We’re proud to announce the appointment of Isabel Muñoz-Colón as Executive Director of the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS).

Isabel’s appointment follows a comprehensive and rigorous search process led by the WSOS Board of Directors. Her extensive background in public leadership and workforce development, as well as her longstanding relationships across Washington state, position her to guide WSOS into a new era of growth and impact.

Isabel brings more than two decades of experience serving Washington communities. Most recently, she was a Senior Program Officer at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she supported initiatives on the foundation’s Washington state team. Her prior roles include serving as an education policy advisor for the City of Seattle, staffing the Quality Education Council as the Director of Financial Policy and Research at the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and chairing the Washington State Board of Education.

With deep roots in public service and a clear passion for equitable access to education, Isabel’s career has been defined by a commitment to helping students succeed, especially those furthest from opportunity.

“Isabel is widely regarded as someone who is genuinely good to work for—a people-centered manager. That made a powerful and positive impression on the Board,” shares Brad Smith, WSOS Board Chair and Vice Chair & President of Microsoft Corporation. “WSOS is at a pivotal moment. Isabel’s proven ability to build partnerships and her respected reputation in Olympia and across Washington are essential as we expand strategically and advocate for equitable workforce opportunities statewide.”

Isabel holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington, bringing both national and local perspectives to her leadership at WSOS.

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to Kimber Connors, who served as WSOS’s Executive Director and now leads the WSOS Foundation. Kimber’s legacy of growth, innovation, and mission-driven leadership leaves WSOS stronger than ever.

Additionally, we are deeply grateful to Johnathan Luster for his thoughtful and steady leadership as Interim Executive Director during this transition. His guidance helped ensure a smooth and productive search process.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Isabel as she steps into this important role. We are excited for the vision, compassion, and leadership she brings to WSOS and the communities we serve across Washington.