Courtney Lee is a dedicated real estate agent with Spokane Home Buyers, specializing in representing home buyers since 2014. Driven by the belief that knowledge is power, Courtney is passionate about education. This passion not only fuels her commitment to educating each home buyer she works with but also inspires her active involvement on the Innovation Spokane Board.

Throughout her career, Courtney has volunteered extensively, primarily focusing on education. She recently contributed to the Long-Range Planning Committee for Cheney School District, helping to shape a strategic path forward for the growing District. As the Programming Chair for the EWU Young Professionals Network, she organized networking events for young professionals in the area. Additionally, she served as an advisory member for the GEAR UP program at Lewis and Clark High School and spent a year as the voting student member on Eastern Washington University’s Board of Trustees during her graduate studies.

A proud Washington native, Courtney grew up in East Wenatchee and moved to Spokane in 2004 to attend Eastern Washington University, where she earned her BA in Human Resources, followed by her Masters in Business Administration and Masters in Public Administration. She fell in love with the area and decided to make it her home. Courtney is married and has two wonderful daughters. She is a proud graduate of the Leadership Spokane Class of 2014 and currently serves as the Troop Leader for her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop.

Ted Zhang is a seasoned technology executive, having spent the last 20 years in roles of increasing responsibility in product, marketing, and management.  Most recently, he was the Vice President of the US Market for a smart lighting company.  He is currently the Academic Director at Gonzaga University for the Center of Engineering Design & Entrepreneurship.  Ted has an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and a BS and MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.  He lives in Spokane Valley with his wife and 4 children.

Renowned for her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, Karen Boone stands as a catalyst for community transformation and advocacy. As the founder of the pioneering initiative “I am Spokane,” she has galvanized networks of civic ambassadors while drawing on over two decades of experience as a Washington State certified crisis and crime victim advocate. Karen’s influence is evident in her innovative approaches to tackling critical issues such as poverty, systemic racism, and violence. Her hallmark program, "Breaking the Silence on Violence in Marginalized and Underserved Communities," has not only elevated public discourse but also driven tangible improvements in mental health resources, inspired policy reform, and secured vital state-funded endeavors. Karen’s thought leadership is amplified through her published works, which continue to inspire and inform city-wide campaigns, helping to channel millions of volunteer hours into measurable economic and social benefit.

Maliek Martin is a workforce development leader and operations strategist with over eight years of experience in talent acquisition, community engagement, and business development. He currently serves as Community Engagement Coordinator at the Spokane Workforce Council, where he leads initiatives that connect individuals to meaningful employment, education, and local resources.

A proven builder of high-performing teams, Maliek has led recruitment and engagement efforts across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. His work is rooted in a deep belief in equity, access, and the power of relationships to transform communities.

Appointed to the Innovation High School Board of Directors in 2025, Maliek is passionate about creating pathways for young people and preparing them for success beyond the classroom.

Originally from Spokane, Maliek lives with his spouse and their young child. When he’s not diving into business strategy or community initiatives, you can find him out fishing, hiking local trails, or exploring new ideas at the intersection of leadership and innovation.

Born and raised in Spokane, WA, Ethan Harrison is a proud graduate of Eastern Washington University, where he earned a degree in Business & Marketing with a minor in Visual Communication Design. He is the owner and operator of Dynamite Enterprises, a local business specializing in custom printing, apparel, stickers, and promotional products, with a focus on supporting small businesses throughout the community.

In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Ethan is an active member of Spokane’s music scene, performing in the bands The Nixon Rodeo and Nothing Shameful. His passion for small business, the arts, and youth development drives his commitment to encouraging the next generation to explore creativity, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.

Lynne Blackwood is a graduate of W.S.U. with a bachelor's degree in Theater Arts as well as a minor in Music and English Lit.  She spent the first 20 years after graduation pursuing a career in the theater as an actor, singer, director and designer. She travelled extensively chasing the dream, occasionally catching it.

She has also spent many years working in the public sector with a brief career in stock brokerage and 22 years as a project manager in the healthcare industry.

Her spare time is filled with being a dog mom, a clothing designer, and a maker of things.