YOUTH IN FOCUS BLOG
April 8, 2025
Meet the New Board of Directors!

Join us in welcoming our new Board of Directors! We are thankful to all the adults who see and value the work that we do at Youth in Focus enough to be involved on a deeper level. We seek to identify and engage board members who can bring new perspectives and life experiences to the team. We prioritize passion for our mission and shared values of creating safe, inclusive spaces and nurturing relationships; providing access and fostering creativity; encouraging curiosity and a growth-mindset; and building a community that welcomes all. We value our board members' time and talents and aim to provide a meaningful experience by engaging board members in the areas they want to contribute. With that said, meet Bill, Erica, and Melissa!
Bill Tinney
Maxar, Sr Director Product Management and Partnerships

I’m thrilled to inspire a new generation of Seattle photographers to tell their authentic stories through a medium that was passed down to me from my grandfather and father. I was drawn to YIF because of the truly generous spirit of the organization to foster a safe, diverse community of curiosity to learn new skills, strengthen the voice of our youth, and leave the world a little better than we found it.
Erica Daniels
Emazing Photography, CEO/Photographer

I joined the Youth in Focus board because I believe in the transformative power of photography for young people. This organization resonates with me deeply, as it provides the kind of community and creative outlet I wish I had when I was a young photography enthusiast.
Melissa DeAun
Ballard VOX, Editor-In-Chief/Founder and KEXP, Photo Team

I am incredibly honored to join the Youth in Focus board of directors to help lead their work in supporting youth, equity, and community in Seattle. As a special education teacher and photographer myself, YiF is very near and dear to my heart as it encompasses three of my biggest passions: youth advocacy, equity and inclusion, and photography as a visual language for self-development and community growth.