BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BAILEE SCHEUFFELE (she/her)
President
I'm (technically) a Seattle native, having lived here since high school. I'm a teacher, a behavior analyst, a mom (to a dog AND a human!), a wife, a voracious reader, a yogi, a hiker, an amateur horticulturist and interior designer, and a life-of-the-party teetotaler. I believe in the power of youth and community, and am called by Coyote's mission of—and success in—serving both of those forces.
FUN FACTS: I grew up on a small island in Alaska that is only accessible by boat or plane, and had a summer job performing Norwegian dances for cruise ships.
DAMON BROWN (he/him)
Executive Committee
I've spent most of my time solving creative problems as a graphic designer, illustrator, digital painter, and public artist, and now I own a creative studio. During my free time, I enjoy hanging out with family and figuring out new avenues to explore creatively. I love giving back and inspiring creative youth, so Coyote Central checks many boxes as they continue to provide an outlet for the youth to experiment and create.
FUN FACTS: I have a secret love for racquetball and was one of the selected artists to create a Starbucks 50th anniversary poster.
VEDRANA DURAKOVIC (she/her)
I came to the US from Bosnia when I was nine years old as a refugee in the 90s. Since the war, I have moved countries about nine times and moved back to Seattle 2019. I have worked in the area of social justice, human rights and philanthropy through grad school and living in Bosnia, and currently work for a nonprofit that supports older adults across King County. My academic background is in international relations and conflict resolution and I am passionate about creating positive change and impact in my community. I love to read and write in my free time, as well as stay active by going hiking, backpacking, and engaging in many other outdoor activities with my best companion and adventure buddy, Ellie (my dog). I also love dancing, good food, and wine!
FUN FACTS: I'm a huge fan of dance movies (think You Got Served, Footloose, Save the Last Dance) and have probably seen pretty much every dance movie out there- even the foreign ones and ultra cheesy ones (granted, most of them are cheesy). When home alone, I like to try and re-enact some of the scenes from these dance movies and have a dance party playlist ready for whenever I feel like breaking out into dance moves.
LAURA MARIE RIVERA (she/her)
Secretary
Laura Marie is a mother, an educator, and a lifelong learner. Her first experiences with the arts were ballet class and a local arts camp. Having grown up to perform in Broadway musicals and later work in a world-class art museum, it is safe to say that she truly believes in the power of the arts. She is a fierce advocate for education, the arts, and equity and inclusion. During her “free time,” she has started working on her Doctorate at Seattle University. Laura Marie lives in Queen Anne with her husband, four children, and her dog—Diego Rivera.
FUN FACTS: Once upon a time, Laura Marie was one of George Lucas’s Ewoks. And after college, she got to tap dance through Europe.
KEVIN HAYWOOD, JR. (he/him)
President Emeritus
Kevin transplanted to the Pacific Northwest in late 2008, after having spent some time abroad working in Europe and living in Atlanta for a brief stint. He's been a part of Coyote since 2011, initially volunteering and supporting the annual auction gala. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the board and oversees the Events Committee. Kevin's career is within the veterinary industry as a business strategist, building privately-owned companion animal hospitals' culture and brand. Kevin grew up raising and showing livestock in California — he continues to maintain a farm-to-table approach with a small flock of chickens at his Beacon Hill home with his partner Matt and their cats, Monkey and Toni Collette!
FUN FACTS: I'm an ordained minister, having married two close sets of friends. I took a gap year in college to bartend in London and travel.
SHIRLEY CHENG (she/her)
Treasurer
As an architect with a global design firm for over 20 years since I graduated from University of Washington, I was working in Seattle, Beijing, and Hong Kong offices to lead projects collaborating with multi-disciplinary agencies. Recently, I have returned to Seattle to pursue a career in community Service. I want to contribute to the community that I love with my diverse knowledge, skill and experience gathered over my professional practice. Also, I am hoping to be a role model to my son who is attending Garfield High School, he has inspired me greatly during the COVID lockdown to be a better citizen and go beyond the comfort zone.
FUN FACTS: It was wonderful to growth up with my 6 sisters and 3 brothers in Hong Kong, we learned quickly how to share and be independent at a young age. I am fortunate to have all my siblings in the Seattle area to support each other now, a casual weekly family gathering can be easily over 30 family members during pre-COVID times.
ENRICO MARTINEZ (he/him)
I’ve lived in the Central District for over a decade and had driven by Coyote countless times before I had the chance to walk in the door yet always knew there was something special about this place. When I joined the board in 2017, I was looking to get more involved in my community and have been so rewarded by the dynamic and energetic environment that is Coyote. From day one, I have felt incredibly proud of our mission and feel lucky to be part of a group that is focused on expanding our reach and enhancing our students’ experiences.
FUN FACTS: I’ve lived 1/3 of my life in three cities: Mexico City, LA, and Seattle
ADVISORY BOARD
Bill Parks
Jim Rzegocki
Lena Saba
Lalie Scandiuzzi
Katherine James Schuitemaker
Rose Tatlow
Brenetta Ward
Michelle Buzzoni
Steve Clagett
Manine Golden
Louis Herrera
Nan Kinnier
Julie Little