Dr. Yesenia Navarette Hunter is a distinguished historian, artist, musician, and scholar, currently serving as an Associate Professor of History at Heritage University. Born in Mexico, her work centers on the braided histories of immigrants and Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest. Through her public history projects and artistic practice, Dr. Hunter explores the core question: “How do people make place and create rhythms of belonging in fragile spaces?” She brings a passion for community building and the intersection of culture, art, and the spatial transformation of places of belonging.

Michael Holloman (AKA M. Yellowbear) is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation and a Professor in the Department of Art at Washington State University (WSU). As the Coordinator for Native Arts, Outreach, and Education for the College of Arts and Sciences, Dr. Holloman is an exhibiting artist and celebrated scholar whose work is dedicated to expanding arts-based experiences and learning among Native and Indigenous communities across the region. His expertise in Native American Art History and the visual record of Plateau settler colonialism offers a critical, curatorial, and deeply personal perspective to the Commission’s work.

Sharon Wylie has served in the State House of Representatives since 2011. She worked in management and government relations for 30 years. She serves as first vice chair on the House Transportation Committee, and holds seats on the Finance, the Rules, and the Technology & Economic Development Committees. Sharon is an enthusiastic painter of oil portraits and values the art and culture of Washington State. She considers art and music to be critical in education and community development and for personal growth and joy. (Appointed June 2019)

Lisa Wellman represents Mercer Island, Newcastle, Beaux Arts, and parts of Bellevue, Issaquah, Sammamish, and Renton. She was elected in 2016 after a 25-year career in technology and marketing. Lisa served as Vice-President of the creative markets for Apple Computer. Lisa was once a kindergarten teacher. She chairs the Early Learning & K-12 Education Committee. She’s a mentor for MBA candidates at the Foster Business School at the University of Washington. She earned a BA degree from Barat College. Lisa is an avid photographer and has exhibited in Washington and California. (Appointed February 2017)

Krishna Thiagarajan is an international consultant and cultural leader with 25+ years of experience guiding orchestras and multidisciplinary institutions worldwide. As CEO of the Seattle Symphony, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, he has collaborated with leading artists from Yo-Yo Ma to Tom Hanks. His expertise spans international fundraising, artistic strategy, organizational transformation, and major capital projects. A passionate advocate for connecting the arts with politics and business, he now advises institutions globally through Krishna Thiagarajan Consulting. (Appointed July 2022)

Star Rush has held faculty and administration appointments at colleges and university in Washington state. She has taught writing, American Literature, and creative writing. Star earned her master’s degree in English Studies, Nonfiction, from Western Washington University. Star has served as Interim President and Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs for Cornish College of the Arts. Her photography has appeared in the United States, London, the Netherlands, and Europe. Her poetry and short stories have appeared in Hawaii Review, Fireweed, and others. She currently runs her company, MixMuse Media. (Appointed July 2023)