Dr. Maya Angelou at Evergreen, “Rainbow in the Clouds.”The Evergreen State College2026-09-30 | Dr. Maya Angelou at Evergreen, “Rainbow in the Clouds.”Lets drive to the Organic Farm 🚙 #TheEvergreenStateCollege #OrganicFarmThe Evergreen State College2025-09-04 | Learn more about Evergreen at evergreen.edu #TheEvergreenStateCollege #PacificNorthwest #LiberalArtsGreeners share their tips for starting school this Fall 🍂 #TheEvergreenStateCollegeThe Evergreen State College2025-09-03 | ...One month until Greeners are back on campus 📚 #TheEvergreenStateCollege #ClassOf2029 #BackToSchoolThe Evergreen State College2025-09-02 | ...Summer rain asmr at #TheEvergreenStateCollege #CampusVibesThe Evergreen State College2025-08-19 | ...The pool is open at #TheEvergreenStateCollegeThe Evergreen State College2025-08-15 | Find pool hours and community membership rates at https://www.evergreen.edu/student-life/recreationBecome a Wilderness First Responder at #EvergreenThe Evergreen State College2025-08-15 | ...GRADitude from the #ClassOf2025 at #TheEvergreenStateCollegeThe Evergreen State College2025-08-12 | ...Welcome to the faculty red carpet 🎓✨ #ClassOf2025 #FacultyFitCheck #TheEvergreenStateCollegeThe Evergreen State College2025-08-11 | ...POV you graduate from Evergreen Tacoma #ClassOf2025 #TheEvergreenStateCollegeThe Evergreen State College2025-08-10 | ...Fast-track to the finish line 🎓 #ClassOf2025 #TheEvergreenStateCollegeThe Evergreen State College2025-08-09 | ...Check out the Evergreen Bike Co-Op #TheEvergreenStateCollege #BikeClub #CampusLifeThe Evergreen State College2025-08-08 | ...Pre-orientation titles might be long but we think they’re worth it #TheEvergreenStateCollegeThe Evergreen State College2025-08-07 | Register for pre-orientation until August 11 at evergreen.edu/orientationCampus in fast forward ⏩ #TheEvergreenStateCollege #CampusVibes #CollegeExperienceThe Evergreen State College2025-08-07 | ...Sean Moore: Responsible Business StructuresThe Evergreen State College2025-06-25 | Lecture given by Sean Moore at The Evergreen State College, May 30th 2025. We will explore organizational structures for responsible businesses, highlighting how different models embed social and environmental impact into their core operations. By comparing these models, we will discuss their benefits, challenges, and real-world examples of businesses using these structures to drive meaningful change.Amy Flynn: Mind, Body, Village: The future of Holistic Health & EducationThe Evergreen State College2025-06-25 | Lecture given by Amy Flynn at the Evergreen State College, May 23rd 2025. Explore the connection between personal well-being, experiential learning, and community resilience. Examine how movement, mindfulness, and holistic education support both individual growth and collective well-being. We will consider ways to integrate these practices into daily life, fostering a more connected and health-conscious society.Devra Gartenstein: Food Biz BasicsThe Evergreen State College2025-06-25 | Lecture given by Devra Gartenstein at The Evergreen State College, May 9th 2025. Starting a food business is a great way to share culinary tradition and make people happy by feeding them. But there are plenty of practical and regulatory hurdles, like working with local health departments and creating viable offerings in an industry with such tight margins. We will provide an overview of permitting, commercial kitchen options, product costing, and food safety.Tierney Creech: Community Supported Agriculture- A Business Model that Builds Community and ChangeThe Evergreen State College2025-05-31 | Lecture given by Tierney Creech at The Evergreen State College, February 7th 2025. Tierney is the owner of Common Ground CSA in Rochester, WA and has been farming since 2008. Learn all about about Community Supported Agriculture - from history to CSA as a business model. Tierney will share how the CSA model has worked for Common Ground over the last 35 years and how it can open up opportunities to build deeper community connections and promote social change.Sarah Quenemoen: Young Professionalism in Food Security and AgricultureThe Evergreen State College2025-05-30 | Lecture given by Sarah Quenemoen at The Evergreen State College. May 2nd 2025. Learn about the importance of a localized food system as a means of food security and justice as it relates to a broader idea of food justice during this transitional period in government. We will discuss the process of entering the workforce and how to hold on to your passion and enthusiasm despite the red tape. As the Sales & Marketing Coordinator with the Southwest Washington Food Hub, Sarah advocates for local foods amongst growers and changemakers. Sarah has been farming since 2020 and began learning more about the food systems she operated in, pushing her to engage more with the community and advocate for food security.Alex Cummings and Jennah Kemp: Growing a Community of Veteran-led EnterprisesThe Evergreen State College2025-05-28 | Lecture given by Alex Cummings and Jennah Kemp at The Evergreen State College, April 25th 2025. Learn about GRuB’s Veteran support resources and programs like the Shepherd Project engaging veterans in their transition into agriculture through direct mentoring, coaching, and connecting with resources and training; and the Healing Through Hives Project working to increasing the number of viable apiaries (honeybee farms) operated by veterans.Treacy Kreger: Chef TreacyThe Evergreen State College2025-05-14 | Lecture given by Treacy Kreger at The Evergreen State College, April 11th 2025. Along with producing his Vern’s classics like clam chowder, Treacy has invested his time and expertise in building avenues for area farmers and small businesses to get their products into the hands of local residents. Treacy partakes in local farmers’ markets and is one of the cofounders of South Sound Fresh, a web-based farmers’ market with home delivery. Quite literally farm to table. Our Community Kitchen (OCK) is just the latest way Treacy is contributing to the success of his community by providing an accessible space for supporting local small businesses.Explore the Lynda LabThe Evergreen State College2025-04-16 | Video created by Elijah Story-Tillis for the class "Intro to Promotional Video" with Dustin Zemel. Credits: Crew Spokesperson ----------------------- Gryphon Routley First Assistant Camera ---------- Leslie Mason Second Assistant Camera ----- Thomas Mason First Assistant Sound ------------ Thayer Derosier Video Editor --------------------------- Elijah Story-Tillis Assistant ------------------------------- Misti French
Music Wild Thing by Stone Ocean (pitched = Semi-Tone: 1) Original Video - StoneOcean - Wild Thing [CHILLOUT | JOURNEY]
Special thanks to... Gryphon Routley for coming to speak about the Lynda Lab David Cramton for allowing us to promote his space.Rosalinda Noriega: From Giving Back to Social ChangeThe Evergreen State College2025-04-10 | Lecture given by Rosalinda Noriega at The Evergreen State College, February 21st 2025. Rosalinda Noriega 98’ offers technical assistance and consultation to culturally specific sexual violence advocacy and prevention programs across Washington State. Rosalinda will share the journey that shaped her passion for social justice, activism, and sexual violence prevention. As a survivor herself, Rosalinda will reflect on her path from victim to survivor and how her experiences have shaped her goals. This lecture will be a reflection on resilience, creativity, and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.Don Chalmers: Becoming a Changemaker- The Key to Successful Community DevelopmentThe Evergreen State College2025-04-09 | Lecture given by Don Chalmers at The Evergreen State College, February 28th 2025. Don has committed himself and his work to sustainable, culturally appropriate community development through both capital projects and program development for over 40 years. Explore becoming a changemaker and how doing so leads to communities that better serve their residents. Consider the steps others have followed to become effective changemakers and discuss how they used the understanding and awareness of themselves and their communities to accomplish their goals.Vicki Jovanovic: Socially Responsible InvestingThe Evergreen State College2025-04-08 | Lecture given by Vicki Jovanovic at The Evergreen State College, March 7th 2025. Vicki is a financial advisor focused on making finance accessible for PNW residents. What is Socially Responsible Investing and how can it be part of your total investment strategy? Are you interested in investing according to your values? Learn the basics of investing, delve into the confusing world of ESG investments, some of the challenges involved in defining “Socially Responsible Investing,” and take away practical tips on how to align your personal portfolio with your personal beliefs.Cheryl Whilby: Creating a More Equitable Food SystemThe Evergreen State College2025-03-14 | Lecture given by Cheryl Whilby at The Evergreen State College, February 14th 2025. Cheryl is the Co-Executive Director of Communications and Development at Soul Fire Farm and the Executive Director of Development and Finance at Schenectady Greenmarket. She focuses on creating and implementing fundraising strategies to support Soul Fire Farm’s mission and sustain the Greenmarket’s growing food access programming. This lecture will explore the transformative initiatives of Soul Fire Farm and the Schenectady Greenmarket, focusing on their contributions to sustainability, business, and creating an equitable food system.Griff Masters: Using Technology To Do The Wrong Things FasterThe Evergreen State College2025-03-05 | Lecture given by Griff Masters at The Evergreen State College, January 31st 2025. Griff Masters is the Executive Director of Triceratops Technology Resources, a nonprofit that matches up the most beneficial work in our community with the tools they need to be more effective. Griff Masters works with nonprofits to help them solve their technology problems, support project management, and provide coaching. Learn how small businesses and nonprofits can avoid expensive mistakes when investing in solutions to support their work.Speedy attends Higher Education Day at the Washington State Capitol.The Evergreen State College2025-02-06 | ...Driving into the Olympia campus is especially magical when it’s snowing ❄️The Evergreen State College2025-02-05 | ...Sean Moore: Small Business Resources in Washington StateThe Evergreen State College2025-02-03 | Lecture Given by Sean Moore at The Evergreen State College on November 15th, 2024. Dr. Moore is the Director of the Thurston EDC Center for Business & Innovation and oversees over a dozen resources to support entrepreneurs in startup and growth. Dr. Moore is also an Adjunct Business Faculty member at the South Puget Sound Community College. In this lecture, Dr. Moore will introduce aspiring and current entrepreneurs to resources to help businesses start and grow through the Center for Business & Innovation and the State of Washington.Shae Whitney: Defying Corporate Industry Food StandardsThe Evergreen State College2025-01-27 | Lecture Given by Shae Whitney at The Evergreen State College, January 17th 2025. Shae Whitney ’10 is the founder of the award winning botanical beverage company, DRAM. Learn about Shae’s journey as a young entrepreneur finding success in defying corporate food industry standards and how she was able to connect with customers in a landscape of mass production.Rachel Friedman: Land Trusts: Preserve Farmland, Support Farmers, and Build CommunityThe Evergreen State College2025-01-14 | Lecture Given by Rachel Friedman at The Evergreen State College on December 6th, 2024. Dr. Friedman graduated with an undergraduates degree in botany a masters of science and forestry. In this lecture, she will discuss how farming is as much a sustainable business as any other for-profit. She will explore how The Community Farmland Trust can help farmers remain viably in business in our community and what partnerships and diverse opportunities they have available to them.Crystie Kisler: Resilience RisingThe Evergreen State College2025-01-14 | Lecture Given by Crystie Kisler at The Evergreen State College on November 22nd, 2024. Crystie is co-founder of Finnriver Farm & Cidery and partner of Chimacum Valley Grainy. Crystie will share stories and insights from her life as a local food system advocate and entrepreneur. She will explore the meaning and significance of the word “resilience” amongst people, planet and profit.Micah Sherman: Cannabis Policy as a Model for an Ecologically Minded EconomyThe Evergreen State College2025-01-14 | Lecture Given by Micah Sherman at The Evergreen State College on November 8th, 2024. Micah Sherman is the co-owner of Raven Glass, and will share how public policy via market crafting, regulation, and the resulting business ecosystems we operate within define what is possible for us to accomplish. Micah will share his experiences trying to create policy change, how possible alternatives can be accomplished, and ideas for how we can get there.Trey Larant: Filling the Void: Creating a Needed Space in the CommunityThe Evergreen State College2025-01-14 | Lecture Given by Trey Larant at The Evergreen State College on November 1st, 2024. Dr. Trey Larant, PT, DPT, is a queer and trans physical therapist and business owner. He earned his doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2018 from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse in 2015. He was sent out to Olympia for his last clinical rotation, fell in love with the area, and has been here ever since. Dr. Trey Larant (he/him) will share how he became a businessman with no formal business training by turning his dream of having more queer-inclusive spaces into a professional niche. By listening, you will learn how you can find your niche and be a successful business owner, even in a saturated market or small town.Rachel Beth Egenhoefer: The Power of Design for Climate Innovation & Sustainable BusinessThe Evergreen State College2025-01-14 | Lecture Given by Rachel Beth Egenhoefer at The Evergreen State College on October 22nd, 2024. Rachel Beth Egenhoefer is a full professor in Design and Environmental Studies at the University of San Francisco, who believes design has the power to transform products, nudge behaviors, captivate audiences, and engage users.But design is also more than just the visual. In this lecture, we will explore design as a holistic practice that includes visual, material, experiential, and systems perspectives. When approaching design in this holistic way, design has the power to be not just sustainable but transformative as we look for solutions in the climate crisis.Tom Strong: Sustainability, Business, and Entrepreneurship in Skokomish, WAThe Evergreen State College2025-01-14 | Lecture Given by Tom Strong at The Evergreen State College on October 18th, 2024. Tom Strong has served his Tribe for more than twenty years and will share his knowledge surrounding and work with forest and fisheries management and it's benefits to Tribal members; overcoming historical limitations within the market; and supporting Tribal member's entrepreneurial efforts.Recreation and Athletics at EvergreenThe Evergreen State College2024-11-12 | ...Katie Lorz: Accidental Entrepreneur: I never planned to be a business ownerThe Evergreen State College2024-06-07 | Katie is a licensed and board certified mental health counselor and the owner of HGCM Therapy a private psychotherapy practice in Olympia, WA that focuses on holistic mental health counseling, community engagement, and advocacy for mental health and wellbeing. She has an MBA in Finance and an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Originally from everywhere, she fell in love with Olympia and has called it home since 2021.Micheal Snow: The Importance of Sound Business Practices in a Worker CooperativeThe Evergreen State College2024-06-07 | Many small businesses manage to sustain themselves, despite lacking clear and distinct roles for ownership and management, timely and accurate accounting, and documented process and procedures. Worker-owned and worker-managed companies often attempt to replicate this practice, although find themselves quickly running into trouble.
Guest lecture given by Micheal Snow at The Evergreen State College on May 24th, 2024.
Micheal fell in love with the potential of cooperatives while working at The Flaming Eggplant at the Evergreen State College. He has since been deeply involved with many co-ops, including the Olympia Food Co-op, New Moon Cooperative Cafe, the Northwest Construction Cooperative, and the Business Services Cooperative. Today, Micheal lives back in Spokane where he grew up, with his partner and daughter, and is a member-owner of the Spokane Workers Cooperative.David Pierre-Louis: Asking for the Right to Dream: Integrity-Driven Social EnterpriseThe Evergreen State College2024-06-07 | This lecture is a testament to the resilience and innovation of the Kay Tita and the Haitian community, embodies a transformative journey towards empowerment and sustainable progress. It illuminates the path forward for Haiti, emphasizing the importance of self-determination, collaboration, and grassroots efforts. From the establishment of community resource centers to the promotion of entrepreneurship and education, this lecture serves as a beacon of hope and catalyst for change. Rooted in a deep sense of cultural pride and driven by a collective vision for a brighter future. This lecture exemplifies the unwavering spirit of the Haitian people and their unwavering commitment to building a thriving nation from within.
Guest lecture given by David Pierre-Louis at The Evergreen State College Tacoma Campus on May 17th, 2024.
David Pierre-Louis is an inspiring community organizer with a strong focus on social and economic development in Haiti. He's the Executive Director of Kay Tita, an integrity-driven social enterprise that is dedicated to connecting resources, access, and opportunities to fuel the dreams and aspirations of historically under-resourced communities. His commitment to Haiti's community is evident in his mission to support social enterprises, nurture young entrepreneurial talent, & celebrate the country's natural resources and culture. David is actively pursuing LBC4.0 to develop a 20,000 sq ft community resource center meticulously designed to support emerging leaders in Port-au-Prince.
Resources: Haiti France Reparations Haiti’s biodiversity threatened by nearly complete loss of primary forest KayTita.org kaytita.org/our-building Remembrance: Loss, Hope, Recovery after the Earthquake in Haiti Underdog Revolution, Pierre Stanley Impact Hub Feasibility StudyCourtney Jafferian: Beyond Practice: Fermentation and Sustainability as PhilosophyThe Evergreen State College2024-05-16 | Courtney shares her experience on sustainability and fermentation as a philosophy and practice. Join us to learn about how these modalities apply to more than just ingredients and practice and where sustainability is least represented, but equally important.
Guest lecture given by Courtney Jafferian at The Evergreen State College on May 10th, 2024.
Courtney Jafferian was born on the east coast but her love for agriculture migrated her west, where she eventually landed in Olympia, WA. After receiving her degree in business at Evergreen, Courtney acquired a job at a brewery and began her fermented hot sauce journey -- the perfect marriage of her love of microbes, fermentation, agriculture, community and entrepreneurship.Alana Carr: Brick and Mortar Retail When Everything is on AmazonThe Evergreen State College2024-05-14 | Learn what it is like to have in person, brick and mortar retail stores in a time when everyone is shopping online. Alana Carr will share about the history of her businesses, ideas about retail and the roll it plays in our communities.
Guest lecture given by Alana Carr at The Evergreen State College on April 12th, 2024.
Alana is co-owner of three local businesses, Captain Little, an independent toy shop in Downtown Olympia, Lapis, a fine jewelry store in Tacoma, and Compass Rose, a gift shop with locations in both Olympia and Tacoma. Both of her parents are Greeners, graduating Evergreen in the late 70’s; Alana was raised around her family’s small organic blueberry farm, which is still run by her dad, Tommy, on Gull Harbor road.Sean Moore: Green Business StartupThe Evergreen State College2024-05-02 | Starting an environmentally friendly business brings unique challenges and opportunities. Join us to learn about the unique aspects of starting an environmentally responsible and friendly business, understanding green consumers, managing supply chains, branding, pricing strategies, and best practices.
Guest lecture given by Sean Moore at the Evergreen State College on April 26th, 2024.
Sean Moore, Ph.D is the Director of the Center for Business & Innovation for the Thurston Economic Development Council. He oversees more than a dozen small business resources that provide support to entrepreneurs in various stages of business. Sean has taught Management and Marketing at Kapiolani Community College, worked at Patagonia, and has eight years of management experience.Mary Big Bull-Lewis: A Sustainable EntrepreneurThe Evergreen State College2024-04-29 | Mary shares her experience pairing advocacy with a small business and how to be a “sustainable” entrepreneur in the creative economy as an Indigenous woman. Learn how communities can support small BIPOC businesses while honoring boundaries and why doing both is important for thriving in two worlds.
Guest lecture given by Mary Big Bull-Lewis at the Evergreen State College on April 19th, 2024.
Mary is an Indigenous Entrepreneur and the founder and Chair of the Indigenous Roots and Reparations Foundation. She was born and raised in the Wenatchee Valley and is an enrolled member of the Colville Confederated Tribe; Wenatchi, Moses and Entiat bands & a descendant of the Blackfoot Tribe. Mary owns two small businesses with her husband. Mary worked in law and medicine before finding her joy through her culture, art, and entrepreneurship.Evergreen Auction PromoThe Evergreen State College2024-04-19 | Meet Chris Cashman, The Evergreen State College Foundation's new auctioneer for the 2024 Art of Giving Gala and Auction! Register today: https://www.evergreen.edu/give/art-givingJhoana Avante: Empowerment in Our Resiliency: Income Without DACA as a 1099 ContractorThe Evergreen State College2024-04-09 | This lecture explores self-employment as a 1099 contractor and entrepreneurship within disadvantaged groups, with a spotlight on potential Latin entrepreneurs, including those without the benefits of DACA. It delves into the specific challenges and opportunities, identifying factors influencing success or obstacles in this unique context. The goal is to offer insights into fostering entrepreneurship and economic empowerment among underrepresented communities.
Guest Lecture given by Jhoana Avante at The Evergreen State College on March 1st, 2024.
In 2022, Jhoana earned her Master of Architecture degree from Washington State University. She currently resides in Seattle working as an architectural designer. Her previous work has received several awards including a Citation Award from The American Institute of Architects Northwest and Pacific Region.Melinda Lupe Johnson: Safe, Equitable, and Culturally Accessible Food Systems in Washington StateThe Evergreen State College2024-04-09 | This lecture highlights the current state of food systems in Washington State, the current inequitable distribution of state funding, food insecurity throughout the state, and the movements currently underway through Lilith Moon Farm Agricultural Organization to address these challenges and seize opportunities for overall food systems improvement. Projects include the creation of small food pantries in remote locations of Northeast Washington; the composition of Culturally Accessible Food Safety Training; the creation of a cell phone app to enable small food banks, farmers, and food pantries to invoice and inventory with ease; research into the challenges of Urban Agriculture; and the establishment of Eastern Washington Tilth as well as a food safety lab in Northeast Washington. There will also be introductions of the Principal Engineer of Lilith Moon and the Community Outreach Supervisor of Lilith Moon to highlight the diversity of skills that is often missing in organizations that focus on research and food systems.
Guest lecture given by Melinda Lupe Johnson at The Evergreen State College on February 23rd, 2024.
Melinda’s life has been dedicated to agriculture since she was a 4-H at 8 years old and as an FFA student later as a teenager. Melinda’s goal in life is to make the world a better place, focusing on agriculture. She is a double bachelor’s degree holder and is almost done with her third master’s degree, in Microbiology. She is a two time proud Greener, conferring a degree of Bachelor of Science with a focus in Agricultural Microbiology in 2020 and also a degree of Master in Public Administration with a focus in Agricultural Policy in 2022. As a raw dairy obsessive, Melinda hopes to advocate for better systems for all people who participate in Agriculture in Washington state. She believes in serving ALL of the citizens in Washington State and holds a special interest in rural Washingtonians and those residing on the East side of the Cascade Mountains.Michelle Pope: Empowering Innovation: Makerspaces in Entrepreneurship and in a Creative EconomyThe Evergreen State College2024-04-09 | In this lecture, the Lacey MakerSpace director explores the transformative impact of makerspaces on entrepreneurship, innovation, and collaboration. Discover how Lacey MakerSpace, a catalyst for the creative economy, provides affordable access to cutting-edge equipment and personalized mentoring. Dive into the interconnected ecosystem it builds with local organizations, fostering collaboration for individuals of all ages and skill levels. Gain insights into the intersection of makerspaces, economic development, and quality job-skills training, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping a vibrant, innovative community.
Guest lecture given by Michelle Pope at The Evergreen State College on February 16h, 2024.
With a career spanning over 25 years in Thurston County's innovative and artistic scene, Michelle Pope earned her BA at The Evergreen State College in 2001. She has worked for a local remodeling company, advocated for sustainable building practices, and directed a nonprofit building salvage business. Later, she returned to her alma mater, dedicating over a decade to supporting the development of visual arts curriculum.
As the Director of the Lacey MakerSpace since 2021, Michelle seamlessly integrates her artistic passion with a commitment to community empowerment, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovators. Beyond her directorial role, she serves on the Board for the Olympia Artspace Alliance, championing affordable spaces for artists. Residing in Tumwater, Michelle remains deeply connected to the local arts scene, exemplifying her dedication to community, entrepreneurship, and the arts.Amanda Snell: Managing a 501c(3) Dog Rescue While Scaling a Successful Coffee BusinessThe Evergreen State College2024-04-09 | Amanda discuss the challenges and successes of both for-profit and non-profit small business while balancing being a single mom and rescuing dogs. How can we provide a healthy and welcoming work environment where employees are able to grow and be comfortable? How can we prioritize supporting local schools with donations, and help our local community when help is needed?
Guest lecture given by Amanda Snell at the Evergreen State College on March 8th, 2024.
Amanda purchased a coffee stand in 2014, naming it Madres Espresso in homage to her mother and honors her Mexican roots. In 2023 she started a 501c3 dog rescue, Madres Mutts. Amanda and her rescue partner have a vision of opening a dog café where people come and meet adoptable dogs.Katherine McBride: Implementing Design Strategies for Social SustainabilityThe Evergreen State College2024-04-09 | Noting that American designer and architect Charles Eames focused on need as “the primary condition for design,” Katherine believes that a deep knowledge of the way we live in and interact with our environment is paramount to implementing a successful design strategy. She considers how we respond to the textures, light, and spatial arrangements of the built environment, knowing they all contribute to not only our enhanced well-being but to improved functionality.
This lecture will include a biography of Katherine’s evolution from mid-century modern furniture enthusiast to working with Artisans Group, a female owned and operated, nationally recognized award-winning design firm located in Olympia, WA. Katherine will provide a comprehensive overview to Interior Design as a profession, in addition to highlighting the design process. She will discuss the ways in which designers can create opportunities for social sustainability utilizing their specialized skill set to benefit not only their clientele but to serve the greater good of the community as a whole. Katherine will highlight a few of her current and past projects, and aims to give attendees a greater understanding of how a love of great design and aesthetic can lead to opportunities to enhance the lives of others and give back.
Guest lecture given by Katherine McBride at The Evergreen State College on February 9th, 2024.
Katherine McBride is an Interior Designer that lives in Olympia, WA and graduated from The Evergreen State College in 2005. Her work has been featured in Atomic Ranch Magazine, and an upcoming article for Sunset Magazine. Katherine’s passion for design was fueled at a young age as she spent her childhood in the 1980s on the flea market circuit in rural Pennsylvania with her grandparents. Katherine had an early appreciation for mid century modern furniture that at the time was disregarded as junk. Shortly after graduation from Evergreen, Katherine opened her first store, The Mod Fix, a ‘retro-modern furniture boutique’ in downtown Olympia that specializes in selling mid century modern furniture and home decor. It was there where her path crossed with Tessa Smith Bradly, Principal Architect and Owner of Artisans Group Architecture and Planning.
Years later, and after Katherine completed a degree in Interior Design with honors from the Art Institute of Seattle, Katherine and Tessa’s paths crossed once more as Katherine reached out to the firm to help her see out her vision for remodeling her family’s home in Olympia. That connection led to an internship with the company, which quickly advanced to a position with the firm as Lead Interior Designer, and her first project, her family’s home winning Best Remodel of 2018 by Olympia Master Builders.
In recent years, and throughout the pandemic, both Katherine’s personal life and career trajectory have shifted as she is now a single mother of two that has started her own independent design firm that focuses on leveraging her skill set to help provide more people with access to beautifully designed and functional spaces, in addition to taking on passion projects including an upcoming Artists Retreat, and Healing and Events Center both located in Mason County.