A thriving community is never accidental. It is built—over time—by people who care deeply about the place they call home and who choose to invest their time, creativity, and leadership in making it stronger.
On Mercer Island, many of those community builders are women.
They lead nonprofits and businesses, create spaces where neighbors gather, support local artists and entrepreneurs, and work behind the scenes to strengthen the connections that make island life special. Their work may take different forms—from civic leadership to hospitality, the arts, and local commerce—but their shared impact is unmistakable.
Together, the women featured here represent the many ways leadership can show up in a community.
At the center of Mercer Island’s philanthropic efforts is the Mercer Island Community Fund, where dedicated board members work to support the health and resilience of local nonprofits and families. Through thoughtful stewardship and collaboration, they help ensure that critical programs—from youth services to community initiatives—continue to serve Islanders across generations.
Supporting the vitality of local businesses is another cornerstone of community life. Jen Dean, Executive Director of the Mercer Island Chamber of Commerce, works to strengthen the connections between businesses, residents, and civic leadership. Her role brings together entrepreneurs, local organizations, and community partners to foster a vibrant local economy and a sense of shared purpose.
Hospitality also plays an important role in bringing people together. Robin Farrish, co-owner of The Crawlspace Gastropub, has helped create a welcoming neighborhood gathering place where friends meet, families celebrate, and conversations unfold over shared meals. Local spaces like these become more than restaurants—they become the living rooms of a community.
Entrepreneurship and creativity also shape the island’s cultural identity. Jody Elsom, founder of Elsom Cellars, has built a winery that blends craftsmanship, art, and philanthropy. Through her work, wine becomes a medium for connection—supporting artists, nonprofits, and local causes while inviting people to gather and celebrate together.
The arts, in particular, have long been a powerful force for building community. Katarina Garner, co-owner of J. Garner Photography, captures the stories and moments that define Mercer Island life—from families and graduates to community celebrations and milestones. Her work preserves the visual history of the island while supporting the people who live here.
Similarly, Julie Hsieh, artist and founder of Yuan Ru Art Center, has created a space where creativity and culture flourish. Through exhibitions, workshops, and artistic collaboration, her gallery brings people together to experience art in ways that inspire conversation, reflection, and shared appreciation.
While their paths are different, these women share something essential: a belief that community is something we build together.
Their work reminds us that a strong town is not defined only by geography, but by relationships—by the places where people gather, the organizations that support those in need, and the individuals willing to lead with generosity and vision.
On Mercer Island, these women are doing just that.
And through their leadership, creativity, and commitment, they continue to shape a community that is vibrant, connected, and deeply rooted in the power of people coming together.
Julie Hsieh Artist, Founder Yuan Ru Art Center
For Julie Hsieh, community is built through connection, creativity, and service. As the founder of Yuan Ru Art Center and a Mercer Island City Councilmember, she brings people together through both art and civic leadership. Hsieh’s path reflects a lifelong commitment to serving others. A former family physician, she now combines her passion for creativity with public service—creating opportunities for Islanders to connect through cultural experiences, artistic collaboration, and meaningful dialogue. At Yuan Ru Art Center, exhibitions and programs invite residents to explore art while building relationships across generations and cultures. In her role on City Council, Hsieh continues that work by helping shape initiatives that strengthen the community she calls home. Looking ahead, she is energized by the dynamic spirit of the Lunar Year of the Fire Horse—a time associated with momentum and action. She hopes to channel that energy into new creative collaborations and civic initiatives that make a lasting impact on Mercer Island. Favorite spots on MI include spending time with her family at Crawlspace Gastropub’s Kalua pork and Loco Moco; and Yuzen’s miso black cod, pork tonkatsu and salmon and avocado roll.
Katarina Garner, Co-Owner, J. Garner Photography
For Katarina Garner, photography is about more than capturing beautiful images—it’s about telling the stories of the community she calls home. As co-owner of J. Garner Photography, she works with businesses, families, and organizations across Mercer Island to create imagery that reflects the people and spirit of the Island.
Garner especially enjoys helping local entrepreneurs and professionals elevate their brands through thoughtful visual storytelling. From portraits to commercial photography, her work highlights the individuals and businesses that shape the Island’s character.
She and her husband Jim first built their photography career capturing meaningful moments between couples and young families. While their studio now focuses primarily on commercial photography, some of their favorite assignments remain those rooted in the Mercer Island community—documenting milestones, growth, and the relationships that define local life.
Looking ahead, Garner is passionate about projects that celebrate and empower women through photography, creating experiences that help women see and appreciate their own strength and beauty.
When she needs a quiet moment, her favorite Island stop is Island Books, a place she says always makes the day better.