Author Profile
Colleen McDevitt

Colleen McDevitt

Colleen McDevitt is a storyteller in her professional life as well as her activism. By day, she works at Western State Hospital, our state’s largest psychiatric hospital, where she is opening new channels of communication for its 2,000 employees as they provide care to some of our most vulnerable neighbors, family members and friends. Before transplanting from Missouri to Washington nearly 6 years ago, Colleen started a youth media nonprofit focused on shattering stigmas about taboo topics. It didn’t take long for her to seek out the vibrant youth media scene in town, and for three years at the YMCA, Colleen helped young people in Seattle utilize technology to share their stories and spark conversation among their peers and with community leaders. Colleen is excited to help cultivate meaningful engagement through Crosscut and create more paths for young people to have a voice within their passions and concerns.

Colleen knows no stranger and is often the No. 1 cheerleader for the endeavors of her friends and neighbors. She is forever curious, and her photojournalism degree continues to be an important tool in her ongoing learning about the lived experience of community members she meets. For a little fun, ask her about “Nacho Business,” or check out her latest beach combing finds on Instagram as a Seattle Aquarium #BeachNaturalist volunteer!

Recent Work