Past Events

From Inquiry to Civic Action in Winter 2024

This year we offered our first DESJ 297 course, From Inquiry to Civic Action. Students focused on causes they are passionate about and proposed projects to work towards a more equitable society. In February, students designed questions for and attended a listening session with Connect Casino Road to experience how community-based organizations center the voices of those that they serve. We look forward to what this first group of 297 students will accomplish with their projects in DESJ 298 and beyond!

DESJ 297 students meet with community members at a listening session organized by Connect Casino Road.

Here's what some of our DESJ 297 students have to say about their experience in the class:

My understanding of civic engagement has grown immensely. . .I’ve always been politically minded, but I was just going through the motions of being a responsible citizen. I’ve now learned that as a marginalized individual, it is my responsibility to make the world more equitable for all, and I am resolute in my Commitment to do so.  - Kirk

Being a witness to injustice, you want to do something about when people are hurting, suffering, or made feel small. . .I no longer feel like I alone should or need to bring the change, rather I have begun to see a shared responsibility within coalitions. - Melissa

DESJ Careers Panel

On February 16 we hosted a group of faculty, staff, and community members whose careers are actively advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion:

  • Cody Reed, Tulalip native who currently works as a Native American Career and Technical Education Program (NACTEP) Grant Specialist.
  • Arra Rael, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Manager at the Center for Human Services in Shoreline; Vice Chair of DEI Commission, City of Lynnwood. Arra is an EvCC and Central Washington University alumna.
  • Brett Kuwada, Faculty at EvCC and WWU in Psychology and Multicultural Counseling; Consultant, Coach, and Conference Speaker on DEI topics and strategies.
  • DeLon Lewis, Associate Faculty and Program Specialist at EvCC’s Diversity & Equity Center, DeLon is an alumnus of Portland State University and Western Governors University.

These four panelists spoke about the work that they do and the varied paths that they took toward their careers, and they shared advice for students who are also interested in finding careers that align with their values.

Panelists respond: What advice would you give to students interested in a career focused on diversity, equity, and social justice?

"Have a calling of truly enjoying helping others. I would recommend students take Compassion Focused therapy in psychology or general psychology courses. To keep in mind, everyone has different walks of life and take them in with an open mind." - Cody Reed

"Folks should be intentional in building up their mental flexibility skills. Be open to new ideas, especially those that challenge your existing ones. Creating spaces where different ideas can coexist, and difficult situations and conversations are seen as polarities as opposed to problems, is an important aspect of DESJ / DEIB work. Make an effort to consume media and stories that are different from yours, work on your emotional regulation skills, and be intentional about approaching with curiosity as opposed to defensiveness; these are skills that will carry you far and will help you build strong and collaborative relationships with others. Learn how to center your well-being first and build sustainable healthy habits. This means all aspects of your well-being, from physical, emotional, relationships, and mental; the sooner you learn how to pour into your own cup, the better you’ll be able to do your work." - Arra Rael

"I hope the students took away the idea that work in this field is very challenging, fulfilling, and that they are needed in order to make any significant change in our communities. My advice would be to follow your passion, and, if this work is your passion, you will enjoy a lifetime of inspiration as you shift the trajectory of people's lives through social change." - Brett Kuwada

Photo of the DESJ panelists
DESJ Careers panelists Brett Kuwada (EvCC), Cody Reed (Tulalip Tribes), Arra Rael (Center for Human Services), and DeLon Lewis (EvCC)