Advancing the values of diversity, equity and inclusion is core to our mission at the University of Washington. Equity Focus amplifies a sampling of the stories, news and events that highlight this great work happening across our tri-campus community.
Feature Stories
Coming Home: Nocona Abrams returned to the Yakima Valley to improve mental health care for her community.
August 19, 2024
When Abrams returned home to her community and a new job, at Yakama Nation Behavioral Health Services in Toppenish, she immediately began drawing from her experience and studies. In her first year on the job, she worked on grants to help prevent suicide and substance use, and to promote mental health for American Indian and Alaska Native youth.
UW researchers develop data visualization tool to advance child welfare
August 6, 2024
HCDE alumnus John Fowler (PhD '23), now a Research Scientist and Engineer in the UW School of Social Work, and HCDE Professor Mark Zachry have developed VizCare, are advancing access to visualizations of foster care data.
Dr. Vanessa Lopez-Littleton named dean of UW Bothell’s School of Nursing & Health Studies
August 6, 2024
Lopez-Littleton is an award-winning scholar who researches the structural causes of health inequities, with a focus on naming, measuring and addressing the impacts of social, economic and political influences on health and well-being.
From heritage to horizons: Joy laden with the weight of history for Indigenous and Native doctoral graduates
July 1, 2024
In an achievement that reverberates with hope, the University of Washington College of Education proudly announces the graduation of ten Indigenous or Native doctoral students this month.
Brennon Ham and the Q Center enhance a brave, affirming, liberatory, celebratory environment at the UW
June 28, 2024
The Q Center that Brennon now leads, on the third floor of the HUB, has been around for over 20 years, the product of labor and care and love and activism of so many students, staff, faculty, alumni and community members. “I’m standing on the shoulders of giants,” Brennon says, “which is pretty special.”
Building a Family Through Tribal Canoe Journey
June 25, 2024
Kuhn and her children are part of the new Shell House Canoe Family, č̓away̓altxʷ ʔiišəd, made up of UW students, alumni, faculty, staff, elders, and other community members. The group spent the past year planning its first canoe journey.
Disability Resources for Students (DRS) celebrates 45 years of increasing access and equity at the UW
May 10, 2024
The Disability Resources for Students (DRS) office at the University of Washington (UW) has seen transformative growth and shifts since its inception in 1978. DRS recognizes disability as an aspect of diversity that is integral to society and to our campus community. It serves 5,000+ students with either temporary or permanent physical, health, learning, sensory or psychological disabilities. Join the DRS community for the 45th-anniversary celebration on May 22nd.
What the Sky Teaches Us: Pacific Indigenous Astrophysics
April 30, 2024
Brittany Kamai is an astrophysicist with knowledge of Pacific Islanders’ Indigenous navigation — the use of the stars, winds, and waves as a guide for navigating across the Pacific Ocean. This spring quarter, she is combining her scientific and Indigenous knowledge in a new UW astronomy course: Pacific Indigenous Astrophysics.
Anita Ramasastry applies law, policy and pragmatism to fight corruption and defend human rights around the world
April 17, 2024
Ramasastry’s prolific research on international commercial law, responsible business conduct, anti-corruption and economic development has given rise to the new field called “Business and Human Rights,” which calls on governments and corporations to protect human rights all the way down the global supply chain.
Tabitha Espina: Writing the Invitation
April 4, 2024
As UW Tacoma’s new writing director, Tabitha Espina wants to celebrate students in all their strengths. In writing instruction and curriculum, Tabitha Espina wants to decolonialize the student experience. “I have no desire to impose on or control anyone,” she says. “I also don’t want to be imposed on or controlled.”