Our People

Roxanne Christian

Member
Bio
I bring over two decades of experience in organizational advancement, philanthropy, and community engagement, with a strong focus on education, equity, and transformative impact. Currently, I serve as Vice President for Advancement at the Alliance for Education, where I oversee development and fundraising, stakeholder engagement, constituent relations, and strategic communication, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic goals. Prior to my current role, I dedicated 15 years to the University of Washington, where I held key leadership positions within fundraising teams. I developed and implemented strategies to cultivate principal relationships, maximize resources, and promote best practices, helping executive leaders and departments drive meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Throughout my career, I’ve been a champion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, integrating these principles into organizational strategy and decision-making. I’ve worked to help organizations and stakeholders leverage their collective capabilities to create transformative outcomes, especially for those facing the greatest barriers and with the fewest resources. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (EDLPS) from the University of Washington, where I focused on higher education and corporate social responsibility. My approach combines strategic thinking, stakeholder engagement, and a data-driven focus on positive, long-lasting impact.

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

I am honored to join the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund (RVCDF) as a Board member because its mission to preserve cultural diversity, enhance livability, and expand economic opportunity in Southeast Seattle aligns with my personal values and professional commitment to advancing equity and community well-being. Throughout my career in philanthropy and organizational advancement, I have seen the transformative power of investing in small businesses and community-driven initiatives. RVCDF’s work, particularly in empowering entrepreneurs and developers, is vital to fostering sustainable economic growth while honoring the cultural richness that makes Southeast Seattle unique. This role is meaningful to me because I believe financial institutions like RVCDF are critical to addressing systemic inequities and ensuring that economic growth reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve. By providing capital and resources to those who might otherwise face barriers, RVCDF strengthens not just businesses but also the social fabric of the area. As a Board member, I look forward to leveraging my experience in stakeholder engagement, fundraising, and equity-focused initiatives to support RVCDF’s mission. Together, we can work toward a more inclusive and thriving Southeast Seattle.

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