Skagit Women Alliance and Network (SWAN)
SWAN is a non-profit organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting women of achievement in Skagit County. SWAN annually celebrates and honors outstanding Skagit County women for their success and contributions to the community as business leaders, innovators and visionaries. SWAN also provides scholarships each year for women to continue the mentoring legacy in the pursuit of excellence.
Click here to read the SWAN President's letter to the community.
Kristia Poppe
2012 Business and Professional Woman of the Year
Please join us in congratulating the Skagit Women's Alliance and Network 2012 Business and Professional Woman of the Year, Kristia Poppe!
Kristia's service to our Skagit County community is considerable. In 1992, she began volunteering with the United Way of Skagit County. She wanted to contribute money but didn't have very much to spare, so she decided to give her time. For 8 years Kristia also volunteered as an On-Call Advocate for the Skagit Rape Relief and Battered Woman Services, answering calls, talking to victims, and arranging temporary shelter. Kristia is proud of the role she played in helping break the cycle of violence towards women.
She then joined AmeriCorps as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) at West View School. Her role was to train volunteers how to help 1st and 2nd grade English as a secondary language (ESL) students learn to read. In 2000, Kristia joined the Board for Burlington-Edison Education and Alumni Foundation, a position she still holds today. This position gives her the opportunity to watch and help students who want to achieve their dreams of going to college by awarding scholarships.
In 2004, Kristia joined the Board of Directors for the United Way of Skagit County, a position she still holds today. From 2006-2012 she held a position on the Board of the United General Hospital Foundation. She has also held the position of Board member and Treasurer for 3 of the last 4 Bond campaigns for Burlington-Edison Citizens for Schools as well as Treasurer for Burlington-Edison Theatre Arts Booster Club.
Kristia has been in the banking industry for 25 years and is currently Vice President and Business Services Manager at Skagit State Bank.
Of all the contributions Kristia has made, the one she is most proud of is the fact that she has instilled the value of community service in her two children, Erin and Davis. Krisita's favorite quote is: "Be the change you wish to see in the world."-Gandhi.
Thank you Kristia, for all you do to make our Skagit County community a great place to live!
We Appreciate our 2012 SWAN Sponsors. Please support those who support SWAN.
Please take a moment to view the full list of sponsors who make this distinction possible.