Mosaic: A Celebration of Unity & Impact

Elmer Dixon is a revolutionary for the 21st century with more than 38 years’ 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 “why” of the movement and its relevance to today’s growing need for more inclusive and equitable workplaces, societal divides and other pressing issues.

Elmer, who has more than 38 years of experience in DEIB, became president of Executive Diversity Services (EDS) in 2010. He parlays his knowledge of intercultural fields of study, inclusive best practices coupled with his revolutionary roots to lead the Seattle-based company’s diverse teams in designing and delivering impactful high-level training in cultural competency, organizational development, team building, and conflict management to more than 200 companies including Microsoft, Goodwill, The MacArthur Foundation, PepsiCo, United Airlines, JCPenney, U.S. Gypsom, the State of Washington, the City of Berkeley (Calif.), and Houston Methodist, one of the largest hospital organizations in the country among others.

He is also the current president of SIETAR USA (Society for Intercultural Education, Training, and Research) U.S., often presenting at SIETAR Europa Congresses on a variety of topics including Intercultural Conflict, Inclusive Leadership and the Challenges of Policing in Diverse Communities. Elmer’s 2023 TEDx Talk at the University of Tulsa is titled, “Stories from the Revolution’s Front Lines.” He has been a popular guest lecturer at JAMK University of applied Sciences in Finland for the past 13 years and taught at Espeme University, an undergraduate program of Edhec Business School in Lille and Nice, France.

Elmer’s new memoir, “Die Standing: From Black Panther Revolutionary to Global Diversity Consultant,” not only recounts his extraordinary journey from fighting for freedom, justice, and human rights while warding off assassination attempts to commanding executive boardrooms, but it sets the historical record straight about the Black Panther Party’s programs and legacy while providing lessons for today’s social justice activists about working for collective change based on the Party’s strategies and achievements.

In an era where DEIB is suddenly under attack and activism against oppression is steadily growing, Elmer Dixon’s story and teachings are profoundly relevant, applicable, and effective for change in 2025 and beyond.

The Tubman Center for Health & Freedom 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.

The Tubman Health community-designed healthcare model fosters genuine community trust and provides integrative, compassionate care. Central to Tubman Health’s approach is the role of Tubman Guides, who offer personalized, concierge-style support, alongside initiatives focused on healing racial trauma and strengthening community connection. Tubman Health also actively engages in community-directed research and policy advocacy.

Tubman Health’s innovative model is already making an impact through the Freedom Clinic, their school-based health center at Rainier Valley Leadership Academy, and the Healing House — a sanctuary for health and wellness. In 2027, the organization will expand its impact with its 40,000 square-foot Center, poised to serve 12,000 primary care patients.

To learn more about Tubman Health, visit www.tubmanhealth.org.

Roxanne Christian, ’07, ’11, oversees organizational advancement efforts for the Alliance for Education. She ensures progress and impact in various avenues related to the Alliance’s strategic plan, including development and fundraising, stakeholder engagement, constituent relations and strategic communication.

Roxanne has a passion for philanthropy and education. Prior to joining the Alliance for Education, Roxanne spent almost 15 years at the University of Washington 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.

In addition to her extensive experience in development, Roxanne also brings a deep understanding of advancing organizations, while prioritizing diversity, equity and inclusion. She has helped organizations and stakeholders understand the importance of utilizing their collective capabilities more deeply; to have a greater, more transformative outcome for those with the most barriers and least resources.

Roxanne Christian is a proud Husky with two degrees from the University of Washington, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies (EDLPS), intently focused on higher education and corporate social responsibility.

Dr. Tracy M. Hilliard, ’00, ’03, ‘10
Dr. Tracy M. Hilliard’s 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 University of Washington (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. Hilliard’s legacy of leadership and service exemplifies her deep commitment to multicultural communities at UW and beyond. For over a decade, she led the UW Alumni Association’s Multicultural Alumni Partnership Scholarship Program. She is a past Chair and charter member of the Health Informatics Information Technology Section of the American Public Health Association and currently serves on the board of Building Changes, a nonprofit that promotes equitable responses to homelessness in Washington State. Additionally, she is deeply involved in community service through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and is an alum of Leadership Tomorrow, Seattle’s premier civic leadership program.

Dr. Hilliard is passionate about mentoring students and professionals. She remains engaged in academia as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Child, Family, and Population Health at the UW School of Nursing, and as an Affiliate Researcher at the Center for Culturally Responsive Evaluation and Assessment (CREA) at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. A steadfast advocate for racial equity, community engagement, and data-informed system transformation, Dr. Hilliard utilizes her UW education to help individuals, communities, and organizations create meaningful and lasting impacts.

Dr. Tyson E.J. Marsh, ’01, is Associate Professor and Director for the Leadership Development for Educators Program (LEDE) in the School of Educational Studies at the University of Washington, 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’s 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.