Leadership Eastside: Microsoft Changemaker

Kevin Espirito LE ‘13 and Microsoft Alum starts WeBloom.org catalyzing health in communities in the US & Vietnam

Kevin Espirito’s journey with Leadership Eastside is a vivid example of the program's impact. After joining the program in 2010, as the leader of Microsoft's global employee community engagement programs, Kevin rolled up his sleeves and joined the Leadership Eastside board. Not stopping there, Kevin and his wife then went on to found WeBloom.org, a program aiming to “catalyze health in communities" in the US and Vietnam.  

"Leadership Eastside introduced me to adaptive leadership, a methodology for addressing complex, systemic challenges with flexibility and responsiveness, ensuring that all voices are heard. This approach has greatly benefited my community work ever since."

Developing transformative leaders and giving them the confidence to tackle complex community challenges is what Leadership Eastside is all about. The organization’s core values are bold: community building, shared responsibility, racial equity & social justice, deploying a systems perspective, and Thrival. Microsoft has been a founding partner and steadfast supporter of Leadership Eastside for all 19 years of its existence. The investment has paid off. Many Microsoft employees, like Kevin Espirito, have graduated from the program and gone on to make vital contributions to their communities. Leadership Eastside has taught adaptive leadership strategies to nearly 850 leaders from corporate, nonprofit, public, educational, healthcare, and religious organizations that serve the 700,000 people of East King County. 

One notable achievement of Leadership Eastside students is their partnership with 79 community organizations on adaptive campaigns. For example, a 2015 team worked with Cascadia College to design an employee training initiative around equity & inclusion. This initiative led the way to Cascadia developing its first strategic plan around diversity, equity, and inclusion. By nurturing and connecting talented professionals, Leadership Eastside is building the next generation of capable leaders eager to raise their hands, roll up their sleeves, and serve.

Story written and published by Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/puget-sound/honoring-local-changemakers-3