Regional Workforce Development Archives - Alumni

Finding purpose beyond the trailhead

John Vicory — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:58:25 +0000

Alexandra Wienckowski combined environmental studies and public policy to launch a path toward public service.

When Alexandra Wienckowski, a 2021 graduate, moved from Montana to Washington in 2018, she was chasing something bigger: the chance to grow, explore new ideas and create a better life for her young son. She began at Shoreline Community College and later transferred to the 56�Թ��, where she found a supportive environment that helped her redefine what was possible.

“I’ve always loved the outdoors,” she said. “I thought I’d build a career in environmental studies, but once I started studying public policy, it opened up a completely different path — one that could make an even bigger impact.”

A pivotal academic shift

At 56�Թ�� Bothell, Wienckowski majored in Environmental Studies with a minor in Restoration Ecology. But a conversation with an academic adviser changed the trajectory of her education and her life.

“She told me I could double major without adding a ton of extra time,” she said. “Once I enrolled in a politics class, everything clicked. I saw how systems, laws and leadership shape the environment, education, housing — everything.”

That realization led her to add a second major in Law, Economics & Public Policy, creating an interdisciplinary foundation that prepared her for real-world impact.

The turning point came through an internship at the Washington State House of Representatives. Wienckowski first heard about the program in a class taught by Dr. Amy Lambert, associate teaching professor in the School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences. She followed up through 56�Թ�� Bothell’s Career Services with assistance from Ryan McIrvin, the University’s director of government & community relations.

Turning opportunity into action

“I didn’t even know jobs like that existed,” Wienckowski said. “That experience gave me insight into how government really works and helped me see where I could fit in.”

The internship opened new doors, too. Through the experience, she built strong professional connections that led to further work in Olympia after graduation, including time with the office of Rep. Greg Cheney.

“I considered all kinds of roles,” she said. “Policy research, legislative assistant, executive assistant — anything that would help me get my foot in the door and keep growing.”

As a single mom balancing classes, parenting and part-time work, Wienckowski said the was critical to her success as well.

“I could not have completed the internship or a study abroad program without that scholarship,” she said. “It helped cover the things that add up — books, fees, housing — and gave me the freedom to focus on being a student and a mom.”

Looking ahead to a life of service

With support from scholarship funding, Wienckowski joined a study abroad program in Thailand and Cambodia. The experience expanded her perspective and reinforced her commitment to equity, sustainability and community.

“I became a global ambassador for study abroad because I wanted other students — especially nontraditional students like me — to know what’s possible,” she said. “That trip changed everything for me.”

Wienckowski continues to explore her path in public service, with an eye toward legislative work and community impact. She is energized by the possibility of working directly with people and using policy to address systemic challenges.

“Public service is about fixing problems on multiple levels and understanding where people come from. That’s how we make meaningful change.”

“To me, public service is about fixing problems on multiple levels and understanding where people come from,” she said. “That’s how we make meaningful change.”

Longer term, she said she hopes to continue gaining experience in government and one day run for public office.

Advice for the next generation

Wienckowski’s path hasn’t been easy, but it’s been deeply meaningful. And she has a message for current students thinking about a future in service.

“There were times I wanted to quit because it would have been easier,” she said. “But I didn’t want to live with regret. You’re more capable than you know, and there’s support out there. When you reach the other side of the tunnel, it’s worth every step.”

Help more students like Alexandra thrive: Your support of the opens doors to transformative opportunities — from internships and study abroad to careers in public service. Every gift helps students overcome financial barriers and pursue what’s possible. to make an immediate impact.

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James Dainard credits success to hard work and education

John Vicory — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 22:11:21 +0000

James Dainard, a 56�Թ�� Bothell business graduate, began investing in real estate at 17. After early struggles, he applied his education to build successful systems and now owns eight real estate businesses. His resilience during the 2008 financial crisis set him apart. He stars in A&E’s “Million Dollar Zombie Flips” and advocates for hard work and passion.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Capstone project set alum on path to executive leadership

John Vicory — Fri, 16 May 2025 10:28:00 +0000

Felicea Osorio ’09 credits her 56�Թ�� Bothell education with changing her life’s course — from working in the service industry to becoming a vice president at global relocation company 3Sixty. Her senior capstone project in ecological restoration taught her the value of teamwork, a lesson she carries with her as a leader today.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Alum builds a business rooted in sustainability

John Vicory — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:12:00 +0000

After a successful run in the tech industry, CD Lucas ’14 shifted gears to launch The Arium Shop — a space for creative, sustainable indoor ecosystems. Drawing on lessons from 56�Թ�� Bothell’s School of Business, Lucas blends entrepreneurial spirit with environmental stewardship, earning “most sustainable” recognition from 425 Business magazine.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Shaping policy and community through public service

John Vicory — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 04:35:00 +0000

David Edwards ’15 combines legal training, public speaking skills and a deep commitment to service in his roles with King County Metro and the Woodinville City Council. A former AS56�Թ��B leader and EvergreenHealth commissioner, he traces his path in public service back to the mentorship and relationships he built at 56�Թ�� Bothell.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Alumni honor professor’s lasting impact with teaching legacy award

John Vicory — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 22:33:00 +0000

Alumni from 56�Թ�� Bothell’s School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences nominated Dr. Shauna Elbers Carlisle for the 2024 Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award, recognizing her for years of support, encouragement and research mentorship. From guiding capstone projects to opening doors for graduate study and professional advancement, Carlisle continues to shape the lives and careers of students long after graduation.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Class of 2024 joins growing alumni network with resilience and pride

John Vicory — Sun, 09 Jun 2024 22:42:00 +0000

56�Թ�� Bothell celebrated the Class of 2024 at its annual Commencement Ceremony, honoring graduates who showed determination, leadership and academic excellence. From first-generation students to award-winning scholars, the newest alumni now join a growing community of changemakers making an impact across the region and beyond.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Health Studies alumnae advance health equity in the community

John Vicory — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 22:01:00 +0000

As graduates of 56�Թ�� Bothell’s Health Studies program, Kashpa Khan ’19 and Isabella Humphries ’23 are making a lasting impact through their work at HealthPoint, a nonprofit community health center. From creating refugee health programs to guiding patients through complex care systems, both alumnae are helping improve health outcomes and advance equity across the region.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Business alumni credit course with sparking careers in innovation and entrepreneurship

John Vicory — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 22:04:00 +0000

From creating robotics for greenhouse growers to launching health care initiatives and entrepreneurial ventures, 56�Թ�� Bothell Business alumni say the New Technology & Future Markets course helped shape their careers. Focused on identifying future market gaps and building solutions, the class continues to inspire students to drive change in technology, sustainability and business leadership.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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Mentorship and curiosity fuel career in conservation science

John Vicory — Fri, 17 Nov 2023 22:10:00 +0000

After earning her Biology degree at 56�Թ�� Bothell, Jackelyn Garcia ’20 built a career at the intersection of conservation, environmental justice and community science. Her research and mentorship experiences on campus opened doors to graduate school, fieldwork and now a prestigious Washington Sea Grant fellowship. Garcia continues to mentor others, giving back to the same 56�Թ�� Bothell community that helped launch her career.

Read the full story on 56�Թ�� Bothell News.

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