST), and Andra Kanzler, Juris Doctor/Lawyer and Economic Development Planner. The women lead a talk about the Commission, sex trafficking, and reparations. We also sponsored and attended Edmonds International Women’s Day, a yearly event hosted by our friend and 2021 Shero, Alicia Crank! Happy Women’s History Month!