Daniel Kittle and his wife, Rachel Kittle, were named the city of Mukilteo’s “Citizens of the Year” in recognition of their dedication to the community during trying circumstances in the pandemic. The Kittles founded a nonprofit organization, Leadership Launch, in 2014, which has a mission of empowering, equipping, and engaging local student leaders. The Kittles work with youth in the 9th grade through the first year of college, who are primarily first-generation college-bound students facing hardship. Leadership Launch's goal is to help students have an impact in the community, grow as leaders, and pursue their dreams.
2020 brought unprecedented challenges to the Kittles and Leadership Launch. Their annual fundraiser was canceled and they were unsure if they could keep their nonprofit running. Through their passion and dedication, they shifted online, and came back in person at the end of the year. In May 2021, 14 students gathered during a weekend and completed 11 community projects, ranging from organizing a clothing drive, collecting food and preparing care packages for the homeless, putting together an art program for children, and gathering toys and treats for pets in animal shelters.
When receiving the award, Dan Kittle said, “It feels like a breath of encouragement for what we're doing. We know that so many other people out there are making such a big difference. We want to continue to do our part to serve and make a difference.” Their accolade was celebrated during the city’s parade on September 11, 2021.