Please join us for the monthly meeting of Eastside Republican Club on Tuesday, February 10, at 6:30 PM. We’ll meet at the Hilton Garden Inn, 16630 Redmond Way in Redmond. See the Location page for driving directions, a map, and parking information. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu. Please RSVP if you plan to attend!
Our special guest speakers for February will be Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank, and Tasha Mae of Advocacy Queen.
Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank
Sheriff Keith Swank is a retired Seattle police officer who now serves as the elected Sheriff of Pierce County.
In 2006, as a Sergeant, Swank played a pivotal role in de-escalating a tense hostage situation involving a mass shooter at the Seattle Jewish Federation, using tactical communication to diffuse the threat and secure a peaceful surrender. In 2020, he commanded the SWAT team responsible for clearing and securing the CHOP/CHAZ zone during the Seattle riots. Swank also managed 911 emergency response operations, overseeing a team of more than 100 personnel. As a Captain, he also commanded the Metro Special Response Section, which included SWAT, Harbor Patrol, Canine Unit, and the Arson Bomb Squad.
Keith enlisted in the U.S. Army at age 18 and graduated from Ranger School, Airborne School, and High-Altitude Low Opening (HALO) training. After being honorably discharged from Fort Lewis, he attained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Washington. Sheriff Swank is a graduate of the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission and the Northwest Law Enforcement Command College.
The Sheriff will address the latest legislation affecting sheriffs in our state.
Tasha Mae of Advocacy Queen
Tasha Mae is widely recognized for her influential advocacy work and her mission to support individuals facing systemic barriers. Based in Washington state, she has spent nearly two decades in the nonprofit sector, specializing in housing stability, employment advocacy, and self-sufficiency coaching. Her work is deeply personal, shaped by her own lived experiences and a desire to help others navigate complex systems with confidence and dignity.
Her public profile first grew through pageantry, where she made history as the first Black recipient of a Global Beauty Award—often referred to as the “Oscars” of pageantry. Over the years, she earned multiple national and international titles, including Miss Plus America 2010, Miss American Beauties Plus Elite 2015, and the 2020 world title of Mrs. Curvé Globe. Her modeling and pageant career led to features in major publications such as PEOPLE, Essence, and Seattle Met, and she became a sought-after pageant coach, judge, and show producer.
In 2022, Tasha Mae published her first book, Choose You, Change Your Path, Walk in Your Purpose, chronicling her three-year healing journey from trauma and her path toward personal transformation. She later founded Advocacy Queen, an initiative blending her experiences as a single mother, nonprofit volunteer, and community leader to provide no cost advocacy for individuals struggling to access essential services. Her work has since evolved into a movement centered on empowerment, independence, and breaking cycles of disadvantage.
Today, Tasha Mae continues to inspire through public speaking, community leadership, and digital influence. Her story—highlighted in interviews and media features—reflects a journey from hardship to purpose, marked by resilience, service, and a commitment to lifting others as she rises.
Please RSVP!
If you plan to attend the meeting, please click RSVP to register, and pay online in advance. The cost is $15 per person ($10 for College Republicans and Young Republicans) to cover the cost of the meeting space. Food is available from the Fork and Spoke restaurant in the hotel, which is open from 5-9PM for dinner; you can preview the menu on ZMenu.
Membership Renewal for 2026
It’s time for everyone to renew your membership for 2026 as well. Membership prices are still only $25 Basic, $50 Silver, and $100 Gold. Please renew today so you don’t forget! You can join or renew your membership on the Join page.
