Xixi Shakes

Xixi Shakes is a lifelong caretaker who believes deeply in kindness, collective support and the interconnectedness of humanity. Whether she is caring for her family, supporting her community, or giving back through volunteer work and donations, she’s committed to making a positive impact. Originally from Beijing, Xixi holds a BA from Beijing Language Institute and a certificate in Museum Studies from the University of Washington. During her early career in China, Xixi worked in business development, government relations, event planning, and marketing for American telecommunications companies. She then moved to Mercer Island in 2002 to marry her husband, Jonathan, and raise two children while also supporting local nonprofits, schools, and community events with her fundraising and event planning skills. Xixi is passionate about the arts. An annual highlight is her participation in Caz Northwest, a week-long arts-and-creativity camp founded by her family, where she sings, dances, and acts in a supportive, vulnerable space. Xixi enjoys cooking, yoga, Pilates, travel, and studying foreign languages. Meditation is an essential part of her daily routine, helping her stay grounded and centered. After her youngest child left for college last fall, Xixi has been reflecting on how to update her roles in the community in new and fulfilling ways while remaining centered around nurturing connections, both close and far-reaching.