Image source: Legislative Support Services
FAST FACTS
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11,096 alumni
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220 Husky Promise students
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1,779 UW students
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1,148 UW faculty and staff
FEATURED HUSKIES FROM THE 48TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
As a teacher, Alondra Espinoza seeks to build a classroom community where students feel safe. One way she does that is by providing most of her instruction in Spanish. “The system and society we’re currently in is predominantly in English, and it can sometimes be challenging to help students see the value of another language ... I just want students to see how amazing they are because of their bilingual ability.”
Elected to the Redmond City Council in 2019 at age 24, Varisha Khan became one of the first Muslim women to hold public office in Washington state. “I think this is the time for young people to be in power ... We have the drive and the capability to change the status quo.”
"My path has taken me across countries and disciplines, from India to Singapore to the Pacific Northwest, each step a deliberate building block toward something larger. I came to the UW to deepen the technical side of a foundation shaped by business, leadership, and global perspective, and I found far more than I expected. The faculty who sharpened how I think, the peers who expanded how I lead, and the community that welcomed me every step of the way gave me the clarity and confidence to carve out a space of my own at the intersection of data, strategy, and AI."
"Much like neural circuits that connect and adapt through experience, my UW journey links medical anthropology research on structural vulnerabilities, neonatal neuroscience lab work on preterm brain injuries, taekwondo, and mentoring young girls. Throughout this journey, my friends, family, professors, and mentors have shown me how empathy reshapes care and builds community anywhere. As a future physician-scientist, I'll blend neuroscience and equity, amplifying the voices of underserved communities through compassionate innovation."
"I’m beyond grateful to the UW for providing me with countless opportunities to pursue my interdisciplinary interests in computer science and education. Through my involvement in social computing research, my work as a Teaching Assistant at the Allen School, and a student assistant at Academic Support Programs, I have developed a deep commitment to supporting students by creating accessible resources and inclusive educational environments. I hope to continue building on these experiences to develop technology that creates meaningful change and empowers diverse communities."
"My decision to pursue a double degree in computer science and philosophy was rooted in the stories of my parents, both child refugees from Vietnam who went on to earn computer science degrees from UW over 30 years ago. During my own time at UW, this interdisciplinary background has equipped me to interrogate the relationship between technology and society in my coursework and research, including by leveraging AI techniques to document human rights violations in immigrant communities as a fellow with the UW Center for Human Rights. My upbringing and experiences at UW have instilled in me a deep commitment to justice and a passion for developing technology that centers marginalized voices—a research interest which I am eager to continue pursuing in the coming years as a doctoral student in computer science."
"I'm a builder at heart: of organizations, technology, and spaces that bring people together to make real impact. From growing a robotics nonprofit to leading over a hundred students building a driverless race car, the University of Washington has shown me that innovation is most powerful when it creates opportunity for others. In a world where anyone can do anything, I am excited to continue building things that matter, with the same curiosity and community that got me here."
SERVING THE 48TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT
The UW facilitates hundreds of programs in communities across the state. Below are a few that operate in your district. Programs active as of January 2022.
Washington Sea Grant is part of a national network of Sea Grant programs administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. For over 50 years, WSG has funded high impact research projects and partnered with communities, businesses, educators and the public to advance regional understanding and sustainable use of our ocean and coastal resources. Washington Sea Grant strives to support healthy, productive and resilient coastal and marine ecosystems that sustain our state’s diverse cultural and maritime heritage, vibrant coastal communities, clean waters and beaches, prosperous fisheries and aquaculture, and diverse wildlife. The Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) is a new model of experiential education to develop leaders in innovation. Founded by the University of Washington, Tsinghua University and Microsoft, GIX is a global collaboration between leading academic and cross-sector partners. At GIX, students can explore their love of technology, their aspirations, and their drive to make a difference in the world. Participants learn best practices from experts on the cutting edge of research and implementation from like-minded industry and academic partners. The Center engages students and local business owners in solving complex, unstructured, real-world challenges. Through faculty-led business education courses and the work of student consulting teams, the Center grows business revenues and jobs with a focus on businesses owned by those who are LGBTQ+, people of color, women, veterans, tribal citizens and those located in underserved communities. Since its inception in 1995, the Center has generated more than $210 million in new revenue and retained over 200,000 jobs. Classes are offered in Seattle, Yakima, the Tri-Cities and on tribal lands while drawing business owners regionally and nationally. Forefront in the Schools (FIS), an initiative of the UW’s Forefront Suicide Prevention program, guides high school administrators, students and parents through a collaborative, comprehensive process of policy development and curriculum improvement to build on existing student mental-health and suicide-prevention efforts. FIS aims to create school communities that are prepared to prevent student mental-health problems and respond to students with mental-health needs, including those at risk for suicide. Through the UW in the High School program, high school sophomores, juniors and seniors can complete University of Washington courses — and earn college credit — in their own classrooms with their own teachers. Teachers are approved and trained by UW faculty to teach official UW courses using UW curriculum, activities, texts, tests and grading scales. Participating students can earn college credits at a fraction of the cost, and these credits are accepted by most colleges and universities across Washington and around the country. Partner high schools can offer UW coursework in computer science, math, science, world languages, humanities and social sciences. Check out which schools UW in the High School is partnering with in your area. Young Executives of Color (YEOC) is a nine-month college pipeline program hosted by the UW’s Michael G. Foster School of Business. YEOC focuses on engaging high school students of color in a comprehensive curriculum that includes college preparation, professional development, business lectures and powerful mentorship. The program, which is free to students, currently serves 190 students from over 75 high schools around Washington state. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network (PNSN), a partnership between the University of Oregon and the University of Washington, is dedicated to reducing impacts of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions in Washington and Oregon by providing accurate and timely information about earthquakes and ground motions to scientists, engineers, planners and the public. The second-largest seismic network in the United States, PNSN has more than 300 seismograph stations as well as several offices and personnel across the region.
Washington Sea Grant
Global Innovation Exchange
Foster School of Business–Consulting and Business Development Center
Forefront in the Schools
UW in the High School
Young Executives of Color
Pacific Northwest Seismic Network
48TH LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES
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Sen. Vandana Slatter (D)Sen. Vandana Slatter (D)
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Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D)Rep. Osman Salahuddin (D)
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Rep. Amy Walen (D)Rep. Amy Walen (D)
Explore Neighboring Districts