Meet Alesha Washington, a dynamic leader at the forefront of transformative philanthropy and community development. As the President & CEO of Seattle Foundation, she steers the community foundations towards a mission of advancing racial equity, shared prosperity, and belonging in the Seattle region.

Alesha brings a wealth of experience to her role, having previously served as the program director for Vibrant Neighborhoods and Inclusive Economy at the George Gund Foundation. Here, she spearheaded collaborative efforts to strengthen democracy-building and civic engagement strategies statewide, while directing grantmaking initiatives aimed at fostering community revitalization, economic growth, and resident leadership.

Prior to her tenure at the George Gund Foundation, Alesha held influential positions such as Vice President of Government Advocacy for the Greater Cleveland Partnership, where she championed policies impacting Northeast Ohio's business community and economic development efforts. Her commitment to civic engagement extends further through her roles with organizations like Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and the Centers for Families and Children.

Alesha's dedication to community service is evident in her board memberships, including the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and her involvement with esteemed organizations like the W.E. Upjohn Institute and the Brookings Metropolitan Leadership Council. Recognized for her leadership and impact, she was honored as a 2017 Crain’s Cleveland Business “40 Under 40” recipient and a 2015 American Marshall Fellow of the German Marshall Fund of the United States.

Alesha's academic journey is as impressive as her professional accomplishments, with an undergraduate degree from Oberlin College and a Masters of Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University. With her visionary leadership and commitment to social change, Alesha Washington continues to drive meaningful progress and inspire others to make a difference in their communities.