Our Team

Jennifer English
Program Director
jennifere@tacomachamber.org

Jennifer is a passionate advocate for Tacoma’s creative economy, leveraging her deep community roots as a former Hilltop Business Association Vice President and co-owner of SPUN Clay Arts Studio. A 2014 Spaceworks Incubator graduate, she now drives its vibrant programs, facilitating dynamic public art installations that energize the city and fosters resilient creative businesses. Jennifer is dedicated to eliminating barriers and empowering creatives and entrepreneurs, because artists don’t need creativity – they need power.

Andrew Parks
Incubator Coordinator | KIVA Advisor
andrewp@tacomachamber.org

Andrew has been supporting the growth and success of small businesses and entrepreneurs through his role as Technical Program Manager at the Tacoma-Pierce Chamber. He manages the Kiva Hub, working closely with many different types of businesses to increase capital access and has helped raise over one million dollars in funding for local entrepreneurs. Passionate about equity in entrepreneurship, he works to create opportunities for all business owners to thrive.

Co-Chair, Rebecca Solverson
Public Art Program Manager – City of Tacoma

Rebecca Solverson manages the City of Tacoma’s Public Art Program, 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, Ryan Spence
Director – Manufacturing Industrial Council

Ryan Spence is an entrepreneur, designer, and product developer based in Tacoma, Washington. He serves as Director of the Manufacturing Industrial Council for the South Sound, where he supports business growth, community development, and entrepreneurship. Ryan helped establish the Tacoma Manufacturing Incubator, an economic development initiative of the Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber in partnership with Clover Park Technical College. He has also been a longtime supporter of Spaceworks, contributing since 2012, and where he currently serves as Co-Chair on the Spaceworks Steering Committee.

JD Elquist
Downtown Tacoma Partnership

JD is a creative entrepreneur with many years experience owning and operating businesses in Downtown Tacoma. An accomplished event visionary, marketer, and promoter with a portfolio that includes fashion shows, pop-up markets, and networking events. Out-of-the-box thinker, passionate about cultivating relationships and building community through thoughtful leadership and team collaboration.

Umi Wagoner
Advocate and Business Owner

Umi Wagoner graduated from Henry Foss High School and was accepted to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in 2006. He went to school and worked full-time at the Beverly Center as assistant manager before being recruited by The Hundreds is Huge Inc.

After graduating he moved home to Washington and worked in Ballard at the high-end boutique Blackbird Ballard as a lead sales associate. One year later he was offered the Store Manager position at The Hundreds is Huge Inc. 
flagship location and moved back to Los Angeles. After spending the end of 2013 building a business plan with business partner Perris Wright he moved back to Tacoma in 2014 to open ETC TACOMA. He has since spent his time participating and advocating for the art community in Tacoma. Through works with public organizations and hosting art shows at eTcTacoma he has also built community within Tacoma’s art realm. 

Shannon Halberstadt
Creative Economy Sector Lead, WA State Dept. of Commerce

As Creative Economy Sector Lead, Shannon cultivates partnerships and policy to grow creative businesses and jobs in Washington State. Shannon brings decades of experience supporting Washington State’s creative workers and creative businesses, including leadership roles with Artist Trust, Spokane Arts, The Recording Academy (GRAMMY’s), and The Vera Project. She’s sat on numerous Boards and Commissions such as Whipsmart!, Inspire Washington, Seattle Music Commission, and Seattle Center Advisory Commission. When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find Shannon traveling, swimming, hiking, hunting down the best restaurants, or enjoying live music and cultural events.