WA Institute for a Democratic Future – August 20, 2025

A Standing Ovation for Our Outgoing Board Members👏 

As we wrap up our fiscal year and build momentum for the 2026 Class applications (which opens on September 1), we pause to celebrate and thank a truly extraordinary group: our 2024–2025 Board of Directors.

The WAIDF Board is unlike any other. This 22-member working board is filled with powerhouse politicos and leaders who embody the core of our mission. They bring not just knowledge and expertise across industries, but also a deep passion for building a more just and democratic future, and they roll up their sleeves to make it happen.

From staffing program weekends and connecting us with inspiring speakers, to mentoring fellows, fundraising, coordinating events, and strengthening our infrastructure, our Board makes it possible. They are the engine behind our efforts to recruit, train, and grow the next generation of civic leaders in Washington State.

WAIDF is an ecosystem that moves our work and the work of our partners and allies forward. We’re grateful to these leaders for making it all possible. As they depart this role, we know it’s not the end of the work, it’s the start of new and different ways to engage with out network and efforts.

Layla Al-Jamal Judkins, Class of 2018
Day Job: Operations Partner at the Big Lil
WAIDF Roles: Treasurer, Governance Committee Vice Chair

Jason Bennett, Former IDF Executive Director
Day Job: Owner, Argo Strategies
WAIDF Roles: Fundraising Committee

Josh Castle, Class of 2010
Day Job: Development Manager, Neighborcare Health
WAIDF Roles: Fundraising Committee Chair, Programming & Events Committee

Jeff Debray, Class of 2023
Day Job: Eastern Washington Director, Fuse Washington
WAIDF Roles: Communications & Admissions Committee

Derrick De Vera, Class of 2017
Day Job: Senior Counsel, Washington House Democratic Caucus
WAIDF Roles: Governance Committee

Ash Parasa, Class of 2024
Day Job: Software Development Engineer, Amazon
WAIDF Roles: Programming & Events Committee

Joseph Peha, Class of 2011
Day Job: Principal, Strategic Communications & Technology, Finny Designs
WAIDF Roles: Communications & Admissions Committee

Amanda Pleasant-Brown, Class of 2017
Day Job: Government Relations Administrator, King County Metro Transit
WAIDF Roles: Assistant Secretary, Governance Committee

Chipalo Street, Class of 2015
Day Job: Washington State Representative, 37th Legislative District
Principal Program Manager, Microsoft
WAIDF Roles: Fundraising Committee

Ivana Trottman, Class of 2018
Day Job: Organization Learning Consultant, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries
WAIDF Roles: Governance Committee

Jessica Vu, Class of 2023
Day Job: Community Engagement Planner, King County Metro Transit
WAIDF Roles: Communications & Admissions Committee. 

Thanks for your impactful work and continual investments in the future of civics, democracy, and progress.  

Stay tuned as our new board members will be announced soon!

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Recognize our WAIDF Alumni

We’re bringing back our Alumni Spotlight to celebrate the incredible work WAIDF grads are doing across Washington and beyond.

Know an alum who’s making waves, building community, or has a story that inspires? We want to hear about it!

✨ Nominate them today → https://secure.anedot.com/idf/alumnispotlight

Let’s lift each other up — and show the world what WAIDF alumni are made of.

The world may feel unstable right now, but within that instability lies the chance to build something better. Our job is to recognize those moments—and act.

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