The Most Influential People
Meet 25 extraordinary individuals and one transformative company building community and advocating for equity
Seattle magazine’s annual list of Most Influential people includes those who inspire, guide and uplift others through their actions, leadership and dedication. Their far-reaching influence stems from their achievements, but equally important, their ability to foster connections across the community, advocate for positive change, and empower others to make a difference. We’re rolling out brief…
Amazon Numbers Still Aren’t in, But Downtown is Again on the Upswing
The Downtown Seattle Association notes persistent gains in foot traffic
It’s still too early to weigh the ramifications of Amazon’s return-to-work mandate, but another report from the Downtown Seattle Association finds that more workers are returning to the city’s core on a daily basis. The organization’s Downtown Revitalization Dashboard shows a 5% increase in December compared to the same month in 2023. In fact, every…
Milken Institute Lauds Olympia for its Booming Tech Sector
The city ranks among the best in the U.S. for economic growth
You may not think of Olympia as a hub of innovative technology. You may not know that the city’s technology sector grew faster than that of any city in the United States from 2018 to 2023. You may also not be aware that the city is among the “most equal” in the country, meaning that…
SponsoredA Tropical Reef in the Pacific Northwest
The Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion is now open
Dreading the return of “the Big Dark”? Great news: The Seattle Aquarium has you covered with the opening of its Ocean Pavilion expansion. It’s dedicated to the tropical reef ecosystems of the Coral Triangle, an area in the western Pacific so rich in marine biodiversity that it’s been called “the Amazon of the ocean.” This…
SponsoredUncommon Thinkers: Ambika Singh
CEO, Armoire
Ambika Singh says she isn’t a natural-born risk-taker, but you wouldn’t know it from looking at her career trajectory. Since launching Seattle-based clothing and rental subscription service Armoire in 2016, Singh has grown the company by more than 300%, employs 85 people, and delivers to customers across the U.S. Meanwhile, it’s caught the attention of…
Drinking: Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?
Distiller fears Surgeon General’s warning goes too far
Maddie Kelly isn’t a doctor. She’s a distiller at Seattle’s 2BAR Spirits, and she doesn’t want anybody to make health decisions based on her opinions. She does, however, encourage a healthy dose of skepticism over the Surgeon General’s recent warning about the dangers of even moderate alcohol consumption. “We’re a bourbon distillery, so naturally, we’re going…
Most Influential: Susan Lieu
Author, Playwright
Last spring, after publishing her first book, Vietnamese American author, playwright, and performer Susan Lieu went on a 30-stop national tour culminating in an event with the Vietnam Society at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. Along the way, Lieu garnered reviews and praise from media outlets including the New York Times, NPR, Kirkus…
Why Nordstrom is a Brand to Watch
From going private to Black Friday, Nordstrom appears poised for success
Nordstrom has faced its fair share of criticism over the years, everything from inventory issues to store closures to financial performance. And there’s no denying that department stores are in a serious squeeze. But Placer.ai — a data company that measures, among other things, foot traffic — calls the Seattle retailer one of its “10…
Most Influential: Faraji Blakeney
Co-Executive Director, Yoga Behind Bars
In a system where rehabilitation often takes a back seat to punishment, Faraji Blakeney has carved out a space for healing. As co-executive director of Yoga Behind Bars (YBB), he’s working to disrupt the cycle of trauma and stress that many incarcerated individuals face daily. In 2007, Blakeney was sentenced to 20 years for drug-related…
Moxie on Monday: Finding Your Ground in Grief
How to cope with loss and help others heal
The devastating fires in Los Angeles have left many of us feeling deep, collective grief. Having spent a decade in L.A. before moving to Seattle, I feel the ache of this loss on a visceral level. Entire communities have been reduced to ash, lives forever changed. The scale of devastation feels overwhelming. As an empath…
The Hidden Costs of Smoking
Washington smokers spend more on cigarettes than residents in most states
Cigarettes killed my father. He smoked two to three packs of cigarettes each day and died of emphysema at age 76. It’s a slow, painful way to go. I remember him buying cartons of cigarettes at a time, but as a child I never thought about the money he spent on such a vile habit….
Must List: Six Things to Do in Seattle This Week
Lunar New Year, soulful grooves, and epic opera
How’s everyone holding up? Watching the L.A. fires is heartbreaking. It has me thinking about growing up in California when we had to evacuate during the 49er Fire. It came close to our house, but we were lucky — some of our friends weren’t. Fires like this are more common now, and even here, summer…
The Pulse: Shaking Off the Frost
Big ideas, jazzy teens, burger farewells, and dancing aluminum
Seattle’s about to get a blast of icy air — and while I love the sharp clarity of a cold morning, it’s easy to romanticize when I’m indoors with a cup of coffee and my coziest socks. What’s your go-to for staying warm? Fleece-lined everything? A massive stack of library books? Let’s ride this cold…
The Corporate Rocket
Mortenson Market Lead Cori Palmer rose through the ranks at lightning speed
Talk about a rapid rise. In 2009, Cori Palmer was a freshly minted graduate from the University of Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. It didn’t take her long to land a job as a business development associate at Mortenson, a Minneapolis-based construction company with a sizable Seattle presence. Five promotions later, Palmer…
As Homelessness Persists, Every Step Counts
Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission will build a new shelter for unhoused women and children
A 21-unit shelter for unhoused women and children may seem insignificant, but it represents another step toward eradicating homelessness in King County. Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission has received a $3 million award from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines to fund the construction of the emergency shelter in South King County for homeless…
SponsoredWelcome to the Finer Side of Anaheim
Where luxury knows no bounds
Centrally located and internationally celebrated, Anaheim is the vibrant city infused with Walt Disney’s original spirit of possibilities. An elevated escape with captivating experiences in the heart of Orange County. In the destination where imagination reigns supreme, Anaheim welcomes you to the pursuit of wonder-filled memories — the greatest luxury of all. Crown Collection by…
SponsoredUPrep Prioritizes Student Wellness
Comprehensive mental health support programs focus on well-being
At UPrep, a 6–12 private school in Seattle’s Wedgwood neighborhood, student wellness is central to its academic program. Each of its 705 students benefit from a robust student support program. Students have easy access to mental health support. Each grade is paired with a counselor who supports them throughout their UPrep years, fostering lasting relationships….
Podcast & Event highlights
SponsoredCitydog! Club: More wiggle in the wag!
All images courtesy of Citydog! Club Citydog! offers dog daycare, dog boarding, dog grooming and fun! The Club is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes that want to play and hang with the gang. Citydog! Club daycare will give dogs what they need and love – socialization, play, naps, and exercise,…
SponsoredUncommon Thinkers Welcome
Seattle's Korean American innovators are shaping communities and forging global connections
In partnership with Greater Seattle Partners, Seattle magazine is honored to recognize our region’s boldest “Uncommon Thinkers” — the inventors, artists, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are transforming communities and driving positive change throughout the world. #UncommonThinkersWelcome
Most Influential: Microsoft
Business, Equity
As Microsoft turns 50, it’s tempting to reflect on the software giant’s legacy. After all, this is a company that revolutionized personal computing, advanced productivity tools like Microsoft Office, and redefined gaming through Xbox. Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith prefers to focus on what’s ahead. Think artificial intelligence that enhances productivity and creativity,…
FareStart Earns $10,000 Jacques Pépin Foundation Grant
The Seattle nonprofit is one of 16 programs nationwide to receive recognition for its community impact
FareStart, the Seattle nonprofit that trains people for jobs in the food industry, has received a $10,000 Winter 2025 grant from the Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF). The funding will support programs that help those facing homelessness or other barriers to employment gain essential culinary and job skills. “FareStart is profoundly honored to be awarded a…
Built on Trust
Company leaders reveal secrets to a buzzing, productive workplace. Hint: It’s more than perks.
At Pot O’ Gold Coffee Service, company leaders were pleasantly surprised when employees told them they enjoyed after-hours events with colleagues. At Fully Integrated Team HR — which has a remote workforce — employees often schedule in-person working sessions, sometimes with their children in tow. Salespeople who close a big deal ring a loud gong…
SponsoredUncommon Thinkers: Sunny Singh
Founder, Roundglass and Edifecs
For Sunny Singh, wellness is more than his job. As the founder of Roundglass, an app that helps users work activities such as meditation, breathwork and yoga into their daily routines, health and wellness are woven into the fabric of Singh’s life. With decades of tech experience, Singh created the company in 2014 with the…
SponsoredGet Cozy in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley
Enjoy the bounty of a unique and beautiful destination this fall
During the fall months, Oregon’s Tualatin Valley becomes a sanctuary of comfort and tranquility. Nestled among rolling hills and lush vineyards, the valley takes on a special charm during “Cozy Season.” Cozy Season in Tualatin Valley is about embracing the art of slow living. It’s a time to disconnect from the fast pace of modern…
Drinking: Is the Glass Half Full or Half Empty?
Distiller fears Surgeon General’s warning goes too far
Maddie Kelly isn’t a doctor. She’s a distiller at Seattle’s 2BAR Spirits, and she doesn’t want anybody to make health decisions based on her opinions. She does, however, encourage a healthy dose of skepticism over the Surgeon General’s recent warning about the dangers of even moderate alcohol consumption. “We’re a bourbon distillery, so naturally, we’re going…
FareStart Earns $10,000 Jacques Pépin Foundation Grant
The Seattle nonprofit is one of 16 programs nationwide to receive recognition for its community impact
FareStart, the Seattle nonprofit that trains people for jobs in the food industry, has received a $10,000 Winter 2025 grant from the Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF). The funding will support programs that help those facing homelessness or other barriers to employment gain essential culinary and job skills. “FareStart is profoundly honored to be awarded a…
Seila: Cambodian Food, Served Haute
Canlis alum Kevin Top shows Seattle the fancy side of Khmer cuisine
The line is long in the back half of Stoup Brewing’s Capitol Hill location, but everyone’s chatting excitedly, even strangers with one another. They’re all united by curiosity, waiting to try Chef Kevin Top’s fast-casual menu of restyled Cambodian dishes, which he’s also been serving in a dinner party format as a popup called Seila….
Like Paris Baguette? You’re in Luck.
The French bakery is on a quest to open 1,000 locations in North America
Popular French neighborhood bakery Paris Baguette has only two locations in Washington state, in Lynnwood’s Alderwood Mall and in Tukwila. Expect many more. In December, the bakery announced the opening of its 200th location in North America as part of an ambitious plan to open 1,000 cafes across the United States. “This milestone sets the…
The Corporate Rocket
Mortenson Market Lead Cori Palmer rose through the ranks at lightning speed
Talk about a rapid rise. In 2009, Cori Palmer was a freshly minted graduate from the University of Puget Sound with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. It didn’t take her long to land a job as a business development associate at Mortenson, a Minneapolis-based construction company with a sizable Seattle presence. Five promotions later, Palmer…
Most Influential: Susan Lieu
Author, Playwright
Last spring, after publishing her first book, Vietnamese American author, playwright, and performer Susan Lieu went on a 30-stop national tour culminating in an event with the Vietnam Society at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art. Along the way, Lieu garnered reviews and praise from media outlets including the New York Times, NPR, Kirkus…
Why Nordstrom is a Brand to Watch
From going private to Black Friday, Nordstrom appears poised for success
Nordstrom has faced its fair share of criticism over the years, everything from inventory issues to store closures to financial performance. And there’s no denying that department stores are in a serious squeeze. But Placer.ai — a data company that measures, among other things, foot traffic — calls the Seattle retailer one of its “10…
Most Influential: Faraji Blakeney
Co-Executive Director, Yoga Behind Bars
In a system where rehabilitation often takes a back seat to punishment, Faraji Blakeney has carved out a space for healing. As co-executive director of Yoga Behind Bars (YBB), he’s working to disrupt the cycle of trauma and stress that many incarcerated individuals face daily. In 2007, Blakeney was sentenced to 20 years for drug-related…
Popular Stories
What Did the Eras Tour Mean for Seattle?
Taylor Swift’s sold-out shows brought millions to the city
The Eras Tour is over. Taylor Swift’s 21-month world tour came to a close last Sunday after six nights in Vancouver, B.C. Along the way, it added a staggering $4.3 billion to the U.S. GDP — a number on par with the Super Bowl and the Olympics. But Seattle had its own economic moment when…
Pieces of a Ferry: The Story of the Kalakala
Remembering 'the workhorse of Puget Sound'
People often ask how I manage to find so many historical treasures, and quite honestly, it’s often just a matter of dumb luck. Case in point: Several months back I decided to stop at a random garage sale while out running errands. Nothing initially grabbed my eye, but on the way out I noticed an…
Is Downtown Seattle Again Becoming The Place To Be?
The numbers just keep getting better
More workers and visitors are increasingly going to downtown Seattle. While the growth is incremental, the numbers are cause for optimism. The Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) reports that nearly 2.3 million unique visitors came downtown in November. That’s 90% of the visitors prior to the same month five years ago (shortly before the pandemic). It’s…
The Joys and Challenges of Living out of a Converted Bus
Don’t talk to Heather Shutter about small spaces. Sure, she lives in a converted, 400-square-foot school bus — a skoolie — with her husband, Ben, three children (ages 14, 12, and 10), several dogs, and a Gecko lizard. She’s a full-time attorney who works in a tiny, cramped compartment in the back. Her kids are…
Walla Walla: More Than Wine
Visitors come to sip and shop, but they return for the city’s sense of community
There seem to be two camps regarding Walla Walla: Those who love it, and those who haven’t been there. To be sure, the city boasts an enterprising spirit in this creative college town of artists, makers, brewers, and bakers. For a small town of 34,000 people living on farmland, there’s quite a lot going on. …
Ten Top Travel Destinations for 2025
How to prepare for these extraordinary destinations right here in Seattle
How to prepare for these extraordinary destinations right here in Seattle The theme of travel in 2025 is empathy, to remind ourselves that the world is a big place, and that other people face obstacles as well. To quote Robert Louis Stevenson, it’s time “to come down off this featherbed of civilization, and find the…
Let There Be Light: Not the Las Vegas You Remember
A two-and-a-half-hour flight from Seattle brings desert sunshine and bold reinvention
Humans crave light. It fuels our bodies, lifts our moods, and makes even the darkest days feel a little brighter. When winter in the Pacific Northwest drags on, the trick is to learn from our feathered friends and fly south. In this three-part series, we’ll explore three escapes from the gray: Waikiki, Santa Barbara, and…
Let There Be Light: Sepia Splendor in Santa Barbara
Two-and-a-half hours from Seattle, golden glow and coastal charm await
Humans crave light. It fuels our bodies, lifts our moods, and makes even the darkest days feel a little brighter. When winter in the Pacific Northwest drags on, the trick is to learn from our feathered friends and fly south. In this three-part series, we’ll explore three escapes from the gray: Waikiki, Santa Barbara, and…
The Holly Jolly Hustle
Seattle mag’s last-minute holiday travel gift guide
The holidays sped in on a supersonic sleigh this year! It’s not too late to find an out-of-this-world gift for those who love to wander this earth. Whether you’re shopping for Christmas, Hanukkah, Sagittarians, or yourself — these gifts will fuel wanderlust, inspire adventure, and make traveling more enjoyable. Hydrating Facial Airplane travel plus cold…
Moxie on Monday: Finding Your Ground in Grief
How to cope with loss and help others heal
The devastating fires in Los Angeles have left many of us feeling deep, collective grief. Having spent a decade in L.A. before moving to Seattle, I feel the ache of this loss on a visceral level. Entire communities have been reduced to ash, lives forever changed. The scale of devastation feels overwhelming. As an empath…
Moxie on Monday: Ready to Wake Up and Take the Plunge?
No, not into another relationship or job. Something that jolts you awake in the best way possible.
Icy waters are part of the scenery here in the Pacific Northwest. Why not incorporate this free gift from Mama Nature into your wellness routine? Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Cold water? In the middle of winter? Absolutely not.” But stay with me, because this simple, slightly crazy practice could fire up your energy,…
Moxie on Monday: Become The Butterfly Within and Transform in 2025
Why it’s important to ‘lean into the stillness’
One of my favorite shows that I could watch over and over again is Ted Lasso. Ted says, “Be a goldfish.” Well, not this week, as I say, “Be a Butterfly!” In order to be a butterfly, you have to embrace that old caterpillar within and get ready for remodeling and a new wardrobe! You…
When Your Mind Makes a Promise That Your Body Can’t Fill
Aging is inevitable. We must accept it with grace and gratitude.
Denial is not always a bad thing. I practice it religiously, albeit selectively. I know my age is getting close to the beginning of my eighth decade, but I choose to see that as just the start of another one. I am also into denial about what my true hair color might be if I…
Spencer Frazer: Second Act Artist Changing the World
Spencer Frazer is exemplary of multiple talents and multiple acts. Hear his journey of working on top secret government projects, to being a maker of combat knives, to finally emerging as one of the top painters in our region. Learn how he uses his art to change the world.
Peter Tomozawa: World Cup Baller Elevates Seattle, ep. 2
Peter Tomozawa, CEO of the Seattle World Cup organizing committee, chats about how Seattle snagged the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He discusses the hustle of local leaders, the importance of community support, and how the event will benefit the entire region.
Peter Tomozawa: World Cup Baller Elevates Seattle, ep. 1
Peter Tomozawa is the CEO of the Seattle World Cup Organizing Committee, responsible for readying our city for the biggest show in the world. He was also the prior president of the Seattle Sounders, and has had one of the most fascinating business careers spanning the globe. Join us as he tells us why Seattle should take center stage.
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SponsoredCitydog! Club: More wiggle in the wag!
All images courtesy of Citydog! Club Citydog! offers dog daycare, dog boarding, dog grooming and fun! The Club is perfect for dogs of all shapes and sizes that want to play and hang with the gang. Citydog! Club daycare will give dogs what they need and love – socialization, play, naps, and exercise,…
SponsoredA Tropical Reef in the Pacific Northwest
The Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion is now open
Dreading the return of “the Big Dark”? Great news: The Seattle Aquarium has you covered with the opening of its Ocean Pavilion expansion. It’s dedicated to the tropical reef ecosystems of the Coral Triangle, an area in the western Pacific so rich in marine biodiversity that it’s been called “the Amazon of the ocean.” This…
SponsoredGet Cozy in Oregon’s Tualatin Valley
Enjoy the bounty of a unique and beautiful destination this fall
During the fall months, Oregon’s Tualatin Valley becomes a sanctuary of comfort and tranquility. Nestled among rolling hills and lush vineyards, the valley takes on a special charm during “Cozy Season.” Cozy Season in Tualatin Valley is about embracing the art of slow living. It’s a time to disconnect from the fast pace of modern…
SponsoredUncommon Thinkers Welcome
Editor’s Note: This series is a partnership between Seattle magazine and Greater Seattle Partners, designed to recognize some of the region’s boldest Uncommon Thinkers — the inventors, artists, leaders, and entrepreneurs who are transforming communities and driving positive change throughout the world. Greater Seattle has deep cultural and economic ties with the Indian diaspora, with…