January 2006

Dear Friends of Powerful Voices

It is with pride and anticipation in the steady evolution of Powerful Voices that we announce the transition of one of our founders, Julie Edsforth, into a new role for the organization. In June of 2006, Julie will shift from Executive Director to Founder Emeritus, where she will continue to build strategic relationships for the organization and contribute to its on-going success.

It’s often said that timing is everything and this decision is no exception. Since 1995, Julie has worked tirelessly to bring the dream of Powerful Voices to life—that strong girls become strong women. This dream has grown to be shared by thousands of girls served by Powerful Voices programs over the last decade, including the positive ripple effect they, in turn, have had on their families, their communities and their futures.

This success puts PV in a unique position of strength to embark on a leadership transition at a time when the organization is well-positioned to grow to the next level. Just as we all want our daughters to be prepared for each subsequent phase of their development, Powerful Voices is carefully setting the stage for its next stage of growth.

The New Year also coincides with revising the strategic plan for Powerful Voices—a process that will clarify the future leadership needs of the organization. The Board is committed to ensuring any leadership succession decisions are aligned with the strategic plan while continuing to expand programming for our two programs, STAGES and Girls RAP.

As always, Julie’s foresight and steadfast commitment to the organization’s needs allows sufficient time between now and June of 2006 for succession planning to occur. The Board of Directors will be engaging the Powerful Voices community in a thorough, thoughtful and strategic search for the next Executive Director to lead the organization into the future.

We invite you to join us as we embark on this exciting next stage in the development of Powerful Voices. Please feel free to direct any comments, questions or feedback to Leslie Ann Hay, Board President at LeslieHay@comcast.net or Julie Edsforth at juliee@powerfulvoices.org, 206-860-1026.

Sincerely,

The Powerful Voices Board of Directors

Leslie Ann Hay, President; Julie Metzger, Vice- President; Chris Nishiwaki, Vice-President; Peggy O’Reilly, Treasurer; Claire Hur, Secretary; Holly Benton; Cedric Davis; Leah Richardson Idler; Susan Raunig; Melanie Roberson; Lara Underhill