FWBC:  A Story of Community, Courage & Unstoppable Growth

Federal Way Black Collective — 2020 to Today

Since 2020, the Federal Way Black Collective (FWBC) has grown from a small, determined vision into a powerful community engine touching thousands of lives across South King County. What began as a grassroots response to urgent community needs has evolved into a trusted hub for economic empowerment, small-business support, community wellness, and systems-level advocacy. Today, FWBC stands as one of the region’s most trusted Black-led organizations—grounded in our R.I.C.H. principles: Reciprocity, Inclusivity, Civility, and Hospitality—and committed to uplifting Black families, entrepreneurs, and communities with dignity and love.

Our Mission in Action

FWBC exists to create access, remove barriers, and build pathways for Black individuals, families, and small businesses across South King County. We do this through:

Small Business Resiliency & Economic Empowerment

• Supporting 470+ Black-owned businesses with training, coaching, grants, and technical assistance
• Connecting entrepreneurs with state, county, and regional partners
• Providing wrap-around support that meets the realities of Black entrepreneurship

Community Support & Navigation

• Housing stability assistance
• Mental health access
• Emergency shelter supports
• Crisis response for individuals without safety nets

Advocacy & Community Voice

• Ensuring local policy decisions reflect the lived experience of Black residents
• Serving as a community convener and bridge between families and government partners
• Leading culturally grounded conversations that bring healing, unity, and forward-moving solutions

Partnerships That Move Communities Forward

We collaborate with county agencies, small-business networks, funders, schools, and civic partners to ensure the needs of Black communities are not just heard—but prioritized.

Our Growth: From Crisis Response to Community Infrastructure

When the pandemic hit in 2020, FWBC stepped into the gap—meeting needs others were not prepared to meet. Demand grew overnight, and by 2022, FWBC was ready for stable leadership and a long-term strategy.

That’s when Executive Director Taniesha Lyons-Casillas stepped into leadership.

A CEO’s Journey Through Volatility & Vision

When Taniesha joined FWBC, the organization was full of heart but struggling with:

• Inconsistent staffing
• Limited systems and infrastructure
• Financial instability
• Gaps in program coordination
• Growing community needs surpassing capacity
• A reputation still forming and trust still being built

It was a season where the work was heavy, the needs were urgent, and every area required rebuilding—from operations to community engagement to financial stewardship.

What Taniesha Brought to the Table

With her background in community leadership, strategic development, advocacy, and capacity-building, Taniesha led FWBC through:

• A full organizational reset
  Centering values, clarifying mission, rebuilding trust, and strengthening culture.
• Stabilizing systems
  Implementing financial protocols, HR structures, volunteer systems, and compliance processes.
• Expanding partnerships
  Growing FWBC into a county-wide connector recognized by WA Commerce, Sound Transit, local banks, and regional nonprofits.
• Securing funding & growing programs
  Building a diversified funding strategy and raising resources to expand services.
• Grounding the work in care and dignity
  Ensuring every person who walks through FWBC’s doors feels seen, supported, and valued.

Today, FWBC is in one of the strongest seasons in its history—stable, strategic, and growing with purpose.

Challenges That Made Us Stronger

1. Meeting Sky-High Community Needs With Limited ResourcesFrom housing crises to small-business shutdowns, FWBC was often the last stop for families who had nowhere else to go.

2. Navigating Funding Gaps During Economic Uncertainty

As public and philanthropic funding fluctuated, FWBC learned to build diversified revenue streams and resilient systems.

3. Sustaining a Black-led Organization in a Time of BacklashStanding firm in our mission while navigating political, social, and community pressures required courage and collective strength.

4. Rebuilding Internal Operations From the Ground Up

What once felt overwhelming now stands as the foundation of our long-term stability.

These challenges did not break us—they shaped us.

Where We Are Now: A Model of Resilience & Forward Momentum

Because of bold leadership, dedicated staff, community trust, and powerful partnerships, FWBC has achieved:

• Strong organizational infrastructure
• Expanded staff capacity with clear roles and leadership pathways
• A thriving Small Business Resiliency Network
• Deeper connections with funders, government partners, and regional coalitions
• A community presence that is visible, trusted, and growing

Most importantly, FWBC has become a home—a place where Black families and entrepreneurs come for support, belonging, and hope.

Why Your Investment Matters

FWBC is not just building programs—we are building community infrastructure that will last for generations.

Your partnership:

• Expands small-business support
• Strengthens family stabilityIncreases access to housing, mental health, and wellness
• Ensures Black communities have a seat at decision-making tables
• Builds economic pathways for people historically shut out
• Helps us create a Federal Way—and a region—where everyone thrives.

FWBC is proof that when a community invests in itself, transformation becomes possible.

Join Us in What Comes Next.

We’ve grown from crisis to stability, from stability to strategy, and from strategy to vision.
And we’re just getting started.

If you believe in building strong, resilient, culturally grounded communities, your partnership with FWBC will make a lasting impact.

Together, we are shaping a future rooted in dignity, opportunity, and collective power.

Federal Way Black Collective
Building community the R.I.C.H. way.