Problem-solvers, innovators, role models, collaborators, advocates, volunteers... what do they all have in common? They embody positive impact and an unwavering commitment to making life better for everyone. They are rooted in communities, champion equity and justice for all, and they lean in to ensure that everyone can realize their full potential and thrive. They are our community changemakers.

This year's Celebrating Community Changemakers fundraising luncheon at the Summit (Seattle Convention Center) promises to be another inspiring year with some incredible honorees and guests to raise funds to meet critical needs in our community.

 

Maggie Walker

A.K. Guy Award Honoree

"Patience and persistence." Are the two words Maggie shared with us when asked, "What will it take to create the positive change we want to see in community?" Maggie's tenacious commitment to community has certainly helped shape Seattle's future for the better. For over 50 years, she has considered every obstacle an opportunity to take new paths, forge new connections, and foster growth. This is why it's our pleasure to honor Maggie Walker with the highest recognition of extraordinary volunteerism, the A.K. Guy Award.

Maggie lives the Y's mission of Whole Person Health through her belief that community well-being starts with creating opportunities that benefit the spirit, mind, and body. And she has devoted her work to making this region as accessible, livable, and sustainable as it can be. 

Maggie's love for art, culture, and the world around us is told through the story of her work. She's had pivotal leadership roles on the boards of the National Audobon Society; the Henry Art Gallery at UW; the Woodland Park Zoo; MOHAI; Global Partnerships; Seattle Foundation; Seattle Art Museum; Bullitt Foundation; Washington Women's Foundation; ARCS Foundation; and the UW College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board.

From protecting the environment and enhancing education to redefining our cityscape culturally, economically, and most recently physically in chairing Friends of the Waterfront and leading the Walker Family Foundation, Maggie continues to leave her indelible and unmistakable marks wherever our region needs her most. 

 

Megan Rapinoe

Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award Honoree

"A voice for those who need to be heard." These words echoed from three of Megan's OL Reign teammates who are starting their careers with OL Reign as Megan prepares to end hers with the intentionality we all have come to expect from her. Those who admire her look up to Megan not only for her skills on the pitch but through her powerful choice to speak up for what's right.

Megan Rapinoe is a world-champion athlete and world-changing advocate for human rights. She embodies everything the Judge Charles V. and Lazelle Johnson Excellence in Social Justice Award and the Y's mission stand for: equity and justice for all.

Beyond her World Cups and Olympic Gold, Megan received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, our nation's highest civilian honor, for her tireless, impassioned advocacy for gender pay equality, racial justice, and LGBTQIAA+ rights. 

 

Tod Leiweke

Keynote Speaker

Unleash the Kra – oops, we mean potential! After all, that's precisely what Tod does. He sees potential in everything he does and everyone he works with. And while he isn't an actual mythological sea creature – that we know of – Tod is undoubtedly a titan in the sports world and definitely a community changemaker.

Tod Leiweke, CEO of the Seattle Kraken, has produced wins at every level of his career, but also community pride, belonging, and opportunity everywhere he has gone. He also served as the CEO of our beloved Seattle Seahawks and Vulcan Sports & Entertainment, which managed the Seattle Sounders.

Tod's mission of bringing the sporting world to Seattle is leading the way to create the support needed for youth sports programming that promotes healthy living skills, teamwork, and youth development. Tod shares the Y's passion for realizing the potential in everyone and our commitment to healthy spirits, minds, and bodies. 

 

You're Invited!

The YMCA of Greater Seattle Board of Directors cordially invites you and your guests to the 35th annual Celebrating Community Changemakers Event.

 

Celebrating Community Changemakers Event

Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Seattle Convention Center – SUMMIT
900 Pine St, Seattle, WA 98101

Pre-function & Check in: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
Program & Lunch: 12:00 pm – 1:15 pm

Register Today

 

We look forward to celebrating with you as we honor and learn from these incredible leaders, celebrate volunteerism, and the work our volunteers, members, donors, and staff do throughout the year to create opportunity and community for all. 

Questions? Email events@seattleymca.org or call (206) 587-6115 

 

Our Sponsors

We thank our generous partners who help make this celebration and the Y's work possible.

 

VISIONARY PARTNERS 

Ballmer Group | Casey Family Programs | Premera | Microsoft | Schultz Family Foundation  

 

COLLECTIVE IMPACT PARTNER

Delta Air Lines  

 

COMMUNITY SOLUTIONS PARTNER 

Amazon 

 

OPPORTUNITY PARTNERS 

Deloitte | Delta Dental