Staff

Jennifer English
Program Director
jennifere@tacomachamber.org

Jennifer facilitates the learning and professional development of creative entrepreneurs and artists with plans for long term creative/innovative businesses that benefit Tacoma’s culturally vibrant community. Jennifer is a Spaceworks incubator program graduate from 2014 and is the co-owner of SPUN Clay Arts Studio. She was the Hilltop Business Association Vice President for 5 years and continues to be involved in her community. She attended Cornish College of the Arts, Clover Park Technical College, and the Evergreen State College. She holds a graphic design degree and studied Asian Culture and Art. With a passion for collaboration, creativity, and helping creatives and entrepreneurs ‘get out there’, Jennifer started the Hilltop Art Walk that allows visual artists and musicians to show their work for no fee. Jennifer believes that everyone should have the opportunity to share their passion with the world and tries to limit those barriers that keep people from doing so.

Jasmine Brown
Artscapes Coordinator
jasmineb@tacomachamber.org

With a passion for the intersection of art, education, and community engagement, Jasmine Iona Brown brings a wealth of experience and creativity to the world of public art. Holding a Master’s degree in International Studies with a focus on Africa and the Middle East from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design from Howard University, Jasmine has cultivated a diverse skill set that seamlessly blends cultural awareness with artistic expression.

Currently serving as the Public Art Coordinator at Spaceworks Tacoma, Jasmine orchestrates impactful mural and window installation programs, interfacing with artists, business owners, and community stakeholders. Beyond this role, Jasmine wears multiple hats as the Director and Lead Teaching Artist at Swan Creek Art Academy, where they founded a digital art and electronic music program, providing after-school and summer classes in Tacoma Public Schools and fostering open studio sessions for community centers. As the founder of Jasmine Iona Design LLC, she lends their artistic expertise to freelance public art projects, sculpture, murals and installations for various clients. With a rich background that includes roles such as Teen Programs Manager at Arts Corps, Teaching Artist at the Tacoma Art Museum, and CTE Technology/Art Teacher at Tacoma Public Schools, Jasmine has left an indelible mark on the cultural and educational landscape of Tacoma, embodying a commitment to artistic expression, community involvement, and youth empowerment.

Kirsten Kreis
Incubator Facilitator
kirstenk@tacomachamber.org

Kirsten Kreis, Spaceworks Incubator Instructor for 2024, has been working with entrepreneurs throughout Pierce County since 2022 as Pacific Lutheran University’s Director of Business Outreach at the PLU School of Business. As a life-long learner, entrepreneur, and Spaceworks alumni (2018), Kirsten started her small business in Tacoma’s busy 6^th Ave Business District; (Re)style Clothing Company was a second-hand upscale fashion-based business that promoted sustainable fashion. Despite tremendous growth, over several years, COVID created changes in the market and consumer purchasing patterns that were unsurmountable for many small businesses, including (Re)style.

Kirsten understands the challenging journey of the entrepreneur and enjoys fostering a more connected entrepreneurial ecosystem that provides direct access to business resources including relevant coaching at whatever stage a business is in. The majority of Kirsten’s work has been focused around community outreach and human services, with 15+ years’ experience with grant administration. Working alongside multiple cities, resident groups, for-profit businesses and non-profit agencies in Pierce/King counties, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Kirsten embodies the Pacific Northwest lifestyle, finding creativity and inspiration in the great outdoors as a PNW outdoor enthusiast. Other areas of interest include civic engagement, globetrotting, remodeling historic homes, and sustainable living.

Steering Committee

Co-Chair, Rebecca Solverson
Division Manager for Arts and Cultural Vitality – City of Tacoma

Rebecca Solverson manages the City of Tacoma’s Arts and Cultural Vitality Division, where she oversees public art projects for the city and outside partners, including Metro Parks Tacoma. Prior to starting this role in 2015, she managed public art projects across the state for ArtsWA, and was the first staff of Spaceworks Tacoma. Rebecca is also a founding member of the Tacoma Tool Library. She holds a B.A. in Art History from Bard College. Rebecca was born, raised, and still lives in Tacoma. She loves working with artists and community on creative placemaking and place keeping projects throughout the city.

Co-Chair, David Schroedel
Executive Vice President – Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber
Executive Director – Downtown Tacoma Partnership

David Schroedel is the Executive Vice President for the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber, providing expertise in policy development and economic development. In this role David has successfully supported the development and implementation of programs around small business support, workforce development, and political action. The advocacy work has supported the passage of several pieces of legislation at the state and local levels to grow the local economy.

Mr. Schroedel also serves as the Executive Director for the Downtown Tacoma Partnership, a non-profit dedicated to a safe, clean, and welcoming Downtown Tacoma. David and the DTP team provide safety, cleaning, community beautification, advocacy, marketing, and business recruitment services to stakeholders of the 120 block core of Downtown Tacoma.

Prior to joining the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber in 2011 David spent over a decade in community planning and development working for public agencies, non-profits, and private sector clients. He continues to serve on the boards of Downtown On the Go and Spaceworks Tacoma, continuing the push for a vibrant and equitable Tacoma. David graduated with a degree in architecture from Yale University and holds a certificate in land use law from the University of Washington. He also maintains an AICP certification through the American Planning Association.

JD Elquist
Retail Advocate – Downtown Tacoma Partnership

Ryan Spence
Director – Manufacturing Industrial Council

Ben Mauk
Director of Capital Planning and Development – UW Tacoma

Since joining the UW Tacoma team in 2009, he has held a variety of positions focused on improving campus experience and educational outcomes for students while maximizing the positive impacts of the campus built environment on those who live, work, learn, and play in downtown Tacoma.  In addition to his service on the Spaceworks Steering Committee, Ben also serves on the boards of the Downtown Tacoma Partnership and the Tacoma Farmer’s Market.

Prior to moving Tacoma, Ben worked with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to facilitate novel higher education/economic development partnerships in Central Appalachia.  His other career highlights include institutional research analyst, private educational instructor in the U.S. and overseas, traveling art salesperson, and a number of positions in the restaurant industry, including at the tender age of 15, Wendy’s crew member.