By Rosie Grant
At Byrd Barr Place, we take immense pride in our organization’s deep roots in the Black community, especially with the leadership of our all-Black Board of Directors. As we reflect on our journey, we want to celebrate and highlight the diverse, visionary leaders who dedicate their time and expertise to advancing the mission of Byrd Barr Place. Their unwavering commitment drives the critical work we do to foster economic mobility, housing security, and social justice for communities of color in Seattle and beyond.
Leading with Passion and Purpose
At the helm of our board is Tamara Howie, our board president, an attorney at King County Superior Court and a dedicated advocate for equity and justice. A Central District native, Tamara has a deep personal connection to the community and was once a recipient of Byrd Barr Place’s services. Her commitment to giving back, both personally and professionally, is a driving force behind our mission. Her focus is on fostering inclusive opportunities and advocating for underrepresented communities, and she proudly supports Byrd Barr Place’s goal of advancing economic mobility.
Joining Tamara in leadership is Heyward Watson, our board vice president, whose 30+ years of executive leadership in nonprofit and for-profit sectors have earned him a reputation as a transformational leader. He has successfully worked to overcome obstacles and build consensus, helping lead Byrd Barr Place toward positive change.
Visionary Leadership Across the Board
Our board members bring diverse expertise, from business to technology to nonprofit management, but they all share a dedication to the community. Christian Bell, our board secretary, has a deep passion for grant writing and community engagement, further strengthening our ability to achieve our mission of equity and justice. Derrick Love, our board treasurer, a Microsoft Cyber Defense Solutions Architect and co-founder of Sync Seattle, a company that connects people to causes and small businesses. Derrick’s passion for mentorship and community building is key to Byrd Barr Place’s continued success.
We also proudly welcome Godwin N. Gabriel, a visionary entrepreneur and the founder of Moovn Technologies, brings his extensive background in social impact and economic justice to Byrd Barr Place. Kwame Sarfo, a board member and tech communications professional at Amazon, also contributes to our mission by advocating for racial equity, economic mobility, and community empowerment.
New to the board, Telitha Floyd and Michaela Osborne bring fresh perspectives and energy to the leadership team, ensuring Byrd Barr Place continues its path of growth and impact.
Doing the Work: A Commitment to Our Community
What makes Byrd Barr Place’s board truly special is the hands-on, volunteer-driven spirit that each member embodies. Beyond their leadership roles, they show up at our events, volunteer at The Market, and spread the word about our work. Their commitment to showing up and doing the work is a testament to the lasting impact of Byrd Barr Place and its mission, which started over 60 years ago to meet the needs of the Black population in Seattle’s Central District.
As we reflect on the legacy of Byrd Barr Place, we acknowledge that it takes a community of dedicated individuals, willing to roll up their sleeves, to make lasting change. From the board of directors to our volunteers and clients, we are truly a place for us, by us.
Join Us in Celebration
As we celebrate and continue to honor the power of community, we invite you to join us on July 12th from 12 PM to 5 PM at 18th & Cherry for our Annual Block Party. Let’s come together to celebrate the work we’ve done and the community we’ve built—one where all people have access to the tools they need to thrive.
At Byrd Barr Place, we believe in the power of community, and we are proud of the exceptional leadership that makes our work possible. Thank you to our board, volunteers, and community members for their dedication to creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.
