STAFF
Meet Our Team
Here at Innovia Foundation, our team is committed to going above and beyond to improve lives and communities in the Inland Northwest and beyond. We continually look ahead, finding new ways to be of service and leading the way to innovative solutions. Because we know this work can’t wait.
Shelly O'Quinn
Shelly O’Quinn is a highly-accomplished, visionary executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience in the nonprofit, philanthropic, and public sectors.
As the CEO of Innovia Foundation, she has spearheaded the organization’s evolution from a traditional, transactional grantmaking entity into a recognized leader driving community transformation and long-term impact.
Shelly joined Innovia Foundation in 2017 as CEO and in nearly eight years has led a comprehensive organizational transformation that prioritizes community impact through modernized grantmaking and collaborative initiatives and partnerships, all while advancing the Foundation’s growth.
A recognized leader in the community foundation sector, Shelly serves as a board member for CFLeads and contributes to multiple advisory committees with the Council on Foundations and regional philanthropy associations. Her expertise in civic engagement, community leadership, and rural philanthropy makes her a sought-after speaker, where she shares insights into community impact through legacy giving, community development, and the evolving role of philanthropy in addressing societal challenges.
Before joining Innovia Foundation, Shelly served as an elected Spokane County Commissioner, earning a reputation as a team builder and agent of change, representing Spokane County interests on 20 regional and statewide boards and commissions.
Shelly holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey and a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Management from Whitworth University. She serves on the Board of Trustees for Whitworth University and is a board member for Premera Blue Cross HMO, CFLeads, and Hutton Settlement Children’s Home.
Shelly is an outdoor enthusiast and, in her spare time, enjoys travel adventures with her two boys, hiking, and cooking new recipes.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Responsibility, Strategic, Belief, Relator, Arranger
Chief Executive Officer
Lauren Autrey
Originally from Southern Oregon, Lauren graduated from George Fox University in 1998 and moved to Spokane in 2001. She loves the quality of life that the Inland Northwest has to offer.
Lauren’s career began in the accounting department of a Fortune 500 company and then transitioned to 17 years in public accounting where she kept her pencil sharp. It was the opportunity to use her accounting experience and core strengths to help drive community transformation in the Inland Northwest that led her to Innovia Foundation.
When Lauren is not sharpening her pencil, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, especially at DisneyWorld.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Harmony, Deliberative, Discipline, Consistency, Analytical
Chief Financial & Operating Officer
Molly Sanchez
“What is needed and how can we help?” That’s the question on Molly’s mind as she engages with people who live and work in communities throughout the Inland Northwest. By listening and learning from those who know their local needs best, Molly helps Innovia Foundation connect donor generosity to this region’s most pressing causes.
Born and raised in Spokane, Molly has deep roots in the Inland Northwest. This inspires her commitment to facilitate strategic collaborations among funders, nonprofit organizations, community residents and other stakeholders to have a transformative effect in our region. Through effective leadership, she helps communities put aside individual agendas, collectively accomplishing what none could do alone.
Molly’s desire to learn about people and understand their stories led her to a degree in Journalism from Eastern Washington University, followed by careers in print and broadcast journalism, public relations and nonprofit development.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Context, Intellection, Deliberative, Learner, Responsibility
Chief Community Investment Officer
Ben Small
Ben Small has been an active member of the greater Spokane and Spokane Valley community since he was named Superintendent of the Central Valley School District in 2008. He has more than 19 years leading school districts as Superintendent, driving strategic vision in school systems, and using a collaborative leadership style that develops common purpose. Today, Mr. Small serves as the Executive Director of LaunchNW and initiative of Innovia Foundation.
In 1990, Mr. Small began his career in education teaching middle school in Walla Walla. From 1996 to 2008, he led in the Columbia School District as the middle school Principal, Executive Director for Teaching and Learning, and for five years as the Superintendent.
He earned his Associate of Arts degree from Spokane Falls Community College, holds his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from Eastern Washington University, and earned his Superintendent Credential from Washington State University.
In Central Valley, Superintendent Small leads a preschool-12th grade school system of nearly 15,000 students and over 2,100 employees in 30 schools and learning centers over an 80-square-mile area.
Mr. Small is a founding board member and past president of PACE – Partners Advancing Character Education, past Chair of Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, past member of the Board of Trustees of Greater Spokane Incorporated, WSU College of Medicine Dean’s Advisory Council, WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Admissions Committee, Spokane County United Way Board of Directors, past member Spokane Area Workforce Development Council, Providence Health Care Community Mission Board, and is a member of the Sunrise Rotary Club of Spokane Valley. In 2019, Ben Small was named as Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce, Citizen of the Year.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Ideation, Strategic, Learner, Maximizer, Achiever
Executive Director of LaunchNW
Dave Sonntag
Dave Sonntag is a purpose-driven leader with more than 30 years of experience in communications, marketing and fundraising. Prior to joining Innovia Foundation as Chief Philanthropy Officer, Dave served in higher education leadership for 20 years between Eastern Washington University and Gonzaga University. While at Gonzaga, Dave played an instrumental role in the university’s largest-ever fundraising campaign, Gonzaga Will, that raised $350 million for scholarships, strategic initiatives and capital projects. He was also involved in launching the Opportunity Northeast place-based initiative and University of Washington-Gonzaga University Health Partnership.
Following his tenure at Gonzaga, Dave helped launch professional soccer in the Inland Northwest as Vice President of Marketing and Communications for United Soccer League (USL) Spokane. In its first year, USL Spokane led the league in partnership and season ticket sales, and is now on its way to becoming an enduring community asset, with strong fan engagement, numerous partnerships with non-profits and businesses throughout the region, and competitive teams.
Dave grew up in Priest River, Idaho and graduated from Gonzaga University where he met his wife, Dori. They settled in Spokane and have two boys – Ty, a junior at St. Louis University and Owen, a senior at Gonzaga Prep (they also have a Golden Doodle, Fozzie Bear, and a Siberian cat, Frosty). Dave started his career with marketing and communications firms including Desautel-Hege (DH) where he had the opportunity to lead projects across many sectors from healthcare to education, and technology to environment.
Dave serves on the board of the Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, helps to lead Hire Ability Spokane, and previously served on the board of the Arc of Spokane. In his leisure time, Dave enjoys spending time with his family, enjoying the family cabin on the Pend Oreille River, as well as doing anything outdoors, particularly hiking, paddling, fly fishing, and mountain biking.
Chief Philanthropy Officer
Matt Bumpus
A longtime Eastern Washington resident, Matt brings a wealth of experience in working collaboratively to identify evidence-based solutions and apply them to large-scale issues that impact wellbeing. Prior to joining the Innovia team, Matt spent 19 years as a faculty member and leader in the Department of Human Development at Washington State University (WSU). He also served on the graduate faculty of WSU’s interdisciplinary Prevention Science doctoral program. At WSU, his most recent research efforts focused on the development and evaluation of programs to support students and their families across the transition to post-secondary education.
Matt holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Elementary Education from Whitworth University and a Ph.D. from Penn State University in Human Development and Family Studies. Away from work, he enjoys spending time with his wife Amy, exploring all that the Inland Northwest has to offer.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Strategic, Learner, Restorative, Analytical, Achiever
Director of Research and Community Impact
Iona Cairncross
Iona comes to us originally from the United Kingdom but has lived as a global nomad since age 8 when her family moved to become overseas missionaries. She is the Mentor and Volunteer Program Manager for LaunchNW, bringing three years of experience training and managing student leaders in Whitworth’s residence life program, experience serving as a mentor specifically for youth experiencing large life transitions and experience building robust training curriculums. Having worked alongside students and young people for several years she has seen firsthand the impact that a personal mentoring connection can have on a person’s trajectory. The impact is exponential! She is here to get our city excited about joining us in building a community where every child finds belonging and travels their best journey from birth to career attainment. All it takes is one!
Iona holds an undergraduate degree in business management and leadership, and an MBA from Whitworth. Outside of work Iona is an an avid reader. She loves diving into a new world and learning about the differences between people by living in a character’s brain. She also loves to play with and pamper her nine-year-old dog Francesca.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Belief, Ideation, Connectedness, Individualization, Relator
Mentor & Volunteer Program Manager
Briget Duncan
Briget Duncan brings her passion for education and community building to the Inland Northwest from Louisiana, where she has experience as a teacher, coach and sales professional. Her dedication to education and community development led her to join LaunchNW as the Program Manager for FAFSA, an initiative of Innovia Foundation, and Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS) as a program facilitator for after-school STEM programs in the Spokane area. Together, these organizations are committed to equity and access in education with a mission to ensure that students furthest from opportunity receive the support they need to pursue futures that reflect their strengths, passions and dreams.
FAFSA Program Manager
Connie Emry
A full-time employee of the Foundation in the mid-’80s and early ’90s, Connie is now our “Girl Friday.” Connie comes to the Innovia office every Friday ready to assist in a variety of ways.
As Connie says, “I enjoy my Fridays and will do whatever needs to be done. I marvel at all the good that has been accomplished through this community foundation. I enjoy working with the current staff, as well as with the dedicated people who have served in many capacities over the years.”
Connie is a Gonzaga University graduate and attended Gonzaga-In-Florence the first year this program was an option as a “junior year abroad” experience. After graduate school, a year at George Washington University, she was a teacher for a few years. She had four children in three years (twins in the middle) and has seven wonderful grandchildren, some of whom reside in Coeur d’Alene, others in Maryland. Connie is deeply connected to several causes that are near and dear to her heart. At least one day a week she assists at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture Foundation. She has been a Hospice of Spokane volunteer for 25 years and a Spokane Preservation Advocates member and volunteer for many years.
Administrative Assistant
Mayra Frans
Mayra was born and raised in Sunnyside, WA, and she attended the University of Washington where she earned a B.A. in American Ethnic Studies and B.A. in Spanish. After graduating from UW, Mayra relocated to Spokane, WA, where she joined the College Success Foundation as a School-Based Advisor. During her time with CSF, Mayra provided support and advised 11th and 12th grade students, primarily low-income and students of color, guiding them through academic planning, college and career exploration, financial aid, and college applications.
Being a First-Generation student herself, Mayra has a deep passion for education, equity, and student success and advocacy. Mayra is thrilled to be joining LaunchNW as a College Navigator where she will be able to work directly with students to provide support and help them navigate post-secondary education.
Outside of work, Mayra loves playing volleyball, board games, swimming, and any outdoor activities especially with her husband and two children!
College Navigator | Whitworth - LaunchNW
Lauren Garske
Lauren was born and raised in Spokane, WA, but left in search of sunnier weather, earning her undergraduate degree at the University of San Diego. Though she never expected to return, she came back with a renewed appreciation for Spokane and went on to earn her Master of Arts in School Counseling from Gonzaga University.
After graduate school, Lauren became the sole employee of Reach for the Future!, a grassroots nonprofit that “adopted” 50 second graders from a local Title I school—offering long-term mentoring, tutoring, enrichment, and post-secondary tuition support. The program changed the trajectory of so many young lives in our community and remains one of her proudest achievements.
She later joined the College Success Foundation, where she and her team led a new college services state-wide initiative that supported students from high school through college graduation in partnership with local colleges and universities.
Now at LaunchNW, Lauren continues to bring her passion for serving others and a deep commitment to equity and student success, working to ensure all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Outside of work, she enjoys everything Spokane has to offer—from hiking, lake days at Loon Lake, and thrift shopping to cheering on her husband and kids at their many sporting events.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Harmony, Empathy, Consistency, Relator, Developer
College Navigator Program Manager
Dawn Gering
Dawn was born and raised in the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas. After completing a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies (aka elementary education) at Texas A&M University, she returned to teach 5th grade for four years. After living and working as an elementary librarian in Massachusetts for one year, she and her family moved to western Washington for 6 years before finally returning to her husband’s eastern Washington roots in Spokane. Once here, Dawn continued to work in education as a preschool assistant teacher, AVID tutor, high school volunteer, and substitute teacher before being hired by College Success Foundation as a school-based advisor at John R. Rogers High School in 2017.
For five years, Dawn worked for the College Success Foundation as a school-based advisor, providing opportunities, training, and support for cohorts of historically underrepresented students who desired to pursue post-secondary education. In 2022, Dawn became the program manager for the Spokane region, where she was responsible for seven high school advisors and three middle school coaches.
At LaunchNW, Dawn is excited to support the collaborative efforts of local schools and organizations as they provide opportunities and scholarships for high school students to find their place of belonging and travel their best journey to career attainment.
When not working, Dawn enjoys baking, reading, and travelling with her husband and family.
Gallup Clifton Strengths: Deliberative, Harmony, Belief, Relator, Connectedness
MPower Program Success Officer - LaunchNW
Nolan Glueckert
Nolan knows no stranger—and he has a great haircut to boot! With over 20 years of experience in marketing, public relations, and outreach, he is passionate about connecting with the incredible people of the Lewis-Clark Valley through his work at Innovia Foundation.
Before joining Innovia’s expert and dedicated team, Nolan held various business development roles in both the nonprofit and private sectors. In his current role, he focuses on donor stewardship, nonprofit support, and community engagement across Asotin, Clearwater, Columbia, Garfield, Idaho, Latah, Lewis, Nez Perce, and Whitman counties.
Growing up in a small town instilled in Nolan a deep appreciation for vibrant, sustainable communities. He believes in being rooted in the place where you live and work—staying engaged, grounded, and committed to making a difference.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Woo, Communication, Positivity, Arranger, Futuristic
Rural Engagement Manager - South Region
Chelsie Hawley
Originally from a small rural town in Washington, Chelsie graduated with a B.A. in Race and Culture Studies from Eastern Washington University, which ignited her passion to pursue a graduate degree in History, with an emphasis on curriculum development, from the same institution. With nearly a decade of community-based work experience, Chelsie has dedicated herself to serving the Spokane region, empowering residents to build strong, vibrant, resilient communities.
Her unique combination of education and passion for service drives her to support the diverse needs of all communities, helping them thrive and succeed. Chelsie is excited to bring her expertise and commitment to Innovia Foundation, where she looks forward to contributing to the continued growth and vitality of the Spokane extended region.
In her spare time, Chelsie enjoys exploring the outdoors and traveling to new destinations.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Achiever, Context, Intellection, Belief, Learner
Community Investment Program Officer
Collette Jarvelin
During her time at Gonzaga University, Collette was inspired to dedicate her career in service for the common good. After graduating with a B.A. in Public Relations and several years working for a small nonprofit, Collette found a home at the Nature Conservancy. For the next seven years, she worked with colleagues from across the globe gaining valuable experience in nonprofit operations, developing strategies for donor stewardship and board management.
In July 2014, Collette joined Innovia Foundation as Gift Planning Specialist, working with donors to fulfill their charitable legacies and collaborating with nonprofits on organizational sustainability. She comes to work every morning excited to connect donors to the services and opportunities provided by the foundation that help address the needs of our community.
Outside of work, you will find Collette on the tennis court or enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and two dogs near their home in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Relator, Responsibility, Harmony, Discipline, Futuristic
Program Officer
Nicole Jewell
Nicole grew up in Portland, Oregon and after graduating high school, she made an unexpected
move to eastern Washington to attend Washinton State University in Pullman. Nicole became
quickly involved in a variety of organizations and conferences that deepened her commitment to
empowering students. After three and a half years, Nicole earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
and Comparative Ethnic Studies, along with minors in At-Risk Youth and Criminal Justice.
Since the beginning of her undergraduate years, Nicole has consistently worked in roles that
advocate for students – from supporting undergraduates to helping middle schoolers in special
education. Her compassion and dedication to expanding access and equity for all students
remains at the heart of her work. At LaunchNW, Nicole is continuing that mission.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys attending concerts, exploring the outdoors, and cheering on the
Portland Trail Blazers and Seattle Mariners. In the colder months, you’ll likely find her curled up
with a book or immersed in a new art project.
College Navigator | Washington State University - LaunchNW
Josh Kaiel
Joshua Kaiel is the Director of Community Development at Innovia Foundation, where he blends a passion for community growth with a talent for turning challenges into opportunities. With over 28 years of experience in education and business, he knows that the strongest partnerships are built on trust and sometimes, a well-timed joke.
Joshua holds an undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University and a master’s degree from Concordia University. He has a proven track record of driving meaningful growth and change, leading initiatives that have scaled national sports and education programs while empowering local leaders and business owners to create lasting impact. At Innovia, Joshua manages the Community Heart & Soul Program, helping rural communities shape their future through resident-driven planning and collaboration.
Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, exploring new cultures, and enjoying the outdoors.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Positivity, Strategic, Achiever, Connectedness, Developer
Community Development Director
Jeff Lenberger
Jeff was born and raised in Kentucky and graduated with a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Kentucky in 1999. He earned his MBA from Eastern Washington University in 2010. He was brought to the Spokane area in 2001 because of Fairchild Airforce Base where he worked as a S.E.R.E. Specialist for nine years, including time as an airman and a contractor working with the U.S. Air Force Survival School.
Prior to joining the Innovia team, Jeff spent 13.5 years in public accounting. His time in public accounting has included firms in both Atlanta, Georgia, Louisville, Kentucky, and the Spokane, Washington area. A large portion of his public accounting experience centered around audits of not-for-profit organizations, healthcare systems, and HUD-related properties. The move to Innovia Foundation allows him to leverage prior public accounting experience to positively impact community organizations and initiatives within Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho communities.
Jeff fell in love with the Spokane area and mountains of eastern Washington while stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base and was lucky enough to marry a Spokane native. Outside of work Jeff enjoys spending time with his family at the lake or cheering on his son at youth baseball and basketball games.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Analytical, Responsibility, Developer, Consistency, Achiever
Controller
Javier Marias
Originally from Pasco, Javier attended Eastern Washington University beginning in 2020 and graduating with his BA in Secondary Education in 2024. From here he began working in the school districts within Spokane before transitioning to a career in Higher Education.
Through his experiences in education, Javier developed a passion for working with underrepresented, and first-generation students. He believes that every student deserves a quality education. As a College Navigator, Javier hopes that he can support students of all backgrounds through their educational journey.
Outside of work Javier enjoys spending time with friends and family. He spends his free time watching movies, reading, and playing video games.
College Navigator | Spokane Falls Community College & Gonzaga - LaunchNW
Chiana McInelly
Born and raised in Hayden, Idaho, Chiana is excited to bring her passion for education and equity to students across the Inland Northwest. Chiana graduated from Gonzaga University in 2023 with a B.S. in Economics and minors in Mathematics and Finance. Shortly after, she joined the Innovia team as a Research and Community Impact Fellow. Chiana’s interest in the socioeconomic impact of education led her to join the LaunchNW team full-time in the fall of 2023, and she now supports both the LaunchNW and Innovia Scholarship programs, as well as additional student-focused programs through LaunchNW.
Outside of work through Innovia Foundation, Chiana works as a freelance portrait photographer, is an outdoors enthusiast, and loves riding her horse JD!
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Relator, Arranger, Achiever, Consistency, Learner
Program Officer of Scholarships
Cori Noll
Cori was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, and earned her AAS in Social Services from Spokane Falls Community College. She began her career in customer service and human resources at a local bank, where she developed a strong foundation in client relations and organizational support. While serving alongside her husband in ministry, Cori discovered a deep passion and talent for nonprofit administration, which has since guided her professional journey.
At Innovia Foundation, Cori combines her skills in administrative support with her love for community engagement. She supports the Regional Engagement team and local leadership by helping coordinate events, manage customer service, and strengthen community connections.
After a brief time living in Pasco, Washington, Cori and her family are excited to be back in the Pacific Northwest, looking forward to summers in Coeur d’Alene and winters spent on the mountain. In her free time, Cori enjoys tending to her sourdough starter, Nina, reading a good book, and camping with friends.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Woo, Consistency, Empathy, Harmony, Communication
Program Associate
Jennifer Offereins
Born and raised in Spokane, Jennifer graduated from Shadle Park High School and started her remarkable journey, immersing herself in experience and exploration. Starting on the west coast, she earned her undergraduate degree from Seattle University which allowed her to lay the groundwork for upcoming success. Her passion for understanding human behavior and organizational dynamics led her to pursue her graduate degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from New York University. From coast to coast, she embraced diverse landscapes and cultures, lived abroad in southeastern France, enhancing her love for travel and exploration even deeper. She returned to Spokane with her husband in late 2007 to raise their family, enjoy the Inland Northwest lifestyle and immerse herself in the local community.
With a dedicated career spanning over a decade, Jennifer has left an undeniable mark on various industries within North America and Europe, specializing in organizational effectiveness and change management. For the past 7 years she has served as the driving force behind her own consulting practice, while simultaneously co-founding and leading a consulting group, dedicated to empowering startups and small businesses through strategic guidance and operational excellence. Jennifer’s commitment to her local community continues as the co-founder of a small, mission-driven business with a focus on building up, giving back and taking care of the communities in which we live and work.
In her free time, Jennifer adores spending time with her family. Guided by curiosity and adventure, they enjoy exploring scenic trails, spending time boating on the nearby lakes and rivers, and traveling to other countries to experience the local culture.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Connectedness, Arranger, Positivity, Belief, Relator
Associate Director - LaunchNW
Sarah Overholt
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sarah followed a winding path to the Inland Northwest. After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. in Psychology, Sarah spent five years working as a seasonal contractor. From serving as support staff for the U.S. Antarctic Program to apple thinning in New Zealand, Sarah has encountered many enriching experiences both personally and professionally. Most recently, Sarah managed a multi-lodge tourism program in Cooper Landing, Alaska.
Sarah has been fortunate to find and forge community in a wide range of settings. Her belief in the importance of collective action led Sarah to plant roots in Spokane and seek out a service-driven career. Sarah is excited to bring her strengths in communications, community engagement and organizational systems to Innovia Foundation. She looks forward to better understanding and serving her new community.
Outside of work, Sarah is an avid outdoor enthusiast. She loves cooking, painting, biking and exploring the next great trail.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Developer, Empathy, Input, Relator, Learner
Outreach and Youth Voice Program Associate - LaunchNW
Rachel Quick
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Restorative, Achiever, Input, Connectedness, Learner
Program Officer - Marketing & Communications
Julie-Ann Pearson
Julie-Ann Pearson serves as a College Navigator at LaunchNW, where she is passionate about helping students achieve their academic and career goals at Eastern Washington University—where she also earned her own degrees. With over 10 years of experience supporting high school and college students, Julie understands firsthand the importance of mentorship and guidance. As the first in her family to attend college, Julie earned her bachelor’s degrees from Eastern Washington University, focusing on areas that blend communication, social sciences, and children’s studies.
Julie’s journey to graduation wasn’t without its obstacles. She started college at Eastern Washington University, then after briefly attending the University of Washington-Tacoma while raising her son, she returned to Eastern Washington University to complete her degree. Despite the barriers, Julie was determined not to let the odds win. She made it a priority to be a strong role model for her son, younger siblings, and now her nieces, showing them that perseverance in the face of adversity is key.
Having grown up in a lower-income family in East Tacoma, Washington, Julie knows the challenges of navigating college without resources and limited family guidance. Programs like LaunchNW were instrumental in her own journey, which is why she is so passionate about helping students succeed in the same way.
A natural “people person,” Julie thrives on building meaningful relationships and watching her students grow both personally and academically. Outside of work, she loves being a mom to her teenage son, spending quality time with him, and creating memories with her family and friends. She enjoys going on long walks, recording TikToks, and indulging in her favorite TV shows like I Love Lucy, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Boy Meets World, and Married at First Sight. Julie is a thrill-seeker who enjoys amusement parks, riding the craziest rollercoasters, and, of course, having fun. For Julie, travel is a meaningful way to explore new places, meet new people, and experience life to its fullest. If you sit next to her on an airplane, be prepared to share your life story; she’s intrigued by people, and some would say she’s never met a stranger.
Julie believes that her work today is the fulfillment of a dream she’s had since high school: to help students, just like she once was, overcome obstacles and achieve their goal of college degree completion, no matter the setbacks.
College Navigator | Eastern Washington University - LaunchNW
Emilio Ramos
I was born in Prosser, Washington, and raised in both Prosser and Grandview until the 7th grade, when I moved to Kennewick. I graduated from Columbia Basin College in 2021 with an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree. That same year, I transferred to Eastern Washington University and relocated to Spokane, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Applied Developmental Psychology in 2023.
Before joining the LaunchNW College Navigator team, I completed two AmeriCorps service terms. In my first term, I served with the College Success Foundation as a AmeriCorps College and Career Coach at Yasuhara Middle School. For my second term, I served with Eastern Washington University as an AmeriCorps Aspire Mentor Lead, helping run the Aspire Mentoring Program. In this role, I supported juniors and seniors across Spokane County in preparing for post-secondary education.
I am excited to be part of the College Navigator team at LaunchNW because it allows me to continue working in education and pursuing something I’m deeply passionate about, helping students succeed.
Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through the gym, running, and golf. I also love coaching sports, particularly wrestling, which has been a lifelong passion of mine. Coaching gives me the opportunity to give back to a sport that has shaped who I am today.
College Navigator | Spokane Community College, Trades/Apprenticeship Programs - LaunchNW
Seth Schmidt
Raised in the Tri-Cities, Seth grew up enjoying the beauty across the state of Washington, but Spokane always had a special place in his heart. He has always seen Spokane as a “big city,” perfect for countless basketball tournaments, exploration of the mountains and home of the Zags.
Starting at Washington State University in 2020 and graduating from Gonzaga University in 2023 with a B.A. in Finance, Seth dreams of using his degree to create a positive change for individuals and the surrounding communities through his financial knowledge.
Outside of work, Seth is likely taking in the beauty of Washington with his cat by his side, enjoying his passion for sports, or spending time with friends and family.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Analytical, Relator, Developer, Belief, Adaptability
Program Associate - Finance
Jaiden Wagner
Jaiden grew up locally in the Nine Mile Falls area. Her time at two Jesuit institutions, Gonzaga Prep and Gonzaga University, instilled within her the value of being a person for others. She graduated from Gonzaga in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, hoping to secure a career that would allow her to make a positive impact on others’ lives. However, she also developed a strong interest in marketing while completing her business and promotion minors.
Jaiden felt that joining Innovia’s marketing and communications team offered the perfect opportunity to combine her passion for being a person for others with her ultimate desire to work in the business field. Engaging with counties across the Inland Northwest region at Innovia, she welcomes the fulfilling experience of giving back to the community she was raised in while returning to Gonzaga for her MBA.
Outside of work, Jaiden spends her free time with friends and family. She enjoys baking, being outdoors and at the lake, and cheering on the Zags and Seahawks.
Gallup CliftonStrengths: Developer, Empathy, Achiever, Positivity, Responsibility