ANEW Staff

Getu was born and raised in Ethiopia, East Africa. After completing his Bachelor of Science in Management, he began his career in the nonprofit sector, working across various departments, including Child Care and Protection, Youth Training, and Administration and Finance. His passion for serving others led him to contribute to impactful projects that positively shaped the lives of vulnerable communities.

He later moved to the United States, where he expanded his skill set through roles in a variety of fields. His experience includes working as a document controller, project coordinator with Irvine Ranch Conservancy, and as a CDL-A truck driver, instructor, and yard supervisor. Each of these roles taught him the value of hard work, adaptability, and leadership in diverse environments.

Now, Getu is excited to join ANEW, where he can continue his journey of service to the community, helping others experience life-changing moments. He is committed to creating a better future for all and looks forward to contributing to this transformative mission.

Alina, born in the Yakima Valley, brings a unique blend of experiences to her role here at ANEW. After completing high school in Juneau, Alaska, she returned to Washington for her college education. During her studies, she worked in the service industry and athletics while also completing an internship in Human Resources with the Seattle Center. Alina is well-versed in fitness, safety, and compliance. She has three years of recent experience working on job sites across WA, OR, and ID. She is grateful for the opportunity to share her experiences with students and leave a positive impact on their futures.

Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys spending quality time with her family, playing with her beloved dog and cat, and cooking alongside her husband. Alina also loves to immerse herself in the great outdoors through hiking and camping, as well as attending sporting events and concerts.

Mark has over twelve years of experience supporting apprenticeship candidates and apprentices, collaborating with other apprenticeship programs, and encouraging employers to hire and retain apprentices. He served five years managing major problem-solving and administrative tasks with a regional painting contractor in Washington, and two years as the chair of the Washington State Apprenticeship Coordinators Association. This work is always a one-on-one collaboration with each candidate.

Mark assists students, graduates, and apprentices with apprenticeship program placements, referrals for retention support, and bridge employment opportunities, in his role as ANEW’s Placement and Retention Specialist. ANEW’s primary goal is to ensure successful registered apprenticeship placements, and we are here to help with alternatives when needed or as they arise. Mark will also support ANEW in working with contractors and the state to encourage participation, provide resources, and offer support for pre-apprentices and registered apprentices.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys backpacking and hiking with his wife and daughter. He looks forward to working with ANEW clients and their employers.

Amanda is a dedicated educator with a passion for empowering underserved communities. A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor’s degree in music education, Amanda spent seven years shaping the lives of students through music, fostering creativity, discipline, and a love for the arts.

In addition to her work in education, Amanda has 13 years of experience in outreach and admissions for a federal pre-apprenticeship training program. This role involves serving underserved populations, providing essential pathways to independence, and helping individuals realize their potential through skill-building and workforce development opportunities. With a deep commitment to both education and social impact, Amanda strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, guiding them toward brighter futures.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys refurbishing and repurposing anything old, going to estate sales, and trying new restaurants.

Geneva was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington, and graduated from the University of Washington, Seattle, as a student-athlete in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Anthropology and a minor in Education and Diversity. As an Outreach and Recruitment Specialist at ANEW, Geneva is eager to contribute to the organization’s mission of helping individuals access valuable career opportunities. In her role, she serves as a primary point of contact for those exploring ANEW’s programs and is committed to guiding them through the process with personalized support and resources to help them succeed going forward.

Prior to joining ANEW, Geneva worked as an Outreach Specialist and Admissions Counselor for the Office of Minority Affairs at the University of Washington, Seattle. There, she focused on supporting underrepresented high school students in Washington state as they navigated the college application process and pursued higher education. This experience deepened her passion for outreach and community engagement, skills she is excited to bring to her work at ANEW. Geneva is dedicated to further developing her outreach expertise while building meaningful relationships with individuals who are eager to take advantage of ANEW’s resources and opportunities.

Outside of work, Geneva coaches high school gymnastics, enjoys reading, exploring new food spots, and spending time outdoors. She is a cat mom to two cats and values spending time with family and friends.

Elijah is a Tacoma, Washington native with a diverse background and a passion for exploration. He had the opportunity to study abroad in Egypt, broadening his global perspective. Elijah earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Washington and brings experience in both politics and grassroots community organizations.

Outside of work, Elijah enjoys discovering new cuisines at different restaurants, dressing up, reading about African American history, and traveling.

Olivia began her professional career in education, teaching 5th-grade math and science for 5 years. In 2021, she took a chance on her passion for filmmaking and turned it into a career. She found owning and running her own business to be thrilling and inspiring but eventually wanted to preserve filmmaking purely as a creative outlet for herself.

Olivia is passionate about connecting with others. She finds a lot of joy in getting to know people, learning their stories, and helping them grow toward their goals. She is excited to work with students and show them alternative post-secondary education options that segue into careers.

A lifelong learner herself, Olivia is excited to expand her knowledge of the various trades. She considers herself a curious individual who loves to learn new things and push herself outside her comfort zone. She is particularly passionate about continuing to grow in her knowledge of DEI principles, politics, and social justice issues to learn how she can support communities that have historically and systematically been underserved.

In her free time, Olivia loves traveling and filmmaking. She is also an avid bikepacker who is currently training for her first ultra-endurance cycle race. Her goal is to complete the Tour Divide race within the next 5 years.

Amanda and her husband moved to Washington in 2022 and fell in love with the PNW! She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Secondary English Education and a Master of Science degree in Developmental Psychology. Amanda brings years of experience in the nonprofit sector, supporting young people who need us most.

In her free time, she loves reading thrillers and fantasy books, coloring, and writing. She also enjoys hiking and visiting Alki Beach during the summer. Amanda looks forward to learning and growing with ANEW!

Em is originally from Los Angeles, California, where they gained years of experience working with first-generation students and guardians to counsel, mentor, and tutor them. After graduating with 6 associate degrees and a bachelor’s in Sociology, they decided to move to Washington. Their passion for education continues here, as they have been a psychiatric counselor, a youth program coordinator, and now a construction career educator.

Outside of the professional realm, Em enjoys spending time with both their Doberman and cockatiel, weight training, creating abstract art, and working on 3D puzzles—really, anything to keep them healthy mentally and physically.

Halley has spent the past twenty years working alongside communities, supporting advancement through collaborative engagement and person-centered care. Her intrigue with how macro-systems affect demographic populations led to a BA in Sociology and a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. After spending much of her life in Massachusetts, she felt called to the West Coast and set her sights on the lush Pacific Northwest. Her passion for civic engagement through the lens of social equity followed.

She apprenticed with GROW Whidbey, learning how to support the community by growing food for their food bank and teaching garden education to K-12 students. She quickly fell in love with nature and the food sovereignty movement. As the Community Outreach Coordinator VISTA for Rainier Valley Food Bank, Halley grew her understanding of policies that shape food systems. She leveraged the food bank’s role as a central hub to run programs, share community resources, collaborate with local schools and organizations, and improve food security. With the community’s input, she created a proposal for RVFB’s first-ever Advisory Council. Her advocacy led her to work as a Wraparound Care Coordinator in rural Oregon, where she assisted youth and families with navigating multiple service providers through trauma-informed care and strengths-based approaches. She is excited to join ANEW and continue to build resilience, expand compassion, and increase opportunities for youth.

When not at work, Halley can be found dancing, playing with her four-legged companion, Kaia, hula hooping, cooking, and enjoying nature.

Veronica was born and raised in Arizona and moved to Washington 10 years ago. She has over 10 years of experience working in the nonprofit field. Prior to joining ANEW, Veronica served as a Program Manager for case management and outreach programs, working with young adults experiencing homelessness. Veronica is excited to join the ANEW team and continue learning and growing in her new role.

Outside of work, Veronica enjoys going to Mariners games, reading, and spending time with her nephew.

Kionna obtained her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Southern California. She is a U.S. Army veteran who was born and raised in Florida. After completing her active-duty obligation, she earned her bachelor’s degree in social work/social welfare from the University of Washington. She has experience in community outreach, advocacy, and case management. Kionna is interested in macro-level social work, with a passion for social change, policy, and advocacy.

Outside of work, she enjoys beaches, going on walks, and spending time with family.

Thenisia is a born-and-raised Washingtonian, graduating from Mountlake Terrace High School in 2011. She has spent the last 13 years working in the service industry, managing restaurants, organizing in her community, and volunteering for several political campaigns. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she realized she wanted more for their life and to have a career she was passionate about, one that would afford them a more comfortable lifestyle. While researching the construction trades, Thenisia came across ANEW and enrolled in the Trades Rotation Program, graduating in 2022. During their time in the program, they fell in love with the values of ANEW and knew they wanted to work somewhere that shared their passion for learning and community.

In their free time, Thenisia enjoys film and participating in the local music scene in Seattle. They are also a visual artist, plays guitar and bass, and is the proud mother of a Pomeranian-Poodle mix named Tangerine.

Prior to being a Salesforce Integration Manager, Zaria was a Pre-Apprenticeship Program Coordinator, where she worked to connect with and guide students in developing skills that would prepare them for entering the trades. Before her role at ANEW, Zaria worked with Year Up Puget Sound as part of the Enrollment Team. She has experience in recruitment, social media management, and conducting admissions interviews. Zaria graduated from the University of Washington in 2021 with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and hopes to earn her Master’s in Social Work soon.

Outside of work, Zaria enjoys trying out new recipes, reading, and spending time with family and friends.

Anthony brings a wealth of experience in customer service, non-profit endeavors, and education to his role at ANEW. Born and raised in Washington, he boasts a Bachelor’s degree in Business and a Master’s degree in Secondary Education. While he has transitioned from the field of education, his enthusiasm for contributing to community well-being finds a perfect match in his new journey with ANEW.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Anthony maintains an active lifestyle by playing basketball, softball, and venturing into the great outdoors. Recently, he’s been dabbling in film photography in an attempt to capture life in its purest form.

Damme Getachew is a PMP-certified Project Manager with 8+ years of experience leading high-impact initiatives across the social impact, education, and creative sectors. As the Grant Manager/Writer at ANEW, she identifies potential funding opportunities and develops compelling grant proposals that effectively articulate the organization’s mission and various programs.

Outside of work, you’ll find Damme reading a good book at a park or hiking in one of our beautiful PNW mountains.