What is PCAT?
PCAT is a Port-Community partnership that prioritizes amplifying the voices and experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color most affected by Port-related operations in the Duwamish Valley.
To further our goals of a healthy, sustainable community, we have created a Community Benefits Commitment with the Port based on the principles of equity, anti-displacement, and empowerment. Our agreement focuses on promoting a clean environment, increasing economic opportunities, and building community capacity.
Our vision is to create a healthy and economically vibrant Duwamish Valley where people can stay in place.
Who are the current members of PCAT?
Bunthay is a 1.5 generation Khmer refugee from Cambodia and is a co-founder of the Khmer Anti-deportation Advocacy Group. Bunthay enjoys storytelling which he practices through poetry, theatre, film, and freelance journalism. A longtime resident of South Park, Bunthay serves the PCAT in multiple capacities, always advocating for the community. |
Rich Brown is a passionate community advisor committed to racial equity and social justice. Originally from California, Rich has resided in South King County for over 15 years. He is the Program Director of Bike Works, and his hobbies include cycling, DJ’ing, and pickling. Rich loves his neighborhood and is proud to be an advocate for it. |
Daneca is the founder of Global Chill, a land-based catering service. Additionally, she operates in the South Park community as a youth mentor and event coordinator. Daneca joined PCAT because she has a deep passion for land restoration, social justice, and food sovereignty, specifically advocating for Land Back reparations. |
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Maribel is a community outreach coordinator at Villa Communitaria, a non-profit that empowers families in the Duwamish Valley. Maribel believes we should put our skills together to work for a greater good. One of her passions is helping the community to understand the issues that affect them. |
Jake a lifelong resident of Georgetown and has advocated for his neighborhood as an intern for Friends of Georgetown History and the Duwamish River Community Coalition. He is also a founder of the Georgetown Youth Council. This youth-led group focuses on advocating for the often-overlooked Gateway Park North. |
Gia is a community activist who has provided leadership in governance and sustainability on the Seattle Collages campuses and interned with UNEA Clear Sky. Duwamish land and Southwest Seattle have always had a special place in Gia's heart, from the diverse communities to the small-owned businesses. |
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Joanna is a lifelong resident of South Seattle with ties to the South Park community. She first learned about the Duwamish River superfund site and cleanup efforts as an undergraduate at the UW studying environmental health. She is excited to advocate for equity and resources to support the community members of the Duwamish Valley.
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Born in Mexico, Jeraldi immigrated to the US at two years old. She began working in the Duwamish valley in 2019, when she became project coordinator of a program called “Juntos, Si Podemos Cuidar Nuestro Río Duwamish. Today, she works with youth at the Duwamish Valley Sustainability Association. |
Sopath is 1.5 generation Cambodian American who has lived in South Park for over three decades. He is a graduate from the University of Washington where he received his teaching degree. Today, he is a teacher at his alma mater, Chief Sealth International High School and works with members vulnerable to the school/prison/deportation pipeline. |
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Growing up in White Center/Burien, Maria regularly visited South Park for parties, panaderias and to see family. Recently, she has worked with non-profits to create a program connecting the UW landscape architecture department and local youth, allowing her to give back to the community through conversations about the Duwamish River Superfund site. |
Priya is a Chicanx musician, theater artist and educator who has been working in community organizing for over 20 years. They have a bachelor's degree in "Power & Culture in Social Movements" and a master’s degree in education. Priya joined PCAT to advocate for communities systemically affected by colonialism, capitalism, and racism. |
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We stand on the shoulders of so many! We thank the past PCAT members whose voices have shaped the Port and Duwamish Valley community partnership: Andrew Schiffer, Jose Chi, Magdalena Angel Cano, Silverio Arevalo, Hilary Jauregui, Peter Quenguyen, John Persak, Victor Facundo, Nancy Zugschewerdt, Paulina Lopez, Edwin Hernandez Reto, Hannah Kett, and K Steimer.
