About Our Team

Our Mission and Vision

Our Mission: “NW Kidney Connection exists to bridge the gap in kidney care by connecting patients and their spouses with essential resources, education, and community support, empowering them to make informed decisions and access life-saving care with dignity.

Our Vision: A world where every young adult facing kidney disease, and the people who love them, has access to compassionate, informed, and connected care.

Meet The Board

Dakota Watson

Board President

Dakota is a lifelong kidney patient and transplant recipient who brings deep personal experience and unwavering dedication to NW Kidney Connection. Diagnosed at birth and receiving a transplant at age 17, Dakota has spent his life navigating the complexities of the kidney care system. His journey fuels his passion to ensure other adults don’t fall through the cracks. Dakota founded NW Kidney Connection to build the community, resources, and support he wished he had, and to change the story for the next person facing kidney disease.

Vice President

Machen Newton serves as the Vice President of NW Kidney Connection, where he is committed to helping advance the organization's mission of supporting young adults and families affected by kidney disease. As a member of the organization's leadership team, he works alongside the Board of Directors to strengthen programs, foster community partnerships, and guide the organization's continued growth.

Machen Newton

Secretary

Lucas Ugarte is a real estate professional and community advocate who brings both personal experience and nonprofit leadership to Northwest Kidney Connection. As a kidney and liver transplant recipient, Lucas understands firsthand the challenges individuals and families face when navigating complex medical journeys.

Lucas Ugarte

Phillip Anthony

Treasurer

Philip is the spouse of a kidney transplant recipient and brings a caregiver’s heart and a sharp eye for detail to his role as Treasurer of NW Kidney Connection. Walking alongside his partner through the kidney care journey has given him deep insight into the emotional and logistical challenges that patients and their loved ones face. Philip is passionate about financial transparency, responsible stewardship, and ensuring that every dollar supports our mission. His lived experience helps ground our work in compassion, accountability, and real-world impact.

Martin Watson Jr.

Chair, Development and Funding Committee

Martin is a dedicated supporter of the kidney community and the proud father of a transplant recipient. Watching his son navigate life with kidney disease inspired him to get involved and help others facing similar challenges. As Chair of the Development and Funding Committee, Martin brings energy, creativity, and a personal commitment to growing NW Kidney Connection’s reach and sustainability. Whether he’s brainstorming fundraising ideas or connecting with potential partners, Martin is always focused on how we can better serve patients and their spouses, and build a lasting foundation for the future.

Board Member

Raquel Ramirez is a founding board member of NW Kidney Connection and has been passionate about improving the lives of individuals affected by kidney disease from the organization's beginning. She brings a strong commitment to community outreach, patient advocacy, and building meaningful connections that help individuals and families navigate the challenges of kidney disease.

Raquel Ramirez

Amy Smith

Chair, Marketing and Communications

Amy Smith serves as the Marketing & Communications Chair for NW Kidney Connection, where she is passionate about connecting people with the resources, support, and community they need throughout their kidney disease journey. She believes that thoughtful communication and authentic storytelling can inspire hope, raise awareness, and bring people together.

Connect

Have questions, need support, or want to collaborate? We’d love to hear from you.

Support

Contact

info@nwkidneyconnection.org

+1 (360) 409-0087

NW Kidney Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization registered in Washington State.

EIN: 39-3098863