Abby Shade

Project Coordinator

Abby is passionate about building a more just and inclusive education system—one where cost is never a barrier to learning and where postsecondary education is free and fully supportive of all students. She believes deeply in the power of community and connection to create systems of support across the educational ecosystem so that no one feels alone in working to solve complex challenges.

Before joining Education Northwest, Abby served as Strategy Manager at the Foundation for Tacoma Students, where she led a regional network focused on increasing financial aid completion across Pierce County. She facilitated a leadership advisory council, coordinated strategy sessions, and hosted convenings to foster collaboration and professional learning. Her background also includes managing scholarship funding for early childhood educators at Child Care Aware of Washington and leading youth programming and enrollment at Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she began her career as an AmeriCorps VISTA. Outside of work, Abby is a board member for Write253 and the Tacoma Tree Foundation, where she supports environmental justice and the creative empowerment of youth through writing and art.

Education

• B.A., Sociology and Anthropology, University of Puget Sound

My favorite vacation spot is...

Spain

The strangest thing in my refrigerator is...

Tiny containers of salsa from my favorite taqueria

My favorite weather is...

Camping weather