Kari Young

Kari grew up in eastern Washington and came to Tacoma as a student at PLU, graduating with a degree in sociology. Post-college, she did a year of service with AmeriCorps NCCC, then returned to the Puget Sound area and built up 19 years of nonprofit experience through work at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, KNKX, and now, LCSNW. She has spent the past 9 years focusing on major and planned giving. At LCSNW, she managed a tri-state area (WA, ID, OR) of fundraising teams with an emphasis on major donor engagement. Now at Degrees of Change she is building a fundraising program to support education, equity and leadership.

Kari is a mentor through AFP South Sound as well as through the Milgard School of Business Women's Initiative's Mentoring Program. She is a board member for AFP South Sound and has been recognized as a South Sound 40 under 40.

Personally, Kari lives in Spanaway with her husband, 2 kids and furry Siberian Husky. She loves to explore, entertain, have fun, create and learn with her family and friends. Kari’s passion for being the bridge between donors and service recipients is cornerstone to the work she does. Being able to work with donors and use philanthropy to make a difference in our communities is what inspires her and brings her hope for our futures.