 Black history isn’t just about the past—it’s about the future we’re building. At America SCORES Seattle, Executive Director Alexandra Foster is shaping that future by creating opportunities for young Poet-Athletes to thrive. In this conversation, Alexandra reflects on her journey, the impact of America SCORES Seattle, and how the organization’s work connects to the broader legacy of Black changemakers. We don’t just celebrate history—we actively shape it. Why did you join America SCORES Seattle? And why at the Executive Director level?Before SCORES, I worked for a professional sports team, and while I loved it, I wasn’t fulfilled. I wanted to work directly with kids of color—helping them explore sports beyond basketball and football while teaching them life skills through athletics. I actually started as a Program Director, which not many people know. But within six months, I moved into the Executive Director role. I saw an opportunity to expand our reach, ensuring that kids who are underrepresented in soccer felt included. At this level, I could help shape programs that introduce essential life skills through sport and poetry. How has the landscape changed since you joined in 2022?When I started, we were rebuilding after COVID. We kept some things the same, like our curriculum, but reimagined everything else to better serve families. Instead of relying on paper flyers, we transitioned to an app for real-time communication with parents—reducing paper waste and ensuring accessibility in multiple languages, like Spanish and Arabic. We also diversified our fundraising approach. While our annual auction remains important, we’ve introduced new community-driven fundraising efforts, including the revival of SCORES Cup, our corporate charity soccer tournament. It’s now our most popular event, fostering engagement between companies, staff, families, and the kids we serve. With these changes, we’ve grown our staff from one to three and now serve over 400 Poet-Athletes each year. But there’s still work to do—many people don’t know about Seattle SCORES, and we’re always thinking outside the box to expand our impact.  What assumptions did you have to challenge after joining this organization?I learned quickly that people interpret things differently based on their backgrounds. We work with families from over 15 ethnicities, speaking five different languages, and representing nine different countries. What might seem clear to me may be received differently depending on someone’s lived experience. For example, something as simple as pick-up times requires patience and clear communication. Culturally, time and scheduling aren’t always perceived the same way across communities. Instead of enforcing rigid rules, we approach these conversations with understanding. I’ve also learned to be intentional in how I communicate with donors. It’s important to use language that empowers rather than objectifies. The more I learn from our families, the better I can advocate for them and ask for investment in a way that respects their dignity. Enjoying this article? Subscribe to our newsletter to get these stories delivered right to your inbox. How does America SCORES Seattle fit into the broader conversation of Black History Month?When I think about Black history, I think beyond the well-known figures. Of course, we honor leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Ruby Bridges but what about the local changemakers—the ones who desegregated schools in Seattle, built community centers in the Central District, and shaped their neighborhoods? America SCORES has its own history rooted in the Black community. The program started by serving predominantly Black girls in Washington, D.C., before expanding into a nationwide movement for all underserved kids. Here in Seattle, we run programs on the same fields that Black activists fought to make safe and accessible for children. We’re continuing their legacy. Over 90% of our kids are children of color, and the majority are Black—whether African American or immigrants from Africa. Our poetry program helps them express their emotions, and our service-learning projects empower them to tackle real issues like racism and gun violence. In that sense, we’re not just teaching history—we’re shaping Black futures.  What are your big, bold goals for America SCORES Seattle in the next two years?The 2026 World Cup is on my mind! SCORES is a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and this is a huge opportunity to expand our impact. I want to build partnerships with brands and clubs to host city-wide events, fund community service projects, and elevate our kids’ voices—maybe even through a Poetry Fight Song performed at the Fan Fest. Beyond the World Cup, I want to deepen corporate engagement. I mean really getting companies invested in our kids’ futures at the grassroots level. It's easy for companies to just put their name on something, but audiences are looking for more than that. How are you changing the trajectory of entire communities for the good? Our kids have powerful ideas—whether it’s building school gardens, addressing food insecurity, or advocating for gun violence prevention—but we need funding to make those dreams a reality. Ultimately, I want America SCORES Seattle to be known for more than just soccer. We’re bridging community gaps that widened during the pandemic, and I want everyone—local businesses, pro athletes, brands, and volunteers—to be invested in these kids’ futures. What advice would you give to a young Black person who wants to follow in your footsteps?First, tap into your sense of duty. There are so many kids who look like us who aren’t being invested in. If we want to continue the work of those who came before us, we need to step up. Second, understand that this work is hard. It’s tough to see history repeat itself—kids struggling to read or not having enough food at home. But the impact we make matters. Even if we can’t change everything, we can provide one thing: a safe place to play, a creative outlet, or the tools to advocate for their communities. Part of the reason I became an engineer is so that I could see the fruits of my labor. I could point to a building or piece of infrastructure and say, “I did that. I contributed to that.” Over the last three years I’ve learned that I can do that here too. I can see our kids become more self-confident, get better in school and hear about it from their parents and teachers too. And when that happens I can say, “SCORES invested in that. We contributed to that.” It's hard to build someone up, but once you've built them up, it's near impossible to tear them back down. It's not going to happen overnight (laughs), but you'll suddenly see it one day and be reminded of why this work is so important.  Looking to the FutureAlexandra Foster and America SCORES Seattle are creating spaces where kids feel seen, heard, and empowered. As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s also invest in Black futures—through our actions, our voices, and our support for organizations doing the work. How will you help shape the future? Feeling inspired? Join the Seattle SCORES community through our monthly newsletter. Want to make a direct impact on Poet-Athletes' futures? Become a member of our volunteer squad.
We'd love to have you!
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorSeattle SCORES Archives
February 2025
Categories |
RSS Feed
WRITE. PLAY. ACHIEVE.
|