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Our 2020 SHINE Contestants

Alexander Oki

  Alexander Oki is a cleantech entrepreneur and choral enthusiast raised in Bellevue. Now residing in
  Seattle's Belltown neighborhood, Alexander serves as the Director of Finance and Business Development
  at Pure Watercraft, a Wallingford startup developing electric watercraft and marine propulsion systems. In
  his free time, he manages and sings with Puget Sound Company, an 8-person vocal ensemble he helped
  found in 2018. While studying at Yale, Alexander managed and performed in two a capella groups,
  including the Yale Whiffenpoofs, America's oldest collegiate a cappella group. 

  Alexander has long supported organizations focused on providing safe, healthy spaces -- in particular for
  women and families -- including the Recovery Cafe, Plymouth Housing, and the YWCA. Alexander is co-
  chairing Plymouth Housing's 2021 Seattle Dances gala in March.

 

 

Amber Sweeney

 

  Northwest recording artist, Amber Sweeney, is a highly sought after performer and songwriter who
  has often been compared to the likes of Allen Stone, Bonnie Raitt, and India Arie. Amber is best
  known for having 4 of her original songs performed on the television show, One Tree Hill, and 1 on
  the television show, Life Unexpected. Her distinctive voice and stage presence demand attention
  and make her the darling of every bill. She draws her fans into the stories with lyrics and music
  long remembered. She is accessible on stage unlike other artists and fans feel as if they’ve made a
  new friend in Amber. Amber's current single, Be Well, is an encouragement to be an active
  character in your own story, and to get up daily and courageously write that story. 
 

Christopher Weare

 

  At age 10 Chris started playing violin. By 17 he sold his violin for a guitar and joined the first of what would
  be several punk and rock bands.  While being a rock star was his goal, he knew it would be good to have a
  backup plan, so he completed a PhD in Physics at the University of California, Riverside. The whole rock
  star thing never panned out, so after graduating, Chris started a career in the software industry. 
  But Chris never gave up on his dream. For the last three years, Chris has been working on his singing and
  guitar skills, waiting for his big break.

 

​Kellie Rose

 

  Kellie Rose, KR, is a singer/songwriter based out of the Pacific Northwest. Prior to Covid-19, KR had a full-
  time business playing music at various venues for differing occasions. Feeling blessed, her favorite way
  to give back is to get involved in local charity organizations. Participating in the Mary's Place SHINE Gala
  was an ideal fit! KR says the culture of Mary's Place is practiced in each and every staff member she has
  encountered, and the number of families helped are proof of their hard work and impact. Kellie Rose
  can’t wait to learn from the example Mary’s Place has set with their kindness, generosity and heart.

 

 

SHINE Gala Chair

Bob Bejan
 

Microsoft Corporate Vice President: Global Events, Studios and Marketing Community

Bob is responsible for the development, production and execution of global events and experiential marketing for Microsoft. For the last 7 months, Bob and the team have transformed from a global live events organization into an interactive television network broadcasting globally until at least the end of 2021. In addition, he is responsible for the Microsoft Production Studios delivering hundreds of hours of programming and training around the world on behalf of the company. Bejan is also leading our work to train and develop our marketing talent and capabilities as well as nurture and grow communities across the company. 

For 30 years, Bob has been a creative business person consistently landing or inventing senior level positions in a variety of industries and mediums both established and emerging. Including: Writer/Composer/Co-Producer of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Albums and Tour, Inventor/Co-Founder of Interfilm (The world’s first interactive movie/game), Founding Executive Creative and Production: Warner Bros. Interactive, Founding Executive Producer; The Microsoft Network, Founding Executive; Microsoft Advertising.

Bob  received his BA in Theater from the University of the Pacific. He was a scholarship athlete in water polo and swimming. 

Bob  is on the Board of the Laban Institute of Movement Studies. In addition, he and his wife Bonne are active supporters of several organizations in the northwest including the Gage Academy of Art, Mary’s Place, and others and have three adult sons. Bejan is the executive sponsor for the “Out at MCB” community at Microsoft, and is the rhythm guitar and lead vocalist for the local music group The Clubhouse Band.