On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am excited to share that Mehret Tekle-Awarun has been named executive director of Building Changes.
When Mehret stepped into the interim role earlier this year, she did so with the steady, values-driven leadership that has defined her seven years at Building Changes. Over this period, the Board recognized that we already had the right leader at the right time. Mehret has earned our full confidence to guide Building Changes into its next chapter.
Throughout her tenure, Mehret has been a driving force in advancing our mission. As the first hire and architect of our education strategy, she designed and implemented initiatives that shaped statewide policy and practice—most notably helping establish Washington’s Homeless Student Stability Program, now a nationally recognized model. She has expanded prevention efforts, strengthened partnerships with schools and communities, and embedded equity into every facet of our work.
This decision reflects not only Mehret’s leadership but also her deep commitment to Building Changes’ core mission: centering communities, shaping systems, and preventing homelessness before it starts. We are excited for the stability and momentum this brings as we continue driving systemic change so that children, youth, and families across Washington have the chance to thrive.
From Mehret Tekle-Awarun, Executive Director:
“As I celebrate my seventh anniversary with Building Changes, I’m deeply grateful for the mutual investment in my leadership journey and the growth we’ve shared along the way. I’m honored to continue leading an organization whose work has always been about transforming systems and investing in communities so that children and families have the stability and opportunity they deserve to thrive, and in this climate, to survive.
“My heartfelt thanks to our Board, staff, and partners for their trust, collaboration, and shared belief in what’s possible. I look forward to building on our collective progress with conviction, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to lasting change.”
Please join me in congratulating Mehret on her appointment. We are thrilled for the future of Building Changes under her leadership.
