In the first episode of Alumni Corner, we sit down with two leaders shaping the future of public education in Washington state, Dr. Trevor Greene, Superintendent of Yakima School District, and Dr. Kelly Aramaki, Superintendent of Bellevue School District and a proud University of Washington College of Education alumnus.

Together, they reflect on their time at the UW College of Education and the pathways that led them into district leadership. From early influences to defining moments in their careers, both share how their experiences have shaped their approach to leading with purpose, navigating challenges, and serving diverse communities.

At the center of this conversation is their shared advocacy for more equitable K–12 funding across Washington. As part of a growing statewide effort to address disparities in how schools are funded, Dr. Greene and Dr. Aramaki speak to the real impact of these gaps on students, families, and educators. They break down what equitable funding means in practice, why it matters now, and how their collaboration is helping move this work forward.

Grounded in reflection, leadership, and community impact, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to lead school systems today and why equity must remain at the forefront of education.

Connect with the UW College of Education:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/uweducation/
LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/school/uwcollegeofeducation
Facebook: https://facebook.com/UWCollegeofEducation/
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@UWCollegeofEducation
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/uwcollegeofed.bsky.social

Stay connected:
Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on new episodes, alumni stories, and upcoming events: https://education.uw.edu/news

Follow, download, and share this episode to help amplify alumni voices shaping the future of education.