Board Members
Rae Larson: Board President
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
Josh Cochran: Board Treasurer
As a first-generation college student, I am proud to serve as a board director for FuturesNW! I have lived in Whatcom County for most of my life and have attended WWU, BTC, and WCC. I work at WWU and am taking MBA courses as part of the evening cohort. I believe education is a crucial part of a functional society, and it’s important that everyone is given a fair opportunity to pursue a college education. I’m happy to be involved with an organization that gives first-generation and underrepresented students the support they need to navigate financial aid and achieve their college and career goals.
Outside of work and school, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog JoJo, paddleboarding in the summer, and taking road trips to various destinations in California. During the colder seasons, I enjoy cooking new recipes, baking, playing video games with friends, and watching all kinds of movies, shows, and documentaries.
Nubia Robles: Secretary
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 of Outreach and Community and has 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.
Tracy Gasca, Board Member (Bio coming soon)
Aaron Weinberg: Board Member
I’ve worked in economic development since 2019, specializing in workforce development and building partnerships connecting education and industry. As Business & Community Relations Coordinator at the Economic Development Alliance of Skagit County, I help employers take an active role in shaping talent pipelines. I was drawn to FuturesNW for its collaborative model and saw an opportunity to strengthen industry connections.
In my role, I’ve helped grow internship and career-connected learning programs in partnership with many educational institutions. I’m excited to support FuturesNW’s mission to expand access and opportunity for students across our region.
John Korsmo: Emeritus Board Member
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.
Lizbeth Gaspar Gonzalez: Emeritus Board Member
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.
Joe Wooding: Emeritus 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
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
Paige Holman is the Marketing and Grants Assistant at FuturesNW, where she supports the organization’s marketing, communications, and grant writing efforts. With more than four years of experience in digital content creation and grant writing for nonprofits, Paige enjoys developing clear, engaging communications and compelling proposals that connect people with opportunities.
Paige earned a B.A. in Human Services from Western Washington University. Her nonprofit experience spans the U.S. and Mexico, including several years living and working in Mexico City. She is passionate about supporting individuals with disabilities and brings a human-centered, strengths-based approach to her work.
Outside of FuturesNW, Paige enjoys creative projects, photographing the everyday, cooking dishes from around the world, and planning her next adventure.
Paige can be reached at pholman@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
Intern team
Cody (He/Him) is a senior Human Services major at WWU. He currently holds a position at WWU's LGBTQ+ Western Center as an Education and Advocacy Coordinator and is a returning FuturesNW intern as a Development and Program assistant. After completing his first internship, he was excited to come back and learn new skills to help students. When he's not working or in class, Cody enjoys time walking coastal beaches and parks and cooking for his friends. Cody can be reached at cmitchell@futuresnw.com
Hello, my name is Rishi Madrid. I am a Pathways Exploration Program Assistant with FuturesNW. I'm very excited to pour my heart and soul into carving pathways for students struggling to see hope for their future. As a person who has also been a young student who struggled financially and lost what career or interests I should pursue, I am glad to be part of a team of people who have the same agenda and goal as mine. I promise to give the best information I possibly can to students to create a trusted bond between us. Of course, not forgetting to have fun in the process. I can be reached at rmadrid@futuresnw.org
Hello! My name is Zach Schauble. I am currently a Human Services student at Western Washington University, set to graduate in March of 2027. Some of my hobbies and passions include cooking, volleyball, movies, writing, and music.
I am very excited to intern with FuturesNW as a Pathways Exploration Program Assistant. I'm looking forward to working with different groups of people and making a positive contribution to my community.
I can be reached at zschauble@futuresnw.org.
2023/2024/2025 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.