Faces of FIUTS: Erin Goodman
Building Connections Across Communities
My name is Erin Goodman, and I was on the FIUTS staff team in 2006 as Manager of Education Outreach. I grew up in Seattle, but have also lived in New York, Atlanta, and Charleston before returning here fifteen years ago to raise my own children. I live in Rainier Beach, where I love knowing my neighbors and feeling the real sense of community.
As a child, I lived in the Seward Park neighborhood, one of the most diverse areas in the country. At the time, it was just my neighborhood, and I thought that was what all neighborhoods were like — lots of different people living together. That early experience shaped how I see the world and inspired me to choose South Seattle as home for my family.
The FIUTS staff team in 2007
At FIUTS, I managed outgoing study abroad orientations, the pen-pal program, and visiting student educational programs. With a small staff, we all pitched in wherever needed. I have wonderful memories of Wednesday lunches, holiday celebrations, and I even had the fun privilege of serving on the hiring committee that brought Era Schrepfer to FIUTS.
During my time at FIUTS, I clarified the values that continue to guide me today. Focusing on what we have in common, building empathy, and connecting across differences shaped how I approach both work and life. These lessons now guide me in building friendships across nationalities and, more recently, across political perspectives.
FIUTS Global Gala 2007
For the past eleven years, I have served as Executive Director of the SODO Business Improvement Area, advocating for a safe, clean, connected, and engaged neighborhood while supporting businesses, employees, and visitors.
My children were young when I worked at FIUTS, and it was truly magical for them to participate in activities with the students. I have so many fond memories of their interactions, from pumpkin carving to ice-cream socials. At the time, I didn’t fully realize how much these experiences would shape their perspective. Now as adults, I can clearly see the influence in their love of travel and experiencing different cultures, and I am so grateful that they had the opportunity to have a FIUTS experience of their own.