Board Members
Lizbeth Gaspar Gonzalez: Board Secretary
Hello! Currently I work at Bellingham Technical College as an Admissions & Outreach Specialist. So I help walk future BTC students through the first two steps of the admission process and give general information about all of our great programs! I was born in Minatitlan Veracruz, Mexico and was raised in Bellingham. Prior to working in higher education, I graduated from Squalicum High School, went on to get my Associate of Arts & Science at Whatcom Community College and then transferred over to Western Washington University where I completed my Bachelors in Human Services. I’m still at WWU working through my Masters in Adult & Higher Education. My long-term goal is to serve as a leader in some capacity within education. Being that I am a first-generation, immigrant woman in education, I have really leaned into my support systems and work toward supporting efforts that demystify and dismantle educational practices that do not serve all students. In high school I was also a FNW student which is why I am proud to be serving on this board.
In my free time, I like to spend time outdoors doing any form of PNW activity (mainly hiking), hanging out with my parents, five siblings, extended family, friends and binge watching shows with my husband and our two dogs, Panther & Roxxy.
John Korsmo: Board President
As a first-gen college graduate myself, I am honored to be in a position to support others to become the same. My career has spanned a range of direct human services and school-based work. I have a BS degree in Social Studies from Portland State U., a Master’s in Educational Psychology, and a Ph.D. in Urban Education – both from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. I’m now a Professor of Human Services at Western Washington University, as well as the Associate Dean for Student Services, and Chair of Health & Community Studies.
Rae Larson: Board Treasurer
I am currently a Policy and Advocacy Associate at the Inatai Foundation, and I am almost always a poet. I was born in Whatcom County and graduated from Mount Baker Senior High School in Deming, WA. I then attended Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA as a low-income scholarship recipient. I also hold a Master of Arts Degree in English from Western Washington University and love teaching critical analysis of popular texts.
I believe every student should have equitable access to post-secondary education, but many of the systems in place make that process incredibly difficult. In my case, caring teachers and administrators helped me navigate applying for college despite housing instability and a lack of financial records. Their support inspires me to act as well.
In other aspects of my life, I sing in a variety of auditioned local choirs, and I write hybrid poetry centered around the Pacific Northwest. I also spend way too much time with my dog, Bowie Theodore Larson. @bowiegoldendood
Stacey Nordtvedt: Board Member
I am a life-long educator who has worked with people from ages 3 to 80+, teaching everything from fractions to existential philosophy to soccer. I believe in the power of learning both as a way to expand career options and also as a personal development engine. What I love most about being an educator is working one-on-one with students; what I learn from my students about life and others’ perspectives is equally valuable to anything I may be teaching them.
I have a BA in Asian Studies from University of Puget Sound and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from Seattle Pacific University. I spent twelve years as a high school teacher working with English Language Learners, have served as a volunteer on several Bellingham Public Schools committees, and have experience working with youth with dyslexia and dysgraphia. I’m currently working on a certificate in College Admissions and Career Planning and am a member of several college-related professional organizations including IECA, PNACAC and SACC (Seattle Area College Consultants).
I’m delighted to support the mission of FuturesNW and am especially looking forward to helping demystify the process of planning a post-high school life. Most of all, I’m excited about learning as much as possible from everyone involved with FuturesNW.
Shoshaunee Perez: Board Member
I am a descendant of the Tulalip and the Tlingit and Haida peoples on my mother’s side of my family. I am originally from Lakewood, WA and decided to make a fantastic journey to Bellingham, WA where I currently reside. I am a graduate from Northwest Indian College (NWIC) with my B.A. in Community Advocates and Responsive Education in Human Services (CARE), and my Associates of Arts and Science- General Direct Transfer. I have also recently graduated with my Masters of Education- Adult Education from Eastern Washington University. I currently have the honor of serving as the Rally for College Program Manager at College Success Foundation where I have the great fortune to work with coaches helping to support students in finishing high school and heading to college. I have spent my entire career working within higher education, and have strong passion and commitment to continue to supporting young adults and truly anyone whose would like to access higher education. I have a vision of all first generation and minority populations to have the same access to education that those who are more fortunate have as well.
Nubia Robles: Board Member
Nubia is originally from Tucson, Arizona. She and her husband moved to Lynden in 2021 and finally making Blaine their permanent home in 2022. Currently she works for Whatcom Community College as the Director for Outreach & Admissions and have been with WCC since May 2022.
Nubia has served in many leadership roles in different capacities including, Vice Chair for the Pima County Library Advisory Board, Commissioner for the Pima County/Tucson Women’s Commission, and Speaker Chair for Whatcom Women’s Professional Network. Nubia strives to be effective and be a resourceful human full of information. Yes, she does lots of research!
As the Director for Outreach & Admissions at Whatcom Community College, Nubia strives to connect our community to Bellingham’s beautiful college. WCC is just not a community college, but a wonderful place you can interact, grow, learn, and transform your life.
Joe Wooding: Board Member
I graduated from Federal Way public schools in 1996, then served the district through AmeriCorps, the national community service organization. Growing up as a latchkey kid, I was privileged to have parents who positioned me to become the first in my family to complete college. Following brief stints at Pierce College and Highline Community College, I transferred to WWU in 1999. At Western, I gravitated toward the American Cultural Studies program where I studied U.S. history, sociology, and political science. In 2007, I earned a master's degree from the Woodring College of Education and have been teaching social studies for Bellingham Public Schools ever since.
College and career can seem distant and abstract. However, real relationships and concrete experiences can make opportunities feel more tangible and achievable. This is why I have taught AVID (Achievement Via Individual Determination), a program designed to help students overcome opportunity gaps. As an AVID teacher at Options High School, working with organizations like FuturesNW helps expand the realm of possibility for students I serve. By serving on the board, my goal is to scale out and sustain similar relationships and experiences.
Not Pictured:
Josh Cochran: Board Member
Tracy Gasca: Board Member
Staff Members
Karina Avila: QuickStart to College Program Coordinator
This program means so much to my family and I. FuturesNW has given me the tools and knowledge to place me into the position I currently am in with my higher education journey ! I hope that I am able to share and pass down the knowledge I have gained from this program as well as the knowledge I have gained as a first generation student. This is a beautiful program and experience. I am a double major in Latin American studies and Spanish as well as an education and social justice minor. I plan on applying to Western’s Masters in teaching for the spring term and gain my certificate in secondary education. I currently serve as a student coordinator and studio assistant for Hatchler’s research and writing studio for Westerns library. I am from the Skagit valley and my family is from Oaxaca. Building community is something that I value in my communities outside of academia. I hope we can build a community coming back to the program post lockdown. I am sooo excited to meet and work with you all! Karina can be reached at kavila@futuresnw.org
Sage Borgias: Pathways Exploration Program Coordinator
Hey! My name is Sage, I recently graduated from Portland State University with a bachelor's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. I love to spend time outside in the PNW, or spending time with animals. I am very passionate about helping others and providing equal opportunities to people of all backgrounds. I am so excited to be taking on the position of Pathways Exploration Program Coordinator with FuturesNW! Sage can be reached at sborgias@futuresnw.org
Ashley DeLatour (she/her): Executive Director of Programs
Ashley DeLatour is dedicated to creating better systems and highlighting opportunities for youth in Skagit and Whatcom Counties. In her work at FuturesNW, Ashley and her team are passionate about post-secondary education pathways, community supports, and resources to help students achieve their goals after high school. She values learning, growth, kindness, art, and honesty. Ashley's professional and personal journey includes working as a barista, nanny, paraeducator, home organizer, baker, co-founder/creative director (the Pillid), photographer/business owner, doula (labor and postpartum), mom of 2, wife, and now as a human services professional. Ashley believes in the power of collective wisdom, empathy, and stories, and that a more beautiful, just, and equitable world is possible.
To book a meeting with Ashley click here
Paige Holman: Marketing & Grants Assistant
Hi, folks! My name is Paige. I recently graduated from Western Washington University with a major in Human Services and minor in Spanish. I now work as a TEFL certified English instructor for students across México (in virtual modality). My favorite pastimes are thrifting, sunset-watching, writing poems, collaging, and watching youtube. Some topics I’m particularly passionate about are immigration reform, queer justice, and equitable education. Having grown up with a learning disorder, I became deeply invested in how I could break down barriers for other students. Paige can be reached at pholman@futuresnw.org
Adilene Landa Garcia: QuickStart to College Lead Mentor
Rodrigo Ortiz Mendoza: Support Services Program Assistant
Hi! My name is Rodrigo Ortiz Mendoza. I graduated from Blaine High School in 2022. I am currently attending Western Washington University pursuing a degree in Business with a concentration in Management Information Systems. I am very excited to be working with FNW and getting to play a part in helping our students and community. In my spare time, I enjoy playing and watching soccer. I am a huge Real Madrid Fan. But what I like most is spending my time with my fiancé who is currently over 2600 miles away! However, we never let that get in the way. Watching movies (scary ones to be specific) and just talking about our day is my favorite part of my day. I am really excited about what the future holds for me and look forward with a smile on my face :)
Ximena Perez Rivero: Support Services Program Assistant
Hello! My name is Ximena (she/they) and I graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Sociology and Human Services, as well as a minor in Education and Social Justice. I'm excited to be part of FuturesNW as its mission to provide support to underserved communities is something that resonates with my own experience with needing support and guidance to navigate difficult systems within the US (i.e. school and academia). I hope to be able to provide support and witness the students we serve realize their agency as I spend time at FuturesNW. I am proudly from Oaxaca (as well as my family) and have been raised in Seattle, WA. Being one of the Support Service Program Assistants grants me the opportunity to serve my community and learn more about my community in Bellingham, something I don't take lightly.
While in Bellingham I have re-learned to love taking walks, as there is really beautiful scenery! I've enjoyed getting to know the small businesses around and learn about community organizing efforts that exist. Reading books with background music that adds to the ambience is another favorite pastime, and if time permits being with friends doing whatever it is we would like together. I also love being able to cook for other people, and I want to be more confident in conveying care through food (as well as other means!)
Regina Reid: Support Services Program Manager
Education has opened many doors for me! Consequently, I'm passionate about helping others access its benefits. As a first-generation college student, I’m grateful for the family and community support that helped me navigate higher education, which is also why I appreciate the work of FuturesNW so much. I hold a Bachelor's in Agricultural Business Economics, which led to a corporate management career early on. Later, I earned a Master's in English & Language Literature/Poetry, driven by my love for reading and writing. I'm originally from Michigan, the Great Lakes State. After teaching English Composition in the U.S., I transitioned to teaching ESL abroad, working in Mongolia, Costa Rica, and China. I'm still hoping to build fluency in both Spanish and Mandarin.
Kathleen Solomon: Lummi Nation Educational Advocate
My name is Kathleen Solomon, enrolled member of the Lummi Nation. I am excited to be an educational advocate for Futures NW. My passion has always been assisting others to figure out life dreams. June 2018, I earned a bachelor’s degree in Tribal Governance and Business Management from Northwest Indian College. I had a totally enjoyable learning experience and this is why I want to help and encourage people of all ages to go to college. I have so much gratitude of the people that helped with resources and teachers who opened my mind to the broader perspective. I am currently an employee at Lummi Indian Business Council and a board member for Education and Housing for Lummi Nation. I look forward to being of service and part of an awesome team to explore education or career goals. Kathleen can be reached at KatSolo360@gmail.com
Megan Wingo: Executive Director of Operations
Megan graduated with a BS in Communications from the University of Tennessee. She has more than 10 years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, nonprofit operations, and event planning. Throughout her career, she has raised millions of dollars to fund multiple sclerosis research, emergency financial support for breast cancer patients, community legal aid, smart justice programs such as ban the box, police accountability reform, and environmental health. Megan’s passion for social justice work brings her to FuturesNW. She views equal access to education as a critical component of economic justice and is excited about helping FuturesNW work towards sustainable change in Whatcom and Skagit Counties.
She enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, pilates, kayaking, crafting, and concerts, and she is always ready for a spur-of-the-moment adventure. Megan can be reached at mwingo@futuresnw.org
2024 QuickStart to College Mentors
Leslie Antunez-Ramos
Annesha Birch
Oneyda Calderon
Victor Gonzalez-Ayon
Bergen Milliren
Sabrin Mohammed
Ngoc Chau Nguyen Truong
Ximena Perez Rivero
Julian Potts
Gianna Rivera Grau
Tiffeny Spaeth
2023/2024 Community Volunteers
We couldn’t do this work without our amazing community of volunteers! This list continues to grow, increasing the collective impact we have on the lives of our youth and their families. If you’re interested in volunteering at our upcoming Learning with Leaders event, complete this form.