How can we build community? Where do we begin? Kathy Coffey, executive director of Leadership Snohomish County, has found community in places as conventional as a church and as unorthodox as a mafia bar. She leverages her experiences of profound loss at an early age to illustrate how we must all decide if we will choose to search for and cultivate a vibrant and connected community. Coffey calls us to work to change how we all think about, build, and live in communities that are deeply connected and fulfilling. Kathy’s a respected local leader. She serves as a member of Lynnwood’s Human Services Commission. She’s a South Everett–Mukilteo Rotarian and board member of Leadership Launch.

Prior to joining LSC in 2014, Kathy spent 16 years in higher education. She was Assistant Director of Edmonds Community College Foundation and Development Relations Coordinator at Bastyr University. She was also co- owner of Pivot Edmonds, a community magazine, marketplace, and community engagement site. Kathy is the proud mom of two sons, Ethan and Parker, who bring her great joy. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx