Build 2 Lead hosted our 5th annual Fall Strategic Planning Meeting

Build 2 Lead 2025-26 Fall Strategic Planning Meeting

On August 25, 2025, Build 2 Lead brought together staff, partners, and community leaders for our annual Fall Strategic Planning Meeting at the Family Life Center in Federal Way. Guided by Executive Director Jimmy Brown, the day was filled with reflection, collaboration, and bold visioning for the year ahead.

Key Highlights:

• Dream Team Circle: We kicked off with a grounding check-in and partner introductions that reminded us of the collective energy fueling B2L’s mission.

• Partner Systems Activity: Partners shared their “why” and explored how their organizations’ strategies align with B2L’s mission to transform systems and uplift youth.

• Strategic Priorities: We reviewed major funding partnerships (City of Federal Way, Port of Seattle-SKCCIF, CCTV Community Change Grant) and mapped out deliverables that will sustain and grow impact.

• Curriculum Deep Dive: Our amazing staff led an exploration of B2L’s signature programming, highlighting pathways, stakeholder engagement, and key performance indicators that define success.

• Evaluation & Recruitment: We reflected on 2024-25 reporting outcomes, program quality assessment, and refined recruitment strategies to ensure more youth can connect with our work.

• Big 3 Focus Areas: Programming, Strategic Initiatives, and Operations emerged as the central pillars for 2025-26.

• Community Engagement Strategies: Teams brainstormed new ways to strengthen visibility, show up in community spaces, and expand wraparound supports.

As always, our work is powered by the relationships we cultivate. A heartfelt thank you to BIPOC Healthcare EcoSystem, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, The Statewide Poverty Action Network, Look2Justice, Westwood Counseling Services and our Board Chair Linda Low for physically joining us and leaning into the planning process. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a year of transformative impact and generational leadership.