Since earning her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from The Evergreen State College, Amanda DeShazo has dedicated her career to addressing one of the most pressing issues of our time: housing affordability. As the Executive Director of the Tacoma-Pierce County Affordable Housing Consortium, Amanda leads an organization committed to fostering collaboration and driving solutions that increase access to affordable housing for all in Pierce County, WA.

In her role, Amanda oversees advocacy efforts, public education, and member support programs. She has recently led initiatives such as advocating for an annual increase in funding for affordable housing in Pierce County, WA, to $20 million and hosting Pierce County Affordable Housing Week, which raised awareness and united community stakeholders. Her work is grounded in the belief that housing is foundational to individual and community well-being.

Amanda credits her MPA education with equipping her with the knowledge and tools necessary for developing and managing a nonprofit. The courses she took at Evergreen provided her with essential skills in systems work, organizational growth, budgeting, and fundraising—including grant writing—all of which have been vital to sustaining her organization. These skills have allowed her to navigate the complexities of leading a nonprofit while ensuring its long-term viability. Amanda notes that her MPA also helped her secure her role as Executive Director, a position that has expanded her professional network and earned the support of other esteemed executives and nonprofit leaders in her field.

Evergreen’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and equity further shaped Amanda’s approach to leadership and policy work. The program’s collaborative framework mirrors the strategies she now employs to bring diverse partners together—whether working with local anchor institutions to explore affordable housing investments or developing innovative solutions with policymakers and community organizations.

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Amanda actively fosters regional dialogue about the future of housing. She has led discussions with healthcare, education, and government sectors, aiming to build capacity for meaningful, long-term solutions. Looking ahead, she plans to continue strengthening partnerships and securing resources to expand the reach and impact of her work.

Amanda reflects on her time at Evergreen with gratitude, recognizing how the skills and relationships she cultivated during the MPA program have been pivotal to her career. They have enabled her to navigate the challenges of leading a nonprofit and to advance a mission that deeply impacts her community.