New philanthropic organization to support Tacoma students

Tacoma’s students have a new level of support with the newly created Tacoma Education Dream Fund.

This new philanthropic organization is an independent 501c3 designed to serve Tacoma Public Schools students. The Dream Fund will engage with new donors, existing supporters, and national and community organizations to invest financially in opportunities for students.

Those opportunities include:

• Student support programs like Jobs 253, Next Move, Summer Late Night Beyond the Bell and Club B.
• Scholarships and stipends for internship expansion.
• Innovative learning opportunities and field trips.
• Cultural exchanges.
• College visits and career exploration.

New Chief Executive Officer Selected

The Dream Fund board proudly selected Sue Elkin as its inaugural CEO, recognizing her dynamic leadership and passion for empowering communities. With an impressive track record, Sue brings invaluable expertise from her role as executive director at Homeownership Center Northwest (HCNW), where she led transformative housing initiatives. Sue’s impact stretches across multiple sectors—she has served as a consultant and advisor for impactful nonprofits like Communities in Schools, the Metropolitan Development Council, RAIN Incubator, TEALSK12, and Korum for Kids. Adding to her legacy, Sue dedicated 14 years to driving strategic partnerships as the senior director at Junior Achievement of Washington, leaving a lasting mark on youth empowerment and education. Her vision and energy will fuel the Dream Fund’s mission to unlock opportunities for all.

Dream Fund Board

The Dream Fund Board of Directors is chaired by Shon Sylvia, Executive Director of Metro Parks Tacoma. He is joined by:

• Adan Esposito, Jr., Director of Education & External Relations, Mi Centro
• Elizabeth Bonbright, Director, Tacoma School Board
• Faaluaina Pritchard, Executive Director, Asia Pacific Cultural Center
• Fabiola Greenawalt, Senior Program Officer, The Russell Family Foundation
• Joshua Garcia, Ed.D – Superintendent, Tacoma Public Schools (Ex Officio)
• Lisa Keating – President of the Tacoma School Board (Ex Officio)
• Malik Gbenro -General Counsel, Tacoma Public Schools
• Michele Cannon Bessler, MD – Pediatrician Lead, Bessler Center & Mary Bridge Children’s
• Minh Anh Hodge – Community Representative
• Priscilla Lisicich, Community Representative
• Rosalind Medina, Chief Financial Officer, Tacoma Public Schools
• Xavier Cooper, Community Representative

Want more information?

The Dream Fund office will be located in the Tacoma Public School Central Administration Building at 601 South 8^th St., Tacoma, WA 98405. The office can be reached at (253) 571-1089 and [email protected]. Read more About Us and  follow our journey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.