Emily has Corporate Strategy experience in both Real Estate and Financial Industries and moved to Seattle from London last year. The move to Seattle, in conjunction with the global pandemic, really made her recognize the value and importance of a strong local community. Emily is excited for the opportunity to work with Imagine Housing, using her experience in real estate and utilizing her strengths in problem solving and strategic planning, to help the organization develop a friendly and welcoming local community where all residents can thrive. Outside of the office Emily has a passion for hiking, cycling and traveling. Having grown up in London, Emily is enjoying the amazing mountain scenery here in Washington, spending most weekends hiking or skiing!

Jose is a lifelong Seattleite having grown up in Rainier Beach neighborhood of south Seattle. He is aware of the massive amounts of change that is currently in our neighborhoods. Understanding the role that low-income individuals have in influencing the culture of these neighborhoods, it is important that there is equity in attaining residency. Unfortunately, economic inequality is a problem seen in the Eastside particularly among people of color. He joined the YPB because believes that residency in the Eastside should not be strictly dictated by the amount of wealth a family has. He believes there must be fair opportunities for low-income families to obtain residency in the Eastside. Jose is currently the Financial Controller for the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. ULMS is a local non-profit empowering communities of color to thrive by providing economic, educational and employment support services.

Larissa is an aspiring medical student with a background in Biology, Economics, and Finance. She recently graduated from Gonzaga University with her Master’s of Business Administration. She is a true PNW native, being born and still residing on the Eastside. Volunteerism and community involvement have been driving forces in her growth. From serving on youth boards as a young age in her neighborhood community association to now actively publishing in their award – winning monthly newspaper, community engagement is how Larissa connects and calls a place home. She hopes that everyone can find their place within community living and is ecstatic about Imagine Housing’s mission contributing to an individual’s future potential. Larissa can also commonly be found running marathons, hiking, and adventuring in all that the Greater Seattle area has to offer.

Emma Scalzo (She/Hers) is the Communications & Outreach Manager at the Housing Development Consortium, which advocates alongside Imagine to increase the production of affordable housing in King County through favorable public policy, increased resources, greater sector efficiency, and broad alliances committed to social equity. Emma began her work in the housing policy realm at the State House of Representatives assisting in non-partisan policy research for both the Housing and Public Safety Committees. Emma enters the YPB board excited to explore ways to connect with fellow YIMBYs and make real social change for generations to come! Aside from the professional realm, Emma loves hiking and making friends to watch terrible movies with her.

Cassandra was born and raised in rural Washington state. She has always had a passion for community service, from spearheading her high school’s holiday food and gift drive to currently working in non-profit fundraising, focusing on community centric fundraising practices. She truly believes everyone can make the world a better place, even with one single action. Cassandra oversees the Leadership Giving program at Neighborcare Health, an FQHC with 29 clinics in the Seattle area. Cassandra’s background is in politics and donor relations. She has both a Bachelors of Science and a Masters of Arts in Political Science with her graduate work focusing on analyzing federally funded housing for people experiencing homelessness and its success across different sub-populations. In her spare time Cassandra enjoys attending concerts, paddle boarding when it’s not too cold, cooking and hosting dinner parties for friends and volunteering with other organizations that work to meet the basic needs of our community members.