2025
Keynote & Presenters

Ethelda Burke’s life and career have been shaped by a deep commitment to both education and community service. With over 40 years of experience in public education, Ethelda has served in numerous leadership roles, including high school teacher, department head, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, deputy superintendent, and superintendent. Currently, she is the president of the University Place School District Board of Directors, where she works tirelessly to ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed and enrich their community through education.

Her passion for education is rooted in the belief that it is the key to improving lives and building stronger, more connected communities. Ethelda's dedication to students is not just professional—it’s personal. She has also spent over 25 years serving on boards for the State Higher Education Coordinating, Tacoma Youth Symphony, United Way, and the Key Bank Advisory. Through these roles, Ethelda has made a significant impact in her community while always prioritizing the importance of education and its ability to bring people together.

Alongside her career in education, Ethelda has a deep interest in family history research. For her, genealogy is not just about uncovering facts; it’s about discovering the shared experiences that unite us across generations. She has seen firsthand how the past, when understood and celebrated, can strengthen the ties between families and communities today. As our keynote speaker, Ethelda will speak to the theme "Family Ties That Unite Us," exploring how our shared family histories can foster stronger connections and a deeper sense of belonging.

With her vast experience in both education and community service, Ethelda brings a unique perspective to the importance of understanding the stories that shape us. We look forward to hearing how her lifelong work in education, along with her passion for family history, has taught her the importance of preserving the connections that unite us all—across time, generations, and communities.

Tamu Smith is a passionate and dynamic individual whose journey has spanned athletics, entrepreneurship, creative production, and community engagement. Born and raised in California, Tamu developed a love for track and field, where she excelled as an athlete throughout her youth.

 Tamu continued her track career after moving to Washington state for high school, where her commitment to the sport and strong work ethic were evident. Her dedication to the sport laid a strong foundation for her disciplined and goal-oriented approach to life.

Following her graduation Tamu returned to California and married, she then pursued furthering her education and expanding her horizon beyond athletics. Her pursuit of education has played a key role in shaping her personal and professional journey.

Eventually, she and her husband relocated to Utah, where they built their family and experienced rapid growth in both their personal and professional lives. It was in Utah, alongside her husband, that Tamu began to build her family and establish roots in a supportive and vibrant community.

A successful entrepreneur and business owner, Tamu co-founded Sistas in Zion, originally a blog post and now a social media presence that provides insightful commentary on various life topics. Along with her co-founder, she also co-authored the book, "Can I Get an Amen?  Celebrating the Lord in Everyday Life,” exploring faith, purpose, family, and the path to personal enlightenment.

In addition to her writing, Tamu has established herself as a producer and screenwriter. Her creative work spans multiple fields, and she is dedicated to producing content that resonates with her audience.

 Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tamu is deeply committed to her community and her family. As a mother, daughter, and friend, she values meaningful relationships and strives to make a positive impact. Tamu is also an active activist, advocating for causes that reflect her values and drive for change.

Now a proud grandmother of four, Tamu spends her time nurturing her growing family and staying highly involved in the communities she cares about. Whether through her entrepreneurial ventures, her creative pursuits, or her community work, Tamu Smith exemplifies the power of passion, dedication, and service.

Andre Escalante is a local Tacoma man and the father of three children.  He describes himself as "a regular guy who has an interest in finding his ancestors".  Andre's interest in Family History is recent.  He came to the Tacoma FamilySearch Center with a single name and his smartphone and an urgency to find his family.  He created an account and found a little here and there at first, then got some information from his family which led him to find more.  

He returned to the FamilySearch Center and within a week had found over 100 ancestors and was helping others around him do the same.  He told workers at the Center that he really wanted to teach people how to find their families and wanted them to have the experience he was having.  He is energetic, excited and has a real fire and a thirst for Family History knowledge and helping others. His excitement is infectious.

Malando and Lynese Redeemer are passionate young community leaders, advocates, and organizers dedicated to social justice, labor rights, and youth empowerment in Tacoma, Washington.

Malando Redeemer is the President of the Tacoma Branch NAACP, making history as one of the youngest NAACP president in the nation. A committed labor leader and community organizer, he previously worked with SEIU 1199 and served as a director and contract negotiator for UFCW 3000, where he played a key role in securing major healthcare contracts. He also serves as the Youth and Young Adult Pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church, mentoring and empowering the next generation through faith and activism. In addition to his leadership roles, Malando serves on several community boards, including Associated Ministries, furthering his commitment to community development and equity.

Lynese Redeemer is dedicated to social justice and community healing. Lynese serves her community holistically, disrupting and transforming many aspects of systemic racism. In her commitment to equity she serves as the Youth Director for the Tacoma Branch NAACP, Vice President for Legally BLACK, and serves on the Board of Directors for Vibrant Schools of Puget Sound and Community Health Care. Lynese is also a Cities United Young Leader Fellowship Alumna, and has focused her work on preventing community gun violence in the Seattle and Tacoma area.

Married on September 10, 2022, Malando and Lynese, both in their 20s, are committed to uplifting their community, advocating for systemic change, and inspiring future leaders through activism, faith, and service.

Markal Harris was born in the 1960’s in East Palo Alto, CA near San Francisco.  His parents enjoyed a rich heritage of music, with his Mom having both African American and Blackfoot Native American Heritage and his Dad African American and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.  

At a young age Markal would sit in the front yard of his home playing drums and other instruments entertaining passerby’s. His brother was equally immersed in music. While Markal favored the Congas, his Dad played the piano and his Mom wrote songs, some of which she provided to the Cuban musician and TV star Desi Arnez. Saxophone player Charlie Parker is a distant relative. Markal loved singing and dance, and was asked to join a group with his Bongas. During high school, he played at school and community events, and began soloing. 

His family moved to Tacoma in 1975 where he attended Lakes High School. Of his family and music Markal says, “Music has always been something I can count on to lift me up and remind me that we all have gifts to share.”

Mrs. Washington Curvé 2025 | Entrepreneur | Advocate for Inner Beauty

Dianna Kennedy, crowned Mrs. Washington Curvé 2025, is an accomplished entrepreneur, devoted wife, and mother to a beautifully blended family of seven children. Alongside her husband Joshua, Dianna has also opened her heart and home as a foster parent to Ana, a role she cherishes deeply.

As the owner of The Makeup Within Beauty Studios Full-Service Salon and Spa and The Makeup Within Spa Suites, Dianna has built her career on the belief that true beauty radiates from within. Her professional motto, “Building Confidence One Face at a Time,” reflects her dedication to empowering others through beauty services and self-acceptance.

Dianna’s journey in pageantry began in 2012 when she represented Kent in the Miss Washington Plus America pageant. Now, after a transformative 13-year hiatus, she returns to the stage with a renewed purpose and unwavering faith in her platform: inspiring women to embrace their inner confidence and trust the process of growth. Competing in the Curvé Division, a category celebrating women sizes 12-18, Dianna will showcase her individuality and grace across three key areas: Evening Gown, Personality Profile, and Summer Wear.

An active member of Eastside Assembly of Believers, Dianna sings on the Praise and Worship Team and leads the “Member Care” ministry team. Her Christian faith has been an anchor throughout her life, guiding her personal philosophy of “Trust the process.” Whether navigating the challenges of motherhood, entrepreneurship, or pageantry, Dianna attributes her strength to her belief in God’s plan.

Dianna is described by those who know her as someone who lights up every room she enters with her energy, ambition, and joyful spirit. She also brings creativity and fun to her life with her love of roller skating, interior design, basketball, and karaoke.

As Mrs. Washington Curvé 2025, Dianna is not only competing for the Mrs. Curvé USofA title but also aiming to serve as a spokesperson for the W.I.N. Foundation, which supports women overcoming domestic and narcissistic abuse. Winning this title would also position her to compete for the world title of Mrs. Curvé Globe.

Through her work, family life, and pageant journey, Dianna remains committed to uplifting others, inspiring confidence, and celebrating the beauty of authenticity.