Anne Repass: The power of words

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Anne Repass shows by example her belief that women should be community leaders. Among her roles: board president of The Seattle Public Library Foundation.

Meet Anne Repass in her downtown condominium and her love of books is immediately apparent: An eclectic collection fills the shelves that cover an entire wall from floor to ceiling. "I love things that keep our brains moving," she says, explaining what's been most rewarding about her time as board president for The Seattle Public Library Foundation. "I am inspired by all the innovative programs that are taking place inside the libraries across our city. I am proud of the outreach the library does in the community and the way the library helps people get the information that they need, be it books or access to online resources."

She believes it is important for women to lead the way in their communities, and she is an example herself. Repass says, "I went to Mills College in Oakland in the 1960s at the start of the women's movement." At the all-women liberal arts college, "We were treated like we could do anything. When we left school, we were expecting to be included at the table, but the world wasn't quite ready for that. I spent my whole professional career at CenturyLink. I began in 1970 at the Boston office. In those days they were fast-tracking women into management roles. I spent 22 years making my way up the ladder. It was a fortuitous time that opened up opportunities for women. Because of my longevity with the company, I was offered early retirement at age 48. I was so lucky."

Being retired has allowed Repass to channel more energy into many civic and philanthropic causes. Her association with the library goes back 10 years to when she made a contribution and asked if the foundation needed any volunteers. Put in charge of reading 350 entries for a contest that asked people to answer the question, "Why do you love your library?" she recounts: "I love stories. Two stand out in my mind. The first is an African-American gentleman who said when growing up in Arkansas he was not allowed to use the library. He shared how valuable it was for him to be able to access this resource now. Then there was the 9-year-old who stated that she loved the library so much that she was going to grow up to be the president of the United States and head of her own library."

As a member of the Rainier Club board for several years, Repass has served on committees that shared ideas and knowledge with members. "I joined Rainier Club for the social connections and have stayed for the rich intellectual discussions that thrive there," she says. "I'm part of a literary group that is full of the smartest people."

Repass also chairs the education and philanthropy committee of the Washington Women's Foundation, founded in 1995 to enable women to pool their financial resources to make high-impact charitable gifts; co-chairs YWCA luncheons; and sits on a community advisory board to KCTS 9.

She continues to volunteer at the Lakeside Rummage Sale every year, even though her youngest daughter, Jane, graduated in 2001. While her children were at Lakeside, she was a consummate volunteer, co-chairing the Rummage Sale one year and the auction another.

Repass, who has named Lakeside in her will, says she is grateful for the education and opportunities her two daughters received at Lakeside and for Lakeside's efforts to become a diverse community. "Our family started the Repass Family Endowed Scholarship because we really admire the work the school is doing."

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an individual or organization designated to receive benefits or funds under a will or other contract, such as an insurance policy, trust or retirement plan

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A beneficiary designation clearly identifies how specific assets will be distributed after your death.

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