The NWGC is run entirely by volunteers committed to providing support and resources to those in the girl-serving community. If you are interested in learning more, please contact info@nwgirlscoalition.org.
Kendra Kelly
President
Professionally I support the Infectious Diseases team at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and if I were queen for a day I would bring clean water to the over one billion people who don't have it every day. Personally I am an avid sports fan and participant, active community volunteer, accomplished cook, and enthusiastic world traveler. One of my favorite Seattle things to do is grab sandwiches at Baguette Box (Drunken Chicken is my fave), Salted Caramel cupcakes from Cupcake Royale, and have a picnic with friends at any city park.
Nimisha Ghosh Roy
Secretary
My favorite children's book is An Old-Fashioned Girl by Louisa May Alcott. One of the best days of my childhood: When my mom bought me a locket just like Polly's! One of the worst days? When I lost the locket at 6th grade camp!
When I was younger I wanted to be an astronaut. My parents say it's because I believed that space suits could be pink!
I have been blessed to know many wonderful and passionate female friends and mentors, therefore it's hard to narrow the list down to one favorite female role model. Each, in their own way, has shown me how to live life with beauty and grace. If I named one, I'd have to name one hundred.
Jose F. Rodriguez
Treasurer
Currently, I work as a Researcher in the Protein Analytics group at Dendreon in Seattle. I develop assays to investigate and characterize proteins that may be potential cancer therapeutics. In the winter I enjoy snowboarding. In warmer weather, I enjoy riding motorcycles. When I was little, I wanted to be Evel Knievel and my favorite book was Oh, the Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss.
My favorite weekend rainy day activity is getting in the kitchen and cooking up something delicious. I'll put some music on the stereo, then roll up my sleeves and become chef for a day.
Bert Hopkins
Vice President
Melissa McQueen
Membership Manager
Harriet Tubman is a historical role model because of her spirit and ability to be such a guiding light to so many in need at the time despite the conditions of that period. It reminds me of how it only takes one person or many people with a little extra time, to start a cause that can help lead people into better circumstances.
I work for Boeing Research and Development as a Mechanical Engineer. One of my favorite Seattle hot spots is Discovery Park.
Favorite quote: "When you are going through hell, keep going!" –Winston Churchill
Laura Enman
I really wanted to be a marine biologist when I was younger. My family took a lot of trips to aquariums and zoos, and I was always fascinated with the underwater world. There was something very peaceful and beautiful, yet mysterious about it all.
I currently help pique girls' interests in science and technology. I develop fun and engaging informal education programs, and I train others on how to use these programs to address girls' natural curiosity and desire to make this world a better place. In my spare time I like to run, rock climb, and explore new places.
Denise Gaffney Neu
I started my career as a history teacher before switching to marketing/public relations and currently I work as a communications consultant for the non-profit sector. Rella Foley (former ombudsman for Seattle and now deceased) is my favorite female role model for her intelligence, fairness, grace and kindness. My favorite rainy day activity is reading a good book. Growing up my favorites were The Secret Garden, and all of the Nancy Drew books.
Natalie Walker
When I was really little I wanted to be a ballerina princess. By the time I was 13, I had settled somewhere between wanting to be a psychologist and wanting to be a "super famous guitarist." Now I work as the Executive Director of Rain City Rock Camp for Girls, a rock n' roll camp for girls that uses music education to promote self-esteem in girls. In my spare time, I play bass for the not-so-famous local band Another Perfect Crime.
My mother is my favorite female role model. She has shown me by example that a woman can multifaceted in her talents and strengths. We are not as one dimensional as we are lead to believe by societal constructs. My mother is strong, creative, powerful, nurturing, inspiring, compassionate and so much more.
