“Honoring our Struggles, Modeling our Values” was the theme for the 11th annual Women of Color Reception held at the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC) on March 4.
Guests came to together to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of women of color at the University of Washington. Dana Arviso, ’06, executive director of the Potlatch Fund, served as the keynote speaker, while UW sophomore Jamela Mohammed performed spoken word. The event was sponsored by the Kelly ECC, Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, The Women’s Center and Housing and Food Services.
Arviso, who grew upon the Bishop Paiute-Shoshone Indian Reservation in California, has dedicated her life to combating social and economic disparities that affect communities of color. She began her career with the Potlatch Fund as a volunteer and then became a staff member, working up from her first role as a data administrator to her current title of executive director. She received her master’s degree in education with an emphasis on language, literacy and culture from the UW.
In her address, Arviso spoke about her personal career path, views on leadership and the importance of self-care.
Photos by Erin Rowley