Tony Gallegos, MSW - Executive Director and Founder.

     Originally from Azusa, California, Tony moved to Washington State as a teenager and has been a resident of Lacey for over 25 years. He is a graduate from Timberline High School, class of 1994. Tony has a Master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California (USC). Tony is involved in various volunteer programs within Thurston county. 

     Tony likes to take a grassroots approach on advocating for those who are in need of social services and to empower community members through education and learning opportunities.

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Trisha Gallegos - Operations Manager

     Trisha was born in Frankfurt, Germany and grew up in a military family. Washington became her permanent home in 1991. Trisha is a graduate with the class of 1993 at North Thurston High School and she has her Bachelors in Business and Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. Trisha has been a Washington state employee with 2 agencies, over the last 20 years. She is currently a Vocational Service Specialist 3 with the Department of Labor and Industries. 

     Trisha loves spending time with her family and friends. She is most excited to support her husband in his dream of this non-profit organization. She knows we will be a positive support for the youth and young adults of our community. 

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Shane Key - Chair

     Shane was born in 1975 in San Bernardino, California. He was raised in Hunstville, Alabama. Being a military kid, he has lived in Maryland, Colorado and Germany. Shane attended Butler high school and moved to Washington State in 1995. His dad was station at Fort Lewis, at the time. Shane later joined the military himself and lived in Fort Irwin, California and Fort Stewart, Georgia. Shane is married, a father of four and granddad to one. 

     Shane worked for the North Thurston Public schools system for 12 years as a para-educator and high school football coach. During this time he also coached with Thurston County Youth Football League (TCYFL). He is currently working for the Stated of Washington. He is excited about joining Tony and his team, in this journey to bring change of hope and excitement for youth and young adults in giving them the connection and tools to succeed. 

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Leonard Smith - Co-chair

     Leonard Smith (LenHere!) was born December '78 at Madigan Army Hospital (old Madigan). He has lived in Lacey, Washington his whole life. He attended Evergreen Forest Elementary, Nisqually Middle School and River Ridge High School. His class was the first class to attend this high school all 4 years. Leonard played with TCYFL, where he fell in love with teamwork and he transferred to playing football at River Ridge. Leonard was an 8 time Letterman.

     Leonard has coached in TCYFL for 15 years and he also won a state championship as a coach with Black Hills High School. Leonard is a proud father of two but an uncle/confidant to hundreds of kids. He lives by two codes: "Hold the line" and "all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is good men do nothing". 

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Veronica Gallegos - Chief Financial Officer 

     Veronica was born in Southern California and moved to Washington when she was nine years old. She loves Washington and can't imagine calling anywhere else home. Veronica has worked at a local credit union for over 13 years and enjoys sharing her knowledge of financial wellness to whomever is interested.

     Veronica is a proud Tia (aunt) and sister and loves to spend time with her family and friends. She also loves music, documentaries and football. Veronica is looking forward to being a part of this very important movement. "Today's youth are our future and it's our job to help guide and prepare them for their journey".

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Angel Gallegos- Board Member

      Angel was born and raised in Lacey, WA. She graduated from River Ridge High in 2013 and earned her BS from Washington State University in 2020. Angel works for State Operated Living Alternatives of Thurston County, where she provides support for adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 

​     When Angel is not at work, she is making sweet memories with her wife and two daughters.  She is very passionate about advocating for marginalized communities  and hopes that she can provide that support to our youth through United Youth Movement.

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Mellissa Gallegos- Board Member

      Mellissa spent her early childhood in California and then moved to Spokane, Washington when she was 9. In May 2021, she obtained her BS degree in Psychology from Washington State University with a double minor in Human Development and At Risk Youth. 

      After meeting her wife, Angel at college, they made the move here to Lacey where they plan on continuing to grow their family. Mellissa works with children on the Autism spectrum teaching them cognitive, motor and daily living skills. 

     Mellissa's dream is to open a daycare so that she can be a stay-at-home mom. Growing up, Melissa was taught that you absolutely had to go to college in order to be successful. Knowing as an adult that this isn't the case, she is more than excited to join the board in helping the next generations from all blocks of life. She wants to be someone that the youth can look to for resources in achieving any and all of their dreams. 

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Susan Twardowski-Green - Board Member

     Susan was born at Madigan Army Hospital (old Madigan) in February, 1979. Her father was in the military so she moved a lot. She has lived in Nuremberg, Germany; Ft. Irwin, CA; South Korea; Ft. Huachuca, AZ & several other places. Her family moved back to Washington the summer of 1991 where her father retired after almost 25 years.

     Susan attended Lochburn Junior High in Lakewood, WA for part of her 7th grade. Her family bought a house in Lacey, WA and she attended Chinook Middle School and then River Ridge High School in 1997 along with Co-chair - Len Here. Her class was the first to attend the first 4 years.

     Susan works for a Commercial Equipment Leasing Company owned by Umpqua Bank, and has for over 12 years. She is a Loss Prevention Specialist.

     Susan is a stepmother to 3 amazing kids ages 22 to 17. She has been with their father for almost 11 years & married for over 7 years. She has a rescue dog named Mia who is almost 8 years old and is her pride & joy.  She loves sports especially football & the Seattle Seahawks. She loves make-up and hanging out with her family and friends. Susan loves the community and kids and wants to help out however she can.