We are delighted to announce the appointment of Kalika A. Curry as the new executive director of the Eastside Pathways Backbone, effective April 3rd. We highly value Kalika’s foundational work at Eastside Pathways, her intentionality in building relationships, and her adaptive and visionary leadership.
Kalika joined Eastside Pathways in 2019 as our first Community Impact Manager. In her role, she has led the Racial Equity Council and facilitated a workgroup to develop the Eastside Pathways’ Racial Equity Pledge. She created a POC Only Affinity CAN, facilitated the Career Pathways and Racial Equity CANs, and co-led the Covid-19 CAN with Sandy Nathan. Kalika’s Adaptive Leadership skill set, commitment to Racial Equity, and strategic systems thinking have been recognized as exceptional, locally in our Partnership, in our greater Eastside Community, and within the national StriveTogether network.
We are confident that with Kalika’s leadership, the Eastside Pathways Backbone will advance and deepen the work of the Eastside Pathways Partnership.
We would like to thank and acknowledge the incredible commitment and contributions of the Backbone staff who drive systems change work: Payton Richardson (Data Officer), Sandy Nathan (Community Impact Manager), Vicky Yu (Business and Operations Manager), and Sujata Agrawal (part-time Communications Content Manager).
We, and the Backbone staff, thank Interim Executive Director Amy Wasser for her leadership over the last four months. Amy provided day-to-day operational leadership and completed an in-depth organizational assessment that will be used to build out the Backbone’s strategic plan. Amy will move to the position of Transition Consultant to support Kalika during April.
As we move forward under Kalika’s leadership, we will continue to pursue our commitment to work collectively with the Partnership to ensure all children, youth, and young adults thrive in East King County.
Please join us in wishing Kalika all the best in her new role.
Warmly,
The Eastside Pathways Backbone Board
Cathy Habib, David Downing, Hala Nuemah, Putter Bert, Tom Brewer
As the new Executive Director of Eastside Pathways, I am honored and humbled by the support of our community. From lifting me up early on in my career, you know who you are, to continuing to support me as I grow as a leader – I AM my ancestor’s wildest dreams, and I stand on the shoulders of giants.
After graduating from Leadership Eastside, I knew I had to be intentional about where I placed myself within systems to truly affect change. I was fortunate to have an organization like Eastside Pathways to take up purpose-driven work in collaboration with people from all walks of life. I believe in the theories embedded in Collective Impact and Adaptive Leadership and deeply appreciate all the folks who show up to transform the quality of life for children, youth, and young adults in our region.
Thank you to all our Partners – each and every one of you is a critical stakeholder in our change efforts. Thank you to our community of supporters – you make our work possible.
Sincerely,
Kalika A. Curry
Executive Director
Eastside Pathways Backbone
