On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am excited to announce that Mehret Tekle-Awarun has been appointed interim executive director of Building Changes.
Over her seven years with Building Changes, Mehret has been a driving force in advancing Washington State’s efforts to improve attendance and academic outcomes for students experiencing unstable housing, helping make the state a national leader in this work.
As the founding driver of our education strategy, Mehret turned vision into action—designing and implementing initiatives that influenced statewide policy and practice. She led the school and housing partnership pilot that later shaped Washington’s Homeless Student Stability Program—now a nationally recognized model for integrating housing and education supports. She has advanced prevention efforts in partnership with schools by expanding district collaborations across the state, embedding racial equity into policy and practice, and helping build the statewide learning networks that are improving outcomes for students facing housing instability.
“Because of Mehret’s leadership and Building Changes’ partnership, Rainer Beach High School has new tools and resources that have measurably improved outcomes for our students experiencing homelessness. We’re grateful for partners like Building Changes who are improving systems so that more students get the support they need and the high-quality education they deserve.” — Annie Patu, Principal Rainer Beach High School
In stepping into this interim role, Mehret brings the same steady, values-driven leadership that has defined her tenure—investing in staff growth, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring our mission-driven work moves forward with clarity and purpose. We are confident she will guide Building Changes into its next chapter with vision, care, and a deep commitment to equity.
From Mehret Tekle-Awarun, Interim Executive Director:
“Over the past seven years at Building Changes, I’ve been deeply committed to advancing our mission and strengthening the partnerships and systems that make lasting change possible. Stepping into this role at such a pivotal time is both an honor and a responsibility I hold with deep care. I’m grateful to our Board and staff for their trust and partnership during this interim period. I carry forward the lessons of my journey here, and in this moment that calls for courage and collaboration, I’m committed to leading with both conviction and compassion.”
Please join us in congratulating and supporting Mehret in this role.
