Liz Bell
Always leading, always learning.
Professional
Personal
Personal Projects
My desire to finish projects doesn't stop when I leave work for the day!
CybFest NW- Organizer
CybFest NW is a single-day Transformers convention for fans of all ages. I joined the organization team in 2018 and have been a part of it since!We have a small team which means I wear multiple hats. Among my responsibilities are artist relations, sponsor relations, and social media management.Media coverage of CybFest NW:
-NPR Coverage: Kent in disguise: An unofficial, underground Transformers fan fest for Washington-Auburn Reporter Coverage: Transformed in Kent-KING5 Coverage: This Bumblebee Superfan is Transforming the Pacific Northwest-KUOW Coverage: The Reemerging Geekonomy
AMES State GAME Showcase
Every year, student teams across the state are given a prompt by the Advanced Media Entertainment Society (AMES) and must develop their game within the same two-month time frame.In 2016, I helped found the State Showcase. As one of the key organizers, I was essential in coordinating students, teachers, parents, and guests in order to pull off the showcase. Additional duties included marketing, soliciting sponsorships, and hosting the show itself.These days the next generation has taken over, but I frequently help with judging or last-minute hosting!
Extra Life
Extra Life is a fundraising program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals®. Donations go to member children’s hospitals to fund critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, along with innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, and child life services.Since 2020, I have held annual 24-hour fundraisers for Extra Life. Each year the event grows with additional rewards, guests, and money raised for CMN!Additionally, prior to leaving my position as Center Director, I pitched an initiative that led to a partnership between Extra Life and Code Ninjas.In 2023, I launched Team Palians, a project dedicated to bringing real-world impact through the positivity of Palia's community.In 2024, after returning to Code Ninjas, I spearheaded Code Ninjas joining the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals family as an official partner. Yay!
| Year | Goal | Final Total |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $500 | $775.10 |
| 2021 | $775.10 | $815 |
| 2022 | $1000 | $1388.19 |
| 2023 | $1500 | $1530 |
| 2024 | $1000 | $1419.42 |
Palia
After being a long-time tester of a highly anticipated MMORPG, I was selected to join the founding cohort of a highly competitive ambassador program. In the course of this program, I served as part of committee to create new resources for incoming players.After the game's launch, I pitched, developed, and managed large-scale community engagement projects and events. These events ranged from online charity streams to in-person meetups.I was later recruited to join the moderation team, ensuring safety and healthy discussion in a community space of over 350,000 players.
Job History
Since moving to Washington State in 2013, I have always sought to make a positive impact in the community. Employment history will be presented in reverse-chronological order.
Code Ninjas HQ
2023-Present
In November of 2023, I received a call from Code Ninjas Home Office asking if I would be interested in joining the Franchise Business Consultant team. I couldn't resist the chance to return to the unique world of Code Ninjas and jumped at the opportunity!
Served as FBC for the West region, including over 60 locations in California, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, BC, and Alberta.
Maintained consistent YoY Growth in Net Sales.
Supported openings of over a dozen new centers.
Established a corporate partnership with Children Miracle Network's Extra Life fundraising program.
Established a regularly occuring Sensei Game Jam, promoting recruitment, retention, and development of employees.
Established and managed a virtual employee community space for bug reports, software suggestions, and curriculum questions.
WSU Extension/Grays Harbor County, Digital Navigator/Data Manager
2023-2024
After moving to Grays Harbor in spring of 2023, I took on the position of Digital Navigator. This grant-funded position was the result of a partnership between WSU Extension, Grays Harbor County, Quinault Education Department, Chehalis Tribe, and NDIA.I worked daily with residents of Grays Harbor and tribal members to help bridge the digital divide, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to utilize and benefit from today's technology.
Met one-on-one and in group settings to increase digital literacy in rural communities.
Created content and curriculum for use in libraries and community centers across Grays Harbor County.
Worked with partner organizations to distribute grant-funded devices.
Collected, organized, and presented participant data while maintaining privacy using AirTable.
Code Ninjas, Center Director
2020-2023
As Center Director of Code Ninjas Mill Creek, I helped launch the business in February 2020 and served as the business operator. You know how people say "I do everything around here?" I actually did EVERYTHING around there. Sales, payroll, scheduling, teaching, event coordination, customer relations, vendor relations, marketing, outreach, EVERYTHING.Here are some highlights:
Transitioned the entire business model online during COVID, including the creation of a brand-new curriculum that kept the business afloat.
Connected with groups such as Chamber of Commerce, City Council, school PTAs, and homeschool associations to garner interest and promote computer science opportunities for children.
Organized and hosted monthly community events such as Hackathons, Hour of Code events, food drive parties, and so many more.
Kiddie Academy, School Age Manager
2016-2020
Pictured above: Liz, working with kids.
When I joined as Manager of Giggle & Wiggle Playscape, I was occasionally asked to 'float' when Giggle & Wiggle's sister business, Kiddie Academy of Mill Creek, was understaffed. This quickly led to becoming the lead School Age teacher and then transitioning to School Age Manager.
Created and maintained curriculum for children ages 4-12 in multiple subjects.
Coordinated field trips including vendors, transportation, state standards, and parent volunteers.
Arranged and hosted multiple performances and open house events.
Giggle & Wiggle Playscape, Operator
2016-2018
Giggle & Wiggle Playscape was the side business of the daycare next door. After building an indoor playground for the daycare kids to use, it was decided that they would hire someone to open it to the public while students weren't using it. Liz was that person!
Served as the primary operator for the business.
Developed plans for business operation such as scheduling, pricing, and offerings.
Handled all staffing matters.
Organized events (such as the one pictured above) and guest appearances.
Handled all marketing and social media presence.
Island Time, Afternoon Manager
2013-2016
Everybody starts somewhere. Liz's first job was at Island Time, an arcade/playplace/laser tag arena/froyo shop/coffee stand/snackbar. They started as an employee in 2013 and got promoted to Afternoon Manager in 2015 before the property owners sold the complex. With a little mix of everything, it was the perfect first job!
Repaired and maintained arcade machines, laser tag software and hardware, and frozen yogurt machines.
Helped parents plan and execute birthday parties.
Helped Island Time's director with social media marketing and event coordination.
All the fun first job stuff! Food prep, cleaning, restocking, etc.
Hard Skills
A well-rounded individual, Liz possesses a large variety of skills that are applicable in multiple settings.
Technical and computer skills
Copywriting
Customer service
Graphic design
Social media management
Video and photo editing
Project management
Digital communication
Presentations
Software
Liz has worked with a large variety of software over the years and is quick to learn anything new. They make a point of researching up-and-coming freeware for usability and potential applications. Some examples include but are not limited to:
Microsoft365 suite of products
Google suite of products
Adobe suite of products
Atlassian suite of products
Freeware alternatives such as Canva, GIMP, DaVinci Resolve, and more
Web design software such as Carrd, WordPress, SquareSpace, and more
Video conferencing software such as Zoom, Teams, and more
CRM and marketing software such as MailChimp, LineLeader, and more