Meet the Promoters of Plymouth

The Promoters of Plymouth (PoP) Committee is a group of future leaders who support Plymouth’s mission to end homelessness. Through their involvement, the committee members learn about and advocate for Plymouth’s essential practices like Housing First and permanent supportive housing. They also work directly with Plymouth residents and organize outreach events, the biggest of which is the Pop Some Tops gala. With all their hard work, the PoP Committee increases community connectedness, raises funds for Plymouth, and promotes a compassionate approach to eliminating homelessness.

A group of young professionals poses for a photo at an interstellar discotheque-themed party
The Promoters of Plymouth Committee
2023-2024

Co-Chairs

Brenda Baxter, JLL
Mari Smith, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Hayley Sherman, Botify

Members

Danielle Bowman, Watson Furniture Group
Jane Clawson Kay, Washington Trust Bank
Alex Comnenos, Pitch Book
Olivia Doyle, WaFd Bank
Amber French, Enviromental Works
Lindsey Friessnig, University of Washington; Foster School of Business
Taylor Graw, Amazon
Brittney Guzzi, PATH
Kate Kulaga, TRIBE Fitness
Carolina Kywi, Amazon
Jaden Lambros, Amazon
Madeline McHale, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Ashley McPeek, University of Washington
Mick Newell, Washington Holdings
Cindy Nguyen-Atkinson, Highline School District
Dani Oster, Venture General Contracting
Alena Owen, PATH
Kevin Payne, HomeStreet Bank
Kelly Weiler, Coughlin Porter Lundeen

Joining the 2024-2025 PoP Committee

Each year, the PoP Committee hosts educational events, fundraisers, and direct service opportunities for young professionals interested in taking action. Committee members meet monthly to plan these initiatives, with a special emphasis placed on their signature event Pop Some Tops, which provides an evening of networking and socializing and raises over $200,000 each year for Plymouth Housing.

To learn more about the PoP Committee and joining as a new member, please contact Gretchen Rhoden (grhoden@plymouthhousing.org).

2024 Pop Some Tops

The next Pop Some Tops fundraising event will take place on Friday, June 21, 2024, from 7:00 pm to midnight at Emerald City Trapeze. Check back soon for more information!

Pop Some Tops

Pop Some Tops is the PoP Committee’s signature fundraiser: an uplifting, energizing, and unforgettable evening supporting Plymouth’s mission to provide permanent supportive housing to individuals experiencing chronic homelessness.

In 2023, Pop Some Tops raised $225,000 to support Plymouth’s mission to end homelessness in our region.

Read more

Young professionals cheer and raise numbered paddles at a formal fundraising gala
Other PoP Committee Initiatives

In 2021, PoP hosted an educational series, Inside Plymouth Housing, to provide a deeper dive into Plymouth’s mission and the role of permanent supportive housing in addressing the homelessness crisis in Seattle/King County. To view slides, resources, and recordings of the webinar series, click below!

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A Place to Call Home: What is Housing First?

The series began with an introduction to permanent supportive housing and a discussion around the Housing First philosophy that stable housing transforms lives and everyone deserves a home. We heard from Plymouth’s Director of Communications on the importance of permanent supportive housing for people seeking housing after long-term homelessness.

View the slides here

From the Ground Up: How is a Plymouth Building Developed?

The second event explored Plymouth’s development process and the services and infrastructure designed to support Plymouth residents. This event featured Plymouth’s Real Estate Development Associate as well as the Director of Homeless and Clinic Operations for Neighborcare, one of our in-building medical service providers.

Watch the recording here

Our Neighbors: Who are the People of Plymouth Housing?

We concluded our event series with a panel discussion between members of Plymouth’s Social Services team, who help connect our residents to the services they need. The team shared stories from residents and staff in Plymouth’s buildings, broke down misconceptions around homelessness, and provided guidance for getting involved with Plymouth or supporting our unhoused neighbors. Check out some of the resources shared during that discussion here:

Watch the recording here

Thank you to the Pop Committee for everything they have done for Plymouth and our residents.