Because the Investments Work
January 2026 – Each year, the Washington Workforce Association’s Hill Climb creates a rare window for direct, face-to-face conversations with legislators. For SkillSource, that window matters. It’s a chance to connect directly and talk plainly about what’s working in our communities, and why it’s worth continuing.
This year, SkillSource came to Olympia with a small group and a clear message: investments in people work. Programs funded through Economic Security for All (EcSA) and Community Reinvestment (CRP) are not handouts. They are a hand up. They remove barriers, open doors, and give people a real shot at building stable careers and lives.
SkillSource was represented by CEO Lisa Romine, Managing Director Susan Adams, Communications Manager Kelli Martinelli, and SkillSource participant Roger Skjelstad. Over two days, the team met with Representatives Tom Dent, Brian Burnett, Alex Ybarra, Mike Steele, Suzanne Schmidt, and Mary Dye, along with Senator Keith Goehner. These meetings — some scheduled, some serendipitous — were focused on sharing what these investments look like to real people in North Central Washington.
Roger Skjelstad helped make that picture clear.
For much of his life, since 12 years old, Roger cycled through addiction and incarceration. A year ago, he was still living at the Wenatchee Reentry Center. This week, he walked the halls of the Capitol with members of SkillSource, sharing his story directly with legislators. Today, Roger is a certified recovery coach and a behavioral health apprentice. His progress is the result of his own hard work and commitment, paired with supports that were there when he needed them.
As part of the Hill Climb, Lisa Romine also provided public testimony about the impact of Community Reinvestment (CRP). In one minute, she brought the work home through stories of people legislators may never meet otherwise.
Charlie is a single mother of three. Thanks to these investments and support, she completed her training and is now working as a nurse. Lonnie was underemployed and without reliable transportation. With Community Reinvestment support, he trained at Perry Technical Institute to master a trade. Today, he’s employed and managing a team of carpenters.
Lisa said it simply. She wished she could have brought Charlie and Lonnie with her. They were at work.
That, in many ways, is the point.
The Hill Climb wrapped with an evening reception that brought together legislators, workforce leaders, and partners from across the state. SkillSource reconnected with Washington Workforce Association Executive Director John Traugott, SkillSource board members Brant Mayo and Kyle Niehenke, ESD Commissioner Cami Feek, and colleagues from economic development, education, and workforce organizations. These informal conversations strengthen trust, continuity, and shared understanding of what we’re all working toward, a Washington that works well for everyone.
SkillSource has participated in the Hill Climb for several years, often bringing participants whose stories reflect long-term impact. Past participants, including James Moore and Domenico Tedeschi, continue to build their careers and move forward — living proof that these investments don’t end when the meeting does. They ripple outward, touching all shores.
Our team is grateful to the Washington Workforce Association and to Hill Climb organizers Kelli Schueler and Stephanie Hemphill, whose behind-the-scenes work makes these conversations possible, and who are managing schedules (and sandwiches!) up until the very last minute.
The Hill Climb is about showing up, again and again, to remind decision-makers that when we invest in people — through training, work-based learning, and supports that remove real barriers — the return is clear. People are working. Families are stabilizing. Communities are stronger.
And it works because the investments are there.
