Board of Directors

Jackie Love is a seasoned healthcare administrator with more than 40 years of experience leading teams, strengthening systems, and advancing the well‑being of diverse communities. Her career reflects a deep commitment to service, equity, and inclusive leadership.

A strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Jackie believes meaningful change requires intentional action and shared responsibility. Guided by the principle that “we must all do our part,” she brings a values‑driven approach to every role she holds.

As President of the Center for Women & Democracy, Jackie is dedicated to creating safe, welcoming spaces where women of all ages and backgrounds can learn, lead, and engage in honest dialogue about the issues shaping their lives. She is committed to ensuring CWD remains a powerful platform where women’s voices are heard, valued, and positioned to influence lasting change.

Jade is an operations-driven event strategist, community builder, and advocate for women’s leadership whose work centers on elevating voices, strengthening networks, and creating spaces where women can grow, influence, and lead. With more than a decade of experience in program management, large-scale event production, and organizational logistics, Jade brings a strong blend of strategic thinking, people-first leadership, and execution excellence to the Center for Women & Democracy.

She currently manages high-impact programs and internal events for Amazon, while also leading Allure Event Management — a brand known for designing intentional, elevated experiences across the Pacific Northwest. Her work consistently highlights women’s stories, cultural diversity, and legacy building, aligning directly with CWD’s mission to develop and support women leaders locally and globally.

Driven by service, community, and the belief that women are strongest when they rise together.

Christina currently teaches Political Science at Bellevue College where she also manages the Women's Center and Veteran's Program. Christina graduated with a B.S. in History from the United States Naval Academy and is a veteran of the Iraq War. She also holds a B.A. in Russian and Political Science from the University of Arizona and an M.A. in International Diplomacy from Norwich University.

She completed her Ph.D. in Political Science at the University of Arizona and her research focuses on post-civil war peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Christina conducted fieldwork for her dissertation in Bosnia and Northern Ireland and recently conducted research in Malawi and Kenya for a project on poetry and peacebuilding.

Dr. Connie Robinson is a senior lecturer in Sociology at Central Washington University. She received her PhD in Sociology from the New School for Social Research in New York City. She is an educator at heart who is deeply committed to providing students with the skills and knowledge that not only prepares them for their future career and also empowers them to do what they can to make a difference in society. Further, she is a political sociologist by education and training with a specific emphasis on nationalism, democracy, and conflict. Of note, she has worked at International Crisis Group, an international conflict resolution organization; served as a fellow at the Transregional Center for Democracy; and regularly observes elections under the auspices of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). She is currently working on several book-length projects related to trust, democracy, and women’s roles in building peace and diverse, inclusive, and representative democracies in Bosnia and the United States.

Dr. Amarah Khan serves on the Mayor’s Cabinet as the inaugural Executive Director of the Seattle Ombuds Office, where she is building the City’s conflict management infrastructure and ensuring employees have a safe, confidential space to address workplace concerns, including harassment, discrimination, and bias. She leads a team of conflict‑resolution professionals and established citywide coordination to respond to incidents of hate and disrespect.

A leader in systemic DEIB strategy, Dr. Khan has advanced equity initiatives for underserved communities across government, education, and international development. She previously served as Director of Equity for Renton School District, Associate Director of Global Diversity Initiatives at Oregon State University, and as an international development specialist with humanitarian agencies.

Dr. Khan holds a doctorate in Applied Anthropology from Oregon State University and a master’s in public administration from the University of Oregon. Fluent in five languages, she is a certified mediator, coach, and conflict management professional. Her doctoral research focused on women’s access to reproductive health in rural Pakistan.

Stasha Espinosa (Stay‑sha) brings nearly 20 years of public affairs experience advancing socioeconomic policy across all levels of American government. She served in senior roles in both the U.S. House and Senate, becoming one of the youngest women of color to hold leadership positions in both chambers. Her work has helped pass more than a dozen laws and secure over $21 billion for Washington communities. She now develops advocacy strategy for a statewide political philanthropy focused on community power and long‑term systems change.

Espinosa has been recognized as Professional of the Year by the Public Relations Society of America, a Puget Sound Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, and a Washington State Champion for Equity. She is an alumna of the Henry M. Jackson Foundation Fellowship and the German Marshall Memorial Fellowship, with ongoing international research on civic engagement in democracies facing pro‑authoritarian shifts.

Her greatest motivation comes from being a mother to two young girls and her belief that women are best equipped to shape the decisions that affect their lives. She holds a master’s degree in communication, law, and policy from the University of Washington.

With 28 years of experience as a Cardiac Technician, I have dedicated my career to providing compassionate, expert care while building strong leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Beyond healthcare, I have spent more than 15 years advocating for students, families, and educators through leadership roles in the Washington State PTA, and 12 years as a Girl Scout Troop Leader mentoring a large troop of young women in confidence, service, and leadership.

My community involvement includes participating in legislative assemblies, collaborating with policymakers on education and family‑focused initiatives, and serving on a school district board during the COVID‑19 pandemic to help shape safe return‑to‑school strategies. I currently serve on a community leadership board partnering with the Tacoma Police Department to strengthen trust, communication, and public safety.

Across all roles, I bring strengths in strategic planning, organizational management, community engagement, advocacy, and coalition building. As the wife of a retired active‑duty service member, I carry a deep appreciation for service, resilience, and community commitment. My diverse background in healthcare, education, youth leadership, and public service reflects a lifelong dedication to improving outcomes for children, families, and communities.

With 44 years of experience in healthcare and education, I have dedicated my career to advancing equity, access, and compassionate care. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Education from Pacific Lutheran University, and my work spans neonatal special care, pediatric intensive care, non‑accidental trauma, home care, free clinics, and transgender health services.

My commitment to youth and community includes serving as a PTA president, camp nurse, and educator for junior high and high school life science and medical science programs. I also taught LPN courses in a low‑income community in Albuquerque, helping many first‑generation students enter the medical field.

Rooted in a strong sense of service, I have always believed in strengthening both individuals and the communities we belong to. Growing up in a military family shaped my appreciation for cultural diversity, global awareness, and the responsibility to contribute to positive change.

On a personal note, I am an animal lover who finds joy and peace in the company of my dog Minnie, my puppy Lincoln, my horse Cessna, my cat Lucy, and the many creatures that wander through my yard.