He graduated in 2021 with a Masters in Communities and Network (MCCN) degree, is the executive director at Renton Innovation Zone Partnership. His leadership on the Skyway Resource Center during the Covid 19 pandemic was recently profiled in Seattle Times as an example of citizen action during moments of crisis. 

He brought that same creative response to our program, playing a crucial role in establishing the Communication Leadership Consultancy, which was started to provide pro-bono support to community-based organizations during the pandemic. The Consultancy has continued in the years that followed, serving close to 200 clients thus far. But it never would have gotten off the ground without the courage and commitment of Ryan and the other founders. 

“Setting a goal and not knowing everything, but having the confidence to be able to follow through and make something happen, I take pride in that,” Ryan said in the midst of an inspiring speech. “I think when we work with community members, folks who are vulnerable who come to you asking for help, your ability to say something and follow through on what you said. That’s how you build trust, that’s how you build relationships.” 

Ryan’s dedication to community-driven change, and the conviction with which he engages with the world, are truly an inspiration. His story offers a playbook for how to leverage a flexible graduate school program like ours to have the kind of impact you want in the communities you care about.

Read more about Ryan here.