Alumni Spotlight - Jasmine Diedrich

Entrepreneur Jasmine Diedrich set her sights on accomplishment while still in high school. After attending EvCC through the Running Start program, she went on to attend Washington State University, then decided to start her small business as a coffee stand owner. Today, Jasmine has parlayed her first coffee stand investment into owning 15 espresso stands in three counties--all by the age of 27. "Being a student at EvCC taught me about independence and time management," she says. "I learned to hold myself accountable." Jasmine enjoys giving back to her community and volunteering with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Snohomish County Economic Alliance, and Rotary. "People ask what my secret is, but the truth is that there is no secret," she observes. "Hard work and grit will open doors and help you accomplish your dreams."

What is your current occupation/career?

I own a chain of fifteen espresso stands ranging three counties. I enjoy that being a business owner gives me so much time and backing to give back to my community and volunteering is what most of my days consist of. 

How did you choose EvCC?

I was lucky enough to have the chance to go to EvCC in high school through the Running Start program. In high school, there are lots of options as to how to finish your last two years, but as soon as I toured EvCC, I knew it was what I wanted to do.

Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career?

Being a student at EvCC taught me about independence and time management, both very important parts of running your own business. It was a huge change from high school, where teachers checked in and gave students who needed it, extra attention and time. There was no one there taking attendance and making sure the students were held accountable, so I learned to hold myself accountable. When I got my syllabuses, I knew what I would need to accomplish in the quarter and hold myself accountable. I needed to balance work, school and personal time myself, which taught me time management and how to have a healthy work-life balance. 

What did you do after you left or graduated from EvCC?

After I left EvCC, I went to WSU Pullman, as WSU Everett was not an option at the time. Looking back, I would have had a more successful educational experience if I had stayed at EvCC and gone through a four-year program there. 

Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you?

I loved my poli-sci professor. He was able to ignite a love of political science for me that I never knew I had. We had healthy debates that opened the eyes of not only myself, but my classmates as well--students who normally just went through the motions were engaged and interested in the topic. When I went to WSU, my plan was to be a poli-sci major because of that professor and the love of the subject he had instilled in me. 

What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?

Hard work pays off. People always ask me what my secret is, and the truth is there is no secret. Hard work and grit will open doors and help you accomplish your dreams. 

Any other information you would like to provide?

I am honored to be featured by EvCC. EvCC guided me into my adult life and gave me the tools to be successful and prosperous. I now am able to sit on the advisory board for the American Cancer Society and on their Gala committee. I am the chair of the Ambassadors at the Economic Alliance Snohomish County and sit on the Small Business Advisory Board there as well. And last, but certainly not least, I am a member of the South Everett Mukilteo Rotary, along with Robert Prosch, the Associate Dean of Aviation at EvCC. Without EvCC, I don't think I would be the person I am today.