Ep. 056 - Lora Swift, ED of West Seattle Junction Association

THE SEA-TOWN PODCAST: Interviewing Seattle's Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs

This week’s guest is Lora Swift, executive director of the West Seattle Junction Association. Lora is also the 2018 winner of the Westsider of The Year Award for her outstanding contribution to the West Seattle community. In 2002, Lora started Hotwire Coffee in the West Seattle Junction, firmly establishing herself as a valuable member and collaborator in the community. After running the business for many years, she made the bitter sweet decision to sell Hotwire Coffee and continued to follow her heart and enrolled in the Nonprofit Management Program at the University of Washington. Shortly after she was offered the job as the Executive Director for the Junction in August of 2016, where she continues to serve the West Seattle community. A little known fact about Lora, is that she is a British Citizen who came to the United States when she was 11 years old. She was processed in New York through JFK. She went back and forth between the US and England a few times before deciding to settle in the United States. Lora is a very involved in the community and an avid connector of community members and business owners. Lora ran the Outdoor Movies for 12 years as a volunteer and now continues to run the movies as a part of her current role at the Junction Association. Lora has always had a passion for the Junction and along with founding Hotwire, she has served on the Board of Directors for the West Seattle Junction Association and cofounded the West Seattle Art Walk and movie night. Learn more about Lora, her role at the Junction and her involvement in the community in this episode. Episode Highlights:

• Laura’s job as the Executive Director of the Junction Association
• What the Junction is all about
• Laura’s transition from Hotwire to the Junction
• Unexpected challenges Laura experienced taking over the role at the Junction
• Laura’s decision to stay in the United States
• Things that contribute to the success of Laura’s role
• Gathering people together for a common cause

Guest’s Contact Info: Wsjunction.org wsartwalk.org Wsmovies.org wsresourceroundup.com/resources/ Ways to Subscribe to The Sea-Town Podcast:

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