Board of Trustees

Why I Serve

I have always been a sports fan. In high school, I played basketball, softball, volleyball, ran track and field, and was a cheerleader. The television was often set to some sort of game and I worked at a sports store as a teenager. While I have the heart of an athlete, my career was not destined to be on the court. However, my UW education enabled me to still parlay my personal passions into a professional path.

Through UW, I interned at numerous sporting companies and broadcasting outlets, which resulted in my first post-graduation job. As a student, I developed leadership skills both in and out of the classroom that remain a cornerstone of my success. Among other positions, I was elected ASUW Director of Communications and represented my sorority as Panhellenic President. Those experiences molded me into the person I am today and illuminated opportunities I didn’t previously know existed.

My hope as a trustee is to be a voice that bridges the transition from student to young alum and to pay forward my experiences to the next generation. UWAA is so beneficial to recent graduates. It’s a chance to network, connect with mentors and access valuable resources. It also keeps that Husky spirit burning bright. We all bleed purple and gold!

Biography

Sabrina Taylor is Vice President, Affiliate Sales & Business Affairs for ROOT SPORTS, the television home of the Seattle Mariners. In this role, she leads negotiations and execution of distribution agreements with new and existing affiliates. She also led the launch of ROOT SPORTS Stream, the network’s first direct-to-consumer streaming service and continues to drive strategy to expand viewership and engagement across platforms. Sabrina has been actively involved in her community, including serving as a “wish granter” with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and as a Board Member at InvestED. In her spare time, she enjoys attending sporting events, traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

Why I Serve

UW is part of my family heritage. My father was not only a first-generation college graduate, but also earned a UW Medical School diploma. I grew up as a firsthand witness to the benefits and pride of having a UW education. From an early age, I set my sights on becoming a Husky. The first time I walked onto campus, it became the ultimate vision of what I imagined college to be.

UW is a beacon of scholarship. I still remember attending my first class on my first day. It was Oceanography 101, a lecture course with hundreds of other wide-eyed freshmen. It felt so natural, as though I was stepping through the very door of knowledge itself. I majored in business administration, but every class I took added to me as a person. As a senior, I took a Scandinavian history class that expanded my understanding of my family’s Swedish background. A UW education allows each individual to view life through a wider, global lens.

To be a trustee is to be an ambassador. I love being a Husky in Eastern Washington. It’s a privilege to represent the UW at everything from sponsored events to simply bonding over purple-and-gold at the grocery store. Being part of UWAA is about more than a discount at the bookstore. I feel as though I inherited the experiences of the alumni before me and combine it with my own to support and inspire the next generation of Huskies.

Biography

Mark Ostersmith retired from his role as the President of a Spokane-based Broker/Dealer and is currently self-employed as a Private Investor. He has been the Spokane Region Chapter Lead for UWAA since 2015. Additionally, he is on the Board of Northwest X Talks, a Spokane nonprofit that annually presents TEDxSpokane. Mark previously served in leadership roles on the boards of Spokane’s Saint George’s School, The Lands Council as well as the Spokane Club. He enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time with their two adult sons.

Why I Serve

I grew up in California and developed an early interest in military history. It evolved into me attending the United States Military Academy at West Point and subsequently serving over nine years in the U.S. Army, including Special Forces as a Green Beret. Part of that training included foreign language and ethnic studies to better understand and operate in cultures found abroad. I attained the Persian Farsi language specialty.

In the military and beyond, I’m always interested in building successful partnerships and working collaboratively toward mutually beneficial outcomes. With my interest in economics and finance, I decided to pursue a Masters in Business Administration after leaving the military. I chose the UW for the rigorous academics and the passion and innovation exhibited by students and faculty. I was also drawn to the active ecosystem of veterans on campus. The overall quality of people at the UW makes me optimistic for our future.

For both students and alumni, it’s important to find your “room” within the university – the community where you feel at home. As a graduate student, I joined an intramural soccer league and served as a drum-enabled super-fan on the sidelines. My UW experience was a combination of learning and enjoyment. The UWAA holds its hand out to alumni and helps them find ways to remain connected. I’m thankful for the opportunity to help with that mission. Giving back is worth its weight in gold… and purple!

Biography

Skyler Brown is an investment advisor at the Seattle office of Goldman Sachs. He was commissioned into the U.S. Army and eventually became a Special Forces Green Beret with the Persian Farsi language specialty. Skyler deployed to Afghanistan and several other countries while serving. He currently sits on the boards of ACT Theatre, Pioneer Human Services, and the University of Washington Alumni Association.

Why I Serve

The UW was an integral part of my childhood. I grew up surrounded by Husky toys and family traditions. My grandmother attended the UW as a nursing student in the late 1930s but didn’t finish due to having to decide between school and unexpected medical expenses from an accident near campus. That didn’t stop my family from feeling tied to UW when, many decades later, my mother graduated from the Foster School of Business with an Executive Masters in Business Administration. She worked full-time, attended classes during nights and weekends and I would sometimes ride along to pick her up after class. Higher education is greatly valued in my family. The UW ethos imprinted on me at an early age.

I completed my undergraduate studies out of state, but always remained loyal to purple and gold. When I returned to Washington and was successfully establishing my career, I felt like a piece was missing. I realized how much I desired a UW degree. I completed two continuing education certificates and ultimately earned my master’s degree. There was a profound sense of satisfaction in graduating from an institution I care about so deeply.

I am a passionate about lifelong learning. My journey illustrates that there are different paths and timelines to a university experience. I appreciate that the UWAA contributes to the mission of making education accessible and attainable.

The future is always marked by change. The UW will continue evolving with many new things on the horizon. I’m excited to be a Trustee and ambassador for the next chapter. We all have something to contribute whether it’s time, treasure or talent. Whether you’re pursuing your own education or assisting others, it’s never too late to get involved!

Why I Serve

I grew up in Tacoma when it still had more of a small-town feel. The UW was a big, new world for me. It was a bit overwhelming, but also exciting. The first time I stepped onto campus was for UW orientation. I drove my parent’s car and lost it in the parking garage. It took me an hour to find it! Even experiences like that help you grow into adulthood.
I didn’t know if I could afford college. The night before my high school graduation, I received word that I’d been awarded a scholarship for freshman year. I worked on-campus all four years to help put myself through school – UW Food Services, Visitors Information Center and Trademarks & Licensing office. Students learn a lot inside the classroom, but UW offers just as much outside the classroom. It’s where I learned to be a professional.

I walk across campus and even now can feel how exciting it was being a student. At the UW, you meet people from all over the world and that brings value for a lifetime. It’s now our responsibility as alumni to pay it forward and ensure resources are available for the next generation. I see the kids of today and know the world is in good hands.

Biography

Aggie Clark worked in financial services until retiring in 2017. She earned a UW Executive Management Certificate in 1999 and attended the UW Women Board Directors Development Program in 2015. Additionally, she is a longtime advisory board member for the UW Consulting and Business Development Center. She previously served as an officer and board member for the Financial Service Centers of America (FiSCA) and California Financial Service Providers Association (CFSP). She was honored to receive FiSCA’s 2007 Financial Service Provider of the Year award. During retirement, she looks forward to continuing with business consulting, writing and traveling.

Why I Serve

I come from a very strong, connected community — both through my family and the community where I grew up. Being at the UW was my first experience where I felt like a true individual. I come from a small town on an island — the UW campus was bigger than our whole town at that point — and went to a public school with very few resources, so when I arrived at the UW, my mind was blown at all of the opportunities available.

I studied History and International Studies, which put my experiences into larger social and historical contexts and gave me a better understanding of my parents’ and grandparents’ experiences as well. My professors taught me that everyone experiences social context differently, which was a very formative idea for me that I still use in my work today.

I feel very grateful for the opportunities I have, the life I get to live, and the work I do in Seattle and around the country. It would not have been possible without the UW. When I was in school, I was lucky enough to work part-time and during the summer in order to pay for my tuition and living expenses. There’s a big gap between then and what the students experience now, and I love that UW Tacoma and Bothell are taking steps to bridge that gap. We have the opportunity to offer a world-class education to everyone, and that’s something I am personally very passionate about.

Biography

Matthew Echohawk-Hayashi is the principal organization development and leadership consultant for Headwater People, a consulting firm that offers businesses and organizations a variety of services such as organization design, strategic planning, change management, process improvement, retreat planning and facilitation, and executive coaching. Matthew has a particular interest in supporting community-led projects that improve systems in Native American organizations and agencies, as well as significant experience in facilitating empowering and productive experiences in emotionally charged and relationally challenging circumstances.

Since 2009, Paul has served as senior alumni relations officer at the University of Washington (UW), one of the world’s leading public research universities with 59,000 students on three campuses, 20,000 faculty and staff and more than 525,000 alumni worldwide.  As vice president for alumni and stakeholder engagement, Paul serves as executive director of the UW Alumni Association, a 130-year non-profit organization committed to advancing higher education in the State of Washington and supporting the UW. Paul is a member of the UW President’s Cabinet and the Executive Team for University Advancement, which leads all institutional engagement, marketing and communications, and philanthropic programs and services. In 2020, the UW successfully completed Be Boundless — For Washington, for the World, the ambitious $6.3 billion campaign to transform the student experience, drive public good, expand impact and empower innovation.

Paul is a long-time volunteer for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), having served as a Trustee and current member of the Council for US and Canada. Paul also serves on the Board of Directors of the Council of Alumni Association Executives (CAAE).  He is a recipient of the CASE VIII 2020 Distinguished Service Award and is a frequent speaker on the strategic integration of alumni relations in higher education and alumni legislative advocacy program administration.  Paul earned his Master of Public Administration at the UW’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance and his undergraduate degree at the UW’s School of Communications.  Paul returned to work at his alma mater in 2004.

Why I Serve

I lived in Thailand during middle and high school, but the UW remained a large presence even half a world away. My father is an alumnus and I grew up hearing his stories. I was struck by the enduring sense of community he felt as a Husky and wanted to experience that joy firsthand.

I always loved reading, writing and language. Pursuing a communications degree was always my goal, but it evolved into learning more than I ever imagined. I vividly remember the final exam for my public speaking course. We delivered a speech in the middle of Red Square, the huge outdoor plaza on the Seattle campus. It required oratory skills, projecting your voice and overcoming apprehensions about speaking in front of strangers.

That experience still informs and benefits me professionally. I often speak in front of high-level executives. Thanks to my UW education, I have the confidence and foundational knowledge to present a compelling storytelling arc.

My UW postgraduate work focused on athletics. I believe in the power of sport to change lives on and off the field. I discovered the business side of athletics from event operations to fundraising. A UW education helps shape passions in ways that create careers.

My UW experience was a life-changing experience. As a Trustee, I want to remind alumni of all the people who went out of their way to help, encourage and open doors. Remember that feeling and channel it into creating life-changing opportunities for current and future Huskies.

Why I Serve

When my grandfather retired, he adopted the UW as his home-away-from-home. For over two decades, he attended UW classes via the ACCESS program, which invites retirees to enroll at a nominal fee. As a kid, I would sometimes accompany him and then we would have adventures exploring campus.

As a UW student, an older man in a fluorescent orange jacket would sometimes knock on the sorority’s door asking for me. It became an endearing tradition that it was my grandfather dropping by for lunch.

My grandfather was a role model for lifelong learning. It is a testament to the UW’s outreach that they offer many ways for the public to engage with campus. The UW is truly part of the community.

I witnessed that sense of inclusiveness as a student. I took a School of Public health seminar about homelessness and we studied establishing a tent city on campus. We engaged in classroom instruction as well as hands-on work meeting with unhoused people. We learned that it was often the lack of a social safety net that either caused or contributed to their struggles.

At that time, the administration declined to host a tent city, but years later decided to move forward. By then, I was working as a land use attorney and UW was one of my firm’s clients. I ended up helping secure permits for Tent City 3. It was a gratifying, full-circle moment.

The UW broadened my worldview, sharpened my critical thinking skills, challenged and expanded my beliefs, and taught me how to positively impact my community. I have put those lessons to good use including my work on the UW’s master plan, which will shape campus for decades to come.

Many institutions are currently in a precarious place and under threat. There are questions about what value they bring to society. The UW is of unequalled and unquestionable value not only to students and alumni, but the entire community.

As a Trustee, I will use my voice and platform to advocate for the UW while encouraging others to do the same.

Why I Serve

I hail from a long line of engineers dating to the 1800s. In fact, a relative of mine invented the Ferris wheel! I earned an engineering degree and my UW journey helped parlay my training into the construction side, which suited my passions.

I enjoy the process of things physically coming together. Moving an idea from paper to something tangible appeals to me. You leave a legacy that outlasts the moment.

As a UW student, I seized on hands-on learning and projects. Once, we were tasked with designing and constructing concrete canoes to race against other schools. Of course, ours was completed with a purple “W” on the side. It was water-worthy and was housed at the Conibear Shellhouse. I enjoyed taking it out on warm, spring days. It was comically heavy, though!

In my construction and development career, I have developed and consulted for dozens of UW and other Universities projects with a particular focus on student housing. Over 20 years, I shepherded over a billion dollars of building projects on the Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma campuses. It is particularly rewarding knowing these projects benefit students. The work further inspired my wife and I to found the Ferris Family Scholarship for Housing to ensure equitable access to student housing for those in need.

My time as a UW student was transformative and all three of my children are Huskies. As a Trustee, I want to continue building opportunities for current and future students to become lifelong learners.

Why I Serve

The UW was always part of my childhood scenery with Husky sports front and center. From walking in the shadow of Husky stadium to watching football games with my father, purple and gold reigned supreme.

I found success playing baseball and was scouted by professional teams. It was not a given I would attend the UW. In fact, I was unsure up to the day I committed. Once I did, though, I was ALL in. It is special to play in one’s hometown. My dad attended every game I played through high school and being a Husky meant that tradition could continue. In 1998, we won the Pac-10 Championship – an emotionally powerful experience.

I played for three years and coached strength training for six. Experiencing Husky athletics from both sides was a rare and special opportunity. Husky student-athletes perform at the highest levels. Every decision and moment matters in terms of achieving one’s goals – the dedication, discipline and planning.

The UW helps students develop a winning mindset on and off the field. I minored in physics and did a summer internship in Switzerland working on the CERN particle accelerator. Being a Husky allowed me to swing for the fences in all aspects.

My family is dedicated to social justice issues and I look forward to contributing to that legacy of service. The UWAA connects us through shared passions and hopes while celebrating our diversity of experience. I hope to recruit as many alumni as possible to guarantee a winning future!

Why I Serve

Most of my childhood was spent in Hawaii. While I was aware of the UW, I did not have extensive firsthand knowledge. However, I wanted to attend a major research university and the UW’s reputation preceded it. I was immediately impressed by the large scope of campus, but also discovered an equally strong sense of community. Despite its size, you can always find smaller pockets of fellowship. Being a Husky bonds people.

I have been fortunate to experience the UW from various angles. As part of my biology studies, I was privileged to partake in research and coauthor academic papers even as an undergraduate. The UW is exceptional in offering opportunities across all levels. After graduating, I worked in research at Seattle Children’s Hospital before deciding on a career change. I returned to the UW and earned a second degree in computer science, which launched my next professional chapter.

My daughters also graduated from the UW, which imparts a different perspective. I attended orientation and events as a parent. I witnessed how the UW cares for and nurtures young people, helps them grow and offers world-class opportunities. Regardless of age, it is a haven for active minds.

UW is an economic engine for our region, helps grow businesses and makes a positive societal impact across disciplines. It is an anchor. As a Trustee, I want to tell the story of the UW and continue advocating for future generations. The students graduating today will be caring for the world tomorrow.

Why I Serve

Being a Husky is a family tradition. I was raised in Tacoma, Washington, where two of my cousins attended UW and played in the band. As an African-American, it was inspiring to know UW students who looked like me and were pursuing a university experience beyond sports. It further solidified for me that representation in all fields matter.

As a student at UW I continued to evolve to find my passion and placement in this world. I initially wanted to be a meteorologist, but a unique class, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), redirected my path. At the time, I was a fan of the television show, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. It spotlighted cutting-edge science and technology enabled by GIS technology. The intersection of my studies and the cool-factor of seeing it on television sparked my passion. I was all in!

Even decades later, the UW experience has shaped how I move in tech spaces. In recent years, I became a founding member of Black Women in STEM 2.0 and also helped establish, as a founding advisor the Inclusive Product Management Summit, through the UW’s Foster School of Business with the mission to create more inclusive spaces in the product management sector for historically marginalized communities.

It wasn’t until college that I really began to understand my history as a Black person. There was a Black Studies course that particularly resonated. The professor said that if serving is below you, leadership is beyond you. That remains my mantra. As a Trustee, I want to ensure representation at all levels from students to professors and alumni. Dream big! Together, let’s make UW the school of choice for future generations.

Why I Serve

Attending the UW was one of the best decisions I ever made. Even though I mostly grew up in Seattle, my first real visit was as a teenager meeting a friend on campus. I fell in love with the UW and experienced an immediate sense of being home.

My family are mostly artists – sculptors, painters, illustrators – so I was excited to immerse myself in studying art history. That experience expanded to include studying abroad in Spain and the opportunity to view iconic art firsthand. It’s a rare privilege to have one’s studies jump off the page and come to life in such a real way.

It inspired my own creativity. I spent many afternoons at Drumheller Fountain sketching the Rainier Vista. After all these years, I still find the beauty of the UW buildings, layout and general atmosphere to be breathtaking. My artistic confidence was encouraged by a figure drawing class with Michael Spafford, who continues to inspire me to this day. That class led to my work being included in a student showcase in downtown Seattle. The skills and validation I received helped lay the groundwork for my career as a graphic designer. I even honored my connection to the UW by painting a giant Husky mural in our home.

The UWAA is a powerful connector in bringing alumni together. From events to legislative advocacy, there are countless opportunities to get involved and give back. The future is a blank canvas. As a Trustee, I want to ensure future generations have every opportunity to paint their own, unique picture of life.

Why I Serve

I was born and raised in Spokane and became the first person in my family to earn a university degree. I greatly benefited from mentors who provided guidance and the extra boost I needed.

Support came from many and sometimes unexpected sources. During my senior year, Tom Foley, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and a Spokane native, visited my high school. He was a UW alumnus and connected with me upon learning about my UW aspirations. He offered to write me a letter of recommendation, which arrived in the mail shortly thereafter.

I appreciate how he assisted my UW acceptance and the example he set of how much one person can positively impact others. That contributes to my enduring dedication to mentoring younger people.

As I pursued a degree in business administration at the UW, I worked for my dad during the summers. It was a perfect blend of classroom learning and hands-on implementation. I personally understand the benefit of real-world experience and want to ensure today’s students have similar opportunities.

I have volunteered with UWAA’s Spokane Center for over 20 years. For a long time, it was just a handful of us meeting casually, divvying up phone lists, and calling alumni. Now, there is a formal office, social media campaigns, and staffing. Our passion remains the same, though.

As a Trustee, I want to focus on reaching recent graduates. They often feel too busy, but I believe it is possible to create accessible pathways for everyone to participate.

Why I Serve

I am a third-generation Husky. My grandfather was a professor at UW, and my father was a student. My wife is a Husky also, so you can see we have a lot of Husky pride in our family. I didn’t even apply to other schools because the thought never occurred to me go anywhere besides UW! I spent my childhood in Japan, and my family moved to the States when I was in high school. I remember going to Husky games with my dad and seeing and feeling the excitement of everyone who was a part of that. I was lucky enough to be in college during the vaunted years of the football program.

I’m an accidental techie — I graduated with a liberal arts degree in Japanese Language and Literature and ended up working for Microsoft in Japan. I spent almost 20 years splitting my time between Tokyo and Seattle before I took a job with Adobe in 2014. During this time, I joined the board for the UW Alumni Association Japan, and that’s how I started getting involved with the institution again. In 2018 I joined Washin Kai [Friends of Classical Japanese], a philanthropic organization that supports Japanese students at UW.

To this day, I still have relationships with a few of my professors. I’m still building on those relationships, and I hope that current students find the same lifetime connections I have. As I get older, I think more about purpose. In your 20s, you are focused on getting established, starting a career, and making money; by your 30s, you’re advancing your career, but as you get older your perspective and focus changes. Who I work for and what I do are important, but so is how I spend my time. Looking back, I am so grateful for the people who helped me along the way, and I hope that I can do the same.

Biography

Eugene Saburi is the Chief Business Officer of Treasure Data, a marketing technology company based in Mountain View, California. In this role, he is responsible for all customer-facing functions, including sales, marketing, professional services, and customer support. In 2019, Eugene co-founded GeoFusion, an advisory firm that helps late-stage technology start-ups with growth and international expansion. Before founding GeoFusion, Eugene served as the President of Adobe Systems in Japan, and he spent 19 years at Microsoft, where he held a variety of executive roles including General Manager in the Server and Tools business.

Why I Serve

I grew up in Vancouver, Washington, where you’re disconnected from Washington due to the pull from Portland media. I initially viewed the UW as just an in-state option, but was completely amazed during my campus tour. The UW has high educational standards and it felt like a prestigious, Ivy League institution. I completely fell in love with the brick buildings, cherry blossoms, and knew it was where I wanted to be.

As I started meeting students in McMahon Hall as a freshman, it seemed that everyone graduated at the top of their class. It was a difficult place to stand out. Ultimately, I channeled my athletics background into becoming a contributing sports writer to The Daily, UW’s campus newspaper. I was able to interact with other writers with various interests and world views. It reinforced how the university is a place for everyone and every interest. Students have a high-quality education and world-class opportunities at their fingertips.

For me, inspiring and impactful classes led to shifting my path toward political science and then law school. I now live in Alaska where I have used my educational background to advance the reach of renewable energy development and advocate for underserved and vulnerable populations. My UW education laid the groundwork to give back personally and professionally.

With time and experience, I have come to appreciate the UW experience even more. The alumni community is a global network where I served as Alaska’s regional UWAA coordinator and, as a Trustee, hope to further expand my footprint of service. I look forward to elevating the UW’s presence in more regions – including Alaska – and better integrating Husky culture into communities near and far.