The University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) is proud to announce Diana Betancourt Macias, ’17, ’20, as the recipient of the 2025 OMA&D Spark Award. Betancourt Macias, a dedicated community organizer and advocate for undocumented students, exemplifies the spirit of the Spark Award through her tireless efforts to create equitable opportunities and support for marginalized communities.
Nominator Cristal Rangel Peña, Graduate Program Advisor at UW Bothell, wrote in Betancourt Macias’ nomination, “Diana is a dynamic leader whose passion for DEI is evident in all her work. Her contributions have touched lives on [the UW] campus, in her community, and beyond, making her a truly deserving recipient of the Spark Award.”
About Diana Betancourt Macias
Betancourt Macias’ journey began in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, and continued in Vancouver, Washington where she was raised. As a DACA recipient, she faced barriers in accessing resources to apply to and attend college but remained steadfast in her pursuit of higher education and deepened her commitment to social justice. Betancourt Macias’ experiences as an undocumented student at the University of Washington further fueled her passion for advocacy and community organizing.
While at the UW, Betancourt Macias was actively involved in various student organizations, including the Latino Student Union and MEChA de UW. She played a pivotal role in organizing MEChA’s National Conference, which brought together over 1,000 students from across the country to discuss social justice and cultural heritage. Betancourt Macias’ leadership and dedication to creating inclusive spaces for underrepresented students were evident in her efforts to support undocumented students and advocate for their needs.
After graduating from UW with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a minor in diversity, Betancourt Macias continued her education by earning a master’s degree in education from UW Tacoma. She then took on roles that allowed her to further her values of serving her community and promoting equity. While studying at UW Tacoma, she also became the first Undocumented Focus Program Manager at UW Bothell. Betancourt Macias focused her efforts on providing resources and support for undocumented students, pulling from her own lived experience, and ensuring they had access to the opportunities they deserved.
Betancourt Macias’ work in coalition building and community engagement has made a significant impact on the lives of many in her community. In her current role as the Director of Programs for the Southwest Washington Equity Coalition, Betancourt Macias continues to advocate for racial justice and equity. She oversees a fellowship program that trains BIPOC leaders to serve on boards and commissions, ensuring diverse voices are represented in decision-making processes. She serves as a Tri-Director for La Cima Bilingual Leadership Camp which she attended as a delegate back in 2010, an experience that has been pivotal in shaping her advocacy. Betancourt Macias is also an Institute for a Democratic Future (WAIDF) fellow, furthering her civic leadership and advocacy practice in Washington State.
Betancourt Macias’ commitment to her community extends beyond her professional roles. She co-founded the Betancourt Foundation, a grassroots organization that provides scholarships and support for undocumented students and mixed-status families. Through her consulting firm, Betancourt Torres and Associates, Betancourt Macias has developed programs like the Youth Climate Leadership Program and Civic Minds, which empower young people to engage in civic action and environmental stewardship.
Betancourt Macias’ dedication to her family is also a driving force that fuels her to keep pursuing her goals. She has supported her sisters in their educational journeys, helping them navigate the challenges of being undocumented students. Her sister Estefania, now a doctoral candidate in Nursing at Gonzaga University, has shared with Betancourt Macias that her path was easier because her sister paved the way first.
When asked about how she felt receiving this award from the UW, Betancourt Macias showed again her inclination to bring others into the spotlight with her: “I feel like, if anything, it’s just been so validating of the work that not just that I do, but that I do alongside my sister, alongside my community, and alongside all of the folks that have supported me throughout this journey”
OMA&D is honored to recognize Diana Betancourt Macias with the 2025 Spark Award for her unwavering commitment to social justice, her leadership in advocating for undocumented students and her dedication to creating a more equitable society. Diana’s story should be an inspiration to all, and her work continues to have a lasting impact on the lives of those she serves.
Diana Betancourt Macias will be presented with the 2025 OMA&D Spark Award at OMA&D’s 54th Annual Celebration Gala on May 21, 2025, along with 2025 Charles E. Odegaard Award recipient Angela King and Recognition Scholars who will be awarded student scholarships for their outstanding academic excellence. For more information about the 2025 Annual Celebration, please email celebration@uw.edu.
About the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity
We create pathways for diverse populations to access postsecondary opportunities, nurture and support their academic success, and cultivate a campus climate that enriches the educational experience for all. Our programs serve over 25,000 students in 86 school districts, 179 schools, and 19 two-year colleges through the state of Washington as they prepare and plan for college; over 6,500 UW undergraduate students with new student orientation, academic advising, instructional support, mentoring, financial aid and scholarship opportunities; and 450 students as they prepare for, apply to, and succeed in graduate and professional programs. Find out more at https://www.uw.edu/omad.
About the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program Board of Trustees
Established in 1971, the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program (FEOP) Board of Trustees promotes academic excellence for underrepresented, educationally and economically disadvantaged students. The FEOP board serves as an advisory pipeline between the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) and the community and provides counsel to the vice president on resource development and diversity initiatives. FEOP joins OMA&D in selecting the University of Washington Charles E. Odegaard Award and student scholarship recipients and serving as a host for Celebration. Find out more at https://www.washington.edu/omad/alumni-resources/feop/
About the OMA&D Spark Award
The Spark Award formally acknowledges a community member whose diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership inspires young changemakers, and exemplifies the spirit of the . This award recognizes the accomplishments of a recent UW graduate, who made significant DEI contributions during their time as a University of Washington student and continues to do so post-graduation. Find out more at uw.edu/omad/celebration/spark-award/.