Supporter Profile: Matthew & Deb Achak
In a world transformed by tech, Seattle Colleges supporters Matthew and Deb Achak see great opportunities for those entering the skilled trades
Matthew and Deb Achak are committed philanthropists who recently added the Seattle Colleges to their portfolio. They have a particular interest in trades education programs, convinced of the enduring importance of hands-on skills even in an era of widespread AI and automation. As Matthew notes, "You still need an electrician, you still need a plumber. Last time I checked, the robots are not coming over to fix the leak in my roof. A human has to do that work."
Matthew is a successful entrepreneur with deep roots in the business process outsourcing industry. His company, FCR, which he sold in 2019, provided technical support and customer service solutions for prominent tech companies. He built it from the ground up, operating call centers across multiple locations including Mexico, Poland, and the Philippines. Since his full exit from the company in 2023, Matthew has transitioned to new ventures, notably as an investor and consultant to startups seeking seed or early-stage funding.
"You still need an electrician, you still need a plumber. Last time I checked, the robots are not coming over to fix the leak in my roof. A human has to do that work."
Deb Achak is equally accomplished in her own realm: fine art photography. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide, and in 2023, she published her first photography folio, "All the Colors I Am Inside." A recurring motif among the featured works is water. Deb, in fact, likes to swim with her camera, and, in her words, “study the texture, color and poetry of water above and below the surface.” She is represented by Winston Wächter Fine Art Seattle.
The Achaks feel blessed at reaching a stage in life when they have the time and resources to discover and help the causes they care most about, all revolving around their shared commitment to education, social justice, and international relief. Beyond their support for the Seattle Colleges, they invest in the Gabby Giffords Foundation, Planned Parenthood, the ACLU, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and World Central Kitchen, among others.
The Seattle Colleges have a place in this portfolio not only because of Matthew’s appreciation for the trades, but also his background as a second-generation immigrant. His father came to the United States from Iran when he was 18 years old, and Matthew recognizes that — for many immigrants and refugees — community colleges are an essential foothold toward jobs and prosperity. "Places like South Seattle College are underappreciated yet extremely important institutions that serve vital community needs,” says Matthew. “Deb and I are honored to contribute.”
To learn more about supporting the skilled trades at the Seattle Colleges, please email advancement@seattlecolleges.edu. Thank you!