Before we introduce you to our small but mighty Board in their own words, we want you to know we are actively seeking members. Do you have a passion for social, racial, and/or educational justice? We are recruiting community members with intersectional life experience/expertise. Parents of school age children, LGBTQ+ folx, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are encouraged to apply! Our Governance Board will meet ~6 times per year. Want to know more? Email us at info@watogether.org to talk with Interim Executive Director Meghan Sullivan or submit a Board application (link in the column at right).
President
Melvin J. Fields Jr. has more than three decades of local, state, and government leadership experience in the military, public schools, collegiate level, and non-profit. He credits his spiritual connection for everything he’s achieved including his marriage of 35 years. Both of their adult children earned STEM degrees from the University of Washington. He is currently pursuing his PhD in Leadership Studies from Saint Martin's University.
Melvin has traveled around the world in service to his country and earned military honors and achievements during combat. Despite having worked hard to earn all the personal and professional accolades; belonging, safety, and peace has yet to be realized for him and many others here in Thurston County and beyond. Melvin enjoys spending time with family, traveling, going to the gym, learning new things, and reading.
“The truth is found in the origin stories of those who experienced trauma and negligence is produced when one chooses to be willfully ignorant about the happening.” -Melvin, 2023
Vice President
Treasurer-Secretary
"for the past three decades, dr. sarahlloyd has successfully led teams in k-20 education, social work, crisis support, workforce development, and public service.
with this broad range of experiences, there aren't many organizational challenges she hasn't faced...and overcome. as a systemically-marginalized human determined to change the world, she has extensive lived-experience navigating the impact of inequitable structures first-hand. every single day. in nearly every way. with degrees in communication, educational leadership, and social justice leadership, she actively blends the theoretical with practical application, dr. sarahlloyd is uniquely positioned to give guidance and insight that is as brilliant and innovative as it is effective."
Board Member
Judith Barba Perez
Dr. Melissa Beard
TOGETHER! has more than one vacant Governance Board position. Interested in applying? Service terms are 3 years long, and service is limited to 3 terms (9 total years). Questions? Email us at info@watogether.org to connect.
Ready to apply? Complete and submit an application, and email it to info@watogether.org. Let's partner to help you utitlize your knowledge, passions, and life experience to further our shared goals of advancing health and educational equity and justice.
Honoring our Late Board Member José S. Gutierrez Jr, M.Ed, MIT (he, him)
If you’re ready to join TOGETHER! on our mission to advance the health and wellbeing of all young people, pply today to join our Governance Board by filling out the Board of Directors Application and emailing it to: info@watogether.org
Ways to Support Our Mission:
Volunteer
Donate
Events
Work With Us
"The work TOGETHER! does in Thurston County is extremely important. TOGETHER!’s programs have a [long] history of making meaningful, positive change." - Rick Hughes
"The work TOGETHER! does in Thurston County is extremely important. TOGETHER!’s programs have a [long] history of making meaningful, positive change."
- Rick Hughes
"The organization’s mission is critically important for our community’s positive future." - Celia Nightingale
"The organization’s mission is critically important for our community’s positive future."
- Celia Nightingale
"North Thurston Public Schools has partnered with TOGETHER! in the prevention of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse among our youth. ... I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact the TOGETHER! program has made on the students in Thurston County. I am honored to work collaboratively with a community-based organization such as TOGETHER! ... ." - Karen Johnson
"North Thurston Public Schools has partnered with TOGETHER! in the prevention of violence, alcohol, tobacco and drug abuse among our youth. ... I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact the TOGETHER! program has made on the students in Thurston County. I am honored to work collaboratively with a community-based organization such as TOGETHER! ... ."
- Karen Johnson