A message from Gina Hall, new Executive Director at Uplift Northwest

Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “The time is always right to do what is right.”

My name is Gina Hall, and I am honored to become the next Executive Director at Uplift Northwest. I joined Uplift Northwest because I believe I can make a difference in our community and do what is right at a time in our history when helping others is not a choice but a responsibility.

There are men, women, and children in our community who were already combatting poverty, homelessness, isolation, and loneliness in addition to many other challenges. As we continue to navigate the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 crisis these past few months, we have also suffered the impacts of another virus that is more dangerous, insidious, and destructive. This virus has plagued our society for centuries. The social injustices caused by racism steals people’s dignity, hope, spirit, and sometimes their very lives.

Although I have over 20 years of experience serving the non-profit sector, it was my parents who truly imparted their guiding principles of selflessness, hard work, and supporting community that gave me the critical tools to succeed in life. After escaping racial oppression in the South, my mom and dad each moved to Seattle separately where they met and eventually married. Their courageous persistence, strong work ethic, and pursuit of education while showing love and compassion for others helped guide me in my own life journey.

The team at Uplift Northwest works to provide that same care, support, and guidance to our neighbors experiencing poverty, homelessness, and social injustice. I love the empowerment provided through Uplift Northwest’s job training, placement and other supportive services. As we confront the health crisis of COVID-19 and the systems that perpetuate racial injustice, I am both encouraged and inspired by Uplift Northwest’s response to develop new opportunities for our workers by listening to our employer partners, and preparing our workers for the new jobs that are on the horizon.

I will be working hard to build relationships with all our partners who make our mission possible. I welcome your feedback, questions, or concerns and most importantly, your support.  You can reach me by emailing [email protected].

Thank you for welcoming me into the Uplift Northwest family, and you can plan on hearing from me soon in a January Executive Letter.