This month, we’ve invited Director of Local Public Affairs Beth Osborne to hang with us and share more about the community-building partnership between Rainier Athletes and Symetra.
Symetra is intentionally building a powerhouse of a corporate social responsibility program through collaborative relationships across the community. Rainier Athletes and Symetra’s partnership tells the story of that strategy. It’s more than just writing a check…we regularly bump into them around the community working on DEI initiatives, and they’ve also given Rainier Athletes students game-changing experiences like witnessing the real deal ballers of the Seattle Storm at their first ever professional basketball game!
How did Symetra get connected with Rainier Athletes?
In 2019, we were preparing to launch Symetra’s refocused community giving program and having conversations with local leaders to identify organizations that were also working to build resilient community support systems for underserved BIPOC women and youth. When I met with Mayor Lynne Robinson, Rainier Athletes was at the top of her list.
What is your favorite moment from the partnership?
Attending Unity of Community/Comunidad Unida with my family at the Northgate Community Iceplex! Our giving to Rainier Athletes started in 2020 so this was the first time I had the opportunity to see Rainier Athletes’ impact in person. Seeing the amazing food, celebrating students, and watching kids get to just be kids was a great experience.
On a personal note, my son loved the event. He didn’t get to play organized sports during the pandemic and had never been on the ice before. He jumped right in and had the best time playing broomball.
What is Rainier Athletes’ superpower?
The energy and the positivity that radiates from everyone I’ve met through the organization, from leadership to the students!
What is Symetra’s superpower?
Authentically giving back! The Symetra Empowers Communities program is designed to work hand-in-hand with our nonprofit partners to help build resilient and robust community support systems with a focus on BIPOC women, youth, and students.
While we have such wealth and resources in Bellevue, there are still many families and students experiencing opportunity gaps. It’s important that we don’t overlook the local programs we can support.
Rainier Athletes’ work aligns with our priorities. They’re working to remove barriers and ensure students get the opportunity to participate in extracurriculars that are foundational to their development. Rainier Athletes students are developing leadership and teamwork skills that will last for a lifetime. It’s a long-term, systemic approach to building a resilient community, and we’re honored to partner with Rainier Athletes on their mission.