The Most Influential Seattleites of 2017
The activists, artists, officials and neighbors making Seattle a better place.
By Virginia Smyth November 1, 2017
This article originally appeared in the November 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.
It seems that for every action in this turbulent year, there has been an equal and opposite reaction. From social media campaigns to peaceful marches to lunchroom heroes swooping in to save the day, this was a year of taking a stand. Our Most Influential People of 2017 inspire us with their positive leadership and solution-oriented efforts to solve some of our city’s most daunting challenges.
This year—when our nation is more divided than ever—we’ve sought out people who are using their influence to affect positive change, working to bring together diverse groups, reaching out to help underserved populations and seeking to empower citizens. We hesitate to call them do-gooders—with that phrase’s Pollyanish overtones—but they are collectively doing good for Seattle and our region.
Person of the Year: The Unexpected Activist
The Marchers: Organizers of the Womxn’s March on Seattle
Community Center: The KEXP Gathering Space
The Defenders: Bob Ferguson, Noah Purcell and James Robart
Home Finder: Amazon’s John Schoettler
Giving Shelter: Xochitl Maykovich
Conscientious Objector: Chris Vance
Citizen Scientist: Sarah Myhre
Economic Transformer: Jill Mangaliman
Cellular Connection: Rick Horwitz
Immigrant Rights Advocates: Jorge Baron and Carlos Rodriguez
Bridge Builder: Aneelah Afzali
Justice Fighters: Nikkita Oliver, Dominique Davis and Anne Levinson
Coalition Builder: C. Davida Ingram
Pike Place Market Authority: Ben Franz-Knight
Youth Jail Breaker: Senait Brown
Seattle Times Truth Tellers: Mike Baker and Justin Mayo
Transit Transformer: Shefali Ranganathan
School Lunch Philanthropist: Jeffery Lew
Arts Enablers: Intiman Theatre’s Andrew Russell and Jennifer Zeyl
Crosscut’s 2017 Courage Award Winners
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