EDITOR’S NOTE: South King Media Founder/Publisher Scott Schaefer serves on the Board of Directors for the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce.

The Success Foundation raised $45,000 to support its youth career programs at the 2025 Grand Garden Gala on Friday night, Nov. 7, drawing 270 supporters to the Washington Athletic Club.

Organizers said the money will help expand its Workforce Discovery Lab, a summer program that connects South King County students with local employers and paid, hands-on career exploration.

The foundation is the non-profit arm of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, which serves businesses and communities in Burien, SeaTac, Des Moines, Tukwila and Normandy Park.

Board chair Robert Livingston told attendees the foundation is working to close the gap between major regional employers and local youth from families with fewer connections and resources. He said the Success Foundation wants students to know that “the table of prosperity is a table to which they are invited and that they belong.”

Students and families shared how the Workforce Discovery Lab has changed their views of college and careers by taking them behind the scenes at hospitals, aviation and research organizations, retailers and other workplaces in South King County and across the region. Recent cohorts have visited sites such as St. Anne Hospital in Burien, the Museum of Flight and Westfield Southcenter, as well as other health care, hospitality and entertainment employers.

Highline High School senior Kristine Tieu told attendees at the gala that the week-long program helped her understand that “change is okay” when it comes to choosing a major or career and eased the pressure she felt about deciding her future before graduation.

Another student, Theo Bui, described how meeting a woman of color pilot led him to enroll in an aeronautical science pathway program and pursue aviation and business goals.

Other speakers included Workforce Discover grads Alex Nuñez Aguilar (and his mom), along with Jaiden Ford, Chamber Board President Navdeep Singh and Highline School Board President Joe Van.

Families said the program has helped students build confidence, appreciate the work of people behind the scenes and bring new ideas home to students, schools and neighborhoods in south King County.

Success Foundation CEO and chamber president Samantha Le told supporters that the Workforce Discovery Lab began four years ago with six students and this year served 30 students, selected from 261 applicants.

She also announced that the Port of Seattle awarded the foundation a $300,000 economic impact grant to help expand the program.

According to Le, it costs about $1,500 to support each student, including professional development, mentorship, meals, transportation, language access and worksite visits. Students are also paid $500 for their time so participation does not create financial hardship for their families.

With new funding and continued community support, Le said the foundation plans to serve 60 students next year and 90 students by 2027.

Le thanked partners including local cities, school districts, employers and sponsors across south King County, and urged attendees to keep investing in programs that connect young people with real world opportunities.

The gala was hosted by Isabella L. Richards, with the live auction done by Normandy Park resident and local media personality Dick Fain.

Learn more about the Success Foundation here: