Maile connects all of her work to equity of access and high quality educational opportunities for minoritized youth, families, and communities. She joined First 5 FUNdamentals in January of 2024 as our Executive Director. Maile strives to ensure the voices of the communities First 5 FUNdamentals reaches are heard and amplified, while also ensuring that racial justice is included in all that we do. Maile has a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington and coursework towards a master’s in Pastoral Studies from Seattle University.

Muriel values community advocacy and collaboration. She is passionate about breaking down barriers and building bridges for present and future generations. She believes in manifesting positivity and that there is no better medicine than laughter. You will most likely find Muriel, iced coffee in hand, following her rambunctious toddlers around. Deeply connected to her Mexican roots and heritage, most weekends are spent with family and good food.

Linden is the Data & Evaluation Manager for Washington Communities for Children. She also leads the Northwest Early Learning Coalition and hosts the Family & Community Outreach State Action Team as part of WCFC. She is an advocate of catalyzing community voice, building cross-sector partnerships, and moving ‘at the speed of trust’ to drive equitable health outcomes for children, families, and communities.

Elmer is the Grants and Contracts Manager for First 5 Fundamentals. His entire career he has been involved with governmental and municipality entities, most recently at Sound Transit as a Capital Projects Analyst and Senior Grants Accountant. Other stints included Grants Administrator at University of Washington and Senior Grant Accountant for Parks Tacoma, formally Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma.  Furthermore, Elmer has worked at the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) as Senior Accountant, for which he claimed had the bestest-most-fun staff meetings ever.  Sentimentally, he feels this journey to First 5 Fundamentals is a homecoming, as he graduated from University of Puget Sound (GO LOGGERS!!!) and began his career with Parks Tacoma.

Zach Blue (formerly Sokolik), or “Z,” is a strategic communications leader and vision-driven communicator who transforms bold, creative ideas into meaningful action and powerful messaging through a big-picture perspective and thoughtful strategy. As Director of Strategic Communications at First 5 FUNdamentals, he leads campaigns that inspire trust, strengthen cross-sector networks, and amplify community voice across Washington’s early childhood ecosystem. Known for “seeing the big egg”—a way of holding the whole picture with an awareness of the people, the pathways, and the possibilities within it—he approaches his work with creativity, care, and a commitment to authentic connection.

Outside of work, Zachary tends the Garden of Peace—a sacred space for connection and community—alongside his wife, Rebekah, and their Rottweiler, Mr. Blue Bear.