Who is ESWA?

Julie leads statewide efforts to expand access to high-quality public education. Her career began in the classroom as a middle school science teacher—an experience that continues to shape her deep commitment to serving students and families through excellent teaching.

Over the past 25 years, Julie has worked to elevate the role of educators and improve school systems. At Uncommon Schools, she served as a founding principal and later as Managing Director, helping expand a network of high-performing schools. She also held leadership roles at Relay Graduate School of Education and the Charter School Growth Fund, supporting teacher development and scaling impactful school models. Julie holds a BA in Chemistry from Willamette University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School.

Elise directs strategy and operations to ensure initiatives translate into meaningful impact for students and families. She has dedicated her career to advancing educational equity through direct service, advocacy, and leadership. Elise began as a Jesuit Volunteer housing rights advocate in Silicon Valley, later advancing education reform legislation with ConnCAN, contributing to higher education policy at the University of Washington, and advising education organizations at Larson Communications. She then spent nearly a decade at Rocketship Public Schools, where she led communications across five states, developed the organization’s first communications metrics, and strengthened engagement with families and communities.

Elise holds a BA in Government from Colby College and a Master’s in Public Administration, with a Certificate in Nonprofit Management, from the University of Washington’s Evans School of Public Policy and Governance.

Jeannette Vaughn serves as Director of Special Projects at Excellent Schools Washington, where she supports statewide efforts to expand access to high-quality public education and promotes ESWA organizational excellence. Her career in education began in the classroom, teaching both elementary and middle school students. She went on to lead a charter school in San Diego for seven years and later served for six years as a charter school authorizer with Spokane Public Schools.

Prior to joining ESWA, Jeannette managed the implementation of the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) grant and supported school leaders across the state as a leadership coach for the Washington State Charter Schools Association. Throughout her career, she has remained deeply committed to ensuring all students have access to high-quality educational opportunities. Jeannette holds a B.A. in Liberal Studies from San Diego State University and an M.S. in Educational Technology from National University.