Staff

Lisa Keating has extensive experience advocating on behalf of LGBTQ+ people in Washington state and nationally. From 2021 to 2023, she served as the director of family engagement and policy with the GenderCool Project, a youth-led movement helping replace misinformed opinions with positive experiences meeting transgender and non-binary youth who are thriving. Prior to that, Keating founded and ran My Purple Umbrella, where she provided training on LGBTQ+ safety and inclusion for schools, healthcare facilities and community organizations. 

Keating has also worked as an ELO (expanded learning opportunities) provider at the Tacoma Public Schools. She was elected to the school board for Tacoma Public Schools in 2019 and currently serves as the board's president. 

"The LGBTQ+ commission in Washington is doing groundbreaking work," said Keating. "From the statewide survey currently underway to the youth advisory council in development, I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve the way state government meets the needs of Washingtonians, in a manner that is inclusive and mindful of gender or sexual orientation." 

Sawyer Tuttle, they/them, graduated from Washington State University Vancouver in 2023 with a major in Anthropology and a minor in Political Science. Their first introduction to state government was as a legislative intern during the 2023 legislative session, where they focused and worked on LGBTQ policies and bills. They started their role with the Washington LGBTQ Commission in August 2023 and are excited to continue their work in state government in this role. Outside of work, they enjoy running and hiking, board and video games, live music and spending time with their partner, Ally, and their two cats. 

Samuel Fennell (he/him) is a dedicated advocate and trainer. Originally from Henderson, Nevada, he lived in Oregon and New Hampshire before finding his home in Olympia. Sam’s initial involvement in LGBTQ+ activism began during his undergraduate years where he was the Coordinator for Western Oregon Universities LGBTQ resource hub, the Stonewall Center, and discovered joy and delight participating in the annual Drag Show. Sam received an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Western Oregon University, then studied Business Administration at Northeastern University, and will graduate with a Master’s in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College in 2024.

Sam most recently served as the Trans & Queer Initiatives Coordinator for the BIPOC & LGBTQ+ Intersectional Support Services office at The Evergreen State College. He is passionate about transformative justice, equal access for all, and ensuring our communities are places where all queer people can thrive. Sam can often be found on the Sound, snowboarding down a mountain, or playing board games with his wife and friends.