Alesha Washington, President and CEO of the Seattle Foundation
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The Square Pizza podcast focuses on the intersection of education, innovation, and diversity. We host and interview leaders doing incredible work around the country to ensure all students have access to an equitable education. The Square Pizza podcast is hosted by SchermCo, a social-impact implementation firm that offers strategic implementation and project management services to schools and education-focused organizations across the country.
In this episode of the Square Pizza Pod, Greg welcomes Alesha Washington, President and CEO of Seattle Foundation, for a powerful conversation about philanthropy, courage, and what it means to move money like it truly matters. Alesha shares how her experiences across policy, advocacy, economic development, and philanthropy have shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in joy, community voice, and the belief that nonprofit leaders deserve the trust and resources to do their best work.
Alesha also pulls back the curtain on how one of the country’s largest community foundations approaches long-term grantmaking, impact investing, affordable housing, transit, childcare, and the growing pressure on nonprofits in today’s political and economic climate. Along the way, she offers a candid look at courageous leadership, board alignment, risk, and why foundations must be willing to stand firmly in their purpose rather than retreat when the work becomes difficult.
In this episode, you’ll learn more about:
Why Alesha believes philanthropy should “move the money like it matters”
How Seattle Foundation centers joy, belonging, and community voice in its work
Why affordable housing, childcare, and transit are deeply connected to the future of thriving regions
How impact investing can help foundations take smart risks, unlock capital, and support community-led solutions
What courageous philanthropy looks like when real money, power, and institutional risk are on the table
Why strong boards must understand their role, make space to serve, and stay focused on mission rather than management
