Meet Rebecca
Rebecca Long is a passionate advocate for community, technology, and civic leadership. Raised in Spokane Valley, she was homeschooled and actively engaged in her local 4-H horse club. Her experience raising llamas and goats instilled in her a deep appreciation for animals, rural life, and the strength of close-knit communities.
Her journey to Cheney began at Eastern Washington University, where she earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Computer Science, following her start in the Running Start program at Spokane Community College. She quickly fell in love with Cheney—a city she’s proudly called home throughout her adult life. Today, Rebecca serves as Director of Software Engineering at ENGIE Impact, leading two global software engineering teams while championing the growth of Spokane-area tech talent.
Rebecca bridges education and industry through her service as Vice Chair of the EWU Computer Science and Cybersecurity Professional Advisory Board and as a member of the Spokane Community College Software Development Advisory Board. She previously contributed to the Spokane Public Schools IT Advisory Board, shaping the future of technology education in the region.
Her commitment to inclusive innovation runs deep. In 2017, Rebecca founded Future Ada, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering underrepresented groups in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics). She has also launched local tech user groups to foster connection and collaboration within Spokane’s growing tech scene.
Her leadership and impact have earned community recognition, including the 2018 EWU Inspirational Young Alumni Award and YWCA Spokane Women of Achievement Award – Young Woman. Rebecca is also an accomplished public speaker, having presented at conferences across the U.S. and in Japan.
Rebecca’s political and civic involvement began in 2016 with the Spokane Area chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW), where she quickly rose to the role of Vice President. Through her advocacy with NOW, she helped push forward the successful testing of Washington State’s backlog of over 10,000 untested rape kits—a historic effort that has since solved at least 23 cases.
As a founding member of Cheney Cohousing, Rebecca champions intentional, connected living. The rise of remote work during the pandemic allowed her to return to Cheney as a homeowner, deepening her connection to the city’s rich character and natural beauty. She enjoys Cheney’s local amenities, including the EWU rock climbing gym and pool, kayaking on Fish Lake, running the Columbia Plateau Trail, and playing pickleball at neighborhood courts. She’s also excited for the upcoming Cheney Aquatic Center to open, creating a new hub for families and neighbors to gather and connect.
A proud graduate of the Leadership Spokane Class of 2022, Rebecca is ready to serve as a Cheney City Councilmember. She brings a collaborative, transparent, and inclusive approach to local leadership—valuing fresh ideas, diverse voices, and community-driven decision-making.
To help residents stay informed and engaged, she launched Cheney, Coffee, & Civics—a community newsletter that breaks down city council topics in an accessible, approachable way for those who may be new to local politics or unable to attend meetings. Through this work, she aims to remove barriers to civic participation and ensure everyone in Cheney feels empowered to be part of shaping its future.
As a future City Councilmember, Rebecca will prioritize revitalizing downtown, modernizing infrastructure and zoning, addressing the impact of emerging technologies, expanding family housing options, and strengthening the partnership between the City and EWU through open dialogue and joint initiatives. Above all, she is committed to amplifying community voices and building a more inclusive, transparent, and engaged Cheney.