WA Institute for a Democratic Future – June 7, 2025

Come hang out with Emily Wicks, our new Executive Director, as she explores Washington!

Whether you live nearby in Bellingham or are just passing through, we’d love for you to drop by. It’s a wonderful chance to reconnect, chat about WAIDF, or introduce a friend to our fantastic fellowship program!

Details: Tuesday, June 10, from 5 – 7 p.m. at Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro Beer Garden (1107 Railroad Ave., Bellingham, WA 98225). No RSVP necessary! Just show up!

Join us for Graduation on Saturday, June 28! 🎉

Join us as we celebrate the amazing Class of 2025, who are completing their fellowship as part of WAIDF’s 27th class this year!

Kraig Cook (Class of 2018) will share with the Class of 2025 how his WAIDF experience shaped his State Department career and beyond. His message will highlight the importance of integrity, its influence on his personal and professional actions, and why public service is more important than ever, especially in today’s challenging environment. 

​Kraig is a career public servant with local, state, federal, and global experience. He currently serves as a Legislative Assistant to the newest (and arguably boldest) member of the Washington House of Representatives, 2012 alum Rep. Brianna Thomas. While serving at U.S. Embassy Kyiv in February 2025, Kraig resigned from his position as a career Foreign Service Officer, publicly calling for State Department leadership to stand up against the destructive foreign policy of the Trump administration. 

Details: Saturday, June 28, from 6 – 9 p.m. at Folio: The Seattle Athenaeum (93 Pike St #307, Seattle, WA 98101).

Show your KUDOS to Nikki and Rachel! 🫶

We will be honoring Nikki’s and Rachel’s service at the graduation of the Class of 2025 and would love to have you join us in thanking them. 

Please share your favorite memories, whether a photo, video, or a simple note of appreciation via their respective Kudoboard link below. Your contributions hold significant value and demonstrate your gratitude to them.

oto, video, or a simple note of appreciation. Your contributions hold significant value and demonstrate your gratitude to them.

Nominate an outstanding WAIDF Alumni 👏

Since 1997, more than 700 fellows have completed our fellowship. Our alumni serve their communities and advance progressive values across the globe in a myriad of roles, including elected officials, judges, labor leaders, and community leaders working on issues from homelessness to reproductive rights to voter access and school safety.

Each year, WAIDF celebrates one Alumni of the Year who has completed the program, demonstrated an outstanding contribution to civic life or a progressive cause, and exemplified progressive values through their personal character. 

Do you know an exceptional alumni who merits recognition?