Tanika Thompson helps lead the South Seattle Jobs Committee.

“Being a part of creating opportunity for people of color, low income families and women gives me a chance to help individuals like myself…”

Got Green: How did you get involved?
Tanika Thompson: Michael Woo asked me to join the Jobs Committee and help to plan the Campaign Launch for Targeted Local Hire. When he told me about the campaign, I knew that I had to get involved. I had recently completed a 9 month course at Seattle Vocational Institute and graduated with a 3.8 GPA, and was seeking employment. I hadn’t even been called in for an interview after applying for over a year. I was skilled and trained to do a job that no one would give me the chance to do, and understood the benefits of Targeted Local Hire would bring to others like me, just in another line of work.

GG: What motivates you?
TT: Being a part of creating opportunity for people of color, low income families, and women gives me a chance to help individuals like myself.  I love to be a part of movement, a group of people who have the courage to fight for change. The willingness of others to stand for fairness motivates me in my efforts.

GG: What issues impact you and your family?
TT: My family is most impacted by unemployment. I have many skills and abilities, but have had no luck finding a living wage job. I have been trained to work as a Patient Services Representative, but haven’t actually worked in the field. Members of my family have been affected by homelessness. Fortunately, that is not the case today.

GG: Why Got Green?
TT: I became involved with Got Green because a friend asked me to volunteer and help with a project. Since becoming involved I have had the opportunity to learn about and participate in other areas of Got Green’s work. I was immediately impressed with the consistent hard work behind the words of staff members and volunteers. Everyone shares the same vision for the organization and is willing to put forth the effort to accomplish its goals. I had never seen in any other organization the special qualities that Got Green has that make us successful as a whole. I am proud to be a member and find it a privilege to be on the Board.

GG: What new experiences have you had?
TT: I have had the opportunity to step up as a leader in my community and have my voice heard. I have been made aware of the struggles of the people in my neighborhood, both different and similar to my own.

 Check out our 2013 Annual Report, “Powerful Teamwork of Got Green.”