Whatcom Young Professionals is a program of the Bellingham Regional Chamber of Commerce and abides by the Chamber’s policies, code of regulations, articles of incorporation, and all other governing documents, as informed by the Chamber Liaison. The Whatcom YP program is managed by a volunteer Advisory Council composed of Whatcom YP members.
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Membership Engagement
I am a real estate agent with The Cohen Group NW and have been helping people buy and sell real estate since 2017 here in Whatcom County. I became a member of Whatcom Young Professionals around that same time and have remained engaged with the organization due to both the professional and social benefits I have experienced. I enjoy filling my free time with an ever changing blend of outdoor activities, time with my partner Natalia, and kicking back with friends and family.
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Community Engagement
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Member Engagement / Events
Hi, I’m Atom!
I was born and raised in Mount Vernon, WA, and I’ve been living in Bellingham for the past five years. I’m currently the Relationship Banker at Columbia Bank, where I first heard about WYPS through my manager, a former member. Since then, I’ve made so many meaningful connections and friendships across Whatcom County, and I’m excited to build even more. I’m really looking forward to being part of this organization and watching it grow.
When I’m not in the office, you can probably find me streaming, out on the disc golf course, or grabbing food at one of my favorite local restaurants. I also never pass up a good couch-and-binge-watch session on whatever show I am hooked on!
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Operations
Professionally, I’m a local mortgage lender with RWM Home Loans, providing home financing and education to help you win the home you love. I have an affinity for Bellingham, which is why I chose WWU and localize my professional life to grow here! The environment and people keep me active and excited to stay. My goals this year are to develop more relationships, grow professionally, and get really good at making coffee.
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Marketing
Currently, I am the Marketing Director at North Coast Credit Union. In every role I’ve held throughout my career, I’ve learned that connection is what truly moves people. With a background in design, photography, and nonprofit work, I center storytelling—especially stories that are too often overlooked.
Since moving to Bellingham in 2019, I’ve worked to create spaces where people feel seen, balancing softness with action and curiosity with vulnerability. Guided by the value curiosity before assumption, I believe storytelling can build trust, shift systems, and spark something new.
Whatcom Young Professionals has been a part of my growth and journey since I arrived. Whether leaning on friends, calling local businesses I trust, or getting help moving into a new apartment, this group reminds me that real community exists here. WYPs gives me hope that we can change the stereotype of networking into what it truly is: showing up for each other with purpose.
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Marketing
I’m a local business owner here in Bellingham, and have been a member of Whatcom YP for the last 8 years (and counting!)
A self-proclaimed “marketing geek” and the owner of LeMaster Graphics (web / branding / marketing) in Bellingham, I absolutely love helping small businesses and organizations meet their marketing needs in a fun and creative way.
In my spare time, I’m an avid woodworker and DIY-er, and as a baseball fan I love attending Seattle Mariners and Bellingham Bells games any time I’m able.
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Philanthropy / Volunteer
I’m the Marketing and Business Strategy Manager at Hardware Sales, where I get to wear a lot of hats—sometimes literally, especially if they’re embroidered with our logo! My role allows me to combine my love of creative strategy, community building, and finding new ways to make meaningful connections. One of my favorite parts of the job is getting out into Whatcom County and building relationships with other incredible organizations, which is how I first got involved with Whatcom Young Professionals.
I’ve been a proud WYPs member for the past two years, and I’m beyond excited to now serve on the Advisory Council as a Community Engagement Chair. I’m passionate about helping others feel welcome and connected, and I look forward to creating opportunities for our members to build meaningful relationships—both personally and professionally.
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Membership
(bio coming soon!)
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Community Engagement
I’m currently the Director of Development at Whatcom Hills Waldorf School and have worked in the nonprofit field for over 7 years (with a background in equine therapy!).
When I’m not fundraising, you’ll find me hiking with my rescue dog Mama, road biking all over Whatcom County, reading Jack Reacher novels, or side-hustling as a graphic designer.
As part of the Community Engagement team, I’m excited to find fun, informative, & meaningful ways to give back to WYPs members and hope I’ll see you at our events!
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Events
Outside of work, Justin is passionate about the arts and has enjoyed collaborating with local musicians and filmmakers. He also enjoys getting outside to play golf & basketball. Justin is a proud Whatcom & Skagit local who loves exploring our beautiful backyard while sharing new places and experiences with his wife, Brittney.
Justin is excited to join the Whatcom Young Professionals Advisory Council and pour his energy into helping create events that bring people together and make it easy for young professionals to feel at home here. He believes WYPs is at its best when people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to grow, and he’s thrilled to get to help carry that forward.
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Marketing
As Community Engagement Manager for the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, I work to create engaging events and programs that bring people together and celebrate our Downtown community. I’ve called Bellingham home since 2018, when I moved from Montana to attend Western Washington University. After earning my degree in Environmental Science in 2021, I was fortunate to join the Downtown Bellingham Partnership team where I continue to contribute to and support the vibrant community I’m so grateful to be a part of.
I’m excited to serve on the Whatcom Young Professionals Advisory Council as part of the marketing team, helping spread the word and promote the great opportunities WYPs offers. My goal is to ensure every young professional in Whatcom County knows about all the connections, resources, and fun we bring to the table!
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President
Hi, I’m Jessica! As a local business owner, artist, and community facilitator I get to experience and enjoy many parts of our community here in Whatcom County. Being a resident of Bellingham for over 17 years, I have developed a meaningful appreciation for this town and the people in it.
Through my work as a Certified Life Coach, I get the ability to connect deeply to others and help them advance in their lives. I enjoy empowering others, helping them achieve clarity, and taking action to embark on positive transformations.
I am the elected President Chair of Whatcom Young Professionals and am honored to have this role! WYPs has been a community I have been a part of for years and the value it creates for myself and others is truly profound. I love working with our team and our members to have an impact on people’s lives as well as our community and beyond. It’s amazing to get to see how far our reach goes and make such authentic connections!
In my free time, you can find me creating art, walking my pup, enjoying our great outdoors, gardening and cooking, and seeing live music.