WHO WE ARE

BelRed Arts District Community Alliance

The BelRed Arts District Community Alliance is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization committed to leading the strategic and sustainable growth of the BelRed Arts District in Bellevue. We work with artists, businesses/organizations, corporations and community partners to elevate the District’s visibility, fuel local economic vitality, and shape a lasting cultural destination on the Eastside. Our mission to a build a vibrant District that will inspire and thrive for generations.

As the BelRed area is poised for redevelopment and massive growth in the next decade, our organization is engaging with local businesses, top employers, city leaders, artists and creatives to address key topics like affordability, public realm activation and neighborhood connectivity. Our organization plays a major role in facilitating early conversations about the formation of the entire BelRed neighborhood. We work to increase visibility, establish cohesion and bring more synergy to build a thriving Arts District for generations to come.

Staff

Sandy Vo

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Sandy is a strategic communications professional who finds joy, hope and inspiration through the people behind the place, telling stories of the Bellevue community and beyond.
They graduated from Washington State University in 2021 and earned a role as the communications/marketing intern at the Bellevue Downtown Association (BDA). Just three years later, they grew into the role communications manager at the BDA and found a passion for community building, storytelling and placemaking. They are excited to lead our efforts in shaping a vibrant and sustainable Arts District in Bellevue.
Rachel Pfalzer

COMMUNICATIONS & PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Rachel is a creative communications professional with the heart of an artist. After graduating from the University of Washington with a BA in English, she began her career in Bellevue’s nonprofit sector. There, she honed her storytelling skills and developed a love for community-building. As a painter herself, she is passionate about expanding access to the arts on the Eastside and believes in the power of inclusive, welcoming spaces for people to explore their creative sides.

MEET THE BOARD

Eden Helstein

OWNER, EVOLUTION REHEARSAL STUDIOS
EXECUTIVE CO-FOUNDER, BOARD MEMBER
Born and raised in New York, Eden relocated to the Pacific Northwest in 1993, establishing roots in the industrial warehouse spaces of Bellevue’s BelRed neighborhood by opening Evolution Studios, a music rehearsal studio that has become a cornerstone of the local music scene and beyond. This move set the stage for a journey of imagination and entrepreneurship.
Over the span of three decades, Eden's continued passion has left an indelible mark, focused on raising our next generation of creative thinkers and shaping a supportive environment for artistic growth and excellence.
Today, Eden is an advocate for the arts, whose impact resonates throughout the community.
Maria Lau Hui

Founder, Matcha Agency & Director of Housing, Habitat for Humanity of Snohomish County
BOARD CHAIR, CO-FOUNDER
Maria is a licensed architect, LEED Accredited Professional, and operational strategist with a wealth of experience in architecture and real estate development. Through her consultancy firm, Matcha Agency, Maria guides clients through the complexities of design and entitlement logistics, including feasibility studies, zoning analysis, and consultant selection and management.
Beyond her professional achievements, Maria is a dedicated community member. She has contributed to the City of Bellevue’s Arts Commission, including as Chair, sat on the Wilburton Commercial Area Study Citizens Advisory Committee, and was a member of the 4Culture Public Art Advisory Committee. Maria finds joy in giving back, mentoring others, and participating in advisory roles. Her most cherished moments include volunteering as a manicurist for the elderly at St. Luke’s Hospital in NYC during her grad school years.
Marci Marra

Retired Management Consultant, Artist
BOARD MEMBER
From an early age, Marci Marra discovered her passion for the arts, finding solace and creative expression through painting and drawing. Her innate artistic talents led her to pursue formal education in the arts, culminating in her attendance at art school, where she honed her skills and nurtured her artistic vision.
Despite her deep-rooted love for the arts, Marci ventured into the world of business, and spent the majority of her career as a management consultant and a transformational coach and former member of the Forbes Coaches Council. During her career, she worked with organizations to transform their businesses and individuals to define and achieve their goals.
Marci remains a committed leader with a passion for inspiring people to innovate and make impactful changes even after retiring from consulting in 2023 and reinvented herself as a knitwear designer and joined the BelRed Arts District Community Alliance board in 2024.
Era Pogosova

Managing Director, Theatre33
BOARD MEMBER
Era is the Managing Director of Theatre33, a bilingual nonprofit community theater in the heart of the BelRed Arts District. With a solid background in academic research (leukemia biomarker discovery studies) and project management, Era combines the precision of science and the creativity of the arts to lead Theatre33 on its journey as Bellevue's only independent award-winning live theater.
Era brings extensive experience in nonprofit management and arts-based community building. She is passionate about using the arts as a medium to bridge cultures and promote inclusivity. She is a member of Bellevue's Diversity Advisory Network and has contributed to 4Culture's Doors Open grant program as a reviewer. She loves teaching and serves as a mentor to youth in academic research and in theater. She can be frequently seen on the stage at Theatre33 in productions for kids and adults. In her spare time, she loves making jewelry, gardening, camping and rock hounding.
Robin Slutsky

Fundraising Strategist, Community Member
BOARD MEMBER
Robin is a veteran fundraising professional with 25+ years of experience and a Master's of Nonprofit Management. She has a strong passion for the arts and working at the community level. When she first heard about the BelRed Arts District, she thought it was the perfect opportunity to offer her time, talent, and treasure as a board member. Her connection to the cultural world spans much of her career. She has worked as a contract fundraiser for the Frye Art Museum, the Bellevue Arts Museum, and the Kirkland Arts Center.
While living in Denver and South Bend, IN, she facilitated juried and non-juried arts festivals, working with several different Chambers of Commerce, Merchants Associations, and a Business Improvement District. She also ran other year-long special event programming designed to bring residents and guests to downtown areas. Additionally, Robin was an arts and entertainment reporter covering the Midwest with a strong focus on Chicago.
Sheli Hadari

Nonprofit Arts Leader, Artist
BOARD MEMBER
Sheli Hadari is a dedicated arts advocate, anrtis and community supporter with a strong commitment to fostering accessible, inclusive creative spaces. Through her involvement with local arts initiatives and nonprofit cultural organizations, she brings a thoughtful, community-centered perspective to arts leadership. As a board member of the Bel-Red Arts District Alliance, Sheli is passionate about supporting artists, strengthening neighborhood connections, and helping the arts thrive as an essential part of the Bel-Red district’s growth and identity
Currently, Sheli lives in Bellevue, Washington. After much travel, she has found the Pacific Northwest to be the home she was always yearning for.
Madeleine Bergeron-Edasi

Audit Senior Manager, Clark Nuber
BOARD MEMBER
Whether collaborating with colleagues and clients or mastering a new route, Madeleine enjoys a challenge.
As a senior manager at Clark Nuber’s Audit and Assurance Services Group, Madeleine has a passion for serving not-for-profit clients in a variety of niches, including social service organizations and governmental entities. Madeleine also has experience with Single Audits and HUD Audits.
While Madeleine’s love for problem-solving can be seen in her work, her adventures continue outside the office in her passion for rock climbing, running and hiking, and Dungeons and Dragons campaigns. In addition to watching after her goofy group of pets, Madeleine’s newest exploit has been becoming a mom to her adorable baby boy.
Jadyn Bush

Economic Development Specialist, City of Bellevue
BOARD MEMBER, EX-OFFICIO
Jadyn is the current Economic Development Specialist at the City of Bellevue’s Cultural and Economic Development Division! In her role, she leads and collaborate on several key projects and programs, including the development of city-owned sites in BelRed, Wilburton and Downtown neighborhoods, district development in Crossroads, and supporting the Bellevue’s Corporate Partnership Program.
After graduating from Harvard University with a BA in Economics and obtaining a Masters in Public Policy, Jadyn uses her skills, knowledge, and experience to continue pushing for the development of social welfare policies and housing policies that is equitable for all.