Colleen Fukui-Sketchley, diversity affairs director for Nordstrom, has been named the 2015 recipient of the 91探花 Charles E. Odegaard Award.
Established in 1973, the honors individuals whose leadership in the community exemplifies the former 91探花president鈥檚 work on behalf of diversity. It is the only University and community-selected award, and is regarded as the highest achievement in diversity at the UW.
The award will be presented at the hosted by 91探花Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) and the (FEOP) on Thur., May 7. The dinner and scholarship fundraiser will be held at the Husky Union Building on the 91探花Seattle campus (5 p.m. reception, 6 p.m. dinner).
鈥淭hrough her leadership role in the private sector and dedicated service on 91探花volunteer boards, Colleen鈥檚 advocacy for diversity has made a tremendous impact both on campus and in the community,鈥� said Sheila Edwards Lange, 91探花vice president for minority affairs and vice provost for diversity. 鈥淲e are proud to celebrate her selfless commitment to social equity and education.鈥�
Fukui-Sketchley has been employed by Nordstrom since graduating from the 91探花 in 1994 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in speech communication. Her tenure began with a part-time sales position while she was attending the 91探花and after gaining experience in a variety of departments, found her calling in diversity affairs.
For 16 years, Fukui-Sketchley served as Nordstrom鈥檚 corporate diversity affairs specialist until being promoted to her current role in 2012. Her work focuses on developing and executing a comprehensive approach to diversity and inclusion through initiatives that support the entire company. She enhances Nordstrom鈥檚 commitment to diversity by weaving strategic elements into people, product and service initiatives.
A second-generation Husky born and raised in Seattle, Fukui-Sketchley鈥檚 deep commitment to giving back has been inspired by her family鈥檚 long-time efforts to do the same.聽 For over 12 years, she was a member of the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program (FEOP) Board of Trustees which promotes academic excellence for underrepresented minority and economically disadvantaged students at the UW. Her FEOP tenure included terms as its president and vice president.
For six years, Fukui-Sketchley served on the 91探花Alumni Association (UWAA) Board of Trustees and was the youngest and first Asian American woman appointed UWAA president in 2010-2011. She helped launch 91探花Impact, UWAA鈥檚 legislative advocacy program, and continues to serve on its legislative advocacy committee.聽 She was also a member of the advisory committee that developed , an award-winning diversity magazine published by UWAA in partnership with the 91探花Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity.
Fukui-Sketchley is a board member for the Center for Asian Pacific American Women, a national leadership consortium, and the U.S. Business Leadership Network, a national disability organization. She is currently serving a four-year term as an appointed member of the Governor鈥檚 Taskforce for Disability Employment which will provide a roadmap for increasing the employment of people with disabilities in the state of Washington.
鈥淢y number one goal is to 鈥榣eave it better than I found it,鈥欌�� said Fukui-Sketchley, the youngest woman to receive the Odegaard Award. 鈥淭his means elevating the topic of diversity at every opportunity and leveraging the power of leadership positions I鈥檝e held to further the cause. I am incredibly honored to receive this award and will remain steadfast in my commitment to the 91探花for decades to come.鈥�