Jim Sinegal (Costco Co-founder) – A Conversation with Costco Co-Founder (Oct 2020)
Chapters
00:00:04 Addressing Educational Challenges Faced by Foster Youth
Introduction: Lisa Chin, CEO of Treehouse, introduces Jim Senegal, co-founder of Costco and a longtime supporter of Treehouse. The discussion focuses on education and the challenges faced by youth, particularly those in foster care, in completing their education.
Moment of Silence: Before starting the conversation, Lisa Chin and Jim Senegal take a moment of silence to honor George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, Ahmaud Arbery, and other black and African-American lives lost to police brutality and racist violence. Treehouse stands in solidarity with those impacted by this violence and emphasizes the need for long-term action to dismantle systemic racism.
Jim Senegal’s Commitment to Leveling the Playing Field: Lisa Chin acknowledges Jim Senegal’s long-standing commitment to leveling the playing field for youth in foster care, dating back to his career at Costco and his support for Treehouse. Senegal has previously spoken at Bellevue College’s commencement and Treehouse’s Champions Luncheon.
Jim Senegal’s Motivation for Advocating for Youth in Foster Care: Senegal expresses his desire to share his thoughts on why he feels strongly about advocating for youth in foster care. He mentions that he initially spoke at a breakfast and then a luncheon hosted by Treehouse.
Insightful Stories of Foster Children’s Challenges: Jim Sinegal’s visit to Treehouse revealed touching stories about foster children having to gather their belongings in trash can liners when removed from difficult situations. He shared a compelling story about a foster child being asked to put everything precious into a trash can liner at a moment’s notice, highlighting the emotional impact on children.
The Sentimental Suitcase: A volunteer found a ragged suitcase at a garage sale and learned its significance to a former foster child who used it to hold his belongings during multiple placements. The suitcase became a symbol of resilience and connection for the foster child and his sister, who had been through numerous home changes.
Jim Sinegal’s Contributions to Education: Sinegal and his wife established a scholarship program at San Diego State University for disadvantaged students seeking education degrees. Inspired by the university’s Guardian Program, which supports foster scholars, they expanded their giving to include this program.
The Success of Foster Scholars: The Guardian Program at San Diego State University has achieved great results, including a foster scholar becoming the student body president. Former student body president Josh Morris graduated and plans to pursue law school after taking a break to enjoy surfing.
Leading Treehouse During Challenging Times: Jim Sinegal became the president and director of Treehouse during the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide uprising for racial justice. Sinegal and his team have navigated these crises, focusing on supporting foster youth facing heightened challenges during this period. Sinegal expressed appreciation for working with dedicated individuals committed to changing the lives of vulnerable youth.
00:11:53 Education and Empowerment: Inspiring Youth from Underserved Communities
Jim Sinegal’s Introduction to Heritage University: Jim Sinegal was first introduced to Heritage University, a secular school on an Indian reservation in the Yakima Valley, about 22 or 23 years ago. He visited the university again five years ago and met six Costco employees who were graduates of Heritage University. The employees’ enthusiasm for the university inspired Sinegal to set up a scholarship program.
Scholarship Program at Heritage University: Sinegal established a scholarship program at Heritage University to provide financial assistance to five students each year for eight years. The scholarship recipients are selected by Costco employees who work in the IS department. The program has been successful, and Sinegal plans to continue it.
Inspiration for the Scholarship Program: The six Costco employees who inspired Sinegal to start the scholarship program had all experienced hardships due to their lifestyle and family backgrounds. Sinegal was impressed by their enthusiasm for Heritage University and their determination to succeed.
Reflecting on and Taking Action to Amplify Resources for Black Youth in Care: Sinegal did not address this question in the transcript.
00:16:37 Treehouse Graduation Support for Black Youth
Amplifying Resources for Black Youth: Treehouse aims to strengthen partnerships with organizations like Black Lives Matter to advocate for policies that address the challenges faced by Black youth, particularly in the foster care and school systems. Collaboration with various agencies, such as the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Children, Youth and Families, is ongoing to improve services and support for Black youth.
The Importance of High School Graduation: High school graduation is considered emotionally more significant than college graduation as it marks a milestone in a person’s life and represents their journey through the educational system. The absence of traditional graduation ceremonies due to the pandemic has created a sense of loss and disappointment among graduating seniors, depriving them of memorable experiences like prom and the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family.
Supporting Graduating Seniors: Virtual commencement ceremonies, such as the one held at San Diego State University, can help replicate some aspects of a traditional graduation and provide a sense of closure for students. Efforts should be made to enhance the virtual graduation experience and make it as meaningful as possible for students. Recognizing the emotional significance of high school graduation, it is essential to provide graduating seniors with support and encouragement during this challenging time.
00:23:28 Celebrating Treehouse Grads and Supporting Foster Kids
Lisa Chin’s Appreciation and Farewell: Lisa Chin expressed her gratitude to Jim Sinegal for his unwavering support of Tree Houses and his contributions to fostering youth education. She acknowledged the significant transition period that foster youth face as they move from high school to college and emphasized the ongoing need for support during this critical time. Lisa extended her congratulations to Jim’s granddaughter, recognizing her achievement and the importance of celebrating graduating youth.
Jim Sinegal’s Response and Encouragement: Jim Sinegal expressed his delight in knowing that Lisa Chin would be taking charge of Tree Houses, expressing his confidence in her leadership and its positive impact on the organization’s future. He emphasized the compelling nature of supporting foster children, urging the audience to familiarize themselves with the statistics and facts surrounding their challenges and the need for support. Jim encouraged the audience to watch the “Celebrate Our Grads” video and attend the graduation spotlight event later that day.
Conclusion and Gratitude: Lisa Chin thanked Jim Sinegal and the audience for joining the Facebook Live session, inviting them to engage with the graduation-related content and events. She reiterated her gratitude to Jim Sinegal for his co-founding role in Costco and his dedication to supporting foster youth. The session concluded with Lisa Chin expressing her well wishes to everyone.
Abstract
Jim Senegal’s Passionate Advocacy for Education and Foster Youth: A Deep Dive into His Philanthropic Journey and Partnerships
In a profound conversation with Lisa Chin, CEO of Treehouse, Jim Senegal, co-founder of Costco, illuminated his enduring commitment to education and supporting youth in foster care. The dialogue, rich with personal anecdotes and heartfelt moments, not only honored victims of racial injustice but also delved into Senegal’s various educational initiatives, including his involvement with Treehouse, San Diego State University, and Heritage University. His advocacy, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores a deep-rooted belief in creating equal opportunities for all young people, especially those marginalized in society.
Jim Senegal’s Advocacy for Youth in Foster Care:
Senegal’s longstanding dedication to youth in foster care is exemplified through his continuous support of Treehouse, a testament to his belief in leveling the playing field for these young individuals. His encounter with Treehouse, marked by poignant stories of children in foster care, greatly influenced his perspective, leading to substantial contributions to the cause. Lisa Chin acknowledges his long-standing commitment to leveling the playing field for youth in foster care, dating back to his career at Costco and his support for Treehouse. He initially spoke at a breakfast and then a luncheon hosted by Treehouse. As Senegel became the president and director of Treehouse during the COVID-19 pandemic and the nationwide uprising for racial justice, he and his team navigated these crises, focusing on supporting foster youth facing heightened challenges during this period.
Scholarship Programs and Education Initiatives:
The creation of the scholarship program at San Diego State University and later, the Guardian Program, signifies Senegal’s commitment to education for disadvantaged youth. This initiative, inspired by SDSU’s president Steve Weber, has yielded remarkable success, with graduates like Josh Morris exemplifying the program’s impact. Similarly, his visit to Heritage University and the ensuing scholarship program for its students reveal his deep commitment to supporting education for those with challenging backgrounds. Senegal and his wife established a scholarship program at San Diego State University for disadvantaged students seeking education degrees. Inspired by the university’s Guardian Program, which supports foster scholars, they expanded their giving to include this program. The Guardian Program at San Diego State University has achieved great results, including a foster scholar becoming the student body president. Former student body president Josh Morris graduated and plans to pursue law school after taking a break to enjoy surfing.
Addressing Challenges during the Pandemic:
The resilience of Treehouse, under Lisa Chin’s leadership during the pandemic and social unrest, demonstrates a steadfast commitment to foster youth. Senegal’s appreciation for Treehouse’s efforts during these difficult times further emphasizes the critical role such organizations play in supporting vulnerable populations. Senegel expressed appreciation for working with dedicated individuals committed to changing the lives of vulnerable youth.
Amplifying Resources for Black Youth in Care:
Treehouse’s intention to forge stronger partnerships with organizations like Black Lives Matter and educational authorities reflects a concerted effort to address systemic challenges faced by Black youth in care. The focus on disrupting the foster care to prison pipeline highlights the need for targeted support and advocacy for this demographic. Collaboration with various agencies, such as the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, is ongoing to improve services and support for Black youth.
Costco’s Contribution to Higher Education:
The scholarship program co-founded by Senegal and Jeff Bronman, which supports disadvantaged students, particularly students of color, at the University of Washington and Seattle University, marks a significant contribution to higher education. Over two decades, this program has raised substantial funds, aiding countless students in their educational pursuits.
The Emotional Impact of High School Graduation:
High school graduation, a crucial emotional milestone, has been deeply affected by the pandemic. The absence of traditional ceremonies has led to a sense of loss among graduates. Recognizing this, efforts to provide emotional support and celebrate their achievements in alternative ways are crucial. Virtual commencement ceremonies, such as the one held at San Diego State University, can help replicate some aspects of a traditional graduation and provide a sense of closure for students. Efforts should be made to enhance the virtual graduation experience and make it as meaningful as possible for students. Recognizing the emotional significance of high school graduation, it is essential to provide graduating seniors with support and encouragement during this challenging time.
Lisa Chin and Jim Senegal’s Closing Remarks:
The discussion culminates with Lisa Chin expressing gratitude for Senegal’s enduring support, and Senegal himself highlighting the importance of understanding and aiding foster youth. The session concludes with an invitation to the audience to engage further with the cause, emphasizing the ongoing need for support and awareness. Lisa Chin thanked Jim Sinegal and the audience for joining the Facebook Live session, inviting them to engage with the graduation-related content and events. She reiterated her gratitude to Jim Sinegal for his co-founding role in Costco and his dedication to supporting foster youth. The session concluded with Lisa Chin expressing her well wishes to everyone.
Jim Senegal’s journey, as showcased in his conversation with Lisa Chin, is a powerful testament to the impact of dedicated advocacy in education and foster care. His initiatives, ranging from scholarship programs to partnerships with educational organizations, highlight the transformative power of committed support for marginalized youth. The discussion not only sheds light on the challenges faced by these young individuals but also inspires a collective responsibility to contribute to their success and well-being.
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