Ruba is a dedicated community organizer and writer committed to advancing equity and transformative justice. Her work centers on amplifying the voices of Black and Brown families and children to address systemic challenges. She co-founded "Youth Voices for Justice WA" and "Love Is Transformative WA," organizations dedicated to driving social change and advancing transformative justice and abolitionist principles.

Taylor firmly believes that her practice is her passion. As Health Integration Manager, working with perinatal, early childhood, and family healthcare providers in Pierce County and across the state, Taylor helps facilitate systems change and resource connection. Taylor received her Bachelors of Science in Public Health, and her Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. In her regular life she loves reading, tending to her houseplants, and spending time with her family and animals.

Naomi provides administrative and communications support to the teams and individuals of F5F ranging from fundraising to event coordination. Naomi is passionate about children's literacy and is a former board member of FirstBook Thurston County. She is thrilled to be a part of a team working to improve the lives of young children and their families. When away from the office she enjoys spending time with her partner and son, two cats, and too many houseplants to count.

Cecily is a native of Tacoma who brings with her over 12 years of experience partnering with children and families through community programs. She has a passion to see all families grow and thrive. Cecily is the founder of Girls Hearts on Fire, an organization focused on the empowerment of young women. She serves on the Board of Directors for Impact Schools, and as a committee member for the City of Tacoma's Events and Recognition Committee.

Kate is a social worker and advocate who has been with First 5 since 2018. She is a Tacoma resident who participates on the Pierce County Birth to 25 Advisory Board for District 4. Kate is passionate about supporting caregivers with young children, and ensuring that programs and policies are designed by the families who use them. Outside of work, Kate enjoys singing, dancing, studying herbalism, and eating her husband's cooking with her daughter.

Maile connects all of her work to equity of access and high quality educational opportunities for minoritized youth, families, and communities. She joined First 5 FUNdamentals in January of 2024 as our Executive Director. Maile strives to ensure the voices of the communities First 5 FUNdamentals reaches are heard and amplified, while also ensuring that racial justice is included in all that we do. Maile has a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington and coursework towards a master’s in Pastoral Studies from Seattle University.

Rachel is the State Lead for Washington Communities for Children. She believes deeply in the beauty and power of relationships, and that only together can we truly improve the wellbeing of children and families in our community. When not at work, Rachel enjoys cooking, exploring the great Pacific Northwest outdoors, and spending time with dear family and friends.

Gwen is the Program Coordinator for Washington Communities for Children. She has spent her career in education and youth-centered nonprofits and believes in the importance of relationship building and centering young people as a key to fostering strength in community. Outside of work, Gwen enjoys listening to live music, volunteering, and exploring all that the PNW has to offer with her wife and two young daughters. 

Muriel values community advocacy and collaboration. She is passionate about breaking down barriers and building bridges for present and future generations. She believes in manifesting positivity and that there is no better medicine than laughter. You will most likely find Muriel, iced coffee in hand, following her rambunctious toddlers around. Deeply connected to her Mexican roots and heritage, most weekends are spent with family and good food.

Linden is the Data & Evaluation Manager for Washington Communities for Children. She also leads the Northwest Early Learning Coalition and hosts the Family & Community Outreach State Action Team as part of WCFC. She is an advocate of catalyzing community voice, building cross-sector partnerships, and moving ‘at the speed of trust’ to drive equitable health outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Emily oversees the Family Connects program in Pierce County, which provides nurse visits to families of newborns. She is a proud foster mama who is passionate about surrounding new parents with a community support system, with hopes to reduce the incidence of child welfare involvement in Pierce County.

Zach is responsible for planning, managing, and executing strategic marketing and communications activities. Fueled by creativity and kindness, he is passionate about making a positive impact in the community. A PNW native, Zach enjoys spending time in nature and in the garden with his fiancée Rebekah, and their Rottweiler, Mr. Blue Bear.

Timieka Travis leads our Equity Action Team and oversees First 5 FUNdamentals' internal equity processes. Timieka is also a social worker by trade and places the value of human relationships first. She believes whole-heartedly in cultural and linguistic alignment between programs and the people they support. Being a busy mom, juggling a teenager and two kids under 5, she knows first-hand the invaluable impact a supportive network and community can have on a family.

As a 2022 Pathwaves Fellow, Maya originally joined the First 5 FUNdamentals team as part of the WCFC Policy and Advocacy Learning Network. In her current role as Program Manager for Child Care Voice, Maya will lead a cross sector group of organizations and individuals committed to improving access to high-quality, equitable, and culturally-inclusive child care in Pierce County. She is the proud mother of 2 boys and a Tacoma Native. Maya comes to this work with a background in all things children and families, ranging from years as child care staff, ECEAP Family Support, Doula and Childbirth Educator, to being a Parent Ambassador Alum and ELAA Parent Caucus member.