Solid Ground has an abundance of committed, compassionate and talented staff members. Each year, our staff nominate their coworkers for awards in four categories: Leadership, Service, Racial Justice and Solid Ground Team (for a committee or work group). Scores of people are nominated, and one or two are chosen to receive awards in each category. We honor and appreciate the following awardees, as well as all of the staff members nominated. Solid Ground is a unique place to work because of YOU.

2015 Leadership Awards

Cynthia Linder, Homelessness Prevention Data Coordinator

Cynthia was hired September 19, 2006 and has held various roles at Solid Ground. She is a hardworking, humble and intelligent employee who relates well with program participants. Her leadership skills shined bright in 2015 at a soft-skills class where she was part of the employment panel coaching participants on interviewing techniques. Cynthia is an active member of Solid Ground’s Anti-Racism Committee (ARC) and brings much to the table there as well.

Gerald Wright, Hunger & Food Resources Director 

Gerald was hired on May 7, 2014 and has been an outstanding leader. He provides his staff with support and helps re-envision department goals. He leads the Hunger & Food Resources Department with integrity, inclusion, and a willingness to lean into challenging conversations. He is a strong advocate for his staff, as well as a strong model of a leadership style that acknowledges mistakes and learns and grows with his staff. Hunger & Food Resources is stronger because of his leadership.

Leadership Award Nominees:
Humberto Alvarez, Angela Bertrand, Bellen Drake, Kerry Flory, Jennifer Gahagan, Liz Reed Hawk, Sabrina Jones, Leah Lee, Chris Meinhold, Judy Poston, Christina Shimizu & Jeanne Winner

2015 Service Awards

Anita Alokolaro, Broadview ESL Case Manager

Anita was hired December 14, 2004. She is an amazing model for doing direct service and social justice work together. She has worked for decades in case management, maintaining her integrity, dedication and compassion for each person and family she cares for at Solid Ground! Anita always thinks of others, both her clients and coworkers. She works tirelessly to help in any way she can. Her grace and service have been changing lives for the better for a long time.

Jaswant Sandhu, Solid Ground Transportation Service Worker

Jaswant was hired on January 15, 2008 and is one of Solid Ground’s unsung heroes. He performs his job of vehicle preventative maintenance as well as anyone. Jaswant is dependable and always brings a positive attitude. He never complains and often is seen smiling or singing a song as he works. He consistently shows his appreciation and gratitude with a “thank you”.

Service Award Nominees:
Trish Abbate, Gabriella Aguayo, Kaylyn Bax & Jill Granberg, Angela Bertrand, Barbara Bohannan, Roberta Bouchard-Petersen, Rami Bououni, Ashley Corrie, Colleen Goodwin, Barb Hart, Mary Kay Olson, Judy Poston, Gordon Pun, Katie Showalter, Christina Shimizu, Carolyn Taggart & Joyce Yoder

2015 Racial Justice Award

Shanelle Donaldson, Mortgage Services Program Assistant

Shanelle was hired on July 22, 2013. She has consistently shown her dedication to Solid Ground’s Anti-Racism Initiative (ARI) work through her involvement in the Anti-Racism Committee (ARC), People of Color (POC) Caucus, Black Affinity Group and the ARI Steering Committee. An active voice for racial justice, she facilitates ARC meetings and assisted in the reframing of ARI job interview questions. She has taken the lead on several community-building activities like the ARC summer picnic and December potluck. She leads by example and embodies ARI values.

Racial Justice Award Nominees:
The Language Access Task Force, Cynthia Linder, Judy Poston, Christina Shimizu & Joanna Tarr

2015 Solid Ground Team Award

Tenant Services: Trish Abbate, Chea Berra & Jeanne Winner

With a small staff of three, our Tenant Services team fields hundreds of phone calls each month with grace, humility and amazing strength. Their compassion and knowledge help put their clients at ease. They also advocate for tenant issues in Olympia and with the City of Seattle, and provide workshops that help tenants struggling with the Seattle rental market. This team has shown dedication and commitment, empowering so many in the community amid a true housing crisis.

Solid Ground Team Award Nominees:
Trish Abbate/Celestine Berrysmith/Jeanne Winner, Black Affinity Group, Communications Team/Bellen Drake/Christina Shimizu, Cooking Matters, SGT Dispatchers, Finance Contract Budget Analysts, Darryl Glenn, Human Resources, Lettuce Link, Resource Development, SGT Operators & Supportive Services

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Visit Our Team webpage to read about Solid Ground Employee Awardees from years past!