We are excited to announce we have two new members joining the NWOBS Board! Please join us in welcoming Melanie Stagnitti (pictured above) and Karen Westing. Continue reading to learn more about Melanie and Karen’s background and interest with NWOBS!
MEET: MELANIE STAGNITTI
- What interested you or what inspired you to join the NWOBS Board?
I have always been a huge fan of NWOBS, starting from when I was in college and attended a new instructor training course. The philosophy, focus on leadership in the outdoors and the connection with my home (the PNW) all make NWOBS an organization I have always admired. So, when the opportunity came up to contribute at the Board level, I couldn’t pass it up.
- What is your history with Outward Bound?
While in college at the University of Oregon, I participated in the Outdoor Pursuits Leadership Training Program, met a few Outward Bound instructors, and had the opportunity to attend a NWOBS new instructor training course. My life, however, took a different turn and I was never able to fulfil my goal of being an instructor. I have applied the outward bound principles, however, thorough out both my personal and professional life
- What is your professional/career background?
As a result of my outdoor leadership experience and training during college, I decided to pursue a career in Human Resources so I could apply some of the same leadership principles in a corporate environment. After graduating with a Masters in HR, I was hired by Intel where I had quite a lengthy career in multiple HR leadership roles. I am currently the Chief Human Resources Office for FARO technologies, a public, high-tech company where I lead all HR functions across 28 different countries.
- What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy being outside, whether it is hiking, skiing, gardening, backpacking or just playing. Also, I enjoy visiting my two children with my husband who live in beautiful and interesting places.
MEET: Karen Westing
- What interested you or what inspired you to join the NWOBS Board?
I was exploring different board service opportunities a few years ago but I think the pandemic helped me reflect on how I want to apply my passion and professional skills in a meaningful way. I was really looking for spaces outside of work that align with my values and personal commitments to racial equity and justice. Outward Bound has had a profound influence on my life (more on that below) and it felt like a natural fit. I’m excited to be part of a community dedicated to building inclusive community relationships and helping students discover more about themselves through experiential learning!
2. What is your history with Outward Bound?
During my senior year of college I did a semester course with North Carolina Outward Bound School and it was truly life changing. Cliché, I know, but that is the best way to describe the experience. Up to that point, I was shy, lacked self-confidence and was often afraid to try new things. How did I end up on an OB course then!? I suppose that was my first step towards change in signing up, that ability to challenge myself already existed in me but OB helped to surface it and build confidence in learning from mistakes. From that course I was inspired to become and OB instructor and I worked with Hurricane Island OB School for 5 yrs in that capacity, often out of the Baltimore base working with local students as part of hybrid service learning and wilderness programs. I also volunteered with NWOBS doing various logistical tasks at the then Anacortes base, when I lived in town back in the early 2000s.
3. What is your professional/career background?
I am VP of Marketing and Communications with Philanthropy Northwest, based in Seattle. We are one of the largest and most innovative philanthropy networks in the country, fostering collaboration and action that builds more equitable Northwest communities. My background is in copywriting, digital marketing and PR. I’ve worked with many nonprofits throughout my career including YMCA of Greater Seattle and Global WA. I’m a professional storyteller with over twenty years of experience developing and leading marketing and public relations campaigns.
4. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
So many things, it’s hard to fit them all in! Obviously many outdoor activities including snowshoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and telemark skiing. I’m in a local dance group and we practice most weekends and perform and community and cultural festivals. I have a passion for cooking and baking so I also like to discover new recipes and test them out. I also really enjoy music and seeing live shows so I’m looking forward to doing more of that over the next year. Also just spending time at a local beach park with my friends sounds like a fabulous way to spend an afternoon!