Shalena Edmunson serves as the 50 State Research Director. She graduated from the University of Washington, Seattle, in 2021 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and a minor in Law, Society, and Justice.
Initially coming to 50 State as an intern via The Washington Center Academic Internship Program, Shalena was asked to stay as a Research Fellow and eventually filled the Research Director role.
Prior to working in politics, she worked in finance as a teller and operations manager for two separate community banks in Seattle for eight years. A lifelong musician, Shalena also served as President of a local 501(c)3 community band.