ABOUT BUILD 2 LEAD
we didn't start with a program
we started with a pattern
Build 2 Lead is a community-based organization operating an integrated youth development system that combines civic leadership, workforce pathways, health equity, and trauma-informed wellness to transform outcomes for BIPOC youth and young adults across South King County.
the beginning
WHAT WE SAW — AND COULDN'T IGNORE
Before Build 2 Lead existed, what we saw was consistent. Young people with leadership, creativity, and vision—moving through systems that didn’t recognize or support their full potential. Families working to navigate education, healthcare, and workforce systems that felt disconnected, confusing, and at times, inaccessible. Communities holding solutions, insight, and resilience—without a clear pathway to influence the systems that shape their lives.
What became clear was this:
The issue was never a lack of potential. It was a lack of alignment.
BUILD 2 LEAD WAS CREATED TO BRIDGE THAT GAP.
the shift
FROM PROGRAMS TO PATHWAYS
What began as direct youth programming quickly evolved into something deeper.
We learned:
Leadership without wellness is unsustainable
Exposure without access is incomplete
Opportunity without support is inequitable
So we shifted our approach. Instead of building isolated programs, we built a connected system—one that supports young people across leadership, wellness, and economic mobility at the same time.
Because real impact doesn’t happen in silos.
IT HAPPENS WHEN SYSTEMS BEGIN TO WORK TOGETHER
what we do
WE BUILD PATHWAYS THAT LAST
Build 2 Lead operates at the intersection of:
Youth leadership development
Workforce and economic mobility
Health equity and wellness
Systems partnerships and policy influence
We work alongside:
Schools and districts
Healthcare and social service providers
Community organizations
Public and private funders
To ensure young people are not just participating—but progressing.
our model in action
A SYSTEM BUILT FOR REAL LIVES
Our work is grounded in four interconnected pillars:
PILLAR 1
civic
leadership & policy
literacy
PROGRAMS
Civic Champions
Youth Executive Committee
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​
OUTCOMES
Civic knowledge growth (+17%)
Increased agency and advocacy
Youth-led town halls and policy engagement
PILLAR 2
workforce & economic mobility
PROGRAMS
Closing the G.A.P. Entre-Leadership Reaching for Greatness​​
OUTCOMES
Workforce readiness (+59%)
Pre-apprenticeship certifications
Financial literacy and career clarity
PILLAR 3
health equity &
wellness
PROGRAMS
P.O.W.E.R.
B2L Wellness System
OUTCOMES
Universal identification
Targeted intervention
Ongoing stabilization (45-day cycles)
OUTCOMES
MTSS
Public health
Behavioral health models
PILLAR 2
workforce & economic mobility
PROGRAMS
Closing the G.A.P. Entre-Leadership Reaching for Greatness​​
OUTCOMES
Workforce readiness (+59%)
Pre-apprenticeship certifications
Financial literacy and career clarity
wellness
ACROSS ALL PILLARS, B2L WELLNESS PROVIDES:
step 1
UNIVERSAL IDENTIFICATION
​
Intake
Screening
Early warning indicators
step 2
TARGETED INTERVENTION
Check-ins
Referrals
Case management
step 3
ONGOING MONITORING & STABILIZATION
45-day cycles
Progress tracking
Tier movement
what we've learned
THE SOLUTIONS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN IN THE COMMUNITY
Through our work, we’ve learned:
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Youth don’t lack motivation—they lack access
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Communities don’t lack solutions—they lack alignment
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Systems don’t lack resources—they lack coordination
Our role is to bring these pieces together—intentionally.
where we're going
FROM INSIGHT TO INFRASTRUCTURE
We are entering our next phase of growth.
This includes:
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Expanding workforce pipelines (especially in healthcare)
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Strengthening institutional partnerships
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Scaling youth-led advocacy and leadership
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Building long-term infrastructure through our Legacy Hub
Our 2026–2027 roadmap reflects a clear shift:
From listening → to building systems that last.
why this matters
BECAUSE THE FUTURE ISN'T SOMETHING WE WAIT FOR—
IT'S SOMETHING WE BUILD
Young people deserve:
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Systems that recognize their potential
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Opportunities that match their ambition
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Support that meets their full reality
Build 2 Lead exists to ensure that happens.
Not just for today—but for generations.
build 2 lead board
Andrea Ramirez
Board Chair
Angie Mason-Smith
Board Member
Sallie Berry
Board Member
NOT PICTURED
Joyce Coleman Board Member
Robert Britten Board Member
Ting Ju- Tai Board Member
build 2 lead team
Dairyona Thompson
Lead Training Specialist
Matthew Etienne
Youth Training Specialist
Shylene Vang
Wellness Coordinator
