Representative Melanie Stambaugh is represents the 25th District for the Washington State House of Representatives, representing Puyallup, South Hill, Fife, Summit-Waller, Midland, and Parkland.
Youngest Legislator in Washington State
Melanie is currently the youngest legislator serving in the Washington State House of Representatives. In 2014, at the age of 24, Melanie made history when she became the youngest female elected to the State House since 1934. She serves on the Transportation and Higher Education Committees and is a strong voice for transparent government.
Business Owner
Melanie graduated from the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business, where she competed and placed in Global Case Competitions and played in the Wind Ensemble. Upon graduation, Melanie returned to Puyallup to serve her community and use her entrepreneurial skills in building multiple businesses. Melanie currently co-owns You Impression, LLC which uses The Strategy of Play (TM) to playfully and strategically inspire multi-generational advancement. As a millennial strategist and leader, Melanie and her team work with organizations, business teams, and individuals to help empower people and close the multi-generational divide.
Community Servant
Melanie is passionate about giving back to her community. Melanie currently serves as Vice-Chair of Communities In Schools of Puyallup, having been a member of the Board of Directors for more than 9 years. Melanie also serves on the Daffodil Scholarship Foundation Board, providing educational scholarships for seniors in Pierce County. In 2009, Melanie was selected as Daffodil Princess from Emerald Ridge High School and later became Daffodil Queen.
“Champion for Students”
Melanie has been called “a champion for students across the state” of Washington, working for college affordability, protecting children’s privacy, championing support for the new Franklin Pierce Early Learning Center, and working to expand career and technical education funding opportunities.
Melanie was named the ‘2015 Legislator of the Year’ by the Washington Student Association. She sits on the Homeless Youth Advisory Council and has worked across the aisle to pass legislation that provides stability for our state’s homeless youth through housing partnerships. Melanie also sponsored legislation to increase rehabilitation and reintegration efforts in our juvenile justice system to positively support our youth and help reduce recidivism.
Leadership
Melanie’s leadership has made an immediate impact on our community and state. Melanie’s ability to listen and lead with an open mind and work with all people has been demonstrated in her ability to obtain bipartisan results. Melanie has worked to improve our transportation infrastructure including sponsoring critical reforms and securing funding to relieve congestion at Traffic Avenue Bridge between Puyallup and Sumner. Melanie has also been recognized by the Fife City Council and Puyallup City Council for her work in securing funding to complete State Route 167.
Melanie’s Passions
Outside of the legislature, Melanie is a self-taught graphic designer and avid percussionist who enjoys playing four-mallet classical pieces on the marimba. For fun, Melanie likes to watch animated movies, eat froyo, and support her UW Husky football team (go Dawgs!).