Message from Julie Kerby, CISWA Board Chair
We’re pleased to announce that Elizabeth Hodges has joined Communities In Schools of Washington (CISWA) as the State Director, effective February 14th, 2023. Elizabeth brings 20 years of progressive non-profit leadership experience as well as a strong commitment to youth development and underserved communities. She was most recently the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Seattle (CIS of Seattle). On behalf of the CISWA Board, we welcome the passion and commitment Elizabeth brings to our CIS mission. The depth of her experience and commitment to our youth and educational equity is immense!
Prior to leading CIS of Seattle, Elizabeth served as the inaugural Director of Youth & Family Empowerment with a Pierce County, WA-based workforce development organization. She also served as inaugural Greater Seattle Executive Director of an award-winning national STEM nonprofit focused on girls attending high-needs schools. Elizabeth completed her graduate studies at Clark Atlanta University, earning a Master of Social Work with a concentration in school social work. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art and supports youth arts programming as a member of the Urban ArtWorks Board of Directors. In her free time, she enjoys trying new restaurants, looking for the best coffee shops, and appreciating public art with her husband, Reuben.
Message from Elizabeth Hodges
After previously serving as the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Seattle, I am grateful to continue the meaningful work of CIS at the helm of Communities In Schools of Washington.
I am thrilled to be the next State Director with Communities In Schools of Washington! My lived experience as a student of color in Seattle Public Schools (Franklin, McClure, Whitworth) that went on to be a first-generation college graduate gives me a deep connection to the Communities In Schools mission to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and succeed in life. After previously serving as the Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Seattle, I am grateful to continue the meaningful work of CIS at the helm of Communities In Schools of Washington. I am most excited to have the opportunity to support and closely partner with the 15 CIS affiliates throughout the state that are striving to close the equity gap in their local school districts. I look forward to all of us working together to meet the continuing and ever-growing needs of students and families, particularly those furthest from educational justice.
Connect with Elizabeth on LinkedIn
As we welcome Elizabeth, we also want to give a big thanks to Jeannie Nist, who has served as CISWA’s Interim Executive Director for the last six months. Jeannie will now serve as our Deputy Director. She will work closely with our board and Elizabeth to support a successful State Director transition.