Fautimah is all smiles at our team retreat in Toppenish. Photo: MxT Visuals
Ask any associate at Inatai which peer they would most likely turn to with questions about our grantmaking work, and the answer would mostly be the same: Fautimah. Fautimah El-Mehrik originally joined Inatai five years ago as an Office Coordinator and is now a Program Associate on the grantmaking team, where she has an integral role in supporting various grant funds, including sponsorships. In celebration of this milestone, we asked her five questions to reflect on her five years at the foundation.
1. Where is your favorite place in Washington?
My favorite place in Washington is any place near water. I always feel at home when I hear waves crashing on to the shore or the trickling of a river, and even better if I can watch the sun rise or set. Some of my top spots include Terry Pettus Park by my home near Lake Union and along the coast on Long Beach in Pacific County.
2. Which Inatai value resonates with you the most?
I love that Inatai centers our values in every aspect of our work. It’s so hard to pick just one and it really depends on the day of the week! Today I am resonating with accountability. It’s crucial that we be open to feedback, offer clarity whenever possible, and own up to our mistakes when we make them. I’m grateful for the reminder to bring those practices into my personal relationships as well.
3. What is an important lesson you learned over the last five years?
Strategy and planning will take you far. It often feels hard to slow down and be intentional about the future, or like we don’t have time to dream because there are so many pressing needs. I’ve learned that allowing yourself that time will sustain your ability to remain accountable to your vision. I love that Inatai is rooted in a 50-Year Vision. It grounds our work and will help measure our progress so we can remain on the path.
4. Finish this sentence: Washington is …
Is it ok if I say slept on? Washington has beautiful land, rich history, delicious food, and amazing people. Sometimes it seems like Washington falls under the radar on the national landscape. Maybe that’s because we’re up here in the corner. There’s a lot of narratives about Washington state, some that I don’t think are true, but I do know it’s a gem of a state and I’m thankful to call it home.
5. Finish this sentence: Racial justice and equity are important to me because …
It’s the only way we can ensure that our communities not only survive but thrive. I want to live in a world where our cultures and ancestors are celebrated, and everyone has equitable access to the things they need to live a safe and comfortable life. I want future generations to only know of challenges we face today from textbooks, not personal experience. I don’t think these things are possible without racial justice.
