Back in 2016, when she was Tacoma’s mayor, Marilyn Strickland and a group of colleagues listened to Bill Strickland (no relation) talk about the success of his Manchester Bidwell program (see https://www.manchesterbidwell.org/) in Pittsburgh and how the program has benefitted countless individuals to access no-cost job training and obtain living-wage jobs in high demand industries on sustainable career paths. She also learned what other Centers in cities like Chicago, Boston, and San Francisco were doing. The mayor said at the time that she wanted to see something similar in Tacoma. (A 2016 feasibility study [see https://arivva.org/media/] helped to pinpoint efforts in Parkland.)
Commenting recently at her first annual Soul to Seoul Celebration, now U.S. Congresswoman Strickland acknowledged her excitement about knowing her idea has turned to action. Arivva board member Paul Ban and Executive Director Dan Bissonnette, pictured here, enjoyed a conversation with Congresswoman Strickland. They shared appreciation for her idea that resulted in the founding of the Pierce Center for Arts and Technology, known as Arivva.
Arivva’s active Board of Directors comprises members of local business and educational communities and reflects the diversity of Pierce County. We are currently seeking additional members committed to equity and inclusion to consider becoming part of the Arivva Board. Right now, experience in nonprofit accounting, human resources, and the construction trades are our focus areas. If interested, email us at info@arivva.org marked with “Board Member Inquiry” in the subject line.