Venalin is a youth development and quality improvement professional with experience spanning direct program leadership, professional development, and community collaboration. She serves as Manager of Quality Improvement at the Forum for Youth Investment, where she supports youth-serving organizations in strengthening program quality, building organizational capacity, and implementing continuous quality improvement strategies. Her work focuses on helping organizations translate research and best practices into practical approaches that support stronger programs and better experiences for young people. 

Before joining the Forum, Venalin served as the Program Manager at Greentrike, Tacoma’s first out-of-school time (OST) intermediary, which grew out of collaborative efforts through the Partnership for Social and Emotional Learning Initiative (PSELI) a national research initiative supported by the Wallace Foundation. Through her time with Boys and Girls Club, she held a range of roles from direct service to program leadership, which helped her develop a firsthand understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing youth-serving organizations and the people who bring their programs to life. With these experiences, she developed a deep appreciation for the relationships, partnerships, and intentional practices that help youth-serving professionals create equitable, culturally responsive environments where young people can thrive. 

Venalin brings a relationship-centered approach to her work, along with a commitment to equity, collaboration, and professional learning that meets people where they are. Drawing on her experience working directly with programs and alongside community partners, she values approaches that are both practical and responsive to the needs of the people doing the work and the communities they serve. Known for her energy, enthusiasm, and creative spirit, she is passionate about helping organizations turn ideas into meaningful practice.