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 is recognizing women in public service whose “leadHERship” is helping strengthen communities across South King County, highlighting their contributions to equity, access and civic engagement.
The chamber announced the recognition as part of an effort to share “HERstory” and spotlight women whose work is shaping more connected and inclusive communities throughout the region, including SeaTac, Tukwila and Des Moines.
“Across Seattle Southside, women in public service are helping shape the civic and economic foundation of our region,” said Samantha Le, president and CEO of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce. “Their leadership strengthens communities, improves how systems serve people, and creates the conditions for long term growth and opportunity. It is important that we honor these women not only for what they do, but for the lasting impact of how they lead.”
“Each woman recognized in this feature brings a distinct perspective to public service, but what connects them is a commitment to strengthening community. Their leadership contributes to the kind of civic and economic environment that allows families, businesses, and future leaders to thrive,” Le added.
Angel Taherazer
Community Outreach Strategist and Language Access Coordinator
City of SeaTac
Angel Taherazer has served with the City of SeaTac since 2022, working in the City Manager’s Office on the Communication Team as a Community Outreach Strategist and Language Access Coordinator. Her work focuses on making it easier for people to engage with the city, with a strong emphasis on access, equity, and helping communities feel seen and included. A meaningful part of her role is showing up in community and meeting people where they are. She has also helped create programs such as Mindful Mentorship with Tyee High School, connecting students to career pathways and helping them better understand their voice and role in local government. Before joining the city, Angel worked at the Refugee Women’s Alliance, supporting refugees and immigrants in rebuilding their careers, and previously held roles in the private sector with T Mobile, Microsoft, and ZONES Inc. She is a graduate of the University of Washington.
Angel’s story is deeply personal. She left Iran as a child during the war and, six months into her family’s journey, became a prisoner of war before eventually being rescued with the help of the International Rescue Committee. That same organization later supported her family in coming to the United States and starting over. That experience shaped the way she sees the world and remains central to why this work matters so deeply to her. Growing up as a refugee taught her what it feels like to navigate systems that were not built for you and how much access, support, and community matter. Today, being able to work alongside the same types of organizations that once supported her family is a full circle moment that continues to guide her service.
Angel says her work is inspired by knowing what it feels like to watch parents navigate unfamiliar systems without access, and by understanding how powerful it can be when someone shows up to guide and support you. She hopes the next generation, especially immigrant and refugee women, knows that their experiences matter, that they belong in leadership spaces, and that their stories are a source of strength.
“Angel Taherazer’s leadership is a powerful example of how lived experience can inform and strengthen public service. Her work helps expand access, deepen community connection, and ensure that more people can engage meaningfully with local government. That contribution is deeply important to the long term strength and inclusiveness of our region,” said Le.
Jo Anderson
Inclusion & Engagement Manager
City of Tukwila
Jo Anderson serves as the City of Tukwila’s Inclusion & Engagement Manager, a role she has held since 2023. In this position, she advances equity and social justice initiatives, including a civic leadership program designed to expand belonging and engagement in community life. Before joining the City of Tukwila, Jo spent 15 years in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion with the King County Library System, where she co founded the organization’s Welcoming Centers for immigrants and refugees. She earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Seattle University. Jo also describes herself first and foremost as the proud daughter and caregiver to her mother, Ligaya, who was born in Tarlac, Philippines and immigrated to the United States in 1972.
For Jo, her work and leadership journey have been profoundly shaped by her mother’s experiences. From an early age, she witnessed the ways classism, racism, sexism, xenophobia, and systemic barriers showed up in both subtle and overt ways. Even before she had language for it, she could feel the weight of those experiences through her mother’s life. Those observations helped form her commitment to equity and social justice and made those values a constant thread in both her personal and professional life.
Jo’s vision of legacy is collective. She believes this work is built on the backs of many, with each generation carrying the torch forward for the next. Her hope is that whatever she has contributed has helped move the arc toward justice and opened paths for future women and leaders to continue the work.
“Jo Anderson’s leadership reflects the kind of public service that strengthens communities at their core. Her work advances equity, expands civic participation, and helps ensure more people feel seen, heard, and connected to the systems that shape their lives. That kind of leadership is essential to building communities that are both inclusive and resilient,” said Le.
Katherine Caffrey
City Manager
City of Des Moines
Katherine Caffrey has served as City Manager for the City of Des Moines since November 2024. She brings nearly 20 years of local government experience to the role, including leadership positions with the City of Cedar Park, Texas, most recently as Deputy City Manager, as well as earlier service with the City of Little Rock, Arkansas. As City Manager, Katherine oversees the city’s day to day operations and organizational leadership. She holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Kansas and a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Hendrix College. She is an active member of ICMA and the Washington City Management Association, serves on the Highline College Foundation Board, and is a member of the Des Moines Normandy Park Rotary Club. Katherine lives in Des Moines with her husband and their elementary school age son.
Katherine credits her parents, both public servants, with inspiring her path into local government. They instilled in her the belief that each of us has a responsibility to make our small slice of the world better. That idea continues to shape how she leads today. She is motivated by the opportunity to change how people experience government and to show that it can be thoughtful, responsive, and a real force for good in people’s daily lives.
She hopes her legacy reinforces that leadership is both attainable and worthwhile, especially for women who may wonder whether it is possible to balance meaningful, demanding work with a full family life. By modeling both leadership and presence, she hopes more women feel confident stepping into roles of influence and service.
“Katherine Caffrey represents a thoughtful and steady model of civic leadership. Through her work in local government, she helps shape responsive institutions, strengthen public trust, and create the kind of community environment where residents, families, and businesses can thrive. Her leadership reflects the importance of excellence, accountability, and vision in public service,” said Le.
What Their Stories Teach Us
While each woman’s journey is unique, their stories reveal the shared qualities that define strong public service leadership. They remind us that meaningful leadership is rooted in purpose, shaped by lived experience, and demonstrated through a commitment to making systems more responsive and communities more connected. When public service is done well, it expands opportunity, strengthens trust, and helps lay the foundation for long term community and economic vitality across Seattle Southside.
Leadership Takeaways
- Lead with purpose: Strong leadership begins with a clear sense of why the work matters.
- Use lived experience as strength: Personal experience can help shape more compassionate, responsive, and effective systems.
- Build trust through access and inclusion: Public service is strongest when people feel seen, informed, and able to engage.
- Create pathways for others: Leadership is not only about serving today. It is also about helping make room for the next generation to lead.
Why This Recognition Matters
Sharing HERstory is about more than recognition. It is about creating space to honor the women whose leadership helps move our communities forward each day. It is about lifting up stories of service, perseverance, and impact. It is also about making sure others can see leadership in all its forms and know there is room for their voice, their gifts, and their story too.
“Each woman recognized in this feature brings a distinct perspective to public service, but what connects them is a commitment to strengthening community. Their leadership contributes to the kind of civic and economic environment that allows families, businesses, and future leaders to thrive,” said Le. The Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce is honored to celebrate these outstanding women and their contributions to our region. Their stories reflect the very best of public service: leadership that is courageous, compassionate, and committed to building a better future for all. “When we honor women in public service, we are also recognizing the essential role civic leadership plays in shaping a strong regional future. These women are helping build communities where opportunity can grow, trust can deepen, and long term prosperity can take root,” said Le.
LeadHERship Social Event will be Wednesday, May 27
The chamber also invites all to it upcoming LeadHERship Social Event from 4–6 p.m. at Westfield Southcenter on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
This special edition Chamber mixer will bring together women entrepreneurs, professionals, community leaders, and allies for an evening focused on building relationships, sharing experiences, and supporting one another’s growth.
At LeadHERship Social, you will have the opportunity to
- Connect with other women in business across the Seattle Southside region
- Exchange ideas, challenges, and successes in a welcoming environment
- Discover Chamber resources and opportunities that support your leadership journey
- Engage with local leaders and partners who champion women’s success
“Whether you are a longtime Chamber member, new to the region, or simply looking to expand your network, our May Chamber Mixer is designed to help you build meaningful connections and be part of a supportive, empowered community,” organizers said.
“Join us for an evening that celebrates leadership, collaboration, and the women shaping our region’s future.”
