Bellevue LifeSpring is pleased to announce that Michelle Bomberger and Linh Ho are joining our Board of Directors for 2020-2021. As Bellevue LifeSpring continues to strengthen our role as community leaders in fighting poverty, we welcome both Michelle and Linh’s valuable perspectives. They bring with them a diverse set of leadership skills and a passion for creating a thriving Bellevue for all of its community members.
We asked Michelle and Linh to share their vision for their new role and why they choose to serve with Bellevue LifeSpring:
Meet Michelle
Michelle is the CEO and Managing Attorney at Equinox Business Law Group, a law firm that handles legal so business owners can focus on their most important work. Michelle’s background in business and entrepreneurship helps her guide business owners in the legal aspects of both strategic and tactical decision making. Her desire to work with small businesses and entrepreneurs began while she attended Northwestern University. Michelle was a founding member and president of the Small Business Opportunity Clinic at Northwestern University School of Law, where she provided legal and business advice to nonprofit and for-profit small businesses.
What about Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission meaningful to you?
I am impressed and inspired by the impact of Bellevue LifeSpring’s programs. Bellevue LifeSpring reaches the most vulnerable in our community. It is proactive in preventing homelessness and all the difficulties – both emotional and financial – that affect families who find themselves facing homelessness. Getting ahead of these problems is something unique to Bellevue LifeSpring.
What do you hope to accomplish as a board member this year?
As a new board member, I have a lot of learning to do! I hope to discover space on the board and in the broader Bellevue LifeSpring community where I can have an impact.
You are joining the board during a critical time for our community. Why do you think Bellevue LifeSpring’s work is vital for Bellevue’s low-income children and families?
Regardless of financial situation, our community and nation are experiencing a lot of strain due to fear and uncertainty. The business closures have caused vast numbers of job losses and access to state and federal services is challenging due to lockdowns and fear. Bellevue LifeSpring knows this community and knows how to reach its vulnerable members and get them the services they need.
What does community mean to you?
Community is critical to security. One of the things I love about our Bellevue neighborhood is the emphasis on supporting one another. I love how Bellevue LifeSpring’s membership circles bring communities together in a meaningful way.
What is one new hobby you’ve picked up or something that you’ve learned during the quarantine?
I don’t typically default to outdoor activities; but over the past couple of months, I’ve begun to focus more on my physical health. I did a virtual 5K for the first time in my life and have been taking Saturday morning hikes in the beautiful Northwest parks and trails. It’s been an easy way to change up the monotony of the lockdown with little risk of exposure of illness to myself or others.
Meet Linh
Linh is a co-founder and the CMO of ConDati, a marketing company that uses AI to boost digital marketing performances for their clients. In addition to ConDati, Linh previously worked as the Chief of Staff at SAP Concur and created an app that pairs local home chefs with “kitchen-challenged” people. While at SAP Concur, Linh was a crucial player in communications during the $8.3 billion acquisition of Concur by SAP. Linh has almost 20 years of experience in corporate marketing and communications.
What about Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission is meaningful to you?
I admire Bellevue LifeSpring for its long-standing history of serving our community. The organization has been serving this community since before the Great Depression. Bellevue LifeSpring’s mission is meaningful to me personally because I was once that child whose family needed help for basic things like food, shelter, clothing and education. Bellevue LifeSpring has a track record of supporting families in times of crisis. I am honored to join the board to serve our community and the staff on our mission to break the cycle of poverty.
What do you hope to accomplish as a board member this year?
This year is my first year with Bellevue LifeSpring. My goal is to listen and learn while helping drive the mission forward. In addition, if I can assist by leaning on any skillsets in my background, it would be an honor to help.
You are joining the board during a critical time for our community. Why do you think Bellevue LifeSpring’s work is so vital for Bellevue’s low-income children and families right now?
It is absolutely critical to help foster stability for children and families during these delicate times, as it could have a lasting impact on the children. Low-income families are the most vulnerable and most impacted by this pandemic. The programs we provide, including the COVID-19 emergency response, are essential to ensuring children have food, a warm home, clothing and more.
What does community mean to you?
A community is a reflection of its people within it. To me, it means we are united in sharing fundamental values to care and love the people within it, no matter our differences. A thriving community is built based on diverse backgrounds, experiences and having a mindset that is open to new perspectives. This is how we will continue to grow with the community we serve.
What is one new hobby you’ve picked up or something that you’ve learned during the quarantine?
I received my yoga teacher certification in early March and have been teaching online five times a week since then! I’m also dabbling in playing guitar lately.
Last month, Linh hosted a yoga fundraiser that raised over $12,000 for Bellevue kids! Linh and other yoga instructors organized a meaningful event where participants got the chance to take part in four different forms of yoga while giving back at the same time. Every dollar raised went toward helping to prevent hunger and homelessness for Bellevue children.
We are excited to welcome Linh and Michelle and their broad range of skills to the Bellevue LifeSpring family during this important chapter in our history.
