Job/Passion Project Outside of River City Youth Ops:

Ali is an attorney who specializes in eviction defense and is currently the Eviction Defense Program Manager at The Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid. She plays a key role in Washington's appointed counsel program for indigent tenants. Ali is also an adjunct professor at Gonzaga University School of Law, where she shares her legal expertise with the next generation of attorneys.

Favorite Childhood Activity or Hobby:

As a kid, Ali was all about the water! Whether it was lakeside summer days or sailing adventures, being on the water was her happy place.

Fun or Unusual Talent:

Public speaking has been Ali’s passion since the fifth grade, when she delivered her first speech and got hooked on the art of speaking in front of an audience.

What Inspired You to Join the Board at River City Youth Ops?:

Ali was drawn to River City Youth Ops because of its incredible potential and its vital mission. She wanted to be part of rebuilding and strengthening the organization so it could make the biggest impact possible on the community it serves.

One Goal or Dream for the Organization:

Ali has big dreams for RCYO! Her ultimate goal is for the organization to have a permanent, welcoming space in West Central—a place where youth can come together, discover their passions, and grow into the amazing people they’re destined to be.

Favorite Quote/Motto:

"Feel the fear and do it anyways!" Ali believes that fear shouldn’t stop us from going after what we want. It's okay to feel scared—what matters is pushing forward regardless.

What’s your day job (or passion project) outside of River City Youth Ops?

Saramae considers herself blessed to be involved in several roles outside of River City Youth Ops. Saramae runs a family farm with her amazing parents and brother focused on regenerative agriculture. She also manages a team at BECU helping them develop and grow while serving their membership! 

What was your favorite activity or hobby as a kid? 

Saramae has always been obsessed with with travel, reading , and being outside in almost any capacity! 

What’s a fun or unusual talent or skill you have? 

Saramae’s most unusual skill would have to be public speaking! She has participated in over 200 productions/panels and speaking engagements! 

What inspired you to join the board at River City Youth Ops? 

Saramae heard about the program from a former participant and had a great interest due to the amazing and impactful work that was being done over the years and she wanted to see how she could support and help this work to grow and continue its amazing impact! 

What’s one goal or dream you have for the organization in the future? Saramae would love to see the org. have a space to call its own, allowing the community and youth to connect in a more regular and impactful way! 

Favorite quote or motto you live by? 

My favorite quote and motto that Saramae lives by is a traditional quote from her people:

"Honor the sacred. Honor the Earth, our Mother. Honor the Elders. Honor all with whom we share the Earth:-Four-leggeds, two-leggeds, winged ones, Swimmers, crawlers, plant and rock people. Walk in balance and beauty."

What’s your day job (or passion project) outside of River City Youth Ops?
Bakari is an accountant who values the opportunity his career provides to make a meaningful impact in areas that matter to him—like supporting River City Youth Ops and helping young people thrive.

What was your favorite activity or hobby as a kid?
As a kid, Bakari loved spending time at farmers markets. He enjoyed sampling new foods, discovering unique goods, and experiencing the vibrant energy of local vendors—always a fun adventure for his taste buds and curiosity.

What’s a fun or unusual talent or skill you have?
Bakari is a skating enthusiast—whether on ice or at a rink, he’s got some serious skills on skates. It's one of his favorite ways to stay active and have fun!

What inspired you to join the board at River City Youth Ops?
Bakari was inspired by the positive impact River City Youth Ops has on the community. The opportunities and life lessons the organization offers resonate deeply with him, and he wants to help expand its reach so more young people can benefit.

What’s one goal or dream you have for the organization in the future?
Bakari dreams of a time when RCYO’s presence is so deeply ingrained in the community that it’s instantly recognizable. He envisions people seeing a group of RCYO youth walking by and immediately knowing the positive impact they represent and the sense of purpose they carry with them.

Favorite quote or motto you live by?
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
– Benjamin Franklin

This quote resonates with Bakari because it reflects his belief in the power of active engagement in learning and growth.

What inspires you to serve on the board:

There are many challenges our community will face in the future, and Angela wants to give youth opportunities to become advocates for change through the lens of food systems work.

Bio:

Angela grew up in Northern Idaho with family farm ties to the rolling hills of the Palouse. In the last 15 years, she has worked in food systems in different capacities including farming, research, non-profit organizations, organic regulation, education, and tending to the garden in her own backyard.

Favorite food:

Depends on the season! But Angela is a big fan of hummus. She loves that we live in a region where garbanzo beans are locally grown.

What’s your day job (or passion project) outside of River City Youth Ops?

By day, Ali works as the SNAP-Ed Retail Food Access Coordinator for WSU Extension, where she’s dedicated to improving food access and education in the community. Her work aligns closely with her passion for helping others engage with and learn about food systems.

What was your favorite activity or hobby as a kid?

Ali grew up loving two things: gardening and kayaking. Whether she was planting in the garden or paddling through calm waters, both activities still bring her joy when the weather cooperates!

What’s a fun or unusual talent or skill you have?

Ali’s a bit of a cartography enthusiast! Outside of using maps for her work, she enjoys dabbling in creating fun, imaginative maps—whether it’s for personal projects or just for fun, she loves bringing places to life on paper.

What inspired you to join the board at River City Youth Ops?

Ali joined the RCYO board to get more involved with her community. She’s passionate about the organization's community-driven approach and loves the opportunity to support youth in discovering their passions, building confidence, and finding their place in the world.

What’s one goal or dream you have for the organization in the future?
Ali is particularly excited about helping young people understand the evolving food system and how they can be a part of it—whether it's through growing their own food, learning about sustainability, or exploring careers in agriculture and food security.

Favorite quote or motto you live by?

"Always be learning."
Ali believes in the power of continuous growth and curiosity. Whether it's through formal education, life experiences, or community involvement, there's always something new to learn.

What is your favorite food?

Bread and pastries made with local grain because that allows Ali to eat delicious food while supporting local and regional grain farmers.

Why do you serve on the board?

As a former West Central resident, Ali is excited to serve on the board of directors for Project Hope/RCYO to support opportunity creation for young people to learn about food access issues and become active members within their neighborhood and greater Spokane communities.

Joel co-founded LINC Foods, a worker- and farmer-owned cooperative food distributor and craft malthouse, followed by co-founding The Grain Shed, a worker- and farmer-owned cooperative bakery and brewery. Born and raised in Spokane, Washington, Joel grew up in his family’s rose-growing greenhouse business.

After earning a BA in Theatre and beginning his career as a lighting designer and stage electrician in Los Angeles, Joel returned to Spokane to explore how to most effectively democratize wealth and power in his community. He worked as a legislative aide to the Spokane City Council, a community organizer with the Spokane Alliance, and served as the first Executive Director of River City Youth Ops (formerly Project Hope Spokane).

In 2014, Joel earned his Master of Business Administration from Pinchot University, focusing on Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Finance. Most recently, Joel co-founded Spokane Workers Cooperative, a worker-owned holding company and cooperative development catalyst organization.