“The Y is where community connects,” Alison Prince stated passionately. A YMCA of Greater Seattle board member since 2015, Alison has learned first-hand the role that the Y plays in community and is excited to help further the Y’s mission in her new role as YMCA of Greater Seattle Board Chair. “It’s a unique way to use your skills, and it can also stretch you to develop skills you didn’t know you had while learning about new perspectives,” shared Alison about what it means for her to be a board member. 

Alison and her husband, Franklin, and their two kids, Eleanor (9) and Sam (7) have experienced and enjoyed many aspects of the Y, like swim lessons, Healthy Kids Day, and YMCA Camp Orkila, but some of the most important ways the Y has impacted her family is through learning about the needs in our region. After visiting some of the Y Social Impact Center housing sites and learning about the needs of young adults facing homelessness, Alison was moved to start a giving tree for the Y Social Impact Center at Nordstrom. When her son asked why someone would ask for sneakers as a present, it spurred her to have some meaningful conversations with her kids about some of the critical needs in our region and how we can help meet them.

Another area Alison is passionate about is creating equitable access for all. With the tragic events of the past few years and the national spotlight on racial injustice, Alison has been increasingly inspired and committed as a Y supporter since seeing the bold steps the Y has taken and its continued commitment to becoming an anti-racist organization. “I believe more open conversation leads to better outcomes for everyone, and I believe it’s my responsibility as a leader to be active in creating these types of interactions,” shared Alison. Furthering the Y’s equity and justice work is something she is excited to champion in her new role.

As the Vice President of Product Management at Nordstrom and with her long and varied career in merchandising, Alison’s leadership experience and her passion for learning make her an excellent fit for the Board Chair position. “The Y and Nordstrom have a lot in common. We both serve people and share a passion for excellence.” Her direct, fun-loving personality also makes her a joy to get to know, so if you get the chance to meet Alison, make sure to ask about some of her favorite things: sparkles, animal prints, neon, pizza, bagels, and, of course, fashion, especially wide-legged pants!