Iris Awards

Carol Van Natta is a respected philanthropic leader whose 35-year career has shaped institutions and strengthened communities across the country, with particularly deep and lasting impact in Southwest Washington. A Vancouver native and Columbia River High School graduate, Carol returned home in 2013 after an accomplished career in higher education fundraising and administration, ultimately serving as Executive Director of the PeaceHealth Southwest Foundation until her retirement in 2019. During her tenure, she led the Campaign for Neurosciences Excellence, raising more than $10.5 million to advance neurological care for patients throughout the region.

Carol’s leadership extends well beyond her professional roles and is perhaps most visible through her board service. She currently serves as Chair of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Board, where her steady leadership has guided remarkable growth—expanding the organization’s budget from $750,000 to more than $2.5 million. Under her guidance, the VSO has broadened its musical programming, significantly expanded music education in local schools, and launched the Vancouver USA Arts & Music Festival, a free, three-day community celebration in partnership with the City of Vancouver.

At the heart of Carol’s impact is her gift for relationship-building. She is known as a trusted mentor, connector, and advocate who brings people together around shared goals; supporting emerging fundraising professionals, strengthening nonprofit boards, or welcoming new audiences into the arts.

Josie Hyde is a dynamic business leader whose career reflects growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to community leadership. Over the past 20 years, she has risen from a temporary employee to Division President and Regional Manager for WFG National Title, overseeing multiple offices across Washington and helping guide the company’s regional expansion. Under her leadership, the firm has achieved a dominant market position in a highly competitive industry.

Josie’s influence extends well beyond her professional role. She currently serves as Chair of Identity Clark County, where she was elected by fellow business leaders, and was the private sector’s sole representative on the City of Vancouver’s Public Safety Planning Task Force—work that contributed to a voter-approved public safety expansion plan. A proud local graduate of Columbia River High School, Josie has continued her education through WSU, Leadership Clark County, and executive programs at UC Berkeley, Harvard, and Columbia.

A passionate advocate for women’s leadership, Josie has spent years mentoring and developing emerging leaders, particularly women, within her organization and the broader community. She currently leads an all-women executive team and has been deeply involved in fundraising efforts for the Children’s Justice Center, helping raise more than $1 million over a decade. Josie’s leadership blends professional excellence with civic responsibility, making her a powerful force for positive impact in Clark County.

Judy Chipman is a trusted and steady community leader whose service reflects a deep commitment to Ridgefield and the greater Clark County region. A lifelong Ridgefield resident, Judy returned to her hometown nine years ago to reconnect with her roots and has since dedicated herself to serving her community in thoughtful, meaningful ways.

After retiring in 2017, Judy continued her long-standing pattern of service by spending nine years on the Columbia Credit Union Board of Directors, where she brought care, accountability, and a collaborative approach to decision-making. Her leadership experience carried naturally into public service, beginning with her appointment to the Ridgefield Planning Commission in 2018 and her election to the Ridgefield City Council in 2021.

Judy currently serves as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Ridgefield, a role that reflects the trust placed in her by both her fellow councilmembers and the broader community. In addition to her council leadership, she serves as a liaison to several local organizations, is Treasurer for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and joined the CREDC Board of Directors in 2024. Known for her consistency, approachability, and genuine care for others, Judy’s leadership is rooted in service and connection—making her a strong and deserving candidate for community recognition.

Karen Morrison is a transformative community leader whose work has profoundly strengthened equity, access, and opportunity for marginalized communities throughout Southwest Washington. As the Founder and Executive Director of Odyssey World International Education Services (OWIES), a Black-led nonprofit she established in 2006, Karen has dedicated nearly two decades to supporting refugees, immigrants, single parents, families experiencing homelessness, and survivors of violence through culturally responsive, relationship-based care.

Karen’s leadership is deeply hands-on and rooted in lived experience. She is widely known for meeting people where they are—whether serving hot meals on the street, connecting families to housing and healthcare, mentoring youth, or advocating for individuals navigating complex systems. Under her leadership, OWIES has expanded critical programs addressing housing stability, food access, education, health equity, and youth empowerment, always centering dignity and long-term support over short-term solutions.

Beyond OWIES, Karen has played a vital role in shaping community culture and connection. She has helped steward Juneteenth celebrations in Vancouver, co-hosts The Women’s Mosaic radio program, and supports initiatives such as Free Hot Soup Vancouver and Angels, a space for Black women to gather and heal. Karen leads with compassion, courage, and hope—often without seeking recognition—making her impact both quiet and extraordinary. Her legacy is found in the lives she has uplifted and the trust she has built across generations.

Kate Sacamano is a visionary nonprofit leader, mentor, and community connector whose work has strengthened philanthropic culture and expanded critical services for children, families, and vulnerable populations across Southwest Washington and the Portland region. Over her career, Kate has helped generate more than $20 million in operating and capital support, secured $1.2 million in state funding for children’s mental health services, and led major organizational growth initiatives that increased capacity and long-term sustainability.

Kate is widely respected for her ability to convene diverse leaders—across business, nonprofit, government, and philanthropy—to move complex issues into action. Her leadership includes organizing high-impact community forums and historic events, such as the first Washington State Gubernatorial Debate in Southwest Washington. Through her work at organizations like YWCA Clark County and now through Giving Solutions Group, Kate has helped nonprofits strengthen donor relationships, grow revenue, and align fundraising with mission and values.

Equally important is Kate’s commitment to mentoring women and emerging leaders. She is known as “a leader who lifts others as she leads,” investing time and care to help others find their voice and confidence. Kate’s impact is measured not only in dollars raised, but in the leaders she has empowered and the collaborative culture she has helped build.

Klarissa Hightower is a respected educator, equity leader, and community advocate whose work has created lasting impact across education systems and community spaces in Southwest Washington. Over more than 18 years in education, she served as a classroom teacher, associate principal, and ultimately Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion for Evergreen Public Schools, where she helped lead districtwide efforts to address systemic inequities impacting thousands of students and families.

Since retiring from public education, Klarissa has continued to lead through nonprofit and community service. She serves as Board Chair of the Southwest Washington Equity Coalition, sits on the YWCA board, and is a primary DEIB facilitator for Leadership Clark County. She is also the co-founder of Sprinkle Vancouver, a community-led initiative that creates welcoming, no-cost spaces for BIPOC women and community members to connect, rest, and build belonging.

Klarissa leads with authenticity, courage, and lived experience. Often describing herself as an “equity conspirator,” she uses her voice and access to advocate for those historically excluded from decision-making spaces. Her leadership is relational, sustained, and deeply human—opening doors, shifting systems, and inspiring others to lead with care and conviction.