Communities of Opportunity is so fortunate to welcome Andréa Akita as its first Executive Director. Andréa has more than 20 years of experience working with Seattle communities to develop affordable housing, increase access to human services and influence policy that improves health and increases social equity. Her community development, public sector and nonprofit work has focused on creating connections and building capacity in underserved communities.
Andréa served as the Executive Director of InterIm Community Development Association and was recently part of the consultant team at Yesler Community Collaborative. She has led policy and program development aimed at ending homelessness for Seattle’s Human Services Department and managed Housing Services for the Northwest AIDS Foundation.
Andréa holds dual Masters degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Public Administration from the University of Southern California, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UCLA, and a culinary arts degree from Seattle Central College.
Andréa looks forward to continuing to connect with the many partners and change agents in our region as Communities of Opportunity Executive Director.