2026 - 2028 Nominating Committee Election Information
Election
Members shall be elected to the Nominating Committee per WSPTA Bylaws and Policy. The election will take place at Convention and Annual Meeting 2026. If we have more than 5 candidates the election will be held by ballot but if we have 5 or less candidates, they will be elected by voice.
Eligibility
Candidates to serve on the WSPTA Nominating Committee must:
- Submit the Declaration of Good Faith Form
- Be a current PTA member for at least 30 days
- Be self-declared; you may not nominate another person
- Not be a current member of the WSPTA Nominating Committee
After the February 26, 2026, deadline, the WSPTA staff will:
- Verify the eligibility of each self-declared candidate.
- Confirm receipt of the candidate’s resume (as detailed in Section 7.3.2 of the WSPTA Policy Manual).
2026-28 Nominating Committee Candidates
Jory Hamilton

Jory’s Statement
I believe every student deserves our support. Aligning strong candidates with our mission, mission and values will help ensure the stakeholders of our 830 PTAs/PTSs/PTOs find their voice and potential.
Kamalpreet Kaur

Kamalpreet’s Statement
At the time when I was looking for some opportunity to volunteer at a place where I can contribute to my community in any way, this position caught my eye.I am a full time working woman with 2 children who wants to offer what I can to my community. I always wanted to be a teacher but due to my circumstances, I cannot work as a teacher so I think this would be a good opportunity for me to work closely with students and their interests.
Shannon Lavery

Shannon’s Statement
I am running for the Washington State PTA Nominating Committee because I believe strong, thoughtful leadership selection is essential to a thriving and representative PTA. Through my service at the local, council, and state levels, I have seen how intentional leadership development strengthens our ability to serve all children and families.My experience as a Communications Chair and statewide Awards of Excellence judge has strengthened my skills in objective evaluation, rubric-based decision-making, and maintaining confidentiality. In my professional role as a special education paraeducator, I practice ethical decision-making and collaboration every day, always centering student and family needs.I am especially passionate about ensuring PTA remains welcoming, accessible, and open to diverse voices. Our organization is strongest when opportunities are transparent, and participation feels truly open to all, not shaped by informal barriers or perceived cliques. Leadership pathways should be inclusive, supportive, and reflective of the communities we serve.If elected, I will approach this work with fairness, integrity, and a deep commitment to the PTA mission. It would be an honor to help identify and support leaders who reflect the strength and diversity of Washington State PTA.
Lee Zhen Lin

Lee’s Statement
I’m running for the WSPTA Nominating Committee because, as a parent, I’ve learned firsthand how much a child’s day-to-day experience depends on the adults around them working as a coordinated team—teachers, staff, and families. I’m also returning to Washington while stepping into a demanding new stage of my career in veterinary medicine, and I want my community involvement to be high-impact rather than symbolic. Helping select strong, steady leadership for WSPTA is one of the most meaningful ways I can contribute.My professional training is centered on making fair decisions with incomplete information, asking the right questions, and staying calm, ethical, and detail-oriented when stakes are high. I also have deep experience in mentorship—identifying what people need to succeed, supporting growth, and building trust across different personalities and backgrounds. I would bring that same discipline and people-focused lens to evaluating candidates and shaping a balanced slate that reflects Washington’s communities.I’m motivated by a simple goal: WSPTA leadership should make it easier for families to engage, for volunteers to feel supported, and for children to be safer, healthier, and better served in school.
Dori Tate
Dori’s Statement
My name is Dori Tate, and I’m honored to be considered for a position on the WSPTA Nominating Committee. I believe that strong leadership begins with thoughtful selection, and I’m committed to helping identify candidates who reflect our associations values, diversity and vision for the future.With over 29 years’ experience serving in PTA, 12 of those years serving on the WSPTA Board of Directors, I have developed skills in evaluating qualifications, fostering collaboration, and ensuring fair, transparent processes. I value listening to different perspectives and making decisions that serve the best interests of our members.If elected, I will work diligently to:• Seek out and encourage a wide range of qualified candidates from all corners of our state.• Maintain integrity and impartiality in the selection process.• Promote inclusivity and representation in leadership roles.I’m passionate about strengthening our association through capable, committed leaders, and would be grateful for your support.
Melissa Vicente

Melissa’s Statement
I am honored to express my interest in serving on the Washington State PTA Nominating Committee.For over 15 years, I have been actively involved in the PTA community, serving in various roles and supporting initiatives that strengthen family engagement, student advocacy, and school communities. Most recently, I have maintained active membership in my local PTA for more than 30 days prior to declaring my interest and as Region 11 Director for last 2 years and I remain deeply committed to the mission and values that guide our work.Throughout my time in PTA, I have gained a broad understanding of leadership development, collaboration, and the importance of building diverse and effective teams. I believe the Nominating Committee plays one of the most critical roles in ensuring the strength and sustainability of our association. Thoughtful leadership selection directly impacts our ability to advocate for all children and families across Washington state.If selected, I will approach this role with integrity, fairness, and a commitment to inclusivity. I value transparency in the process, open communication, and ensuring that candidates reflect the diversity, experience, and passion needed to lead our organization forward. I understand the responsibility of this position and will dedicate the necessary time and attention to carefully evaluate candidates and uphold the trust placed in the committee.I respectfully ask for your support as I seek the opportunity to serve on the Washington State PTA Nominating Committee and continue contributing to the growth and success of our PTA community.Thank you for your consideration.
Chloe Xu

Chloe’s Statement
As a parent and active PTSA member at Fall City Elementary, I care deeply about building school communities where every child feels supported and inspired to learn.I was born in Shanghai, China, where I received my foundational education, and later pursued higher education in the United States. My family’s educational journey spans cultures and systems. My older daughter transitioned from school in China to Chief Kanim Middle School and now Mount Si High School. I witnessed her initial uncertainty—adjusting to a new language, environment, and friendships—transform into confidence, connection, and a genuine excitement for learning. My younger child currently attends Fall City Elementary, where our family remains actively engaged.Inspired by my children, I authored 11 early learning books published through Amazon KDP, focused on literacy and creativity. My husband comes from a large Mexican family based across Washington State, with many children and several educators among us. These experiences continue to deepen my respect for diverse perspectives in education. I am also deeply committed to supporting children and families as they navigate learning in an evolving, technology-driven world.I am running to help identify leaders who represent all families and will guide WSPTA forward with inclusivity, empathy, and purpose.
Elections Oversight Committee
The Elections Oversight Committee (EOC) oversees the election process. The committee shall review all materials for compliance with WSPTA Policy. All concerns raised during the election period shall be directed to the EOC chair.