A special online event, featuring a conversation between Children’s Alliance Executive Director, Dr. Stephan Blanford and several legislative leaders in Washington. Together, they will explore how equity-focused policies can help us improve outcomes for kids and create a better future for all of us.
About Our Speakers
State Representative April Berg is a former small business owner, former Mill Creek Planning Commissioner, has worked in aerospace as a Boeing Project Manager, and has served on the Edmonds School Board. Currently, she is an Everett School Board Director, where she has pushed for updated textbooks, better technology, vocational education, and has helped families get through the COVID-19 school closures. She represents the 44th District.
State Representative Noel Frame has served in the Washington State Legislature since January 2016 and represents the 36th District. She is currently the Chair of the House Finance Committee, a Co-Chair of the Tax Structure Work Group, and a member of the House Appropriations and Community & Economic Development Committees. She is deeply committed to tackling the root causes of systemic issues facing families in crisis, such as eradicating poverty and increasing access to quality healthcare.
State Representative Tana Senn represents the 41st District and chairs the Children, Youth and Families Committee. Since joining the legislature in 2013, Rep. Senn has focused on the social-emotional development of youth, adolescent homelessness, gun responsibility, and gender equity issues. In 2021, Tana developed and passed the Fair Start for Kids Act, the largest policy overhaul and investment in childcare in the state's history.
State Representative Jamila Taylor is an attorney, youth advocate and small business owner with a passion for community service and a commitment to serving the public good. She lives in Federal Way and was elected to the Legislature in 2020. Jamila is vice chair of the Housing, Human Services & Veterans Committee, and serves on the Community & Economic Development and Transportation Committees. She also serves as chair of the Black Members Caucus. Jamila represents the 30th District.
Dr. Stephan Blanford has dedicated much of his career to advocacy and policymaking for children and families. In addition to his role as executive director for Children’s Alliance, he serves on the national board of Partnership for America’s Children and as the Board Chair for Integrated Schools, a nationwide organization that mobilizes families to practice antiracist school integration. Stephan was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to the Washington Child Care Collaborative Task Force and Dental Therapy Task Force.