About WA-CELI
The Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute (WA-CELI) is an innovative program that provides local elected officials with collaborative leadership skills. Launched in 2024 by the William D. Ruckelshaus Center and the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance, WA-CELI serves as a pilot program to reduce polarization and enhance civic engagement.
The program’s inaugural cohort included 45 elected officials representing diverse cities across the state, ensuring a balance of demographic, geographic, and political perspectives. The program’s curriculum spanned five sessions (listed below), combining in-person and virtual learning to provide participants with the tools of collaborative governance. The sessions covered topics including managing conflict, sustaining relationships, engaging the public, and framing discussions around shared interests.
WA-CELI Impact
Skill Development: Participants reported significant improvements across ten collaborative leadership skills, including active listening and managing group dynamics. These skills will allow participants to effectively manage conflict.
Sense of Belonging: WA-CELI fostered strong connections among participants, who reported an increased sense of belonging. Relationships between elected officials improved significantly, reinforcing a shared identity as public servants.
Positive Feedback: Participants expressed high satisfaction, with 96% agreeing that WA-CELI helped them become better leaders and 94% stating they would recommend the program to others. The program’s workbook and interactive activities were highly praised. This feedback demonstrates the program’s ability to foster collaboration.
To learn more about the impact of WA-CELI, see the full WA-CELI Evaluation Report (PDF).
WA-CELI Facilitators
Julia Carboni is the Executive Director of the William D. Ruckelshaus Center. She is also a professor in the Washington State University School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs and a distinguished scholar in the University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. Julia is an award-winning leader with expertise in using collaboration to improve community wellbeing. She has extensive volunteer experience, regularly mentors BIPOC and female scholars, and serves on the boards of international, national, and local organizations.
Becky Corriell is the Director of Professional Learning Programs at the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. Her work focuses on creating professional learning opportunities that are intentionally co-designed to advance personal, organizational, and collective learning. Becky brings a deep commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion to all aspects of her work. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international studies and a master’s degree in educational leadership and policy from the University of Washington.
AK Sterling is an Innovation and Engagement Manager at the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance. He has over eight years of experience working in communication, engagement, partnership development, and project management in higher education. AK focuses on building relationships with students, stakeholders, and community members to advance access to higher education and close opportunity gaps. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University and a master’s degree from the University of Washington.
Cohort Two Session Dates
| Session | Date | Location |
| One | June 25, 2025 | Tri-Cities, WA |
| Two | July 25 – 26, 2025 | Spokane, WA |
| Three | TBD | Virtual |
| Four | August 22 – 23, 2025 | Tacoma, WA |
| Five | TBD | Virtual |
| Six | September 12 – 13, 2025 | Tri-Cities, WA |
| Post-Session Capstone | June 23 – 26, 2026 | Spokane, WA (AWC Conference) |