The Most Influential People

Seattle magazine’s annual list of Most Influential people includes those who inspire, guide and uplift others through their actions, leadership and dedication. Their far-reaching influence stems from their achievements, but equally important, their ability to foster connections across the community, advocate for positive change, and empower others to make a difference.

We’re rolling out brief bios on each of this year’s Most Influential people, dropping three times a week, so be sure to check back daily. But if you want to read them all now, grab a copy of the magazine. You can find it at Whole Foods, PCC, QFC, Third Place Books, or wherever you shop for magazines. Nothing beats the feeling of flipping through shiny pages and seeing these inspiring stories in print.

Here are Seattle’s Most Influential people and, for the first time, it includes one innovative and transformative company that literally put the region on the global map.

• Luther Hughes: Poet
• Peter Tomozawa: CEO, Seattle 2026 World Cup Organizing Committee
• Nia-Amina Minor: Dance
• Microsoft: Business, Equity
• Faraji Blakeney: Co-Executive Director, Yoga Behind Bars
• Matika Wilbur: Photographer, Activist
• David Baker: Scientist
• Bob Davidson: CEO, Seattle Aquarium
• Susan Lieu: Author, Playwright
• Nick Federer: Entrepreneur, Activist
• Samantha Holloway: Co-Owner, Seattle Kraken
• Jaci McCormack: CEO, Co-Founder, Rise Above
• Delaney Ruston: Physician, Filmaker
• Hamdi Mohamed: Seattle Port Commissioner
• Uttam Mukherjee: Co-Founder of Spice Waala
• Dr. Aakanksha Sinha: Co-Founder of Spice Waala
• Ethan Stowell: Restaurateur, Activist
• Girmay Zahilay: King County Council Member
• Valerie Segrest: Native Nutrition Educator
• Andy Jassy: CEO, Amazon
• Yasuaki Saito: Restaurateur, Advocate
• Amy King: CEO, Pallet
• Amy Tipton: Restaurateur, Advocate
• Rico Quirindongo: Director at Office of Planning and Community Development, City of Seattle
• Jen Barnes: Owner, Rough & Tumble
• David Bateman: Founder, Cyber Civil Rights Legal Project at K&L Gates

Want to stay in the loop all year? Become a subscriber. It’s the best way to keep up with Seattle’s movers and shakers — and have a little slice of the city delivered right to your door.