Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County
Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County
Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County is deeply committed to centering the leadership of those most directly impacted by the systems we are working to dismantle. Rooted in lived experience, our leadership model, team, staff, and board are composed of individuals who have personally faced the effects of systemic racism, poverty, and police violence. This ensures that every decision we make and every program we develop is informed by those who are directly connected to, and understand, these issues firsthand.
Katrina Johnson - Executive Director
Katrina became a social justice organizer, advocate, and spokesperson for her family in June of 2017, after her first cousin Charleena Lyles was killed in her home in North Seattle after police officers responded to the location to investigate a burglary Charleena had reported.
Katrina is the Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Seattle King County and serves on the board of the Cordale Q Handy Remembrance of me Foundation.
Katrina works with other families who have lost loved ones to the use of deadly force in Washington state, as well as local nonprofits working to improve policy on the use of lethal force, emphasize de-escalation, reduce instances of deadly force, and improve police-community relations.
Katrina gathered signatures for I-940 and supported the resolution negotiated by De-Escalate WA and law enforcement leaders that resulted in House Bill 3003, modifying I-940 after it was adopted by the legislature.
Katrina served on the Governor task force for police use of deadly force, Katrina serves as a commissioner for the Washington state Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Katrina has been a guest speaker in various cities and states on police reform, served as a panelist locally, nationally, and internationally on police reform and state sponsored violence as well as reproductive justice.
Katrina organizes events, and authored an op-ed piece for BET.com
Katrina Johnson - Executive Director
Katrina became a social justice organizer, advocate, and spokesperson for her family in June of 2017, after her first cousin Charleena Lyles was killed in her home in North Seattle after police officers responded to the location to investigate a burglary Charleena had reported.
Katrina is the Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Seattle King County and serves on the board of the Cordale Q Handy Remembrance of me Foundation.
Katrina works with other families who have lost loved ones to the use of deadly force in Washington state, as well as local nonprofits working to improve policy on the use of lethal force, emphasize de-escalation, reduce instances of deadly force, and improve police-community relations.
Katrina gathered signatures for I-940 and supported the resolution negotiated by De-Escalate WA and law enforcement leaders that resulted in House Bill 3003, modifying I-940 after it was adopted by the legislature.
Katrina served on the Governor task force for police use of deadly force, Katrina serves as a commissioner for the Washington state Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Katrina has been a guest speaker in various cities and states on police reform, served as a panelist locally, nationally, and internationally on police reform and state sponsored violence as well as reproductive justice.
Katrina organizes events, and authored an op-ed piece for BET.com
Katrina Johnson - Executive Director
Katrina became a social justice organizer, advocate, and spokesperson for her family in June of 2017, after her first cousin Charleena Lyles was killed in her home in North Seattle after police officers responded to the location to investigate a burglary Charleena had reported.
Katrina is the Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Seattle King County and serves on the board of the Cordale Q Handy Remembrance of me Foundation.
Katrina works with other families who have lost loved ones to the use of deadly force in Washington state, as well as local nonprofits working to improve policy on the use of lethal force, emphasize de-escalation, reduce instances of deadly force, and improve police-community relations.
Katrina gathered signatures for I-940 and supported the resolution negotiated by De-Escalate WA and law enforcement leaders that resulted in House Bill 3003, modifying I-940 after it was adopted by the legislature.
Katrina served on the Governor task force for police use of deadly force, Katrina serves as a commissioner for the Washington state Criminal Justice Training Commission.
Katrina has been a guest speaker in various cities and states on police reform, served as a panelist locally, nationally, and internationally on police reform and state sponsored violence as well as reproductive justice.
Katrina organizes events, and authored an op-ed piece for BET.com
Executive Director
Courtney Jenkins - Executive Assistant & Board Liason
Courtney J, is new to working in the nonprofit world. She is a native of Western Massachusetts and has called Washington home for over twenty years.
Courtney’s professional career started with Cosmetology and Retail Customer service. After quickly elevating to Retail Management, she knew she had more to offer people than fashion. She furthered her education to become a Medical Assistant (MA) for 17 years. As an MA, Courtney was a Diversity & Inclusion Advocate. She was often recognized for her, “go the extra mile” approach to patient care & advocacy. She was the Pediatric Traniner for Community Health Care–Tacoma, Float Pool Trainer for Polyclinic–Seattle, and finished her Medical Assistant career as Clinic Coordinator for Renton Highlands Family Clinic–Renton. Courtney is a proud mother and grandmother. She has a Bachelor’s in Leadership and Master’s in Counseling. She has been a Life Coach for 15+ years and is also an author. Courtney is an advocate for voice empowerment in the black community. She believes being black is to be celebrated and honored.The way she honors her black life is to live unapologetically bold and courageous from the inside out.
Courtney Jenkins - Executive Assistant & Board Liason
Courtney J, is new to working in the nonprofit world. She is a native of Western Massachusetts and has called Washington home for over twenty years.
Courtney’s professional career started with Cosmetology and Retail Customer service. After quickly elevating to Retail Management, she knew she had more to offer people than fashion. She furthered her education to become a Medical Assistant (MA) for 17 years. As an MA, Courtney was a Diversity & Inclusion Advocate. She was often recognized for her, “go the extra mile” approach to patient care & advocacy. She was the Pediatric Traniner for Community Health Care–Tacoma, Float Pool Trainer for Polyclinic–Seattle, and finished her Medical Assistant career as Clinic Coordinator for Renton Highlands Family Clinic–Renton. Courtney is a proud mother and grandmother. She has a Bachelor’s in Leadership and Master’s in Counseling. She has been a Life Coach for 15+ years and is also an author. Courtney is an advocate for voice empowerment in the black community. She believes being black is to be celebrated and honored.The way she honors her black life is to live unapologetically bold and courageous from the inside out.
Courtney Jenkins - Executive Assistant & Board Liason
Courtney J, is new to working in the nonprofit world. She is a native of Western Massachusetts and has called Washington home for over twenty years.
Courtney’s professional career started with Cosmetology and Retail Customer service. After quickly elevating to Retail Management, she knew she had more to offer people than fashion. She furthered her education to become a Medical Assistant (MA) for 17 years. As an MA, Courtney was a Diversity & Inclusion Advocate. She was often recognized for her, “go the extra mile” approach to patient care & advocacy. She was the Pediatric Traniner for Community Health Care–Tacoma, Float Pool Trainer for Polyclinic–Seattle, and finished her Medical Assistant career as Clinic Coordinator for Renton Highlands Family Clinic–Renton. Courtney is a proud mother and grandmother. She has a Bachelor’s in Leadership and Master’s in Counseling. She has been a Life Coach for 15+ years and is also an author. Courtney is an advocate for voice empowerment in the black community. She believes being black is to be celebrated and honored.The way she honors her black life is to live unapologetically bold and courageous from the inside out.
Executive Assistant & Board Liaison
Victoria Mena - Operations Director
Victoria began her non-profit journey as a grassroots organizer in Florida in 2008, standing against attacks on immigrant communities during a period of heightened xenophobia, mass immigration raids, and deportations. As a white-presenting Latina with undocumented grandfathers, she leverages her privilege to dismantle systemic barriers. An anti-racist, agitator, and accomplice, Victoria has dedicated her life to social change and movement building.
Her work spans human rights issues, transcending roles to fight poverty, demand accountability, and advocate for equity. Passionate about building collective movements for social justice, she has founded, seeded, and supported community groups and nonprofits nationwide. As a development strategist, she has raised millions of dollars for social causes.
Her academic journey includes conducting national studies with Harvard University, and teaching Criminal Justice at the University of Washington. Her authored reports, which expose human rights abuses in detention centers, have been admitted in legal briefs and submitted in cases addressing human rights violations. Victoria’s policy work has included organizing Statewide and National Advocacy Days, led to historic legislative victories, and successfully blocked harmful policies.
Deeply committed to people power, she has managed national campaigns, participated in direct actions, and engaged in civil disobedience to drive transformative change. In her personal time, Victoria enjoys cooking, creating art, practicing yoga, and reading. She is also a bit obsessed with houseplants.
Victoria Mena - Operations Director
Victoria began her non-profit journey as a grassroots organizer in Florida in 2008, standing against attacks on immigrant communities during a period of heightened xenophobia, mass immigration raids, and deportations. As a white-presenting Latina with undocumented grandfathers, she leverages her privilege to dismantle systemic barriers. An anti-racist, agitator, and accomplice, Victoria has dedicated her life to social change and movement building.
Her work spans human rights issues, transcending roles to fight poverty, demand accountability, and advocate for equity. Passionate about building collective movements for social justice, she has founded, seeded, and supported community groups and nonprofits nationwide. As a development strategist, she has raised millions of dollars for social causes.
Her academic journey includes conducting national studies with Harvard University, and teaching Criminal Justice at the University of Washington. Her authored reports, which expose human rights abuses in detention centers, have been admitted in legal briefs and submitted in cases addressing human rights violations. Victoria’s policy work has included organizing Statewide and National Advocacy Days, led to historic legislative victories, and successfully blocked harmful policies.
Deeply committed to people power, she has managed national campaigns, participated in direct actions, and engaged in civil disobedience to drive transformative change. In her personal time, Victoria enjoys cooking, creating art, practicing yoga, and reading. She is also a bit obsessed with houseplants.
Victoria Mena - Operations Director
Victoria began her non-profit journey as a grassroots organizer in Florida in 2008, standing against attacks on immigrant communities during a period of heightened xenophobia, mass immigration raids, and deportations. As a white-presenting Latina with undocumented grandfathers, she leverages her privilege to dismantle systemic barriers. An anti-racist, agitator, and accomplice, Victoria has dedicated her life to social change and movement building.
Her work spans human rights issues, transcending roles to fight poverty, demand accountability, and advocate for equity. Passionate about building collective movements for social justice, she has founded, seeded, and supported community groups and nonprofits nationwide. As a development strategist, she has raised millions of dollars for social causes.
Her academic journey includes conducting national studies with Harvard University, and teaching Criminal Justice at the University of Washington. Her authored reports, which expose human rights abuses in detention centers, have been admitted in legal briefs and submitted in cases addressing human rights violations. Victoria’s policy work has included organizing Statewide and National Advocacy Days, led to historic legislative victories, and successfully blocked harmful policies.
Deeply committed to people power, she has managed national campaigns, participated in direct actions, and engaged in civil disobedience to drive transformative change. In her personal time, Victoria enjoys cooking, creating art, practicing yoga, and reading. She is also a bit obsessed with houseplants.
Operations Director
Alicya Pearson - Community Programs Director
Alicya is a dedicated Seattle native community organizer, with a background in grassroots advocacy and community engagement. Her work centers on empowering advocates to tackle issues of equity and social justice, food sovereignty, basic needs, and tax policy through tailored engagement strategies and legislative advocacy. With extensive experience in federal and state program management related to SNAP, TEFAP, and TMP, she has devoted much of her career to supporting organizations that aim to alleviate food insecurity. Alicya earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry, with a minor in Nutrition, from the University of Washington. It was here that she began her career as a food scientist, exploring the disproportionate impacts of food systems on Black and Brown communities. Passionate about driving meaningful change, Alicya is committed to empowering the community through innovative programs and community partnerships.
Alicya Pearson - Community Programs Director
Alicya is a dedicated Seattle native community organizer, with a background in grassroots advocacy and community engagement. Her work centers on empowering advocates to tackle issues of equity and social justice, food sovereignty, basic needs, and tax policy through tailored engagement strategies and legislative advocacy. With extensive experience in federal and state program management related to SNAP, TEFAP, and TMP, she has devoted much of her career to supporting organizations that aim to alleviate food insecurity. Alicya earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry, with a minor in Nutrition, from the University of Washington. It was here that she began her career as a food scientist, exploring the disproportionate impacts of food systems on Black and Brown communities. Passionate about driving meaningful change, Alicya is committed to empowering the community through innovative programs and community partnerships.
Alicya Pearson - Community Programs Director
Alicya is a dedicated Seattle native community organizer, with a background in grassroots advocacy and community engagement. Her work centers on empowering advocates to tackle issues of equity and social justice, food sovereignty, basic needs, and tax policy through tailored engagement strategies and legislative advocacy. With extensive experience in federal and state program management related to SNAP, TEFAP, and TMP, she has devoted much of her career to supporting organizations that aim to alleviate food insecurity. Alicya earned a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry and Biochemistry, with a minor in Nutrition, from the University of Washington. It was here that she began her career as a food scientist, exploring the disproportionate impacts of food systems on Black and Brown communities. Passionate about driving meaningful change, Alicya is committed to empowering the community through innovative programs and community partnerships.
Programs Director
Kendrick Richardson - Finance Manager
Kenderick is the Finance Manager at BLMSKC.He has worked in the financial sector since graduating from Dillard University in '12. With a strong focus on budget planning, financial reporting, and compliance, Kenderick ensures the organization effectively utilizes its resources to maximize impact. He is passionate about driving financial sustainability to support community initiatives.
Kendrick Richardson - Finance Manager
Kenderick is the Finance Manager at BLMSKC.He has worked in the financial sector since graduating from Dillard University in '12. With a strong focus on budget planning, financial reporting, and compliance, Kenderick ensures the organization effectively utilizes its resources to maximize impact. He is passionate about driving financial sustainability to support community initiatives.
Kendrick Richardson - Finance Manager
Kenderick is the Finance Manager at BLMSKC.He has worked in the financial sector since graduating from Dillard University in '12. With a strong focus on budget planning, financial reporting, and compliance, Kenderick ensures the organization effectively utilizes its resources to maximize impact. He is passionate about driving financial sustainability to support community initiatives.
Finance Manager
Board of Directors
Sondra Banks - Chair
Sondra Banks has been retired for the last 8 years and moved to Federal Way, WA in the spring of 2022.
After spending 16 years in the legal field as a legal assistant to the Managing Partner which also involved being the office liaison between her and the office staff; Sondra moved into a totally different direction with her career.
She was hired by the City of Gilroy, CA as the Administrative Assistant to the Director and Office Manager in the Community Services Department. The Community Services Department consisted of Recreation, Parks, Environmental Services, and Water. In this capacity, Sondra helped staff the Parks and Recreation Commission; the Arts and Culture Commission and the Public Arts Committee. This began Sondra’s community involvement. The department put on events such as Arts and Wine Festivals; Halloween Jog, Run, Walk (with costumes); Theater; Earth Day events etc.
Now that she is living in a new city, Sondra is very excited to be involved with Black Lives Matter Seattle King County to assist in making a difference in the lives of the people in the different communities.
Sondra Banks - Chair
Sondra Banks has been retired for the last 8 years and moved to Federal Way, WA in the spring of 2022.
After spending 16 years in the legal field as a legal assistant to the Managing Partner which also involved being the office liaison between her and the office staff; Sondra moved into a totally different direction with her career.
She was hired by the City of Gilroy, CA as the Administrative Assistant to the Director and Office Manager in the Community Services Department. The Community Services Department consisted of Recreation, Parks, Environmental Services, and Water. In this capacity, Sondra helped staff the Parks and Recreation Commission; the Arts and Culture Commission and the Public Arts Committee. This began Sondra’s community involvement. The department put on events such as Arts and Wine Festivals; Halloween Jog, Run, Walk (with costumes); Theater; Earth Day events etc.
Now that she is living in a new city, Sondra is very excited to be involved with Black Lives Matter Seattle King County to assist in making a difference in the lives of the people in the different communities.
Chair
Po Leapai - Vice Chair
Po Leapai is the son of a preacher who grew up in a home deeply rooted in family values and Polynesian cultural traditions. Along with carrying out his responsibilities as a Samoan Chief, Po is also a musician and a policy advocate.
Po brings a wealth of lived expertise to the table. Po was incarcerated as a juvenile at the Maple Lane School for Boys (Centralia,WA) in 1995 and again as an adult at the Monroe Correctional Complex (Monroe,WA) in 2005. Cousin to Iosia Faletogo who was murdered by Seattle police in 2018, Po advocates for state-level policy that centers police accountability and transparency.
Today, Po is the Advocacy Organizer at the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, an organization that specializes in state-level policy, advocating for renter protections, homelessness prevention and affordable housing development. Po also sits on two boards; Vice Chair at Black Lives Matter - Seattle King County, and member of the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations Advisory Board.
Po Leapai - Vice Chair
Po Leapai is the son of a preacher who grew up in a home deeply rooted in family values and Polynesian cultural traditions. Along with carrying out his responsibilities as a Samoan Chief, Po is also a musician and a policy advocate.
Po brings a wealth of lived expertise to the table. Po was incarcerated as a juvenile at the Maple Lane School for Boys (Centralia,WA) in 1995 and again as an adult at the Monroe Correctional Complex (Monroe,WA) in 2005. Cousin to Iosia Faletogo who was murdered by Seattle police in 2018, Po advocates for state-level policy that centers police accountability and transparency.
Today, Po is the Advocacy Organizer at the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance, an organization that specializes in state-level policy, advocating for renter protections, homelessness prevention and affordable housing development. Po also sits on two boards; Vice Chair at Black Lives Matter - Seattle King County, and member of the Washington State Office of Independent Investigations Advisory Board.
Vice Chair
Percy Levy - Treasurer
Percy Levy served 20 years behind bars before being granted executive clemency by GovernorInslee in 2019. Since that time, he has been employed at the Washington Defender Association (WDA) as the Public Outreach Specialist, focused and intent on being a staunch advocate for changing the criminal legal system from the inside out—with an emphasis on sentencing reform and bringing home the victims of the so-called “war on crime.”
Percy Levy - Treasurer
Percy Levy served 20 years behind bars before being granted executive clemency by GovernorInslee in 2019. Since that time, he has been employed at the Washington Defender Association (WDA) as the Public Outreach Specialist, focused and intent on being a staunch advocate for changing the criminal legal system from the inside out—with an emphasis on sentencing reform and bringing home the victims of the so-called “war on crime.”
Treasurer
Zakiya Cita - Secretary
Zakiya Cita is a dynamic leader hailing proudly from Tacoma, Washington. She has an unconventional, professional trajectory spanning various sectors, includingFashion Design, Marketing, Program Management, Workforce Development, and Talent Acquisition. Armed with a BA in Communication Studies and a Graduate-level certificate inCurriculum and Instruction Design, she currently spearheads HR - Talent Acquisition For the Lake WashingtonSchool District, passionately advocating for innovative avenues toward meaningful, yet self-sustaining employment.
Beyond Her illustrious career, Zakiya is the visionary founder of The Chayah Movement, a pioneering force at the intersection of sustainable fashion, environmental impact, and workforce development. Through cutting-edge initiatives, she equips aspiring professionals with the tools and mindset to revolutionize the fashion industry towards sustainability. Zakiya's dedication to community engagement, the arts, and outdoor exploration underscores her commitment to uplifting creative entrepreneurs, fostering positive change and economic independence within the Black community.
Zakiya Cita - Secretary
Zakiya Cita is a dynamic leader hailing proudly from Tacoma, Washington. She has an unconventional, professional trajectory spanning various sectors, includingFashion Design, Marketing, Program Management, Workforce Development, and Talent Acquisition. Armed with a BA in Communication Studies and a Graduate-level certificate inCurriculum and Instruction Design, she currently spearheads HR - Talent Acquisition For the Lake WashingtonSchool District, passionately advocating for innovative avenues toward meaningful, yet self-sustaining employment.
Beyond Her illustrious career, Zakiya is the visionary founder of The Chayah Movement, a pioneering force at the intersection of sustainable fashion, environmental impact, and workforce development. Through cutting-edge initiatives, she equips aspiring professionals with the tools and mindset to revolutionize the fashion industry towards sustainability. Zakiya's dedication to community engagement, the arts, and outdoor exploration underscores her commitment to uplifting creative entrepreneurs, fostering positive change and economic independence within the Black community.
Secretary
EMAIL: info@blacklivesseattle.org
PHONE: (206) 333-0350
Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County is an Independent 501c(4) non-partisan organization.
Black Lives Matter Seattle King County Radical Empowerment Vessels is a 501c(3) non-profit educational organization