Thomasina Schmitt, Executive Director
A 20+ year veteran of the nonprofit sector, Thomasina has extensive experience with fostering and maintaining partnerships and collaborations with a diverse group of communities and organizations. A stellar collaborator and leader, she is a strategic thinker with exceptional capacity building skills. Thomasina also has a unique ability to work empathetically with a wide variety of people from different social backgrounds. In 2017, Thomasina and her husband co-founded Pacifica Writers’ Workshop, an organization dedicated to providing creative writing opportunities for people of all ages. Additionally, Thomasina was a Scholar for the Association of Fundraising Professionals and a cohort member with Leadership Tomorrow. Thomasina holds an MA from Goldsmiths, University of London and lives in the Lake City neighborhood with her family. Reach Thomasina at thomasina@sngi.org.
Aaliyah Boyd-Ivey, Assistant Director
Aaliyah thrives to help communities everywhere she goes. Growing up in the Mid & Southwest, she is adept to living in many different & diverse communities. She earned her Bachelor’s in Communication and Public Relations from the University of Cincinnati and has since then completed roles in AmeriCorps City Year, library services, and hotel management. She focuses on connecting with the public in all aspects to create community building. Aaliyah loves to cycle in her neighborhood, dabble in art therapy, and connect with family, friends, and residents within her community. Reach Aaliyah at aaliyah@sngi.org.
Armando Antonio, Community Safety Coordinator
Armando draws his safety background from working in multi-layered warehouses and advocating for worker safety from his time as a Workplace Health and Safety Specialist. He worked alongside vendors, project managers, and government entities to uphold workplace safety. Armando earned his Bachelor’s in Environmental Science from the University of Washington and has performed roles in wetland restoration and stormwater purification. Armando’s focus is on connecting communities and advocating crime prevention, education, and engagement to preserve and create safe communities. Reach Armando at armando@sngi.org.
Tammi Collins, Administrative and Project Assistant
Tammi is currently a student at the University of Phoenix majoring in accounting. She is a transplant to Seattle, born and raised in the Midwest. Tammi has worked in the administrative support field for over twenty-four years. She is experienced in working with people of different ethnic, culturally, diverse backgrounds. Now that Tammi is part of the team at Seattle Neighborhood Group, she is excited to aid those in need from within our community. Tammi is an avid hiker who loves to explore the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, walking her dog at a local park or enjoying the food or music scene. Reach Tammi at tammi@sngi.org.
Gerard Miller, South Park Public Safety Coordinator
Gerard is a passionate advocate for under-resourced communities and has been working for 15+ years on programs that help to address gaps in services. Born and raised in Baltimore, they have spent time engaging neighbors at home as well as in New York City, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Gerard has a professional background in community organizing, public and community education, financial literacy, affordable homeownership, and domestic violence counseling. They bring to bear a two-part ethos: “educate to empower” and “everybody eats”. As the SNG’s South Park Public Safety Coordinator, Gerard works with residents and other stakeholders to respond to concerns and help to create a neighborhood that feels safe and enriching for everyone. Reach Gerard at gerard@sngi.org.
Michael Neguse, Southeast & East African Program Coordinator
Michael Neguse builds community everywhere he goes! He focuses on Seattle’s African immigrant communities, bringing elders, children, families, and youth together, bridging the many cultures in this community, and bringing partner organizations and services to them. Michael’s favorite work takes place in gardens, always advocating access to the outdoors and nature as the best place for communication and healthy growth. Michael speaks many languages including Amharic, Tigrinya, English, and Arabic. Reach him at michael@sngi.org.
Cathie Wilmore, Project Manager
Cathie is a creative, innovative, and passionate leader who lives and serves in the Rainier Beach Community. Cathie believes that strong families are the heart beat of strong communities. She will be working with the RB:ABSPY. Her focus is on building pathways and partnerships to support healthy, safe, and vibrant community connections. She is a graduate from the University of Washington and received a Project Management certificate in 2006. Cathie loves serving her community and experiencing the greatness and joy it brings. “I love inspiring young people and watching them thrive and navigate the journey that we all pursue: The pursuit of happiness, security, success, and impact. What I love most is once they reach their goals, they learn to pass it on to others.” Reach Cathie at cathie@sngi.org.