Board Members
Freddy Collins: Board Member
I am a Senior Admissions Counselor and Multicultural Outreach Coordinator for Western Washington University. I was born in Atlanta but I actually grew up here in Bellingham and went to Bellingham High School (Go Red Raiders!) so when it was time for me to choose a college to attend I knew exactly where I wanted to go and I only applied to one school…Western! I had such a great experience growing up here that I knew this was exactly where I wanted to continue my education. Thankfully, I was accepted and my experience here was even better than I ever expected!
I earned two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology (Industrial Technology – Vehicle Design) as well as a Bachelor of Arts from Fairhaven College in American Cultural Studies. While I was a student I worked for the Office of Admissions as a Student Admissions Representative (StAR), leading campus tours and working at the front desk. I also worked at the Associated Students’ Outdoor Center as an Equipment Resource Technician, Trip Leader, Challenge Program Facilitator and eventually became their Marketing and Resources Coordinator. Additionally, my involvement with both the Ethnic Student Center as well as the Western Leadership Advantage played a huge part in the great experience I had here.
One of the things I love most about living in Bellingham is the availability of outdoor activities. Whether you like skiing, snowboarding, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, or anything in between, you will definitely love living in Bellingham. You can also catch me in Bellis Fair Mall where I earned my nickname, the Fresh Prince of Bellis Fair.
Wing Fok: Board Member
Hi, my name is Wing Fok. I am the Associate Dean of the College of Business and Economics at Western Washington University. I joined the college in 2017 after working for Loyola University New Orleans for almost 30 years. Being a first-generation immigrant as well as a first-generation college student, I joined FuturesNW to give back to the communities. I was partially educated in Hong Kong with an undergraduate degree in business from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. I left Hong Kong to pursue my graduate education after working for a few years in the manufacturing as assistant production controller. I received my PhD degree from Georgia State University in Operations Management. Besides working with FuturesNW, I am also serving as Board of Director for the Law Advocate, Whatcom County, as well as International Beliefs and Values Institute (IBAVI). I enjoy working with young people; I believe they are the future.
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
Jason McGill: Board Member
I am a career social services professional (Executive Director, Northwest Youth Services) who brings deep knowledge of working with young people experiencing homelessness. I am a community advocate is rooted in Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion work. I first became involved in efforts to address youth and youth adult homelessness after working many years in a behavioral hospital setting and witnessing the revolving door to treatment with many patients who identified as experiencing homelessness. I believe that we could cultivate a community that is transformative if we worked as a collective.
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.
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.
Staff Members
Karina Avila: QuickStart to College Program Assistant and Mentor
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
Ashley DeLatour: 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
Atiana Garza: Financial Aid & Mentorship Program Coordinator
Hi! My name is Atiana Garza and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Winter 2023 Graduate of Western Washington University. My degree is in Multidisciplinary studies with a focus in cultural development and history along with a minor in Psychology. I am honored to be working with FuturesNW as the current Financial Aid and Mentorships Program Coordinator. I am so excited to work with students and faculty in our community! Atiana can be reached at agarza@futuresnw.org
Rosemary Hickman: Post-Secondary Pathways Program Assistant
Hi y’all, my name is Rosemary! I recently returned home to Bellingham after finishing my BA in International Relations and Postcolonial Studies at Franklin University Switzerland. I am passionate about learning, social justice, being outdoors, meeting new people, and exploring new places, which has inspired me to seek out recent adventures both abroad and around the US. I have spent summers in Oregon, Maine, and North Carolina working in various guiding, mentoring, and youth outdoor education capacities, and widening my perspective on the world around me. I am thrilled to have joined FuturesNW as a Post-Secondary Pathways Program Assistant to continue expanding my knowledge, and to put my studies into practice working to break down systemic barriers and increase accessibility of education for students in my home community! In my free time, you’ll find me hiking, enjoying live music, or basking in the sun (Bellingham weather permitting). Rosemary can be reached at rhickman@futuresnw.org
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
Ashby McCoy: Learning with Leaders Program Coordinator
Originally from a small Western Massachusetts town, Ashby has let her love for adventure and working with youth take her around the world. Since graduating from the College of Charleston in South Carolina where she studied Art’s Management and Environmental Sustainability, she has worked as an outdoor educator and instructor in Alaska, Montana, and New Hampshire. Looking to deepen her experience and skills in social-emotional learning and experiential education, Ashby moved to Maine to work at a Leadership School, and then to Jackson, WY to pursue place-based education at Teton Science Schools.
Finding a passion for youth development, Ashby joined the Peace Corps and served in Morocco as a Youth Development Specialist teaching English and life skills to Moroccan youth. As Covid cut her service short, she returned to the States to work as a Program Coordinator for the Boys and Girls Club in Missoula, MT. Ashby recently completed a Masters of Social Work at Tulane University, and with her new wealth of knowledge is so excited to be in this new role as the Learning with Leaders Program Coordinator! Ashby can be reached at amccoy@futuresnw.org
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
2023 QuickStart to College Mentors
Frank Alvear
Annesha Birch
Valentina Del Risco Sanchez
Maria Herrera
Adilene Landa
Ximena Perez Rivero
Cecilia Raygoza-Delgado
Not Pictured:
Bergen Milliren
Not Pictured:
Sabrin Mohammed
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.