Tana Senn & Kevin Flaherty are JFS supporters. When they connected with Barry Goren at the College Success Foundation, they decided to direct a scholarship donation to a beneficiary of JFS services. Barry reached out to JFS Director of Emergency Services Carol Mullin and JFS Director of Refugee & Immigrant Service Centers Margaret Hinson, and ultimately, Thadah Hser was awarded the scholarship. Here’s a look at how and why this couple connected their philanthropic passions with Thadah’s journey.
How has higher education been significant in your lives?
I (Kevin) was the first person in my family to graduate from college. It turned out pretty well for me – I got a great education and met Tana at the same time! Critical thinking skills, friendships and connections have served us both well, and our lives certainly would have been much different had we not had the opportunity to attend college.
How did you get involved with College Success Foundation?
We were looking for opportunities to support college students-to-be who might have been passed over by traditional scholarship opportunities. We were looking for students who, with a little help, could go a long way. Tana worked with Barry Goren during her time on the Board of the Jewish Federation. He shared the great work CSF does in identifying high-potential students who need a little help making the numbers work so they can attend college.
How are you involved with JFS?
We support JFS because we believe in the mission of helping vulnerable families achieve well-being, health and stability. During Tana’s involvement with the Jewish Federation and the broader nonprofit community, she saw how much good JFS does – not only for the Jewish community but also for the entire Puget Sound region.
Why did you decide to direct your gift to a JFS client?
JFS does a great job helping those in need build a solid foundation. Supporting people to achieve the highest levels of education, when a few short years ago they might have been resettlement or Food Bank clients, is a great affirmation that providing helping hands along the way can lead to really great outcomes.
What qualities made Thadah stand out to you?
JFS resettlement clients have a special resonance for us. Tana’s grandparents were Holocaust survivors forced to resettle in East Africa to create a new life. Kevin’s mother came to the U.S. at 18-years-old in search of something better. We were surrounded by parents and grandparents who shared the importance of a welcome embrace and a fair chance for opportunity. We’re excited to share that idea and practice with our kids through JFS and the College Success Foundation.
As for Thadah, her drive, leadership and desire to help others through social work are many of the reasons we are thrilled to support her. She has overcome a laundry list of hardships to earn a spot at a premiere institution – we’re thrilled to play a small part in her incredible journey.
Tana and Kevin have lived in the Seattle-area since 2000. They have two children – 13-year-old Benjamin and 10-year-old Rachel. Tana is a State Representative of the 41st Legislative District. Kevin is the Chief Marketing Officer at a high-tech company. You can read more about Thadah Hser in Part 1 of this story.
By Deb Frockt
Deb Frockt is Director of Marketing & Communications. She enjoys baking, beaching and learning about golf, both kinds of football, fashion and pop music from her husband and sons.
