Janell is a Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG), a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), and a Certified 21/64 Advisor in multi-generational family philanthropy. As a Senior Philanthropic Advisor with Phīla Engaged Giving, a Seattle-based advisory firm, she stewards this knowledge to help philanthropists navigate the how, what and why of giving so their work is more joyful, purpose-driven, and informed.
Janell’s passion to unleash generosity in others has led to her being a sought after speaker on trust-based giving, estate planning, and the intersection of philanthropy and impact investing. She’s served on various nonprofit boards such as Inspire Washington and United Way of King County, was appointed by Governor Jan Brewer to the Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, was a regional director for the Arizona Community Foundation, and has led planned giving and endowment building for Seattle Opera and other nonprofits. In 2007, she was appointed by Senator Cory Booker to help launch the Newark Prisoner Reentry Initiative in Newark, NJ, a program designed to eliminate recidivism and ensure a successful transition home post-incarceration. The program was recognized as a “Bright Idea” by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2012.
Janell earned a BA from University of Washington in Japanese Sociolinguistics and fulfilled her childhood dream of living in Yokohama, Japan before ultimately returning home to Seattle. She currently serves on the boards of Seattle Opera and Horizon House, a unique urban retirement community located in the heart of downtown Seattle.
In her time away from the office she enjoys travel, musical theater and opera, quiet evenings with her favorite book, and spending time with her two sons and a feisty little Bichon.
