Who We Are
We're a community-driven nonprofit rooted in Whatcom County, Washington. We believe in skilled work, local investment, and the power of people helping people.
Meet Our Founder
For Michael Neria, the Stay Spicy Foundation isn't just another nonprofit — it's personal.
Born and raised in Whatcom County, Michael learned early that success isn't handed to you. It is built through hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to show up every day, even when life gets difficult. Over the years, he worked his way through the trades, owned multiple businesses, managed large development projects, and built a career centered around creating opportunities for others.
Along the way, he noticed a growing problem. Too many young people were being told that success only came through a traditional four-year college path, while high-paying careers in the trades were being overlooked. At the same time, many local employers were struggling to find the next generation of skilled workers.
Michael saw an opportunity to bridge that gap.
The Stay Spicy Foundation was created to help students, young adults, and community members discover pathways to meaningful careers, financial independence, and long-term success. Through scholarships, mentorship, community partnerships, volunteer projects, and workforce development initiatives, the foundation is committed to helping people build better futures right here in Whatcom County.
The foundation's mission goes beyond financial assistance. It is about creating connections between students, schools, tradespeople, local businesses, and community leaders. It is about helping someone take that first step toward a career that can provide a true living wage, support a family, purchase a home, and eventually become a leader within the community themselves.
Michael believes the greatest measure of success is not what you accomplish personally, but what you create for others. His vision is that one day the students receiving scholarships today will become the business owners, mentors, and employers who help the next generation succeed.
That's what "Stay Spicy" means.
It means staying hungry for growth. Staying bold enough to pursue your goals. Staying resilient when challenges arise. And most importantly, staying committed to lifting others up along the way.
Because when a community invests in its people, there is no limit to what can be built together.
Foundation Leadership
The Stay Spicy Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of committed Whatcom County community members.
Michael founded the Stay Spicy Foundation with a simple belief — local people should build up local people. As the owner of Mike's Meats, he channels the same bold energy behind every hot sauce into creating real opportunity for Whatcom County students, tradespeople, and small businesses.
Angela serves as Vice President of the Stay Spicy Foundation, helping guide the organization's leadership and long-term vision for Whatcom County.
Robbie keeps the Foundation running smoothly as Secretary, overseeing governance, records, and the organizational details that keep the team moving forward.
Board of Directors
Bobby builds and maintains the Foundation's network of local contractors, businesses, and community organizations — connecting the right partners with the right projects to strengthen Whatcom County from the ground up.
Angela leads the Foundation's scholarship program, working directly with students across Whatcom County school districts to connect them with trades opportunities and the support they need to succeed.
Robbie leads the planning and execution of events and fundraising initiatives that bring the Whatcom County community together.
Dennis leads the Foundation's voice — managing communications, public relations, and outreach efforts to grow awareness and deepen the Foundation's connection with the Whatcom County community.
Photos coming soon. Board member bios reflect current roles as of 2026.
Foundation Values
We do the hard things. We take the shots nobody else will. Bold action is the only kind.
Every decision starts with one question: what's best for Whatcom County and the people in it?
We don't invest and walk away. We invest, then circle back, and back again. It never ends.
Our people, our money, our impact — all of it stays here. We build where we live.
Plans without action are just wishes. We do the work, show the results, and keep moving.