Our Movement
Our Mission
Advocating for community, by community.
Skyway has a rich legacy of community-led advocacy, and we’re proud to carry it forward. Together, we work to address the historic disinvestment and unfair policies that have impacted our Black, Indigenous, and people of color community.
As an unincorporated area in King County, we know that we must speak up for our own needs and vision. We’re building a diverse, connected, and engaged community where our voices and lived experiences guide decisions that shape Skyway’s future.
At the heart of our work is collaboration—rooted in trust, strong relationships, and the belief that collective action creates lasting change.
In all things we do, we’re guided by our values of:
Community, Diversity, Empowerment, Inclusion, Justice, and Respect.
Our Focus Areas
Standing Up For Skyway
Skyway thrives when we come together. We support our Black, Indigenous, and people of color community by building connections and uplifting local leaders. Together, we advocate for the funding, policies, and changes our community needs to grow stronger and more united.
Affordable Homeownership
Everyone deserves a place to call home. We work alongside our neighbors to keep Skyway affordable and community-driven. By supporting policies and funding for affordable homeownership, we help families, especially Black and brown families, put down roots, stay in their homes, and build a future right here in Skyway.
Economic Growth
A strong community lifts everyone up. We work with local small businesses, job seekers, and residents to fight displacement and create opportunities for growth. Through the Skyway Business Collective, we support small businesses, provide job training, and help build lasting community wealth that uplifts us all.
Our Impact
Meet Our Team
We are dedicated to uplifting our neighborhood and the people around us.
Get to know the folks who make up Skyway Coalition. We’re a small but mighty team made up of community members who are passionate about uplifting Skyway.
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Beth Hintz is a Skyway resident and small business owner, with more than 20 years of experience as a grant writer and nonprofit professional. Her business is Write for Good, which provides strategic and creative grant writing, communications, and editing services to nonprofits and socially-minded businesses. She is committed to intersectional social justice and equity, and she partners with organizations who are working for a more just world. She has collaborated with and raised funds for a variety of organizations focused on educational justice, environmental and climate justice, youth development, social service, social enterprise, and grassroots community development and organizing. She is grateful for and honored by the opportunity to partner with amazing people and organizations in Skyway and beyond.
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Fin'es Scott (she/her) is a Skyway native and dedicated Operations Manager with a heart for her community. She is committed to uplifting her beloved Skyway.
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Jeannie Williams is a long-time resident and advocate of Skyway. She has a deep passion for Skyway, as she purchased a home and raised her family in the community more than 30 years ago. She worked in the corporate retail and airline environment as a Sr. Technical Program Manager and brings many years of Leadership and Program Management skills to her role. Jeannie has lived through the community changes and has been deeply involved in Skyway community work since 2001. She has been a long-time member of Skyway UMC and has served on multiple Skyway Community Boards and in Leadership positions. Jeannie is very honored to be part of the work, advocacy, and revitalization of the Skyway community.
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Kyle Blendheim is a life-long resident of Seattle currently living in Skyway with his fiancé. He graduated from Washington State University in 2020 where he acquired a BA in Strategic Communication. Some of his hobbies outside of work include: photography, walking and collecting vintage clothing and furniture. He is humbled and grateful for the opportunity to explore ways to nurture solidarity and unity for the Skyway community.
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Michael Morales began his career with the Washington State Migrant Council, implementing the Americans with Disabilities Act and expanding services statewide. He then moved to Texas, working in transportation planning and economic development for the Rio Grande Valley Development Council and the Rio Grande Valley Empowerment Zone Corporation.
Returning to Washington, Michael served as deputy director and director of community and economic development for various jurisdictions, including the City of Yakima. There, he was the chief lobbyist, securing over $100 million in grants and loans, including a $14 million downtown revitalization project.
Michael has also worked with the cities of Federal Way and Pasco, WA, managing economic development and strategic initiatives. In Pasco, he secured $3.78 million for the downtown Pasco Market Plaza and led the creation of the city’s first commission for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity, as well as the Colima-Pasco Cooperation and Friendship Agreement.
Most recently, he was an Economic Development and Recovery Manager with the King County Department of Local Services, aiding the White Center business district's recovery from fires in 2021. He facilitated financing and permitting and secured $2 million in grants for BIPOC and immigrant-owned businesses, as well as a $1 million grant for zero-interest, forgivable loans.
Michael lives in Federal Way, Washington, and owns Tonalli Development Strategies, providing municipal and organizational development services.
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Rebecca Zapata (she/her) is a BIPOC woman, born, raised, and lived in South Seattle most of her life. Her lifelong passion for advocacy grew from her experiences in the foster care system during adolescence. She later served as a court-appointed special advocate, supporting youth with similar challenges, which cemented her desire to help empower those most impacted, yet furthest from power.
Rebecca brings a wealth of connections and lived experiences related to Skyway’s immediate threat of displacement and gentrification. She informs and guides engagements across many communities to help ensure community voices are prioritized and centered.
After living in Skyway for over ten years, being an active volunteer, and taking on work that centers her community, she was hired as the Skyway Coalition Director. She earned a master’s degree in Public Administration and is honored to continue serving her community in this capacity.