Conversation

What does it take for nonprofits and communities to thrive in uncertain times? Join Secretary of State Steve Hobbs and Inatai Foundation President & CEO Nichole June Maher for a candid conversation about civic engagement, community leadership, and the opportunities ahead for Washington’s nonprofit sector.

Steve Hobbs is Washington’s 16th Secretary of State, first appointed in 2021 and elected statewide in 2022. He leads one of the state’s most diverse government offices, overseeing elections, corporation and charity filings, the State Library, and State Archives. Secretary Hobbs has focused his tenure on strengthening election security, expanding voter education and outreach, and preserving Washington’s historical records. Prior to serving as Secretary of State, he represented Washington’s 44th Legislative District in the State Senate for 15 years, including serving as chair of the Transportation Committee. A longtime member of the Washington Army National Guard, he rose from private to lieutenant colonel and holds degrees from Everett Community College, the University of Washington, and the U.S. Army War College.

Nichole June Maher, founding President and CEO of Inatai Foundation. Since 2018, Nichole has led the C4 Foundation’s growth from early listening across all 39 counties to a bold, equity-centered vision, values-driven investing, and more than $400 million in grantmaking. Before Inatai, she helped lead Northwest Health Foundation and the Native American Youth and Family Center, where she co-founded the Coalition of Communities of Color. An Alaska Native leader, mother of three, and daughter of the Pacific Northwest, Nichole has spent her career helping communities shape their own futures. Nichole is a proud member of the Heritage University board of directors.