All About Annette
Meet Annette
Motivational Speaker & CEO
Annette’s passion in life is love. Love is kindness and patience. Love covers a multitude of faults. It’s not judging or labeling the journeys of others—no matter what we or they are going through.
Annette is a sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. To meet her is to understand why so many deeply respect her. It begins with her warm smile, endearing authenticity, and deep love for others.
She is compassionate. Inspiring. Determined to protect others.
Compassion is her favorite word. It means patience, kindness, and love for someone—even if you don’t agree with them. In place of shame or blame, compassion is about listening to understand. And that is what Annette is about too.
Annette’s Background
For 20+ years, Annette led teams of technology professionals to make an impact in their careers, families, and lives.
She has served on the Washougal School District (WSD) Equity Advisory Team to help establish district-wide policies that focus on and encourage diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion across the entire WSD community.
She is also the founder of Love at the Cross Ministries. As head pastor, Annette held her first church service in October 2016. Annette joined the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council for Pastors, a national group within Grace Communion International. As the Western U.S. representative, Annette helped evaluate the role that faith-based organizations have played in excluding diverse communities. Love at the Cross closed in 2022, so that Annette could focus on other endeavors.
Annette began Family Compass in 2019. It began as a nonprofit organization to help marginalized families improve their journeys. Family Compass worked with clients to help them navigate obstacles and establish strategies for accessing the five pillars of human need: housing, employment, education, healthcare, and food.
Soon after founding People to People in 2023, Annette earned our organization the certification as a Washington State Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprise.
Speaking Platform
Annette’s rich history informs her speaking platform. We all have differences and challenges—and these are the very things that fuel Annette and her speaking.
She aims to inspire others to continue shining their light, enhance equity, and give a voice to those who may not otherwise be heard.
Read more about Annette in the 2021 Super Bowl front page article of The Columbian newspaper. And watch her speak on YouTube.
Gina Staros
Chief Marketing Officer
Gina’s warm, genuine smile greets everyone she meets. Others have described her as a ray of sunshine—someone who reflects the brightness of her heart.
As far back as she can remember, she wanted to be a writer. To craft sentences that make an impact. To do good in the world.
With a gift for words and a heart for people, Gina helps Annette spread love, hope, and sunshine.