After graduating with a degree in Arts, Media, and Culture from the University of Washington, Alyssa developed her passion for youth development while serving as an AmeriCorps member for an outdoor education and youth mentorship program in Seattle. Seeing first hand the impacts recreation and mentorship can have on building resilience in youth, and having the opportunity to work in partnership with some of the best youth serving organizations in the city, youth development has become a life-long passion for her.

Alyssa currently works as a Creative Producer, working with brands, artists, designers and writers on a full spectrum of creative work. With a graduate certificates in Podcast Production from UC Berkeley she has a deep interest in the power of storytelling especially through art. Alyssa is excited to blend her passion and experience to serve Urban ArtWorks and their mission.

Alexa Goodenow is a proud Tacoma native, born and raised. Her journey in youth development began at 17 years old in her local community teaching toddler classes which sparked her passion for serving youth and families. She has served children, youth, young adults and their families across Pierce, Kitsap and King County. Alexa’s passion and focus is specifically serving vulnerable communities and has extensive experience in licensed childcare, group homes, camping, environmental education, school based programming, athletics, recreation, 21st century programs. Currently she oversees youth shelter operations with the YMCA of Greater Seattle Social Impact Center, where she continues to serve one of the most fun and exciting populations. Outside of her work with youth, Alexa enjoys sports, spending time with family and discovering new restaurants in the area.

Jaron Bernstein is a born-and-raised Seattleite and proud graduate of Washington Middle and Garfield High Schools. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Jaron was fortunate to have access to many creative and artistic opportunities exploring classical music, vocal performance, photography and theatre arts. This led him to pursue a degree in Theatre from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, and eventually obtain his MBA in Arts Administration from the Wisconsin School of Business in Madison.

Professionally, Jaron’s career is firmly rooted in the nonprofit sector, primarily in arts & culture as well as affordable housing, community development and human services. He is currently a Consultant with Alford Group, a national consultancy focused on accelerating the impact of the nonprofit community, where he works organizations to marry vision and strategy with action, identify and establish vital systems and processes, and tell their story effectively. Prior to returning to the PNW in 2018 after more than a decade in the Midwest, Jaron led corporate and foundation fundraising at Writers Theatre while the organization undertook a $35-million capital campaign to construct a new facility. He has also partnered with nonprofits and governments entities on projects related to organizational strategy and design, audience development, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

Jaron ardently believes in the unique power of the arts to create joy and inspiration, forge identity, and build healthy, resilient and equitable communities. In particular, he is a fierce advocate for the concept of creative placemaking/keeping – the idea that the arts can and should be leveraged in all realms of community development. He is thrilled and honored to serve Urban Artworks as a member of the Board of Directors and contribute to its mission of building connection and empowering voices through public art.

In his personal life, Jaron enjoys rooting for all Seattle sports teams (especially the Seahawks and Sounders), attending the performing arts, hiking, and running long distances.

Elizabeth Hodges is passionate about the Urban ArtWorks mission and feels grateful for the opportunity to support it via board leadership. Elizabeth credits the Seattle Public Schools art teachers that nurtured her artistic abilities, first at McClure middle school and then at Franklin High School, for inspiring her to continue her art education in college. Some of her fondest memories of life fresh out of undergrad include painting murals in public schools and working at an art gallery. Elizabeth earned her Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Arts in Art from Clark Atlanta University. She is a longtime nonprofit leader focused on strengthening youth, families, and underserved communities. Elizabeth spends her free time looking for the best local coffee shops and enjoying public art with her husband, Reuben.

Wren is proud to be a board member at Urban ArtWorks, an organization that shares her appreciation of youth programs, community building, and art! In her professional life, Wren manages public realm projects including public art and beautification for a neighborhood nonprofit organization. She enjoys connecting with artists and community members to add art to the neighborhood. She is continuing to learn and witness the value that public art has on community identity and establishing a sense of belonging.

Throughout her life, Wren has been a participant, a volunteer, and an employee at various youth-centered organizations such as the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club. She believes in the importance of leadership development and confidence building in youth; and supports Urban ArtWorks as an organization that helps remove barriers for youth representation.

In her free time, you can find Wren rock climbing on Washington peaks!

Elena’s passion in in the arts, education, and community-building has been a guiding force throughout her career and studies. Earning her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Puget Sound in History, Studio art, and Education. Elena has been active to support cultural institutions in her community. From her time with the City of Tacoma cataloging and building an accessible map that allows community members to engage with public artwork to working directly with an artist in the United Kingdom to support charities through art donations. Elena has experience in Gallery operations, digital communications, and public art coordination.

With her background in educational systems, she deeply prioritizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning to in turn create stronger and more sustainable systems and individuals; “Urban ArtWorks prioritizes the concept of empowerment, which gives young artists the tools to enter the arts industry. Which is why I am so excited to be a part of their board of directors to support the work that is being done for our community of young and rising artists in Washington.” Outside of her current role with The Downtown Seattle Association, Elena spends her free time going on adventures to one of Washington’s great state/national parks to plein air paint, fostering animals from the Seattle shelter, and trying new cafés around the city.

Zoë is a creative professional with a passion for the arts, storytelling, and the transformative power of creative expression. In recent years, she has volunteered with local nonprofit organizations including Mary’s Place and PAWS, supporting initiatives that uplift and strengthen communities across the region.

Professionally, Zoë serves as Associate Director of Marketing Communications at First Fed Bank, where she leads brand storytelling and supports community engagement efforts. Her work includes partnering with local organizations to help advance their missions and the communities they serve.

With more than a decade of experience as a professional photographer and a master’s degree in Advertising and Design, Zoë brings expertise in visual storytelling and strategic communications to Urban ArtWorks, along with a deep commitment to empowering youth through art and public space.

Outside of work, she enjoys adventuring with her rescue dog, Angus, working on creative projects, traveling, and spending time at the theater—experiences that continue to inspire her belief in the power of creativity to connect people and communities.