As an organization working for the betterment of our community we strongly believe in transparency in everything that we do. In order to promote our values and encourage participation within, and from, the community, we have provided a list of the West Coast Latvian Education Center’s board members and volunteers for absolute clarity in how we, as an organization, operate.
Marisa Turaids
Board Member / President| marisa.turaids@rklic.org
Marisa is a social worker who coordinates fundraising activities for three small nonprofits, including the West Coast Latvian Education Center. Her early education at Latvian school, Mežotne and Kursa not only taught her the Latvian language, history and culture, but also the joys of finding lifelong friends who “get it.” She is passionate about creating a place where all Baltic people can enjoy the same experience.
Māris Bērziņš
Board Member / Vice-President| maris.berzins@rklic.org
Maris is a Kursa and UW graduate who spent a large part of his childhood exploring the woods of the RKLIC. He now divides his time between the Northwest and California, where he runs a production company together with his wife.
Valdis Atvars
Board Member / Treasurer | valdis.atvars@rklic.org
Valdis grew up in Mežotne and Kursa programs as a participant, counselor and teacher. He was music teacher and director of the Seattle Latvian School. He has been webmaster of the Mežotne and Kursa websites for many years. Valdis’ family owns multiple properties on the WCLEC site, and is passionate about keeping the site, and the organization’s mission alive for future generations.
Daira Anderson
Board Member / Secretary | daira.anderson@rklic.org
Ivars Graudiņš
Board Member | ivars.graudins@rklic.org
Ivars Graudins grew up in Yakima Washington where he graduated from Eisenhower High School. He attended the University of Washington and earned a BA’s in Economics and International Commerce. In 1965 he began working for Washington State government in the Research & Statistics Section and eventually in the Labor Market & Economic Analysis Branch. He retired in July 2009 with forty-four years of service. In June of 1994, Ivars took over the WCLEC’s treasurer responsibilities and served in that role until 2021.
Jūlijs Pružinskis
Board Member| julijs.pruzinskis@rklic.org
Valdis Riekstiņš
Board Member | valdis.riekstins@rklic.org
Valdis grew up in the Seattle Latvian community…going to Latvian school Saturday mornings as a small boy and Mežotne every Summer starting at age 3. Valdis attended Mežotne for 10 consecutive Summers as a camper, then 2 more as a counselor after Summer classes at Kursa. Valdis graduated from the University of Washington’s Computer Engineering program in 2000 and has since worked for several high-tech companies in the USA, Canada, and Europe.
Jenny Roberts
Board Member / Mežotne Director | jenny@mezotne.org or jenny.roberts@rklic.org
I received my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Scandinavian studies at the University of Washington. After graduation, I moved to Virginia and completed by master’s degree at Old Dominion University in School Counseling. I am married to my husband, Colin, who is an officer in the United States Navy, and I have two boys, Nik and Lukas, and a dog. I have previously worked at both Mezotne and Kursa as a counselor. I like to read, travel, hockey and go to concerts. I currently live in Japan.
Iveta Āva
On-Site Manager | iveta.ava@rklic.org
The first time I was at WCLEC was the summer of 1982 when Miervaldis showed us his plans for a place for Latvians to meet; back then there was only woods, some trails, and a lake. Life, unfrotunately, took me away for a few years. Upon returning my kids took part in Mežotne, Kursa, and of course, we all celebrated Jāņi! I hope that everyone has an opportunity to visit this place that has been close to my heart and enjoy Latvian traditions in the great outdoors!
Roland Upenieks
Volunteer / Webmaster | roland.upenieks@rklic.org
The West Coast Latvian Education Center’s webmaster, Roland is a full time undergraduate student at the University of Washington. Growing up in a Latvian family, Roland spent his Saturday mornings at Latvian school, for a short stint, at least, before he threw a tantrum on account of all of the homework he had to do, and he stopped going. He spent nearly every summer at Mežotne, the children’s summer camp, and circumstances permitting, continues to frequent the camp as their lifeguard.
Kārlis Grendze
Board Member & President Emeritus| karlis.grendze@rklic.org
Karlis comes to WCLEC with a family history of involvement in Latvian camps, his uncle Vilis Varsbergs founded Garezers, so it was just a matter of time for him to help out at WCLEC. It all started when he helped with the kitchen remodel which lead to being in charge of the construction of the new arts and crafts building. His education includes a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and an Associate of Applied Science in Electrical-Electronics Engineering Technology.
Dr. Indra Ekmane
Board Member & Kursa Director Emeritus| indra.ekmanis@rklic.org
Indra earned her PhD at the University of Washington’s Jackson School of International Studies. Her dissertation was on Latvian integration, culture and education, and brings this expertise to her work with WCLEC. As director of Kursa, she was excited to restart an amazing program, welcoming all high school students and families to see how they can connect to their culture in a great summer environment. She lives by the motto: #IAmKursa.