Bellevue College Welcomes New Board of Trustees Member Desiré Sotelo 

Bellevue College is pleased to announce the appointment of Desiré Sotelo to its Board of Trustees, effective Aug. 7. Appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee, Sotelo brings a broad range of experience, fostering diverse perspectives and making a positive impact on the community.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Desiré to the Board of Trustees,” said Board of Trustees Chair Richard Leigh. “Her experience, passion for education, and dedication to community service will be crucial as we continue to uphold our values and commitment to student success, creativity, and innovation.” 
 
“I am excited to collaborate with my fellow trustees and the Bellevue College community to further its mission of educational excellence,” Sotelo shared. “Together, we can create an environment where all students have the tools and support they need to succeed.”  

Sotelo understands the transformative power of education in helping people create new opportunities and lead fulfilling lives. 

“As someone who has experienced the incredible opportunities this country offers to those who are dedicated and persevere, I’ve seen firsthand the life-changing impact of a quality education,” she noted. “I am deeply grateful for the doors that have opened for me, and I am committed to ensuring that every student has the chance to access the educational resources they need to pursue their own version of the American dream.” 

Sotelo’s experiences in Washington schools were instrumental in shaping her personal and professional journey.  

Sotelo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Professional Sales from the University of Washington, Seattle. She currently serves as a Technical Recruiter at Amazon’s Project Kuiper, where she focuses on building high-performing teams for Kuiper Government Solutions, which provides advanced satellite and ground solutions for U.S. and allied government customers.  

Before joining Amazon, Sotelo worked as a recruiter at Google, where she was responsible for sourcing top talent for the Engineering Productivity team. Her professional journey demonstrates her dedication to identifying and nurturing high-caliber technical talent. Beyond her career, Sotelo has contributed to her community as an English as a Second Language (ESL) coach and through her involvement with the SEAMAR Latino Educational Achievement Project (LEAP), an initiative focused on improving academic outcomes for Latinx students in Washington state.  

In addition to her work at Amazon, Sotelo has volunteered with Year Up, a nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the opportunity gap. Year Up programs equip young adults with the skills, experience, and support needed for success in higher education and professional careers. Her dedication to empowering communities through education continues to shape how she approaches her role as a trustee.