FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Respected Community Leader Rhonda Lewis Joins Starfire’s Board of Directors
Starfire adds King County Council chief of staff to rapidly expanding board in support of organization’s focus on community impact, youth empowerment
TUKWILA, Wash. – (February 5, 2025) – Starfire Sports announced today that King County Council Chief of Staff Rhonda Lewis has joined its board of directors, bringing more than three decades of public-service experience and deep-rooted community connections to the social-enterprise nonprofit. Lewis currently serves Councilmember Girmay Zahilay in King County’s District 2.
“We couldn’t be more excited to welcome Rhonda to our Board of Directors,” said Chris Slatt, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of the Board. “Her extensive knowledge of the local community—combined with her empathy and passion for uplifting youth—will bring invaluable insight to Starfire. Rhonda is truly the perfect fit for our mission.”
Starfire is a nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that every young person in the community has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive—on and off the field. For more than 20 years, Starfire has served as a vibrant hub for world-class soccer in the Pacific Northwest. The organization is actively expanding its board and service offerings to help meet an increasing need for safe, inclusive spaces, particularly among underprivileged populations in South King County.
Recent studies show that many families in Starfire’s service area cannot afford access to quality afterschool programs, especially as local school districts continue to cut budgets and diminish their investment in youth vocational programming. Over the past two years alone, demand for Starfire programs has grown more than 200 percent, with financial assistance requests nearly tripling over the same period.
“I’ve witnessed the incredible success of Starfire’s STEM program and the profound impact it has had on young people,” said Lewis. “I’m thrilled to support soccer, STEM, and the expanded, inclusive programming that will help our youth grow stronger physically and mentally as they prepare for their futures.”
In 2019, Starfire launched its innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program to meet the evolving needs of the community. In 2024, more than 50 percent of STEM participants accessed the program at no cost, underscoring Starfire’s commitment to making soccer and educational programs accessible to all youth. Parents of participants have reported measurable growth in their children’s science knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork skills.
Looking ahead, Starfire is poised to launch bold new initiatives designed to equip local youth with the tools they need to thrive in all aspects of their lives. While evolving to meet the community’s needs, Starfire remains steadfast in its original mission: to connect with and empower youth and families.
Starfire Co-founder Slatt emphasized that Lewis’s deep expertise in nonprofit management and her ability to forge impactful government partnerships will be critical as Starfire charts an ambitious path to meet the challenges of 2025 and beyond.
More information on Starfire Sports is available at www.starfiresports.com.
About Starfire
Starfire is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social enterprise organization delivering inclusive, worldclass soccer experiences and social programs that inspire, encourage, and empower the thousands of youths who participate in our classes, leagues, jamborees, and sanctioned tournaments throughout the year. Starfire’s commitment to providing the community with access to world-class facilities and programs brings 1.3 million visits to the campus each year for soccer programs, the Starfire STEM Academy for Pre-K through sixth grade students, soccer tournaments, team practices and training, and amateur and professional games.
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Media Contact:
Mikkell Roeland
Starfire Sports
mikkell@starfiresports.com
(206) 431-3232
