A Fond Farewell to Jessica Salak: Celebrating Her Impact on OLS Bellevue College

After serving the OLS Bellevue College program since 2022, Jessica Salak announces her departure.

Jessica Salek.

With gratitude for her many contributions, we announce Jessica (Jess) Salak will be leaving the OLS Bellevue College (OLSBC) program this week. Since joining OLSBC in July 2022 as the Workforce Development Program Manager and, more recently, serving as the Interim Associate Dean, Jess has been a remarkable leader and advocate for our students, faculty, and mission. 

During her tenure, Jess played a pivotal role in advancing the OLSBC program. Her accomplishments include: 

  • Developing meaningful internships for graduating students in collaboration with community partners. 
  • Establishing ongoing relationships with businesses and organizations across the Puget Sound Region. 
  • Re-designing the OLSBC Mock Interview experience, in partnership with Microsoft and CBRE, and hosting it on the Microsoft campus. 
  • Co-creating and leading the OLSBC Housing Experience for first-year students. 
  • Supporting the OLSBC Alumni Association and Board, organizing quarterly events to connect our alumni. 

Before joining OLSBC, Jess was a special education teacher in the Lake Washington School District, teaching middle and high school students with moderate to severe disabilities. Her passion for education, life skills, and community development has left a profound impact on everyone she’s worked with. 

Reflecting on her time at OLSBC, Jess shared: 

“OLS has been a dream job for me. I found this program when I needed it most. The students lifted my spirits and re-ignited my passion. I am grateful for the time I have had here at OLS, and I will cherish the memories I have made. Thank you to the incredible OLS faculty and staff who have made this program what it is and will continue to do so after I am gone. I want to give a special shout-out to Pilar Lopez, our beloved former Associate Dean. Thank you, Pilar, for making OLS so special. You have made a lasting impact on all of us. I will miss you all dearly!” 

While we are saddened to see Jess go, we are deeply grateful for her contributions to OLSBC and know she will continue to make a difference wherever her path leads next. Please join us in wishing her all the best in her next chapter! 

OLSBC’s new associate dean will be joining the program in January 2025. Announcement to follow. The program is actively recruiting a new Workforce Development Program Manager.