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.

Board term expires 7/24/2027

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.

Board term expires 9/22/2027

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.

Board term expires 12/7/2027

Jessica Heaton is a mother, educator and activist.  She holds a doctorate from the University of Washington where she studied cultivating and sustaining educational systems for diversity, inclusion and justice.  She worked as a classroom teacher for a decade and an Assistant Principal for five years, before joining a think tank to reimagine public schooling for racial justice.  She has recently returned to the classroom where she is collaborating with students to build educational experiences that reflect their values and interests. 

Board term expires 9/22/2028