We’re thrilled to announce the winners of the third annual Intentionalist Awards, which were presented at a live event on October 14, 2025. Our judges waded through 478 nominations of small business that exemplify the creativity and dedication that make our neighborhoods thrive.
Guests enjoyed bites delicious food from Pizza by Ruffin, Tibbitts at FernHill, Patrick’s Cafe & Bakery, Chamoriken, wine pours from Footprint Wine Tap, coffee from The Station, delicious tea blends by Friday Afternoon Tea, vegan ice cream bon bons from PJ’s Classic Homemade Ice Cream + Bon Bons, and special photo-printed macarons from Macadons.
The Intentionalist Awards were made possible thanks to Alaska Airlines, BECU, Fulcrum Coffee, La Marzocco, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Seattle Credit Union, Seattle’s Office of Economic Development, SeattleFWC26 Local Organizing Committee, Visit Seattle, and Vlack Media.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special night – and thank you to our emcee, Besa Gordon, the award presenters, our DJ, Erika White of Fat’s Chicken & Waffles, Olivia Martinez who performed a welcome song, and our incredible team of volunteers.
Community over Competition
This award recognizes a small business who champions, promotes, opens doors for, and supports other small businesses.
Winner: Tara DuBois, Complete Driving Experience
Presented by Blas Alfaro, co-owner, Fulcrum Coffee
🗣️ Nomination: “Complete Driving Experience (CDX) doesn’t just teach people to drive, it teaches them the importance of working together for mutual success. Tara has always championed collaboration, recognizing that the success of small businesses lies in lifting each other up. She has also opened her doors to fellow business owners, offering her expertise in business operations and marketing to help them grow. This collaborative mindset extends to her partnerships with local shops and service providers, where she ensures that her customers are introduced to other small businesses in the area. Tara has shown that success isn’t just about competing—it’s about helping others achieve their goals, creating a more supportive and thriving community.”
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Cross-Cultural Champion
This award recognizes a small business that serves as a place where diverse communities experience belonging and that facilitates cross-cultural learning and connection.
Winner: Allen Kim, K-Street K-BBQ
Presented by Jackie Martinez-Vasquez, Chief Impact Officer, Seattle Credit Union
🗣️ Nomination: “K-Street KBBQ allows me to experience authentic Korean food and Korean BBQ, and I love that they took the time to educate themselves on offering halal meat so that our Muslim communities can also enjoy Korean food! K-Street’s decision to offer halal options reflects an intentional choice about the kind of community it wants to welcome. It’s a terrific example of how apt food is as a bridge between cultures. And it made me proud to know there’s now an inclusive (and delicious) space where Muslim folks can fully share in a culinary tradition I love. It’s beautiful to see the joining of two vastly different cultures through the love and care of Korean BBQ.”
Rookie of the Year
This award recognizes a small business that not only is new, but also brings something new to the community.
Winner: Isaiah Ruffin and Colleen Constant, Pizza by Ruffin
Presented by Alicia Tieder, Chief Health Equity Officer, Seattle Children’s Hospital
🗣️ Nomination: “At Pizza by Ruffin Colleen and Isaiah have nurtured a space where craft meets community. Chef Isaiah translates stories of the African diaspora into the language of pizza, serving Roman style pizza like Seattle has never seen before. On any given evening or weekend, they are visiting local grand openings, pop-ups, or participating in community events.”
Heart of the Community
This award recognizes a small business that gives back to and takes care of the local community – a community hub, place, and space where people go and gather to find belonging.
Winner: Dr. Ahmed Ali and Dr. Abdirahman Tache, Othello Station Pharmacy
Presented by Gerren Joyner, Market Development Specialist, BECU
🗣️ Nomination: “Othello Station Pharmacy uses the tools of a small business—people, place, and persistence—to remove barriers, build belonging, and deliver care that is as culturally fluent as it is clinically sound. OSP’s “heart of the community” work extends well beyond the exam tent. The pharmacy consistently supports local neighborhood events—showing up for cultural gatherings, community soccer, and summer parks activities—because wellness is social, too. By sponsoring, tabling, and lending staff to these efforts, OSP weaves health access into everyday community life. Even as big chains scale back, they have doubled down on service: free home delivery, mobile vaccination for homebound neighbors, and rapid collaborations with schools, faith communities, and housing providers.”
Legacy Award
This award recognizes a small business whose longevity has shaped and positively impacted the community around them.
Winner: Ana Castro and Aminta Elgin, Salvadorean Bakery
Presented by Peter Tomozawa, CEO, SeattleFWC26 Local Organizing Committee
🗣️ Nomination: “Salvadorean Bakery has been a beacon in the community, truly setting the standard for what it means to create a space that brings people together. Not only did they start nearly 30 years ago as the only place where Salvadorans (and other Central Americans) could feel safe and connected to their food and culture, but they also have introduced many people to new types of food. There is so much history in this place! Throughout the decades Ana, Aminta have supported youth in both Seattle and El Salvador, extending the impact and legacy of Salvadorean Bakery business far beyond the walls of their business.”
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Team Members of the Year
We also celebrated the team members who are the backbone of Seattle’s small businesses. Congratulations to Sawda Mohamed from Othello Station Pharmacy, Diane Nunez from Mixed Pantry (award accepted by owner, Takeshi Kunimune), and Marc Vasquez from Bloom Bistro. Each employee took home a check for $500!
Thank You to Our Judges
Thank you to the panel of judges who sifted through 478 nominations from the community to select the finalists!
- Julie Pham, PhD, CuriosityBased
- Sean Goode, Sean Goode Coaching & Consulting
- Colleen Echohawk, Community Roots Housing
- Toka Valu, Indigenous Pacific Islander Artist and Illustrator
- Alicia Tieder, Chief Health Equity Officer, Seattle Children’s Hospital
Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who attended! The celebration was a testament to the intentionality, creativity, and dedication of these local business owners – we will see you next year!