Who We Are

Generation Alive is non-profit in Spokane, WA that is activating youth to lead with compassion. 

LIKE YOU, WE CARE ABOUT THE NEXT GENERATION.

We are a team of youth development experts with over 75 years of combined experience. We have a passion for seeing young people discover their unique potential and aren’t afraid to have fun in the process. We consider Generation Alive to be Spokane’s best kept secret. You can help us change that!

 

our core values

BELONGING

UNDERSTANDING

SERVICE

LEADERSHIP

COMPASSION

our team

JJ Vancil

JJ Vancil

Executive Director

JJ's Bio

JJ Vancil, our Executive Director, has been an integral part of the Spokane community since 2001 and brings extensive experience from his involvement in youth-serving organizations. His unwavering commitment to our mission, team building, and empowering staff to achieve their fullest potential sets him apart. JJ’s true passion lies in envisioning a bright future for our organization. Married to Katy since 2005, he takes great pride in raising his two wonderful children, Owen and Nora. When not working, JJ finds solace in quality time with his family, playing tennis, exploring Spokane’s vibrant food scene, diving into books, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Guided by Wayne Gretzky’s wisdom, “Skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been,” JJ embodies a forward-thinking mindset. JJ’s steadfast dedication and visionary leadership propel our organization’s success.

A fun fact about JJ is at heart, he is a tech nerd and, in an alternate universe, he likes to think he was on the ground floor building a company like Apple.

Darrin Duty

Audrey Dominguez McFadden

Associate Executive Director

Audrey's Bio

Originally from Beeville, a small town in South Texas, Audrey spent 12 years in San Antonio before relocating to Spokane in the summer of 2021.  As our Associate Executive Director, Audrey enjoys leading our team, strengthening staff relationships, managing projects, and overseeing our strategic execution. Prior to joining our organization, Audrey worked in youth focused non-profits for eight years and taught elementary school for two years. When she’s not working, Audrey can be found spending time with loved ones, cooking with her husband, tending to her plants, traveling, and hosting gatherings.  One of her favorite quotes is from Brené Brown: “Vulnerability is not winning or losing; it’s having the courage to show up and be seen when we have no control over the outcome. Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our greatest measure of courage.” 

A fun fact about Audrey is that she started dating her now-husband Kurtis during the pandemic shutdown while living in different states and got engaged just six months later.

Cassandra Williams

Darrin Duty

Program Director

Darrin's Bio

Darrin Duy is our dedicated Program Director with over 30 years of experience in youth development. He oversees all of GA’s in-person youth programs, and enjoys seeing young people see the potential in themselves. With a background as Spokane Area Campus Life Director, Youth Pastor, and 12 years as GA’s Program Director, Darrin brings extensive expertise and unwavering dedication to his role. He finds joy in guiding youth on their journey of self-discovery and growth. Outside of work, Darrin enjoys golfing, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and photography. His favorite quote, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away,” reflects his drive to make a lasting impact. As Programs Director, Darrin’s experience, dedication, and passion contribute to the success of our programs. 

A fun fact about Darrin is he is a professional photographer and hot sauce enthusiast, once eating a pepper so hot that his eyes literally swelled shut.

Chris Sloan

Chris Sloan

Community Engagement Director

Sloan's Bio

Chris, better known as “Sloan”, brings to Generation Alive expertise in both youth ministry and non-profit philanthropy. After graduating from Eastern Washington University with a degree in marketing, Sloan served as youth pastor at Timberview Church for 18 years, as well as denominational youth director. In 2013 he co-founded At The Core, a non-profit organization focused on empowering businesses, churches, and civic organizations to adopt local elementary, middle, and high schools to provide weekend meals for students facing hunger. At The Core and Second Harvest combined their efforts in the fall of 2013 and formalized the Bite2Go program, with Sloan at the lead. Today, over 5,000 students receive Bite2Go every weekend in every school in Spokane County. Sloan and his wife Brenna were married in 1997 and have three children Ella, Aidan, and Norah. Sloan loves everything football and has been a high school football coach for 25 years. He also thoroughly enjoys almost any outdoor adventure: fly fishing, hiking, snow shoeing, camping. GA is the perfect confluence of his passion and calling.

Rachelle Goodbrake

Program Coordinator

Rachelle's Bio

Rachelle Goodbrake is our dedicated Program Coordinator, bringing extensive experience and a deep passion for empowering youth. Originally from Hilo, Hawaii, she has made Spokane her home since 2015. As a proud mother and Program Coordinator, Rachelle finds fulfillment in working directly with youth, guiding them on their path to success. Her background in addressing food insecurity for youth and advocating against Human Trafficking adds valuable expertise to her role. During her leisure time, Rachelle cherishes moments spent with her daughter, exploring local parks, swimming, and pursuing her love for photography. Her favorite quote, “May we be brave enough for it. May it be ready for us,” inspires her to embrace challenges with courage. With a multicultural background and experiences living in various countries, Rachelle enriches our team and the Spokane community.  We greatly value Rachelle Goodbrake’s commitment and passion for empowering youth, making her an invaluable asset as our Program Coordinator.

A fun fact about Rachelle is she was born in Washington, grew up in Hawaii, lived in Germany for 3 months, lived in New Zealand for 6 months, moved to Spokane in 2015 to start a family and has been here ever since.

Rebecca Macias Waterford

Marketing Coordinator

Rebecca's Bio

Originally from sunny San Diego, Rebecca and her husband, Jamal Waterford, embarked on an exciting journey to the Pacific Northwest eight years ago, leaving behind a close-knit family to build a life together. 

In her role, Rebecca is passionate about spreading GA’s mission through social channels and inspiring others to take action. With several years of industry experience, she crafts sustainable and authentic marketing plans that tell compelling stories.

Off-duty, Rebecca is an “introverted extrovert” who enjoys both adventure-filled weekends and cozy couch hangs, fostering meaningful conversations and savoring delicious meals. Her favorite quote, “Clear is kind” by Brene Brown, reflects her commitment to transparent communication.

A fun fact about Rebecca: she’s a spice and citrus enthusiast who loves a good road trip. With her zest for life and dedication, Rebecca is a valuable member of our team, ready to make a positive impact.

board of directors

Jonathan Dietzen – Chair

Managing Principal, BizOps, Outsourcing
CliftonLarsonAllen

Kelley Ferguson

Chief Information Officer
Numerica Credit Union

Mark Calkins – Treasurer

Investment Adviser
Richards, Merrill & Peterson

Mary Silkworth

Retired – Enterprise Systems
Avista

Carla LaFayette

National Program Director
Urban Strategies 

Chris Patrick

Chief Executive Officer
Inland Imaging

Joshua Loera

President
Kingdom Builders Group

Sather Gowdy

Public Defender
Spokane County

Jeremy Affeldt – Founding Board Member

Owner
Free Roam Brewing Company