The Mayor's in the House
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WINTER 2014 perspective The Mayor’s in the House A Conversation with Mayor Ed Murray ALSO INSIDE: Miki’s Place – A Heartwarming Scholarship Story, page 3 John Wong Happily Talks Pubs, page 6 PacMed Treats the Whole You, page 10 Making a Difference Today and Tomorrow The Perspective A quarterly publication from Seattle’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Allied Chamber BY LOUISE CHERNIN GSBA Scholarship Stories of Commerce in your PRESIDENT & CEO GSBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Business GSBA SCHOLARSHIPS HELP SO MANY STUDENTS each and life, ever. I was teased terribly in school, picked on as a kid, Executive Officers WHAT NEW OPPORTUNITIES will you continue to offer you an Martha Davis, Chair, City Lights Sign Company have in 2014? What surprises are in store opportunity to meet and every year. We wanted to share a very special story — Miki Cabell’s misunderstood as an adult and generally pushed to the fringe [email protected] story. Here is what she had to say in her own words about all of my days, and GSBA — you — had chosen me! Kevin Gaspari, Vice Chair, Windermere and what challenges are around the corner? socialize with like-minded [email protected] If you knew what was coming next, you professionals. And, this overcoming adversity and the value of GSBA and the Scholarship Elaine DuCharme, Secretary, Elaine DuCharme Attorney she received. GSBA: How did the scholarship help you to excel and succeed? You at Law, [email protected] might be better prepared. While your year’s business luncheons had already come such a long way, overcoming many challenges. Lillian McDonell, Treasurer, Watson & McDonell, PLLC membership in GSBA does not offer answers will continue to feature Miki: Having others believe in my abilities changed me forever. [email protected] to all these questions, it can position your cutting edge information Mark Rosén, Scholarship Fund Chair, The Collage Knowing there were people in the LGBTQ community willing to [email protected] business for a prosperous 2014. on marketing, public policy invest in my future has altered my life’s journey. I come from a Mona Smith, Public Affairs Chair, Mona Smith PLLC and economic forecasting. [email protected] What new laws or regulations Miki’s Place Directors How Poverty, Addiction and Abuse Turned into Hope, Education and a Lifetime of Possibilities Roen Ako, [email protected] are being enacted for which you Allan Aquila, Allan Aquila & Associates, LLC A Peak into Your need to prepare? GSBA’s Public CURATED BY JESSICA WOOTTEN, GSBA SCHOLARSHIP MANAGER [email protected] Kim Bogucki, Seattle Police Dept.; [email protected] Policy Task Force stays current Carrie Carson, Point B, [email protected] on legislative issues and GSBA: Miki, tell us about your GSBA Scholarship experience. culture of poverty and much of what I know centers on survival. Stephanie Dallas, Morgan Stanley Crystal Ball Miki Cabell: I’ve been a recipient for many years, ever since I was I was never able to imagine my self as an academic or a Native [email protected] ensures there is a small business Ryan Digges, WhitePages.com; Past GSBA Scholar What does your business need to grow? perspective represented before in the Associate’s program at Gray Harbor College. Before college, woman building a voice of authority, telling stories of hope others [email protected] What business skills would be most helpful government bodies. I was cleaning toilets and I knew something had to change for me might want to hear. Lori Friedt, TAAS, [email protected] and for my children — I knew in the heart of my soul that I wanted Calvin Goings, Director, US Small Business Administration to ensure you are able to effectively run How can you expand your business In my senior year of undergrad study, I had to undergo six months [email protected] your business? How can you connect with reach? Marketing through GSBA is so much more for my kids. I had a sixth grade education and a of chemotherapy. I was very sick, but I was a GSBA Scholar! Jenny Harding, New Chapter Weddings GED at that point. I sat for my college placement tests. I didn’t [email protected] business colleagues who will introduce effective and affordable with an ROI you can My community believed in me and I was determined never to let David Hernandez, New York Life you to your next big lead? Who are the count on. Our publications, including the test very well on the first day and on the way out, broken and dis- them down. I stayed in school throughout the whole ordeal, thanks [email protected] print and online GSBA Guide & Directory, couraged, I met Jeb Thornton. He became my cheer coach, mentor Frank Huguenin, 2008 GSBA Scholarship Recipient business leaders in your sector that you to a couple of indomitable teachers and the belief of my funders. [email protected] can turn to for advice and information? The Perspective, our newsmagazine and extraordinaire and lifetime friend. He encouraged me to stay, put I graduated on time and began grad school the next fall. Jeff Kinney, [email protected] In partnership with US Bank, GSBA is our weekly eNews promote your business to the pencil in my hand and to write my first scholarship application. Robin Larmer, RLL Consulting & Advocacy; thousands of prospective customers. In the GSBA: What about your current and future plans? [email protected] launching a Business Literacy Program. GSBA: Wow! Perseverance and Jeb’s mentorship really paid off. Dena Levine, DML Insurance Services, Inc Led by industry experts, at no cost to small hospitality field? Then your business needs Miki: I’ll graduate this year with my Master’s degree and it’s my [email protected] Miki: It was life-changing seeing myself through the eyes of others businesses, the Literacy Program will to be found on TravelGaySeattle.com or at intention to go on to earn my PhD in Indigenous Studies through Rene Neidhart, Renaissance Hotel and it gave me courage and hope. My first GSBA interview was a big [email protected] cover topics such as how to put together the Seattle LGBT Visitors Center. Awaniarangi, a Maori university in New Zealand. Alan Parker deal. The trip to Seattle, meeting other bright, vibrant scholars and Drew Ness, 1st Security Bank, [email protected] a business plan or better understand your Perhaps the best business advice I can (director of many films including The Lord of the Rings Jay Petterson, H+P Political Compliance, LLC then I was selected! Me! No one had chosen me for anything in my [email protected] P&L statement. GSBA will continue to give you for 2014 is to use us. GSBA is here trilogy) has worked tirelessly to provide a bridge for native students Monique Szyszka-Ramos, US Bank expand the highly effective OUTLeads for you. We are your business chamber graduating from our program and to obtain a doctoral degree in the [email protected] Kurt Sarchet, Precision Garage Door Service referral groups held on Capitol Hill, and the only chamber in our region that field. I will apply for a GSBA scholarship again this year and with [email protected] Wallingford, West Seattle, the Eastside promotes equality in business, the only the faith and support of my community, I may be Dr. Miki Cabell Paul Villa, The Lobby Bar, [email protected] and in Lynnwood. Plans are under way chamber that invests in the education of some day. It’s amazing for me to think of that girl, on her knees Staff cleaning toilets — there’s absolutely nothing wrong with hard work Randy Bowren, Office & Event Coordinator for a new GSBA Business Affinity Group LGBT youth and we are ready to give you [email protected] for those in related industries to share the tools, information, connections and — six years ago is now a Native woman contemplating which PhD Rachael Brister, Deputy Director, [email protected] information. Of course, GSBA’s Prime Time visibility that open up new possibilities for program to pursue. I would have never been successful in this Amy Burdick, Business Development Manager [email protected] Mixers, located throughout the region; will a prosperous New Year. journey without the support of GSBA and I am grateful every day. Louise Chernin, President & CEO, [email protected] I have been blessed with powerful mentors and supporters. This is Rachel Chernin, Operations Manager [email protected] a gift of the scholarship process. Matt Landers, Policy Development & Communications BY MARTHA DAVIS Manager, [email protected] board chair’s GSBA: Thank you, Miki for sharing your journey with us. Anything Holly Teige, Membership Services Coordinator else you’d like to say? [email protected] Column Scott Walden, Events & Community Outreach YOU HAVE GOALS FOR 2014 and your This year, we will Miki: I want the LGBTQ community and GSBA to know the impact [email protected] GSBA membership is an important way for continue to provide great you have made in my life and that of my family. Thank you from Jessica Wootten, Development Associate & Scholarship Manager, [email protected] you to achieve your goals. Whether you want value to our member- the bottom of my heart and the top of my spirit. Contractors to promote your business, get support for ship. There are many new Gail Benzler, Editor-in-Chief, [email protected] your policy concerns as an LGBT person or things to look forward to Matt Ketcham, Ketcham Design, Designer & Publisher as a business owner, give back to our future in 2014. GSBA will roll [email protected] Miki’s Stats: leaders via the GSBA Scholarship Fund or out a new website that GSBA’s The Perspective is published quarterly by and for the members of the Greater Seattle Business Association, stay connected with the community, GSBA will enhance member Attended Gray Harbor College and Evergreen State College 400 E.