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The Russell Family Foundation Announces Class 12 of Jane’s Fellowship Program: 14 Grassroots Leaders Who are Shaping the Future of Pierce County

The unique 12-month program strengthens leadership skills, expands perspectives, and encourages equitable collaborations

January 27, 2025 (Gig Harbor, Wash.)The Russell Family Foundation (TRFF) today announced its Class 12 cohort of Jane’s Fellowship Program (JFP), an initiative that supports grassroots and community-centered leaders in Pierce County who are making an impact on diverse issues in their communities.

JFP Class 12 is composed of 14 individuals who have shown an unwavering dedication to their local communities. Whether they were born and raised in Pierce County or have come to call it their home later in life, each person shows a deep care and understanding of the communities they serve. The diverse Class 12 cohort supports the community in multiple ways, including promoting equity, justice and belonging, empowering youth, and addressing critical issues such as homelessness, hunger, and environmental justice.

“We are excited to welcome JFP Class 12, a group of inspiring leaders who embody the rich diversity, talent, and grassroots leadership in Pierce County,” said Terrance McGehee, Fellowship Program Officer at The Russell Family Foundation. “We look forward to learning with and from this year’s cohort and continuing to expand our commitment to supporting and empowering community-focused leaders.”

The Class 12 cohort will participate in a year-long curriculum of experiential learning and personal development. These fellows will engage in a variety of activities and training classes to expand their networks, address systemic inequities, and increase their understanding of difficulties impacting Pierce County communities.

The JFP Class 12 includes:

AshLee Day (they/she) is a Black Queer person committed to social justice and creating more equitable spaces through her work, programming, and facilitation. Their experience working and volunteering in the education and nonprofit fields has furthered their passion for working with LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. AshLee has also served as a trainer and facilitator leading diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives for public and private organizations. They hold a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Wesleyan College in Macon, GA, and a Master of Public Administration from Seattle University. A longtime resident of the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, AshLee is currently a Project Associate with Uncommon Bridges, an organizational development, engagement, and policy consulting firm based in Seattle.

Darren Moore (he/him) is a former IT professional, business owner, and activist originally from England, now dedicated to environmental justice and Indigenous advocacy. As co-founder of Native Daily Network, he has supported his wife, Benita Moore—a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe—and other Native women in building a platform that amplifies Indigenous voices while addressing critical social and environmental issues. Darren directed the documentary Ancestral Waters, co-authored the First Supporter organizing framework, and launched the Climate Catastrophe Ground Zero (ccg0) initiative in Tacoma in October 2024. Recognized for his talent in identifying and amplifying the strengths of others, Darren’s work centers on bridging connections and uniting people around a shared purpose. His mission is to foster collective action and a sustainable, equitable future rooted in collaboration, understanding, and respect for our shared planet—and each other.

India Irons, MSW, LSWAIC (she/her) is a passionate and dedicated clinical social worker with extensive experience in mental health and community support. As the Director of Fearless Dance Studio, a youth empowerment group, India provides culturally relevant pre-professional dance training and therapy designed to empower and uplift young individuals. She helps them overcome barriers and challenges, fostering qualities like teamwork, leadership, coping skills, confidence, and self-worth. Through dance training, events, and classes in the performance arts, India’s innovative approach equips youth to succeed both on and beyond the stage. In her work as a clinical social worker, India supports youth and families dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and overcoming suicide. India’s commitment to holistic well-being and her profound understanding of diverse communities have made her a respected leader in her field, continually striving to make mental health resources accessible and effective for all.

Bobby (James) Hughes (he/him) serves his community as Pastor of Harvest Church and Director of The Impact Centers. In addition, he has been working in Workforce Development for the last 14 years, currently with Career TEAM. He is passionate about impacting communities of need with opportunity and ensuring everyone is invited to the table. When not working or serving in ministry, you can find Bobby building Hot Wheels tracks with his son, having a dance party with his daughter, or traveling with his wife Jenell. Bobby was born in the Pacific Northwest and currently lives in Tacoma.

Jess Crask (she/her/hers) is passionate about closing gaps in communities that have been historically excluded and continuing to engage the community that uplifted her into the adult she is today. She was raised in Eastside, Tacoma, and now resides in South End. As a first-generation college student, Jess earned her BA in Social Work and her MBA from PLU. She works in Parks and Recreation, though she has many years of experience in youth development such as before and after-school programming, summer camps, and childcare. In her downtime, she enjoys arts, DIY crafts, competitive activities, being with her dog, and reading.

Jessica Griffiths (she/her) brings nearly a decade of experience in social services, having worked as an Outreach Referral Coordinator for Community Health Care, where she played a key role in promoting community health and wellness. She also leveraged her background in the trades with Local Union 528 to oversee operations and programming for ANEW’s nationally recognized Pre-Apprenticeship Program. Her work has focused on equipping students with self-advocacy skills and a strong understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion as they prepare to enter the workforce. Currently, Jessica serves as the Director of Scholar Experience at Palmer Scholars, where she has led the Legacy Scholarship Program and other student-focused initiatives for over a year. Her deep commitment to empowering marginalized communities is informed by her personal experience as a native foster youth. She is passionate about providing the resources and support needed to help students from diverse backgrounds build meaningful, successful futures.

Maya Ramos (she/her) is a dedicated professional with a strong background in public policy, public
health, and social/human services. With a Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Public Policy from
Evergreen State College Tacoma, Maya blends academic expertise with real-world experience to drive meaningful change in underserved communities. Her career has been marked by impactful roles, including her current position as Program Manager at Northwest Credible Messenger. Maya has consistently championed community-driven initiatives that amplify voices and focus on empowering marginalized populations through accessible resources, systemic reforms, and data-driven solutions.

Nofo Porter (they/them) is a local visual artist passionate about community collaborations. They create guerrilla art projects and murals in Tacoma enriched by local history, relationships and resource sharing. While the intention from project to project varies and can be very playful, their priority is to improve the quality of life for marginalized communities in some way through making high-quality, accessible art. Nofo is a genderqueer Samoan, dog parent, long-time rugby player, lover of trilogies, and transplant who has called Tacoma home since 2010.

Phanat Ny (he/him) is a College Success Coach working at UW Tacoma for the College Success Foundation. Phanat has earned his degrees from Pierce College and UW Tacoma in Ethnic, Gender, and Labor studies. As a Bill and Melinda Gates scholarship recipient from Lincoln High School and a College Success Foundation alum, Phanat aims to support all students with a focus on low-income, under-served, and under-represented populations.

Samie Iverson (she/her) has held a variety of social work roles over the last 14+ years focused on serving and advocating for our unhoused/unstably housed community across Pierce County and Washington state. She is currently adoring her role as the first Social Worker with Tacoma Public Library. Samie sees herself as a lifelong learner who is continuously navigating her identity as a transracial adoptee and completed her BA in Urban Studies and her Master of Social Work at UW Tacoma. Samie lives for her growing toddler (Luka), plotting systems change that centers equity, inclusion, and lived experience, elevating the power of community partnership, and finding little bits of time to write/run/eat something delicious/soak up live music, and be with friends and family.

ShaTara Mason (she/her) is a born and raised Hilltop Tacoma Native, with a love for her city. In 2023 she became a Certified Peer Counselor, then in 2024 became the founder of The Archetype Foundation. ShaTara received the 2024 Inspire Leadership Award from the Washington Center for Women in Business. She completed her degree at The Evergreen State College – Tacoma in Organizational Leadership, with a minor in Urban Studies and Public Affairs. ShaTara understands that access is based on proximity and aims to increase accessibility for Pierce County youth, entrepreneurs and families.

Sherrilla Bivens (she/her) is the current President of the APRI-Tacoma chapter, working to serve the community by providing food and resources to the unhoused and the underserved members of our community. She is a board-certified & Licensed Christian Life Coach, Chaplain Christian Counselor, and certified Therapeutic Art Life Coach. As a community activist, Sherrilla meets the needs of those who need help the most within our community.

Stefanie Love (she/her) serves as the Human Services Coordinator at Pierce County Human Services where her work is focused on accessibility and equity. She is the recipient of the 2024 City of Destiny Award for equity and empowerment and as a Palmer Scholar she graduated from Evergreen State College, Tacoma campus and then with her MPA from Evergreen State College Olympia campus. She wants everyone in our Pierce County community to feel a sense of belonging and safety.

Ginny Parham (she/her) is a Mass Liberation Organizer and a Social Justice Advocate for Systemic Change. She has worked tirelessly towards prison reform and aid for those suffering under the current system. Ginny is the founder of a 501c3 called “Families Shoulder to Shoulder” (FSTS). FSTS supports people facing criminal charges by working directly with the community and criminal defense lawyers. Ginny is also an Organizer in Tacoma for Washington Community Action Network and a volunteer inside several prisons where she also instructs classes on Restorative Justice. She is the proud mother of three adults and the proud grandmother of seven grandsons and one granddaughter.

Jane’s Fellowship Program supports those who demonstrate exceptional creativity, courage, and commitment to the diverse needs of Tacoma and Pierce County. To date, the Foundation has engaged 144 fellows.

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About The Russell Family Foundation

The Russell Family Foundation (TRFF) invests in people and places to advance environmental sustainability and address the climate crisis. Its vision is to support a thriving, equitable, and sustainable earth. It does so through its commitment to Net Zero in its investment portfolio and operations, grantmaking programs in environmental education and food for climate solutions, and a leadership development program for grassroots leaders in Pierce County. Founded by George and Jane Russell, TRFF has been a way for extended family members to make a positive philanthropic impact locally, regionally, and globally since 1999. For more information, visit www.trff.org.

Jane’s Fellowship Program is named for Jane T. Russell, a mother, community leader, and businesswoman from Tacoma and co-founder of The Russell Family Foundation, whose life’s mission was to improve Pierce County by investing in its people.

For more information, please visit: https://trff.org/programs/janes-fellowship/