While COVID19 has affected all of us in different ways, it can be particularly difficult for many essential workers on the frontline of this pandemic. Last Tuesday we kicked off a new monthly virtual Speaker Series for Emerging Leader 365 and Change Maker donors with our first guest, Seattle Police Chief and United Way of King County board member, Carmen Best.  

It was an awesome opportunity to take part in an intimate conversation about her career, philanthropic efforts and how COVID-19 impacts the police department’s day-to-day work. Chief Best shared her passion and commitment as she talked about steps taken to keep their workforce safe, support for the 7 staff members who tested positive for COVID-19 and contingency planning and communication.

It was reassuring to hear about Chief Best’s commitment to using a racial equity lens and recognizing that there needs to be continuous work with the local community to make sure that people are represented.

Chief Best fielded questions from audience members ranging from requests for partnerships on community connections, why some neighborhoods are seeing more police presence, how the Police Department is navigating the rise in domestic violence reports, vandalism and commercial burglaries in some areas. The Chief also spoke about how the pandemic has brought to light the critical needs – especially for people of color and immigrant communities – and the resources that United Way of King County has made available to meet the needs ranging from food security and rental assistance.

Thank you to Chief Best for her compassion during this time of great uncertainty.

Join us for our June 3 Speaker Series at 5pm for a conversation with Alaska Airlines’ Vice President of Marketing, Sangita Woerner, and the unprecedented challenge that COVID19 brings to the airline industry.