New staff spotlight with Savanna Carreño

We are excited to welcome Savanna Carreño as the new Early Learning Scholarship Community Liaison!

Originally from the Central Coast of California, Savanna holds a BS in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She relocated to Washington in 2024 and is eager to connect with communities across the state to share information about the Early Learning Equity Scholarship. Savanna brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as the Programs and Development Manager at the California State PTA, where she managed a parent education program across schools and communities. She is passionate about education, equity, and supporting first-generation students, and we are thrilled to have her join the College of Education team.

Please join us in welcoming Savanna! To learn more about her, be sure to check out her Q&A.

From the Central Coast of California, Savanna Carreño is the new Early Learning Scholarship Community Liaison. While in CA, she got her BS in Liberal Studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She moved to Washington in 2024 and is eager to share information about the Early Learning Equity Scholarship to prospective students and communities across the state! Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about the scholarship or if you have any good Seattle recommendations!  

Could you tell us a little about your background, and what inspired you to step into your current role?  

My background mainly consists of working at schools and nonprofits! Most recently, I worked for the California State PTA as a Programs and Development Manager, running a parent education program held at various schools and communities across the state. I have always been passionate about education, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (along with art and nature). As a first-generation student myself, I love being able to help others pursue their dreams of higher education. This, paired with my deep respect for teachers, are the main reasons I was drawn to this position. Being able to help diversify and strengthen the Washington workforce of early educators is an honor.  

What excites you the most about joining the College of Education?

I love being surrounded by people who also care so much about education and learning. I think if more people were more open to learning and being curious, we’d live in a kinder world. I am excited to meet more people within the college, everyone that I have met so far has been so welcoming and kind.  

What are some of your goals or aspirations in your role here?

I have a lot of goals, personal and professional, that I am excited to take on in this role. I want to spread the word about the Early Learning Equity Scholarship to any WA community that’ll listen. Helping connect future and current educators to the Early Care & Education or Early Childhood & Family Studies programs with the help of ELE is definitely a goal as well. It is so important for children to see themselves in their teachers, and these programs help make that happen. I am excited to meet people and help them learn about this awesome scholarship!

What do you most look forward to exploring in Seattle?

I am looking forward to hiking more! I want to explore more trails, forests, and parks. I love being outdoors and spotting mushrooms in a forest or taking pictures of flowers or bugs that I find.  

What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work?

I love all things art, so I really like painting or just doodling in a notebook. I also love making random holiday decorations; I just made a cute Valentine’s Day garland!