Seattle Reign FC Legend: LaNesha DeBardelaben – Historian, Educator and Leader

The Legends Campaign, a partnership between Seattle Reign FC and Starbucks, honors women for their extraordinary contributions to our community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Prior to Seattle Reign FC’s match against Portland Thorns FC on June 16, the club recognized LaNesha DeBardelaben, a historian, educator and leader. 

“I’m striving to be a light in the world and to encourage and inspire others to be and do their very best. That's who I am,” began DeBardelaben. 

DeBardelaben is a museum executive, educator, librarian, archivist and more, who has devoted her life to telling stories. She has over 20 years of experience as a skilled public historian and most recently served as the President & CEO of the Northwest African American Museum. 

Captivated by storytelling at the age of six, DeBardelaben knew that she wanted to understand more about the story of her family and their migration from Mississippi to Michigan. From there, she was propelled into history, literacy, librarianship and education, and has never looked back. 

“I have always been drawn to this profession because I believe in the power of our shared past to lead us toward just a better, brighter and more equitable future. These shared stories can help us to get to our best selves. I've been in museum leadership for 21 years and absolutely love the power that museums have to transform and unify us.” 

In her role with her Northwest African American Museum, DeBardelaben shared stories and led the way in strategic planning, record-setting fundraising campaigns and innovative programming. One of the highlights of her time there was spearheading the distribution of 25,000 free, new African American children's books to youth as part of her Knowledge is Power initiative. 

“I would say that I’m really proud of being passionate about learning, which has led me to receive three master's degrees and I’m finishing a PhD right now. People have asked me repeatedly why I continue to go back and earn degrees and I always tell them the same thing. I love learning.” 

She continued, “I am perhaps most proud of being able to share that love of learning with others. The Knowledge is Power initiative has allowed me to share that love with 25,000 children who now have these books to inspire them on their path of learning, health and self-discovery.” 

A fierce advocate in the community, she is also the Executive Administrator of the New Hope Community Development Institute, which is focused on building truly affordable housing for people of color. 

As a true leader in the community, DeBardelaben is Past National President of the Association of African American Museums Board of Directors, only the sixth woman in U.S. history to serve in that capacity. She has received numerous awards for her achievements and service to the community, never wavering in her mission to empower others. 

“I am continuing to learn who I am as a leader and how to how to lead, so mentorship has been key and critical in my development as a leader. I am who I am because of the women who mentored me, took me under their wings and graced me with their wisdom, support, tutelage and insights, and I strive to be that to others.” 

To all of the young women pursuing their dreams, DeBardelaben recommends embracing your own identity and becoming aware of who you really are, and comfortable with who you really are. 

"In becoming self-aware, you are able to identify your own strengths and weaknesses, where you want to grow. From there, you can blossom.” 

DeBardelaben is humbled and grateful to be honored as a Seattle Reign FC Legend. 

“This is certainly a moment,” smiled DeBardelaben. “I am just a part of this larger masterpiece of women who are sharing what they know and leading the way with boldness and with a commitment to community. As I look at the previous Legends, I am inspired by their impact and generosity to community. It is both humbling and energizing to be a part of this legacy of Legends.”