Ilsa was born and raised on Vashon Island.  She graduated from Vashon High School in 1997, in a class of about 100.  About 80 of the graduating seniors had started school together in kindergarten.  After high school she attended the Gene Juarez Academy.  She married at age 23 and recently divorced,  Ilsa has 3 daughters, age 18, 17 and 13, and a 5 year old son.

 

 

This is Ilsa's second stint as Community Outreach Director for the church.  In addition, since 2010, when she started as a volunteer, she has been in various other positions with the church including nursery coordinator, janitor, office manager, MOPS (Mothers of Pre-schoolers) and womans' coordinator.  She serves on the church's board of directors.  Outside of the church, she has also been a store manager, interior design consultant, luxury yacht builder,  and a professional home organizer.  She has also refurbished furniture. Currently, in addition to her work at the church, she is working on obtaining her real estate license.

 

Ilsa's parents still live on a 10 acre farm on Vashon Island.  Growing up in a place only accessible by ferry which is only 14 miles long and 7 miles wide,  was different than what most kids experience.  As an adult, she appreciates the quiet a lot more.  As a kid it was the worst remote place ever.  The one movie theater showed moves weeks after they were released.

 

Connecting with people at a personal level seems to be Ilsa's passion.  Friendships are of high value to Ilsa and she told us more about the leadership she provided to women groups and MOPS.  Like other programs that are offered on Zoom,  Ilsa's presentation was recorded and it includes more about her children.   Unfortunately there was a technical issue in recording the program and the power point slides did not advance.  The video is on our YouTube Channel.  Click HERE for a link.