accountable leadership for the 26th district.
Renee Hernandez Greenfield, MSP, is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in early childhood education, tribal child welfare, and family services. She holds a Master’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix (2010) and a Bachelor’s of Arts in History from Occidental College (2001).Her career began in early childhood education, where she earned a Certificate of Proficiency and a Certificate of Recognition in Program Administration from Olympic College in 2011.
Renee has worked in various roles focused on supporting children and families. She currently serves as a Family Trainer in Speech and Language at Holly Ridge Center, where she provides individualized training to children and families. Her experience also includes working as a CPS Investigator for the Suquamish Tribe, conducting investigations into allegations of abuse and neglect within tribal jurisdiction.
In addition to her work in child welfare, Renee has served as an adjunct instructor at Tacoma Community College, focusing on early childhood education and children with exceptionalities. Her leadership roles include managing early learning centers and overseeing programs like Early Head Start and Head Start, where she supported the development of children from birth to school age.
With a strong commitment to community-focused work, Renee is skilled in trauma-informed care, case management, and program administration. Her career reflects her passion for improving the lives of children and families, particularly in underserved and Indigenous communities.
RENEE'S PRIORITIES
IMPROVING EDUCATION
I understand how vital early childhood education and support are because I’ve lived it. I now have guardianship of my son, through the Indian Child Welfare Act, a 1978 law designed to ensure that tribal children, should they enter the foster system, are placed with families who meet eligibility under this Act, and remain in and tied to their home communities. My son, whose middle name is Kitsap, came into my life when he was three—now he’s thirteen.
We have a disconnect in how we approach childcare. Child care facilities don’t receive enough funding to accept children on subsidies, but families who rely on subsidies can’t afford private childcare. We need to address this gap. From infancy to age three, children need early care and education that meets their needs. If we don’t help them early, it’s often too late to address their developmental challenges.
FIGHTING FOR CLIMATE RESILIENCY
I’m a steadfast champion of strong climate policies because I believe that protecting our planet for future generations is a sacred responsibility we cannot ignore. I passoniately support ambitious measures that prioritize clean energy, reduce carbon emissions, and hold corporate polluters accountable, knowing that the stakes could not be higher.
CREATING REAL AFFORDABILITY
We're all being asked to do more with less and our legislature needs to lead the way in making our state affordable. I will fight against tax increases on working and middle class families, increase our housing supply, cut wasteful spending at the state level, and fight for a better healthcare system so seniors and families aren't bankrupted by medical expenses.
SUPPORTING WORKERS
No one should be forced to choose between standing up for their rights and putting food on the table. I know supporting workers in their fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity on the job is a moral imperative. This is personal for me. My parents were proud Steelworkers Union members. As an adult, I am a proud American Federation of Teachers union member.
100 PERCENT PRO-CHOICE
We know that women’s rights and freedom are under attack across this country. I will always fight to ensure Washington State is a 100 percent pro-choice state that keeps women’s health care decisions between a women and her doctor.
HONORING TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY & CONSULTATION
Tribal nations are sovereign governments, and consultation must be more than symbolic. For me, tribal consultation is a consistent and routine practice — not a checkbox or an afterthought. It means engaging early, listening with humility, and ensuring tribal voices help shape decisions that impact their communities.
Tribal governments are already doing deep, effective work that supports not only their own citizens, but surrounding communities as well. My approach is to recognize, respect, and support that leadership — strengthening partnerships rather than duplicating or undermining efforts already underway.
