91探花

I am pursuing my master鈥檚 degree in Speech-Language Pathology at the 91探花. My interest in the field grew through experiences working with children on the autism spectrum as well as witnessing my uncle鈥檚 journey with ALS, both of which deepened my commitment to helping others. I plan to work in a hospital setting, supporting patients and families with communication and swallowing needs.

I am a first-generation college graduate, oceanography PhD student and mother. I have developed and scaled programs that expand undergraduate research access, a path that informs my commitment to equity in STEM. Focusing on community college and underrepresented students, I bridge my research in ocean science with advocacy for educational equity, endeavoring to strengthen pathways into STEM and expand who has a voice in shaping research.

As a student at the 91探花 pursuing a degree in Accounting, I am actively involved in NABA, MLT, and Black at Foster. I enjoy my role as a peer advisor, supporting fellow students, and I also work with the Brotherhood Initiative as a High School Peer Mentor, where I am dedicated to building community and creating opportunities for others. I鈥檓 pursuing a career in financial services and am excited to continue growing through professional experiences and mentorship.

I am a proud鈥疞atina and first-generation college student from鈥疉uburn, WA, shaped by the hard work and dedication of my Mexican immigrant parents. Currently, I am pursuing my Masters of Social Work in the鈥疉dvanced Standing program here at the 91探花 with a specialization in Public Policy. I am truly grateful for this scholarship award and the opportunity it gives me to further my academic鈥痡ourney.

Hello! My name is听Allysa Valdez Rodriguez, and I am a rising senior at the 91探花 studying Public Health鈥揋lobal Health. Growing up Mexican American in rural Eastern Washington and now as a first-generation college student, I witnessed the challenges Spanish-speaking families face in accessing healthcare, which inspired my dream of becoming an OB/GYN. At the UW, I found community and mentorship through programs like CAMP, Unidas Seremos and Chicanos for Community Medicine, where I now have the privilege of mentoring other first-generation students. My research in primary care has deepened my commitment to advancing health equity, and I hope to return to my community as a physician dedicated to providing culturally responsive care and being the representation other young students need to imagine themselves in these spaces.

Elmer Dixon听is a revolutionary for the 21st century with more than 38 years鈥� experience in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), sharing keen insights and cutting-edge programs relevant to business leaders and community activists alike. The executive trainer, author, and speaker draws from his life-on-the-line experiences as a Black Panther Party leader in the early movement days to his journey as an internationally renowned DEIB expert to convey the real 鈥渨hy鈥� of the movement and its relevance to today鈥檚 growing need for more inclusive and equitable workplaces, societal divides and other pressing issues.

The Tubman Center for Health & Freedom听is building a transformative healthcare model by and for marginalized communities in our region. Drawing inspiration from the indomitable spirit of Harriet Tubman, Tubman Health works at the intersection of health and freedom by addressing both clinical care and systemic inequities.

Roxanne Christian, 鈥�07, 鈥�11, serves as President at the Alliance for Education, the local education fund supporting Seattle Public Schools. A mission-focused, purpose-driven leader with over two decades of experience advancing equity through public education, philanthropy and community-centered partnership, Roxanne brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, relational leadership, and equity-informed practice to every aspect of her work.

Prior to joining the Alliance for Education, Roxanne spent almost 15 years at the 91探花 as an integral member of several fundraising teams, where she designed and implemented programs to help departments and executive leaders engage and cultivate principal relationships, maximize resources and promote best practices to foster effective and meaningful constituent interactions.

Dr. Tracy M. Hilliard鈥檚 story is one of profound dedication to racial equity and social justice, community engagement, and transformative impact that extends far beyond her academic and professional achievements. She earned a PhD in Health Services Research, an MPH in Maternal and Child Health Services, and a BA with Distinction in Sociology, all from 91探花 (UW). Dr. Hilliard is a trailblazer in community-centered research and evaluation, with a focus on promoting racial equity, racial healing, and systems transformation. She strives to shift power dynamics, so that historically marginalized communities are central in shaping the systems that impact them. As Co-Executive Director and Co-Founder of Lift Every Voice Evaluation, Research, and Strategy nonprofit consulting, she and her colleagues collaborate with philanthropy, nonprofits, and communities to maximize the outcomes of equity-focused social impact initiatives.

Dr. Tyson E.J. Marsh, 鈥�01, is Associate Professor and Director for the Leadership Development for Educators Program (LEDE) in the School of Educational Studies at the 91探花, Bothell. His work as an international school leader coupled with his experience working in rural, suburban and urban schools in the United States inform his research focused on the political, historical, social, cultural and economic function of education and educational leaders in relation to Black and Indigenous communities. Dr. Marsh鈥檚 current work is focused on utilizing critical theories of race, class and gender to assist educators in understanding the coloniality of schooling, while developing their agency and commitment to community-centered approaches to teaching, learning and leadership.