EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.
The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce – through its charitable arm the Success Foundation – this week announced the 2025 cohort of the Workforce Discovery Lab (WDL).
WDL is an innovative summer program that connects students from the Highline and Tukwila School Districts with immersive, real-world workforce experiences across the five cities the Chamber represents:
- Burien
- Des Moines
- Normandy Park
- SeaTac
- Tukwila
This year, the Success Foundation received 261 student applications for the Workforce Discovery Lab, demonstrating the strong demand for career-connected learning in South King County.
After a highly competitive review process, 30 outstanding students were selected to participate in the program based on their passion, potential, and commitment to professional development.
Meet the 2025 Workforce Discovery Lab Cohort
- Raisbeck Aviation High School:
- Alex Ngo
- Arsh Vohra
- Eliada Tran
- Precious Panario
- Mercedes Lamont
- Theologos Bui
- Nanat Abduljalil
- Amira Vahora
- Highline High School:
- Jaskaran Singh
- Sofia Kong
- Aleks Nunez Aguilar
- Robert Luu
- Mount Rainier High School:
- Elyas Befekadu
- Evan Eckstein
- Helen Wubalem
- Kristine Tieu
- Juliana Ghebrihiwot
- Tsiyon Alemayehu
- Zakaria Derie
- Ayan Vahora
- Foster High School:
- Abass Abdi
- Huda Ibrahimi
- Fardowsa Ahmed
- Abdisamad Mire
- Tyee High School:
- Hibaq Osman
- Piolo Baltazar
- Ethan Mendoza
- Evergreen High School:
- Isaias Robles
- Choice Academy:
- Abhem Hailu
Held from Aug. 11–15, the program offers students a weeklong series of immersive, on-site workshops hosted by local employers and organizations across sectors including technology, culinary arts, healthcare, aviation, hospitality, and public service. This year’s lineup includes sessions led by the US Army, BECU, GESA, VMFH–St. Anne’s Hospital, CuliNEX, Marakey Studios, Port of Seattle, Museum of Flight, DoubleTree Hotel, and Westfield Southcenter Mall.
Students also participate in our cornerstone Masterclass series, where they build essential career readiness skills including resume writing, public speaking, professional interviewing, and crafting a LinkedIn profile. Each participant receives a $500 stipend upon graduation in recognition of their commitment and achievements.
“This program continues to be a powerful bridge between education and employment,” said Samantha Le, Executive Director of the Success Foundation. “We’re deeply proud of our students and grateful to our incredible network of partners and sponsors who make this program possible.”
The Foundation extends its deepest thanks to our 2025 Workforce Discovery Lab sponsors:
- City of Burien
- BECU
- VMFH
- GESA
- Homestreet Bank
- Westfield Southcenter
- Highline College
“We also thank our incredible meal sponsors and workshop hosts, including Second Love Coffee Roasters, Tutta Bella, Port Jobs, and the Success Foundation Board of Directors, for helping create meaningful experiences for our students.
F”inally, we are proud to acknowledge our vital education partners, the Highline School District and the Tukwila School District, for their continued support and collaboration in making this program possible.”
For more information on how to get involved or support next year’s program, please visit:
seattlesouthsidechamber.com/successfoundation
About the Success Foundation
The Success Foundation is a charitable enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals and communities through education and workforce development. Founded on the principle of empowering and inspiring future leaders, the Foundation advocates for projects aimed at strengthening education, workforce training, and community progress. Through its initiatives and partnerships, the Success Foundation is committed to building a more equitable Southwest King County where education and workforce development serve as pathways to personal growth and economic vitality.
