Though Josh Wood is not a Wenatchee Valley College alum, he believes that education is important because it can change lives. “I grew up believing education was important, but college only became possible because of scholarships,” he said. “That opportunity transformed everything—my career, my sense of what’s possible, and my appreciation for the wide world around me. I believe everyone deserves that same chance to discover what they’re capable of.”

Josh is inspired to serve on the WVC Foundation board because he knows firsthand what access to education can do. “Scholarships made my future possible, and the Foundation does that for people here in our own community every single day,” he said. “Helping open those doors for others feels like paying forward a gift that changed my life.”

Josh’s favorite memories as a WVC Foundation board member include annual events where scholarship recipients are able to share how their lives were changed.

Outside of serving on the WVC Foundation board, Josh enjoys cooking, gardening, writing, and playing Dungeons and Dragons. Additionally, he has four daughters who he says keep life loud, funny, and full.

“WVC represents opportunity close to home. It’s where people in our community can take that first big step toward something better,” said Josh. “When WVC thrives, so does North Central Washington.”