UW News

July 8, 2010

Frances J. Youn selected as student representative on Board of Regents

Frances J. Youn, a second-year MBA student in the Foster School of Business, has been selected by Gov. Chris Gregoire as the student representative on the UW Board of Regents for one year, effective July 1.

Youn received her B.A. from the UW in 2002, double majoring in sociology and societies and justice. As an undergraduate, she served as Asian Student Commission director for student government, an editorialist for the Daily and a participant in the UW’s Diversity Council.

Youn has served seven years in the public sector. She developed the supplier diversity program at the Port of Seattle, helping to increase the utilization of minority- and women-owned businesses, as well as small businesses. She also has worked for several elected officials: U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, Washington State Representative and House Majority Whip Sharon Tomiko Santos, and Seattle City Councilmember Richard J. McIver. In 2006 Gov. Gregoire appointed her to the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs.

In 2009, Youn received the Coin of Excellence from the Ft. Lewis U.S. Army garrison commander for her work with returning veterans. She is a board fellow for the YWCA of Seattle and a Fritzky Leadership Fellow, working with faculty, staff and peers for leadership and strategic development.