SDM CONSULTING - Key Persons
Collin Thrower was born and raised in San Jose, California and attended university in both Washington and Massachusetts. As an Eagle Scout, he spent his teen and college years volunteering with campaigns and local organizations. He concerns himself with the preservation and expansion of democracy, and strives to improve the material conditions of all. Residing in Oregon for the immediate future, Collin has a bachelor's degree in Politics/Philosophy/Economics from Western Washington University and a Master's in Political Science from Northeastern University. In his free time he writes, plays video games, and attempts to catch up on books, movies, and shows he keeps putting off.
Job Titles:
- Trainer
- Communications & Outreach VP Pronouns
Minnie Bliesner is an alumni of care and the homeless system. But her expertise extends beyond exposure to these systems. She has utilized her lived experience to lobby, advocate, and educate those about the importance of elevating the voices of those impacted by these policies in Washington State.
Her work with organizations such as The Mockingbird Society, Rapid Results Institute, Embrace Washington, and The Center for Children and Youth Justice have resulted in real change through the power of community building, collaboration and accessibility.
Minnie is also an experienced trainer and professional speaker. Her passions lie mainly with educating others in LGBTQ+ foster youth and young adult experiences and have included the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) Foundational LGBTQ+ trainings and the CCYJ eQuality Protocol for Safe & Affirming Care training.
She enjoys being a mother, creator, influencer, and a member of the Coast Salish Lummi tribe.
Job Titles:
- CEO & Head Lobbyist Pronouns
Samuel's journey through advocacy has led him to working with government administrations, corporations, and non-profit organizations to develop legislation and policies that positively impact the lives of his community.
An alumni of care, he has worked on legislative agenda setting and advocacy with organizations like Casey Family Programs, Foster Club, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute (CCAI), and Foster Care Alumni of America (FCAA). He is also an experienced lobbyist, trainer, and public speaker, having been featured as a speaker and facilitator for organizations like Treehouse, Community for Youth, and City Year.
With a combined 15 years of community engagement experience, Samuel is committed to tapping into the power of experience to elevate the voices of those impacted by policy and empower them to use their voice to advocate and lead. He engages a wide variety of audiences with positive intent and impact.
Samuel has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Washington - Seattle Campus and a Master's in Public Administration at Seattle University.
He lives in Seattle and in his free time enjoys playing video games and watching classic Japanese anime. He also loves spending time with his 2 nieces and his nephew Maddie, Mason, and Zoe.